SACRAMENTO — San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced a proposal to combat sideshows in a series of new penalties aimed at curbing illegal sideshow activity.
The crackdown is similar to successes in San Joaquin County, which paved the way for other law enforcement agencies after the creation of its sideshow task force.
Sideshows—unauthorized gatherings where participants perform reckless driving stunts, including doughnuts and burnouts—have become an increasing nuisance in urban areas across California. In San Francisco, Mayor Breed’s proposed policies include heightened fines, vehicle impoundments, and potential impoundment of vehicles for up to 30 days.
In February, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office Sideshow Taskforce busted a massive sideshow in Stockton, ending with nearly 90 vehicles impounded. A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office told CBS13 that they have not had sideshow activity since February.
Maintaining the enforcement is a subject one sergeant on the task force has shared with cities across the state, including, San Francisco. The county is offering a blueprint for other jurisdictions dealing with sideshows.