The Historic Landmark of Whittier Blvd & Cruising

The Historic Landmark of Whittier Blvd & Cruising

Started
May 16, 2021
Petition to
State Representative Wendy Carrillo and 5 others
Signatures: 8,100Next Goal: 10,000
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Why this petition matters

Started by Lorraine Quinones

 

 

East Los Angeles is unique for the culture that it embodies.  The culture of Lowriding is one that I would like to highlight that often takes place on Whittier Blvd.  Cruising in East L.A. is an activity that celebrates car enthusiast and the shared passion and appreciation for custom cars.  Recently, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs and East LA CHP have blocked streets, posted violation signs, and pulled-over vehicles that are "cruising" to warn and cite as necessary.  The "no cruising" law (L.A.C015.78.010.15.78.020) is a perfect example of systemic racism.  The law is completely aware that Latinos have historically been the ones to cruise, therefore this law is in fact a racist law and or penal code/traffic violation that targets a specific group of people.  We need to change this law in historic areas such as Whittier Blvd where it is historically proven to be a place that celebrates the culture of Lowriding and classic cars.  Whittier Blvd is an iconic location for cars to cruise and has been for decades.  Cruising is a tradition in East Los Angeles and it should continue to have the freedom to display the value of Art, Culture, & Community in our cars that is essential to our identity in East Los Angeles. The people who are preserving this culture should not have to experience intimidation, harassment, or citations that deny a person the right to cruise because it is a lowrider and/or custom car.  Any other vehicle can go up and down Whittier Blvd and not be cited, harassed or denied the public street and spaces available to everyone. The ordinance creates stress & anxiety for the Lowrider when driving "two times past the same point within six hours" or else you are classified as "cruising" and can be cited...? This law is absurd in East LA & anywhere especially on public streets and spaces.  Car collectors come from all over the U.S.  to cruise their custom car on the iconic Whittier Blvd. This law must be repealed because it is discriminatory and criminalizing the Lowrider community and the culture of cruising.  The result of this cruising ban has led people to find other places and spaces and the iconic Whittier Blvd loses its identity and the people are denied their cultural rights and traditions. We demand the right to cruise and the preservation of Whittier Blvd as a street that embraces the culture of cruising. The discriminatory ordinance must be repealed in Los Angeles City, L.A. County & nationwide to preserve the art & culture of cruising with respect to the Lowrider community & car culture everywhere.  

 

 

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Signatures: 8,100Next Goal: 10,000
Support now
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Decision Makers

  • Gavin NewsomGovernor of California
  • Wendy CarrilloState Representative
  • Senator María Elena DurazoCalifornia State Senator
  • Gavin NewsomCA Governor
  • Hilda SolisLos Angeles County Supervisor District 1