ASSEMBLYMEMBER STEFANI, MAYOR LURIE ANNOUNCE LEGISLATION TO CONTINUE CRACKDOWN ON SIDESHOWS

SAN FRANCISCO – Assemblymember Catherine Stefani today announced legislation, sponsored by Mayor Daniel Lurie, to combat sideshows and street takeovers—dangerous and reckless activities that put San Franciscans at risk and are a threat to public safety. The legislation will strengthen tools for law enforcement to crack down on sideshows and street takeovers and hold those responsible accountable.

“Sideshows have turned our streets into dangerous takeover zones, putting residents, first responders, and spectators at serious risk. AB 1588 gives law enforcement the tools they need, establishes meaningful consequences, and creates real deterrence so this dangerous behavior is no longer tolerated,” said Assemblymember Stefani. “Thank you to Mayor Lurie and the San Francisco Police Department for their partnership in putting public safety first.”

“San Franciscans deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods, to walk their streets without fear, and to know their city is willing to act. This legislation is about safety. It's about holding bad actors accountable. And it’s about making sure our streets belong to the people—not to reckless behavior that puts lives at risk,” said Mayor Lurie. “We are sending a clear message: dangerous sideshows have no place in San Francisco, and we will continue using every tool available to stop them.”

“Illegal sideshows are dangerous, and they are unacceptable in San Francisco,” said San Francisco Police Department Chief Derrick Lew. “Our officers work diligently to disrupt sideshow activity when it occurs and follow up on investigations to impound vehicles and hold perpetrators accountable. I want to thank Mayor Daniel Lurie and Assemblymember Catherine Stefani for their work to give officers more tools to combat sideshows.”

“In dense neighborhoods like Chinatown and North Beach, sideshows don’t just block streets, they also put residents, small businesses, and first responders at risk,” said Supervisor Sauter. “AB 1588 helps close enforcement gaps and gives the city stronger tools to hold repeat offenders accountable and protect our communities.”

Although California and San Francisco have taken steps to respond to more organized sideshow events, enforcement tools have not kept pace with how organized sideshow events operate. AB 1588 seeks to close the gap by updating state law to reflect current realities and bring consistency to enforcement by reducing ambiguity and strengthening the ability to hold repeat offenders accountable.