Latest news with #HollyMitchell
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Street Takeover Participants & Spectators Could Soon Be Hit With Steep Fines
Street Takeover Participants & Spectators Could Soon Be Hit With Steep Fines originally appeared on Autoblog. Street takeovers — where crowds block off intersections so drivers can pull stunts like donuts, burnouts, and drifts — have become a hallmark of Southern California's underground car culture. But now, L.A. County is drawing a hard line. A new proposal would double the fine for participating in or even watching a takeover, raising it from $500 to $1,000, the Los Angeles Times reported. The idea isn't just to hit drivers in the wallet; it's also aimed at the crowd. Spectators fuel the vibe, create cover for drivers, and generate social media content that keeps the trend alive. By making it costly just to show up, officials hope to tamp down the spectacle altogether. Takeovers might look like Fast & Furious-style fun, but they've turned increasingly dangerous. County officials point to a rise in fatal crashes, shootings, and torched vehicles tied to these events. In some neighborhoods, families say they hear engines bouncing off rev limiters just blocks from their front doors. Supervisor Holly Mitchell, whose district includes cities like Compton, Inglewood, and Carson, introduced the measure and stated that the issue is personal for many residents. In one recent tragedy, a woman in Pomona was killed during a suspected street-racing crash. Stories like that have become too common. The proposed ordinance doesn't stop with street-level enforcement. It also calls on social media platforms to enforce their own community standards and remove content that promotes illegal activity, specifically, takeover clips that rack up views and ad dollars. Officials want platforms to demonetize those videos and cut off the oxygen that keeps the culture going viral. Interestingly, while street takeover reports have dropped in most of L.A. County, Mitchell's district saw a sharp rise — from 191 incidents between July and September to 297 from October through December. County officials credit some of the decline elsewhere to a coordinated task force that includes law enforcement, city leaders, and community groups working to intervene early and redesign problem intersections. Mitchell's district is still playing catch-up, and that's part of why she's pushing hard for tougher penalties. If you're a car enthusiast, the rise in takeovers and the resulting crackdown might hit close to home, even if you're not in Southern California. Similar events have popped up across the country, and cities are watching each other to figure out what works. San Jose, Atlanta, Chicago, and Houston are all places that have seen sideshows spark community backlash and new legislation. The L.A. County Board of Supervisors gave the proposed fine increase a thumbs-up this week, but it still needs one more vote to become law. If approved, the new penalties could go into effect later this year. There's also talk of broader reforms — everything from hardened centerlines at takeover hotspots to possibly creating safe, legal alternatives for car enthusiasts. For now, though, the message is clear: if you're planning to show up at a sideshow in L.A., even just to watch, you might want to think twice. Your next post could come with a $1,000 price tag. Street Takeover Participants & Spectators Could Soon Be Hit With Steep Fines first appeared on Autoblog on Jun 7, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Auto Blog
3 days ago
- Auto Blog
Street Takeover Participants & Spectators Could Soon Be Hit With Steep Fines
Doubling the fine — and applying it spectators — is L.A. County's latest tactic for quelling late-night sideshows before someone else gets hurt. L.A. County wants to curb the chaos Street takeovers — where crowds block off intersections so drivers can pull stunts like donuts, burnouts, and drifts — have become a hallmark of Southern California's underground car culture. But now, L.A. County is drawing a hard line. A new proposal would double the fine for participating in or even watching a takeover, raising it from $500 to $1,000, the Los Angeles Times reported. The idea isn't just to hit drivers in the wallet; it's also aimed at the crowd. Spectators fuel the vibe, create cover for drivers, and generate social media content that keeps the trend alive. By making it costly just to show up, officials hope to tamp down the spectacle altogether. The scene's not just sketchy — it's getting deadly Takeovers might look like Fast & Furious-style fun, but they've turned increasingly dangerous. County officials point to a rise in fatal crashes, shootings, and torched vehicles tied to these events. In some neighborhoods, families say they hear engines bouncing off rev limiters just blocks from their front doors. Supervisor Holly Mitchell, whose district includes cities like Compton, Inglewood, and Carson, introduced the measure and stated that the issue is personal for many residents. In one recent tragedy, a woman in Pomona was killed during a suspected street-racing crash. Stories like that have become too common. The crackdown extends to your feed The proposed ordinance doesn't stop with street-level enforcement. It also calls on social media platforms to enforce their own