Santa Ana police are revving up their annual enforcement efforts against street racers on Easter Sunday.
For decades, car clubs would kick off a summer of driving their low-rider cruisers with hydraulics on the Christian holiday, which this year falls on April 4.
However, some participants in previous years engaged in illegal activities—harming the quality of life of Santa Ana residents, police said.
To mitigate this, the Santa Ana Police Department is conducting its annual, large-scale anti-cruiser enforcement operation.
“Groups of people would get in the parking lots, and then often it leads to other criminal activity like drinking, fighting, ... shootings, and things like that,” Santa Ana Police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna told The Epoch Times.
“We do strict enforcement.”
In past years, Santa Ana police said they have contended with large crowds of cruisers, congested roadways, and criminal activity.
Bertagna said the annual street racing enforcement goes back for generations.
“The traditional car clubs still show up. They’re more about showing off their cars … In recent history it’s shifted to the street racers, where they take over intersections and do donuts,” Bertagna said.
“Obviously, when people are racing at an excessive speed, there are bad things that can happen.”
Road closures, lane restrictions and extra uniformed officers are among the efforts the Santa Ana Police Department is making to crack down on street racers.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence April 4 in the following areas: Bristol Street from 17th Street to Warner Avenue, Main Street from 17th Street to Warner Avenue, and Edinger Avenue from Main Street to Bristol Street.
The temporary closures and restrictions are expected to delay traffic in some areas of the city.
