Alameda Prosecutors File Charges Against Illegal Sideshow Promoter

Published on May 16, 2024

On May 15, 2024, Assistant City Prosecutor Montague Hung filed criminal charges against Luis Lozano-Vargas, a promoter of illegal sideshow events.   

Based on a recent report to the Alameda City Council, Alameda Point has suffered numerous unlawful and unpermitted sideshow events that often include hundreds of vehicles and large crowds of spectators, including several events over the last six months that drew hundreds of people. These large-scale events present numerous public safety challenges that impact the quality of life of the community and generate a significant number of public complaints, such as reckless and unsafe driving on public streets, excessive noise and trash, property damage, negative impacts to adjacent businesses, traffic congestion, air quality and biological concerns, and adverse service and fiscal impacts associated with redirecting City resources to intervene and enforce these issues. Vehicles participating in reckless driving behavior at these events are particularly concerning as these dangerous behaviors can cause harm to the driver, present significant risk to pedestrian spectators, and cause damage to surrounding structures.  Controlling and intervening with large crowds also has an inherent risk to first responders.

“Community Safety has consistently been one of the City Council’s highest priorities,” said City Attorney Yibin Shen. “City Prosecutors are committed to working collaboratively with our justice partners at the Alameda Police Department to curb unlawful sideshow activities and enhance community safety.”

“The Alameda Police Department values the partnership and collaboration with the Alameda City Attorney’s Office in our joint efforts to protect public safety,” said Chief of Police Nishant Joshi. “With respect to illegal sideshow activities, APD has and will continue to vigilantly protect the community against such unlawful events.”

Pursuant to the voter’s direction in Measure AA, the Prosecution and Public Rights Unit of the Alameda City Attorney’s Office represents the People of the State of California in misdemeanor criminal matters. The Unit also brings affirmative litigation for violations of consumer protection and fair housing laws; and educates the public about its rights and responsibilities in those areas. City prosecutors are dedicated to promoting and improving public safety and the quality of life in Alameda, through the fair, compassionate and effective administration of justice.

The Alameda City Attorney’s Office Prosecution Unit can be reached by phone at 510-747-4772 or email at cityprosecutor@alamedacityattorney.org.