community standards and remove content that promotes illegal activity, specifically, takeover clips that rack up views and ad dollars. Officials want platforms to demonetize those videos and cut off the oxygen that keeps the culture going viral. A surge in takeovers, but only in some places Interestingly, while street takeover reports have dropped in most of L.A. County, Mitchell's district saw a sharp rise — from 191 incidents between July and September to 297 from October through December. County officials credit some of the decline elsewhere to a coordinated task force that includes law enforcement, city leaders, and community groups working to intervene early and redesign problem intersections. Mitchell's district is still playing catch-up, and that's part of why she's pushing hard for tougher penalties. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Why car enthusiasts everywhere should care If you're a car enthusiast, the rise in takeovers and the resulting crackdown might hit close to home, even if you're not in Southern California. Similar events have popped up across the country, and cities are watching each other to figure out what works. San Jose, Atlanta, Chicago, and Houston are all places that have seen sideshows spark community backlash and new legislation. Infiniti G37 drifting takeover Final thoughts The L.A. County Board of Supervisors gave the proposed fine increase a thumbs-up this week, but it still needs one more vote to become law. If approved, the new penalties could go into effect later this year. There's also talk of broader reforms — everything from hardened centerlines at takeover hotspots to possibly creating safe, legal alternatives for car enthusiasts. For now, though, the message is clear: if you're planning to show up at a sideshow in L.A., even just to watch, you might want to think twice. Your next post could come with a $1,000 price tag. About the Author Elijah Nicholson-Messmer View Profile
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Street Takeover Participants & Spectators Could Soon Be Hit With Steep Fines
Street takeovers - where crowds block off intersections so drivers can pull stunts like donuts, burnouts, and drifts - have become a hallmark of Southern California's underground car culture. But now, L.A. County is drawing a hard line. A new proposal would double the fine for participating in or even watching a takeover, raising it from $500 to $1,000, the Los Angeles Times reported. The idea isn't just to hit drivers in the wallet; it's also aimed at the crowd. Spectators fuel the vibe, create cover for drivers, and generate social media content that keeps the trend alive. By making it costly just to show up, officials hope to tamp down the spectacle altogether. Takeovers might look like Fast & Furious-style fun, but they've turned increasingly dangerous. County officials point to a rise in fatal crashes, shootings, and torched vehicles tied to these events. In some neighborhoods, families say they hear engines bouncing off rev limiters just blocks from their front doors. Supervisor Holly Mitchell, whose district includes cities like Compton, Inglewood, and Carson, introduced the measure and stated that the issue is personal for many residents. In one recent tragedy, a woman in Pomona was killed during a suspected street-racing crash. Stories like that have become too common. The proposed ordinance doesn't stop with street-level enforcement. It also calls on social media platforms to enforce their own community standards and remove content that promotes illegal activity, specifically, takeover clips that rack up views and ad dollars. Officials want platforms to demonetize those videos and cut off the oxygen that keeps the culture going viral. Interestingly, while street takeover reports have dropped in most of L.A. County, Mitchell's district saw a sharp rise - from 191 incidents between July and September to 297 from October through December. County officials credit some of the decline elsewhere to a coordinated task force that includes law enforcement, city leaders, and community groups working to intervene early and redesign problem intersections. Mitchell's district is still playing catch-up, and that's part of why she's pushing hard for tougher penalties. If you're a car enthusiast, the rise in takeovers and the resulting crackdown might hit close to home, even if you're not in Southern California. Similar events have popped up across the country, and cities are watching each other to figure out what works. San Jose, Atlanta, Chicago, and Houston are all places that have seen sideshows spark community backlash and new legislation. The L.A. County Board of Supervisors gave the proposed fine increase a thumbs-up this week, but it still needs one more vote to become law. If approved, the new penalties could go into effect later this year. There's also talk of broader reforms - everything from hardened centerlines at takeover hotspots to possibly creating safe, legal alternatives for car enthusiasts. For now, though, the message is clear: if you're planning to show up at a sideshow in L.A., even just to watch, you might want to think twice. Your next post could come with a $1,000 price tag. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
L.A. County is paying off millions in medical debt — no strings attached. Do you qualify?
