California cities continue to face the growing issue of illegal sideshows, where large crowds gather to watch dangerous vehicle stunts, often overwhelming police forces. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed laws aimed at providing cities with more tools to combat this issue.
Sideshows have led to injuries and even deaths, as bystanders are struck by vehicles or caught in violent altercations.
To address the problem, many cities have enacted ordinances that allow for the impounding of vehicles involved in sideshows.
However, some participants evade the consequences by using stolen cars, making vehicle impoundment ineffective. In some places, authorities have even targeted spectators, although this has raised concerns among civil rights groups about its legality.
In response to the persistent problem, Newsom signed four new laws that strengthen authorities’ ability to target sideshows.
Assembly Bill 2186 extends vehicle impoundment to parking lots where sideshows take place, Assembly Bill 1978 gives police the authority to impound vehicles that are believed to have aided a sideshow, and Assembly Bill 3085 allows officers to impound vehicles related to reckless driving or fleeing, including sideshow activity. Additionally, Assembly Bill 2807 broadens the legal definition of a sideshow, giving prosecutors more flexibility in prosecuting cases.
In Stockton, significant efforts have been made to combat sideshows. In February, a large-scale bust led to 150 detentions and 88 vehicle seizures. Sheriff Patrick Withrow’s aggressive stance, including plans to crush the impounded vehicles, has been credited with the cessation of sideshow activity in the region.
As of November, no large sideshows have occurred in San Joaquin County, though 76 vehicles remain in the sheriff’s custody, with 250 related cases being processed by the District Attorney’s office.