During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding the rise of sideshows and illegal gatherings in various cities within the county, including Pittsburgh, Antioch, Richmond, and El Cerrito. A local official highlighted the increasing frequency of these events, which often occur late at night and early in the morning, posing safety risks to residents.
The official expressed frustration over the perceived inability of law enforcement to effectively address the issue. They noted a significant incident last year that took place under an underpass in Tano, where police reportedly struggled to take action due to challenges in identifying participants, many of whom were using vehicles with tinted windows. The official criticized the current police protocols, suggesting that officers are often forced to adopt a \"stand back\" approach, which limits their ability to intervene during these gatherings.
The discussion underscored the need for a more robust strategy to combat the rise of such activities, with calls for the county to establish clearer processes or protocols aimed at curbing the actions of those involved in these unlawful events. The meeting highlighted a growing concern among officials about public safety and the effectiveness of current law enforcement measures in managing these disturbances.