San Francisco Sun

San Francisco, CA – Mayor London N. Breed and Supervisor Matt Dorsey announced new legislation aimed at combating sideshows by increasing criminal penalties for individuals who plan and participate in these events. The announcement took place at San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Headquarters, with regional law enforcement leaders discussing strategies to prevent and disrupt sideshows across the Bay Area.

Sideshows, a significant issue in the Bay Area, often involve groups moving from one city to another within a day or night. This necessitates regional coordination to effectively track and stop them. The proposed efforts will target sideshows involving cars in intersections as well as roving groups of dirt bikers disrupting neighborhoods.

The new legislation, set to be introduced by Mayor Breed and Supervisor Dorsey on Tuesday, includes several measures:

- Making it illegal to participate in promoting a sideshow.

- Making it illegal to assemble for a sideshow, with criminal penalties for those blocking or obstructing streets.

- Making it illegal to impede law enforcement from disrupting sideshows.

- Extending the time the City can hold a vehicle seized in a sideshow beyond 30 days if charges are filed by the District Attorney, with provisions for permanent seizure upon conviction.

These crimes will all be classified as misdemeanors under current state law.

“Sideshows are dangerous, disruptive and illegal,” said Mayor London Breed. “Our law enforcement agencies must not only take action here in San Francisco but coordinate across the Bay Area to prevent and disrupt them.” She emphasized the need for new technology and expanded strategies alongside legislative changes to provide officers with more tools against these activities.

District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey highlighted the risks posed by sideshows: “Sideshows are reckless and endanger pedestrians, local businesses, and participants themselves. Too many of these illegal events have led to serious injuries and even fatalities in some cities." He stressed that such activities have no place in San Francisco.

Regional law enforcement agencies revealed coordinated strategies including drone usage, license plate reader technology, and efforts to track participants. Public safety remains the top priority when dealing with sideshows. SFPD collaborates with regional partners to identify large vehicle groups traveling through jurisdictions in Northern California and formulates plans to prevent sideshows from forming.

In instances where sideshows occur within San Francisco, officers focus on stopping illegal activities promptly while protecting public safety. Arrests are made when possible, vehicles are impounded during events or followed up later using collected evidence.

SFPD has seized 67 vehicles related to sideshows so far this year and documented 15 incidents compared to 72 reported cases in 2021. The public is encouraged to call 911 upon witnessing a sideshow and share visual evidence for police investigations.

“These illegal events are unacceptable in our city,” said Chief Bill Scott. He expressed gratitude towards Mayor Breed and Supervisor Dorsey for empowering officers through legislative support while commending officers' dedication despite risks faced during responses.

The legislation is expected before the Board of Supervisors this fall.

###