New bills signed into law aim to stop sideshows in California

OAKLAND, CA (KCBS RADIO) – Increased penalties are coming for people who take part in sideshows under a package of bills California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Monday.

The four new state laws could pump the brakes on sideshows that many Oakland residents are sick and tired of.

“They are speeding through the area that I live,” one resident told KCBS Radio.  “It’s just – it’s insane.”

The first bill prohibits people from participating in speed contests.  Another bans people from operating a vehicle for work if their car was involved in a sideshow, and two bills give police more power to impound vehicles involved in sideshows.

Hayward Mayor Mark Salinas recently told KCBS their local laws targeting sideshow participants have been working.

“I have not heard reports from our police chief that we’re responding to calls for service at two in the morning or three in the morning anymore,” said Salinas.

In a statement, Gov. Newsom said, "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."