NEWS
Mayor Lurie Signs Legislation to Crack Down on Dangerous Sideshows, Keep San Franciscans Safe
Legislation Introduced by Supervisor Sauter Increases Fines for Misdemeanor Convictions for Sideshows and Street Takeovers; Continues Mayor Lurie’s Work to Improve Public Safety
SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today signed legislation to send a clear message that sideshows and street takeovers have no place in San Francisco’s neighborhoods. These dangerous and reckless activities put San Franciscans at risk and are a threat to public safety, and the legislation signed today increases fines for misdemeanor sideshow offenses from $500 to $1,000. The legislation was introduced by District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter and passed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors.
The signing of this legislation builds on the progress Mayor Lurie has made to improve safety in San Francisco's streets. Earlier this week, Mayor Lurie signed his Street Safety executive directive, outlining a plan to coordinate city transportation, public safety, and public health agencies to ensure every San Franciscan, no matter their age, ability, or mode of transportation, can travel throughout San Francisco safely. Since taking office, Mayor Lurie has taken action to deliver clean and safe streets in neighborhoods across the city, and right now, and crime is down citywide nearly 30%.
“Dangerous sideshows, where drivers race through intersections, drive on sidewalks, and ignore traffic laws, put residents at risk and undermine public safety,” said Mayor Lurie. “With this legislation, we are strengthening accountability by increasing fines for sideshow offenses. Thank you, Supervisor Sauter, for your leadership and commitment to keeping our communities safe.”
“We're making it clear that San Francisco doesn't tolerate dangerous activity like sideshows and disruptive dirt bikes,” said Supervisor Sauter. “Through this legislation and increased enforcement, we're responding directly to concerned residents who want and deserve safety in their neighborhoods.”
“Sideshows are dangerous and harmful to our communities, and SFPD is committed to continuing to crack down on this unlawful activity,” said Interim San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Chief Paul Yep. “Thank you, Mayor Lurie and Supervisor Sauter, for making this a priority and helping keep San Francisco safe.”
Under California law, a standard monetary penalty for misdemeanor offenses is $1,000. The signed legislation raises San Francisco’s previous fine amount and brings the city’s monetary penalty for violating the city’s sideshow ordinance in line with the threshold set by the state law and other Bay Area municipalities.