Watch a Sideshow, Go to Jail? Alameda County Steps Into the Fray

5 months ago 2 min read

Sideshow spectators in unincorporated Alameda County may go to jail and be fined if the county board of supervisors approves the second studying of a sideshow ordinance subsequent month.

The county’s transfer follows Oakland’s choice earlier this month to penalize anybody who participates in a sideshow in any approach equivalent to organizing, supporting, selling or attending one.

Alameda County sideshow spectators could be fined $1,000 or spend as much as three months in jail or each underneath the proposal, which works again to the board on July 11 for a second and remaining studying.

“Lack of enforcement has emboldened individuals,” Alameda County Board of Supervisors President Nate Miley mentioned. “Sideshows have develop into extra violent and harmful. With this ordinance, we’re making it clear that spectators have a task and accountability — and shall be held accountable.”

Tuesday’s vote by supervisors on the ordinance handed 4-1, with Supervisor Elisa Marquez voting no.

Earlier than the vote, Miley amended the ordinance to place offenders in jail for as much as three months somewhat than six months if jail time is deemed applicable.

“We’re not trying to punish individuals,” Miley mentioned. “We’re trying to deter individuals.”

However Alameda County Public Defender Brendon Woods has issues, together with whether or not the ordinance is even constitutional. He’s additionally involved about individuals of colour, equivalent to Black and Hispanic individuals, being swept up by legislation enforcement simply because they’re Black and Hispanic.

“This ordinance has such the potential to try this,” he mentioned.

If the ordinance is authorised on July 11, it is going to be efficient 30 days later.

County officers mentioned the web price to the county shall be zero to carry spectators accountable for watching sideshows, in keeping with a June 6, 2023, letter to the Board of Supervisors from board President Nate Miley and Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez.