SF Supervisor Proposes Doubling Sideshow Fines
Published October 01, 2025
The Facts
Supervisor Danny Sauter introduced an ordinance Tuesday to double the maximum fine for misdemeanor sideshow offenses from $500 to $1,000, aligning San Francisco with state law and penalties in nearby cities including Oakland, Antioch, and Santa Rosa. Mayor Daniel Lurie expressed support for the legislation, saying it will "send a message that this type of behavior is unacceptable in San Francisco," while Interim Police Chief Paul Yep said "increasing penalties will assist our officers against this dangerous activity."
The Context
The proposal follows intensified enforcement efforts targeting illegal dirt bike activity. On September 21, SFPD seized six dirt bikes and one ATV during a coordinated operation involving the Citywide Plainclothes Team, Real-Time Investigation Center, drones, and the Stunt Driving Response Unit, according to the District Attorney's Office. Two San Francisco men, Nino Fiopoto (28) and Rubin Mesa (30), were charged with reckless driving and participating in a speed contest after being arrested near Divisadero Street and Lombard Street. The operation used automated license plate readers, drones, and surveillance cameras to assist ground officers.
The GrowSF Take
This demonstrates exactly how effective governance should work: police deploy modern technology to enforce existing laws, prosecutors charge offenders, and legislators respond with stronger deterrents. Doubling fines to match neighboring jurisdictions eliminates San Francisco as a soft target while giving law enforcement better tools.