Did you get a letter in the mail from the County of Los Angeles with the word "Undue" in bold blue? It's not a scam. It's a notification that your medical debt was cleared by the county. More than 134,000 Los Angeles County residents began getting notices in the mail Monday as part of the first wave of medical bill forgiveness made possible by the county's Medical Debt Relief Program. The first round of notices is expected to relieve more than $183 million in debt. The program was launched, in partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt, in December 2024 with the mission of providing financial relief for eligible residents by purchasing and eliminating the debt. The funds for the program were made possible by an initial $5 million investment approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors with additional funds from L.A. Care Health Plan and the L.A. County Medical Assn. The goal is to retire $500 million in medical debt for low-income residents, with plans to eliminate as much as $2 billion by seeking additional contributions from philanthropic partners, hospitals and health plans. That could mean the debt of millions of people would be wiped clean. Through this program, the county provides the funding and Undue Medical Debt acquires qualifying debts in bulk for a fraction of their face value from provider partners such as hospitals and health systems along with collection agencies. Far too many residents are "one medical bill away from fiscal catastrophe," said Holly Mitchell, Los Angeles County's 2nd District supervisor. "In 2023 alone, Los Angeles County residents held over $2.9 billion in medical debt," Mitchell said. Read more: Southern California cities top credit card debt list in new study Recently analyzed data from 2023 found that 1 in 9 adults in the county are impacted by medical debt, and "many are low-income families who even with a lifetime of work may never escape it," said Janice Hahn, Los Angeles County's 4th District supervisor. Adults with medical debt burdens are two to three times more likely to be food insecure, delay or forgo necessary medical care or prescriptions and experience housing instability than those without this burden, according to the data. Furthermore, the data say, about half of adults facing medical debt took on credit card debt to pay their medical bills. "This kind of debt often gets bundled and sold to debt collectors pennies on the dollar who go mercilessly after the families and aggressively for the payment," Hahn said. The relief program comes with no strings attached, so you don't have to pay taxes on it. The "Undue" notification in the mail will list how much debt was forgiven and where the debt was owed, such as the hospital, clinic or collector that was trying to collect from you. Since notices began hitting residences Monday, keep your eye out for the letters over the next few weeks. Eligibility for the program is determined by income, family size and whether the healthcare provider that is owed the money has chosen to participate in the program. To qualify for the program you must: Be a resident of Los Angeles County. Earn less or equal to 400% of the federal poverty level or have a medical bill that is 5% or more your annual household income. For example, in 2025, the income for a family of four that is 400% of the federal poverty level is $128,000. Have eligible debt, which means you must have a bill from a hospital or clinic that is participating in the debt relief program, the bill is past due and you are not using a payment plan for the bill. Read more: L.A. County approves $4-billion sex abuse settlement, largest in U.S. history No. If you and your bill qualify for the program, Undue Medical Debt will pay off your debt and you will be notified through the mail. Your bill qualifies for the program if the debt is held by hospitals, clinics or collectors that are participating in the program. The initial participating hospitals are Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital and Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital. County supervisors are calling on other debt holders to participate. Relief cannot be requested. If you received a letter from the county's Undue Medical Debt program, get in touch with the program online. If you need help with medical bills, visit the county's Department of Public Health online list of resources for support. Potential resources include applying for free or discounted hospital services, legal advice and consumer counseling. This program is not a scam: If the county has relieved your medical debt, you'll be notified by a letter in the mail from Los Angeles County and Undue Medical Debt. The envelope will have a county seal on it. Keep the letter as part of your records that the medical debt has been forgiven. Beware of alleged debt relief scammers that contact you via text, phone call or email. And don't fall for callers asking you to provide information or payment in exchange for medical debt relief. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
20-05-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
L.A. County is paying off millions in medical debt — no strings attached. Do you qualify?
