Father's Day isn’t always just golfing and barbeque.
Some in Antioch this year planned to host a sideshow to celebrate, police learned.
A sideshow is a local Bay Area pastime. Usually held in vacant lots and public intersections, most shows consist of drivers showing off their vehicles while spinning around and performing a variety of stunts and tricks. Sideshows first gained popularity in Oakland in the ’80s.
"They’re dangerous for those involved, they’re dangerous for those spectating, they’re dangerous for the innocent, uninvolved motorists and pedestrians in the area, and they are dangerous for the officers responding to address the unlawful activity," said Antioch Police Chief Tamany Brooks.
Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe said whatever you call them, they are illegal.
"I recognize that these types of events are part of the Bay Area culture, particularly as an expression of resistance, but I cannot ignore the fact that these kinds of events can kill people," he said. "More importantly, young people who have, who in some instances believe that they are invincible."
Organizers and participants of the event have until Friday to cancel.
"I encourage you and those who are planning to attend, not to attend and stay away," said Thorpe. "I’m not messing around with anybody, this is not the place to conduct this type of activity."
Antioch police will also be out patrolling in large numbers, with mutual aid and drones if it's not canceled.
Any attendees could have their car impounded for 30 days at a cost of $3,000 and cited for $300.
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