It is disheartening to see the massive sideshows involving 100 cars bringing the Bay Bridge to a complete halt, frustrating commuters, and making residents question, “Where is the California Highway Patrol (CHP)?” Why are they not restoring order?

Sideshow are becoming more frequent and dangerous, with participants using social media to organize these illegal gatherings.

Simultaneously, in Oakland, another set of sideshows erupted, escalating into bystanders being hit and firearms being discharged. Oakland residents, who have dealt with these events repeatedly, are voicing concerns about safety as these gatherings frequently turn into scenes of violence. 

Sideshows, originating as car stunts and races, have evolved into a public safety issue, with gunfire and looting now commonly accompanying them.

Law enforcement continues to struggle to respond effectively to these rapidly forming incidents, with Oakland seeing several such events in a single night.

In response to the growing chaos caused by sideshows, lawmakers are pushing for stricter penalties to deter participation. Current laws include fines and vehicle impoundment, but authorities argue that harsher consequences, including longer impound periods and felony charges for repeat offenders, may be necessary to curb the rise of these dangerous gatherings. 

The blending of reckless stunts, violence, and crime signals an escalating problem