Our City has long faced a serious problem with illegal street racing and sideshows. This problem has taken several lives in recent years and continues to endanger bystanders and our law enforcement, in addition to participants and spectators. City Councilmembers have put forward a memo with the following action items to address this issue at the City level:
Direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance targeting promoters of illegal street racing and sideshows, including those who use social media to promote, support, and encourage this illegal and dangerous behavior.
Direct Staff to explore the use of Automated License Plate Readers and return to Council with options for deployment in corridors that have been hardest impacted by illegal street racing and sideshows.
Direct the City Manager to allocate the necessary funding for the Police Department to address this issue as part of our annual budget process.
Direct Staff to explore formation of a County-wide Task Force on responding to illegal street racing and sideshows that would allow for coordinated multi-jurisdictional responses throughout Santa Clara County.
If you find this issue important, I ask for your support at the March 30th, 2021 City Council meeting. Please call on Tuesday, March 30th 2021 during public comment on item 4.1 to express your support on addressing this crisis.
How to provide spoken Public Comment during the City Council Meeting:
1) By Phone at (888) 475 4499 Click *9 to raise a hand to speak. Click *6 to unmute when called.
2) Online at: https://sanjoseca.zoom.us/j/91325378626
a. Use a current, up-to-date browser: Chrome 30+, Firefox 27+, Microsoft Edge 12+, Safari 7+. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. Mute all other audio before speaking. Using multiple devices can cause an audio feedback.
b. Enter an email address and name. The name will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.
c. When the Mayor calls for the item on which you wish to speak, click on “raise hand.” Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. d. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted.
