"In June 2023, after months of debate, the City Council approved an ordinance that outlawed sideshows and targeted those who organize them. Anyone caught violating the law by participating in or organizing a sideshow can be thrown in jail for up to six months."
"Councilmember Noel Gallo, the author of the law, urged his colleagues to approve the ordinance, citing the explosion of sideshows across Oakland and the fact that other cities like San Jose were introducing similar laws."
"City spokesperson Jean Walsh told The Oaklandside last week that Oakland has not sought injunctions or imposed penalties on violators under the ordinance. The city attorney also shared that no investigations have been referred to it since the ordinance was adopted."
In 2023, Oakland faced a surge in dangerous sideshows, prompting the City Council to pass an ordinance banning them. The law allows for jail time and fines for participants and organizers. Despite the ordinance's intent to curb sideshows, city officials admitted that it has never been enforced. No penalties have been imposed, and no investigations have been initiated since its adoption. Councilmembers expressed hope that the law would help reduce the occurrence and severity of sideshows, but enforcement remains absent.
Read at The Oaklandside
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