Larry Klein
Mayor
Richard Mehlinger
Vice Mayor
Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember
Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember
Linda Sell
Councilmember
Charlsie Chang
Councilmember
Eileen Le
Councilmember
September 15, 2026
T
he Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor of California
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
R
E: Assembly Bill 1588 (Stefani): Vehicles: Sideshow Accountability and Community Safety Act – REQUEST FOR SIGNATURE
D
ear Governor Newsom,
O
n behalf of the City of Sunnyvale, we respectfully request that you sign AB 1588 into law. AB 1588 would strengthen the ability of law enforcement to respond to illegal sideshows threatening the safety of communities across the state by providing additional tools and increasing accountability for repeat offenders.
Sunnyvale, like many communities across California, has experienced the growing and dangerous impact of illegal sideshows. Participants frequently block roads, and have done so in Sunnyvale, blocking Santa Teresa Boulevard and the exit off State Route 87.
After another sideshow, the intersection at North Fair Oaks Avenue and Ahwanee Avenue was damaged by excessive tire marking. Over time, sideshows have evolved into highly organized and increasingly reckless gatherings that jeopardize public safety, disrupt neighborhoods, and place significant strain on local law enforcement and emergency response systems. The presence of large crowds, blocked intersections, reckless driving, and the frequent use of firearms and illegal fireworks has made sideshows not only a nuisance, but a serious and ongoing threat to residents and first responders.
AB 1588 provides critical and much-needed tools to address this escalating problem. By authorizing courts to issue warrants for the immediate seizure and impoundment of vehicles involved in sideshow activity, the bill strengthens enforcement capabilities and helps disrupt these events before they escalate further. Expanding the sideshow framework to include motorbikes and dirt bikes closes a key loophole that has allowed dangerous conduct to persist without adequate accountability.
Importantly, the bill also enhances consequences for repeat offenders and for those whose actions result in bodily injury by establishing stronger penalties, including making such offenses “wobblers.” Additionally, declaring vehicles used in sideshows as public Attachment 9
The Honorable Gavin Newsom, Governor
September 15, 2026
nuisances subject to forfeiture provides a meaningful deterrent to those who repeatedly endanger the public.
Sunnyvale supports AB 1588 because it advances General Plan Goal SN - 3 (Safe and Secure City) by strengthening the City’s ability to control dangerous conduct that threatens life and property. Illegal sideshows create high-risk conditions that undermine public safety and strain emergency response systems. Enhancing enforcement and accountability aligns with Sunnyvale’s policy direction to proactively reduce crime and maintain safe neighborhoods.
In the Bay Area, we have seen firsthand how quickly sideshows can turn tragic, threatening not only participants but also innocent bystanders. AB 1588 strikes the right balance by equipping law enforcement with more effective tools while reinforcing accountability for those who engage in dangerous and unlawful behavior.
For these reasons, the City of Sunnyvale respectfully urges you to sign AB 1588 into law.
Thank you for your consideration of the City of Sunnyvale's position on this important legislation. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Chief Daniel Pistor, Director of Public Safety at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Larry Klein
Mayor
Cc: Assembly Member Patrick Ahrens
City Council
Tim Kirby, City Manager
Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Daniel Pistor, Director of Public Safety
Attachment 9