San Francisco committee backs ordinance to curb vehicle "sideshows" after SFPD testimony

The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee on Sept. 20 voted 3-0 to amend and forward an ordinance aimed at curbing vehicle "sideshows," after testimony from San Francisco police that the events pose escalating public-safety risks.

Commander Nicole Jones of the San Francisco Police Department's Special Operations Bureau, Traffic Division, told the committee that sideshows and related dirt-bike gatherings have grown since 2020 and that the proposed changes give law enforcement "much needed tools and consequences that have been lacking to deal with this problem for the police department." Jones added, "Both of these events should be described as nothing other than vehicle insurrections." The ordinance as introduced would prohibit promoting sideshows, assembling to obstruct streets or other public ways in connection with sideshows, knowingly being present to participate, interfering with law enforcement duties, and would authorize seizure and impoundment of vehicles used in sideshows.

Chair Supervisor Catherine Stephanie, a sponsor of the measure, read two amendments into the record: one requiring SFPD to warn people of an unlawful assembly before arresting them (described in the record as an existing requirement) and a technical correction to clarify that the ordinance "shall be construed and enforced consistent with the First Amendment of the United States Constitution." Deputy City Attorney Brad (Bridal Russell) told the committee the amendments are not substantive.

Supervisor Dorsey praised SFPD enforcement work but cautioned about limits imposed by state law, saying that some measures — for example broader asset-forfeiture authority — may require action at the state level. "This is a step in the right direction," Dorsey said, while noting that further policy work will likely be needed.

Supervisor Mercadio pressed SFPD on enforcement thresholds, asking, "How do you tell the difference between someone who's just walking by or maybe stopped, versus an actual... spectator?" Commander Jones said officers distinguish promotion (social-media solicitation) from spectating by observing on-scene behavior — cellphones out, caravans, cheering — but that enforcement requires probable cause to show active participation rather than mere presence.

Diana (Roche/Arroche), director of policy and public affairs for the mayor's office, told the committee the ordinance is a "much needed tool" for effective street enforcement. Chair Stephanie also raised concern about firearms at sideshows, saying weapons have been displayed and sometimes fired at these events, and noted recent incidents including a June 9 event in which a vehicle was set on fire. Commander Jones confirmed firearms have been seen and shots have been fired at sideshow gatherings and said the events can be associated with other crimes beyond the visible spectacle.

No members of the public signed up to speak on the item. Chair Stephanie moved to amend the legislation as presented and forward the amended item to the full Board of Supervisors with a positive recommendation as a committee report. The committee recorded three "ayes" — Vice Chair Sharon Gardio, Member Dorsey, and Chair Stephanie — and the chair said the motion passed.

The committee's action forwards the amended ordinance to the Board of Supervisors; the clerk indicated items acted on today are expected to appear on the Board agenda on Oct. 1, 2024. The Board will consider the ordinance and any further amendments at that hearing.