CA, SF cracking down on dangerous street takeovers by crowds and drifting cars

(The Center Square) - California Gov. Gavin Newsom and San Francisco Mayor London Breed both signed legislation to crack down on the spread of so-called “sideshow” street takeovers that feature massive crowds and drifting cars that occupy and block off entire intersections, bridges, and even freeways.

Gavin Newsom would like you to know that crime is down in California and the drone launching fireworks at felons during a street takeover is pure MAGA propaganda pic.twitter.com/Y2rBOsXzdC— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) September 4, 2024

“Sideshows are reckless, criminal activities that endanger our communities. We have seen too many people killed or hurt at these events,” said Newsom in a statement. “We are sending a clear message to anyone considering participating in or attending a sideshow: stricter penalties are in place, including the potential loss of your vehicle."

The bipartisan package of bills at the state level — two from Republicans and two from Democrats — allow police to impound vehicles participating in sideshows or street racing, even those held at off-street parking facilities.

The San Francisco package goes further, making it a misdemeanor to promote sideshows, participate in blocking off streets to create space for sideshows, or prevent law enforcement from stopping a sideshow. The package also allows the city to impound sideshow vehicles for more than 30 days if the District Attorney is charging the case and conviction would mean permanent seizure of the vehicle.

“Sideshows are dangerous, disruptive, and illegal, and law enforcement agencies across the Bay Area need to work in close coordination to prevent and disrupt them,” said Mayor London Breed. “In San Francisco, we are working to meet this challenge by adding new technology and expanding on our enforcement strategies; changing our laws will allow us to both hold those planning or participating in sideshows accountable and send a message that there will be consequences when they come to San Francisco.”

California Highway Patrol says it responded to over 7,300 street takeovers in 2021. While that number fell in half for 2022, CHP told NBC Bay Area sideshows are happening at an “alarming” rate, and growing in size and danger.