Did you get a letter in the mail from the County of Los Angeles with the word 'Undue' in bold blue? It's not a scam. It's a notification that your medical debt was cleared by the county. More than 134,000 Los Angeles County residents began getting notices in the mail Monday as part of the first wave of medical bill forgiveness made possible by the county's Medical Debt Relief Program. The first round of notices is expected to relieve more than $183 million in debt. The program was launched, in partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt, in December 2024 with the mission of providing financial relief for eligible residents by purchasing and eliminating the debt. The funds for the program were made possible by an initial $5 million investment approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors with additional funds from L.A. Care Health Plan and the L.A. County Medical Assn. The goal is to retire $500 million in medical debt for low-income residents, with plans to eliminate as much as $2 billion by seeking additional contributions from philanthropic partners, hospitals and health plans. That could mean the debt of millions of people would be wiped clean. Through this program, the county provides the funding and Undue Medical Debt acquires qualifying debts in bulk for a fraction of their face value from provider partners such as hospitals and health systems along with collection agencies. Far too many residents are 'one medical bill away from fiscal catastrophe,' said Holly Mitchell, Los Angeles County's 2nd District supervisor. 'In 2023 alone, Los Angeles County residents held over $2.9 billion in medical debt,' Mitchell said. Recently analyzed data from 2023 found that 1 in 9 adults in the county are impacted by medical debt, and 'many are low-income families who even with a lifetime of work may never escape it,' said Janice Hahn, Los Angeles County's 4th District supervisor. Adults with medical debt burdens are two to three times more likely to be food insecure, delay or forgo necessary medical care or prescriptions and experience housing instability than those without this burden, according to the data. Furthermore, the data say, about half of adults facing medical debt took on credit card debt to pay their medical bills. 'This kind of debt often gets bundled and sold to debt collectors pennies on the dollar who go mercilessly after the families and aggressively for the payment,' Hahn said. The relief program comes with no strings attached, so you don't have to pay taxes on it. The 'Undue' notification in the mail will list how much debt was forgiven and where the debt was owed, such as the hospital, clinic or collector that was trying to collect from you. Since notices began hitting residences Monday, keep your eye out for the letters over the next few weeks. Eligibility for the program is determined by income, family size and whether the healthcare provider that is owed the money has chosen to participate in the program. To qualify for the program you must: No. If you and your bill qualify for the program, Undue Medical Debt will pay off your debt and you will be notified through the mail. Your bill qualifies for the program if the debt is held by hospitals, clinics or collectors that are participating in the program. The initial participating hospitals are Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital and Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital. County supervisors are calling on other debt holders to participate. Relief cannot be requested. If you received a letter from the county's Undue Medical Debt program, get in touch with the program online. If you need help with medical bills, visit the county's Department of Public Health online list of resources for support. Potential resources include applying for free or discounted hospital services, legal advice and consumer counseling. This program is not a scam: If the county has relieved your medical debt, you'll be notified by a letter in the mail from Los Angeles County and Undue Medical Debt. The envelope will have a county seal on it. Keep the letter as part of your records that the medical debt has been forgiven. Beware of alleged debt relief scammers that contact you via text, phone call or email. And don't fall for callers asking you to provide information or payment in exchange for medical debt relief.
