Sideshows – Alameda Point Environmental Report

Law Enforcement Puts Brakes on Sunday’s Sideshow

They came. They set up. But the only show on Sunday, March 11 at Alameda Point was a show of force from the California Highway Patr ol (CHP) and the Alameda Police Department (APD).

Spectators and would-be performers at an anticipated sideshow had to make it past at least five CHP officers on their way to the intersection of Monarch Street and West Tower Avenue without being stopped for a motor vehicle infraction. Many of them were not so lucky. The flashing police lights sent a clear message.

Alameda Point Sideshow Goes on Undeterred

Some call sideshow activity an abuse of machinery, a public safety risk, or bad for the environment. Others find enjoyment.

On Sunday, January 28, hundreds of cars assembled at Alameda Point at the intersection of West Tower Avenue and Monarch Street (aka Spirits Alley) for a “car show.” The atmosphere was similar to a tailgate party in anticipation of a sporting event, with vendors and people mingling about, talking to friends, and loud music playing.

Sideshows Continue Unabated at Alameda Point

Sideshow activity and drag racing at Alameda Point has now become a weekend routine. Despite community outrage and being given a host of ideas on how to curb the activity, the city appears to be doing nothing about it. Even the private security detail is absent when needed.

The sounds of screeching tires on the western side of the Seaplane Lagoon can be heard a mile away, as plumes of white tire smoke drift away. And an afternoon of wine tasting at Building 25 on Monarch Street now comes with car-racing ambience. The sight of families riding bikes through the area has given way to cars, whose drivers prefer loud exhaust systems.