Vallejo sideshow ends in flames: Hundreds of cars involved in weekend chaos, police say

A sideshow in Vallejo early this week left three vehicles in ashes and brought a stern reminder from police about the financial consequences sideshow participants can face in the North Bay city beyond any physical damage to property.

Police received multiple calls at 2:43 a.m. Sunday — New Year’s Eve — regarding a sideshow at the intersection of Sonoma Boulevard and Lemon Street.

Callers reported there were up to 200 cars participating, with individuals shooting firearms and setting off fireworks.

Arriving officers saw the sideshow, as well as three vehicles engulfed in flames. With help from the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, Vallejo police disrupted the sideshow while the Vallejo Fire Department extinguished the fires.

Police said no one was arrested and no vehicles were towed, other than the ones that burned.

The incident occurred in the same community whose former police chief famously declared sideshows a form of “terrorism,” and where the City Council in 2021 approved an ordinance with penalties that apply not only to sideshow participants, but can extend to anyone who merely stands on a public street and watches the activity.

At that meeting, Vallejo City Attorney Veronica Nebb likened the illegality of observing sideshows to being an observer at illegal activity such as dog or cock fighting. However, both of those illegal activities generally take place on private property, not a city street.

Police this week reminded people that sideshow participants in Vallejo can have their vehicle impounded for 30 days and incur various fees totaling approximately $2,589. Spectators can be subject to arrest.