Vallejo police will be getting help from the California Highway Patrol in combating illegal sideshows and reckless driving.

Gov. Gavin Newsom recently enacted legislation designed to strengthen enforcement and increase penalties for sideshows — incidents during which drivers shut down part of a road or parking lot to recklessly spin donuts in vehicles, frequently with crowds of people watching.

Vallejo police said Monday that Newsom recently signed four key Assembly bills into law, empowering law enforcement to take stronger action against sideshows and street takeovers:

• AB 1978 grants law enforcement greater authority to impound vehicles involved in speed contests or exhibitions, regardless of whether the driver is arrested.

• AB 2186 closes existing loopholes by allowing the impoundment of vehicles used in speed exhibitions within off-street parking facilities.

• AB 2807 establishes standardized terminology for “sideshows” and “street takeovers” across California to streamline enforcement and prosecution efforts.

• And AB 3085 authorizes law enforcement to obtain warrants for the seizure and impoundment of vehicles associated with sideshows, including those used to support or facilitate these events.

Faster, more effective response to sideshows

In the coming weeks, CHP will support Vallejo police by conducting multiple operations per month during evening weekend hours.

The operations will involve additional CHP officers supplementing Vallejo police resources to respond faster and more effectively in response to sideshow activity.

“These additional resources will allow us to expand our efforts using both traditional and non-traditional enforcement strategies,” said Vallejo Interim Polce Chief Jason Ta, in a statement. “We are also developing follow-up investigation techniques to address these incidents effectively and deter future occurrences.”

The collaboration between agencies comes less than two weeks after a 4-year-old was shot and wounded as collateral damage from a shooting in the 300 block of Sawyer Street.

“The partnership between CHP and VPD underscores our shared commitment to public safety and our determination to combat reckless driving and sideshows.” Vallejo police

The toddler’s shooting renewed calls for Newsom to do for Vallejo what he did for Oakland and send in the CHP to give local understaffed law enforcement added muscle in fighting escalating crime rates. Thousands of Vallejo residents signed a petition last year, asking for Newsom’s help.

Vallejo police said Monday the new legislation provides law enforcement agencies with essential tools to combat the growing threat of illegal street activities that endanger drivers, pedestrians, and neighborhoods.

“The partnership between CHP and VPD underscores our shared commitment to public safety and our determination to combat reckless driving and sideshows,” Vallejo police said, in a statement. “This increased collaboration will create a safer environment for Vallejo’s residents, businesses, and stakeholders.”