San Jose Mayor urges social media firms to block ‘Sideshows’ causing chaos on streets.
San Jose Mayor Takes Action to Curb Dangerous Sideshows
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is determined to put an end to the dangerous and disruptive “sideshows” that have been plaguing the city’s streets. These illegal street shutdowns, characterized by skid marks, smoke, and screeching tires, have become a menace to the community. To combat this issue, Mayor Mahan has taken the bold step of reaching out to social media giants, including Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok, urging them to ban users who post videos of these illegal activities.
A Growing Problem
Sideshows in San Jose have been escalating, with intersections being taken over in the early hours of the morning. These events are accompanied by loud music, fireworks, and even gunshots. In November 2022, the San Jose Police Department issued hundreds of citations, impounded vehicles, and recovered a handgun during one of the largest sideshows to date.
Collaboration for Change
Mayor Mahan has invited representatives from social media companies to City Hall for a dialogue on how to address the issue of sideshow content on their platforms. He believes that these events are fueled by social media, as participants seek to gain notoriety and attention. By working together, the aim is to have this content removed quickly, discouraging its posting and ultimately reducing the occurrence of sideshows.
Community Impact
The impact of sideshows on the community cannot be ignored. Lilia Gaspar, a board member of the Seven Trees Neighborhood Association, shared her personal experience at a press conference. Her family has been greatly affected by the reckless sideshows, with her son’s car being stolen and used in one of these events. Gaspar herself has been trapped in sideshows, including one that prevented her from taking her elderly mother to the hospital in an emergency situation.
Seeking Solutions
Mayor Mahan is calling on the citizens of San Jose to report sideshows to the police as soon as possible. He is also urging social media companies to suspend the accounts of individuals who promote sideshows, starting with a 30-day suspension for the first offense and permanent suspension for repeat offenders. The goal is to discourage the sharing and promotion of sideshow content.
A Violation of Guidelines
In a letter to Snapchat, Mayor Mahan highlighted that sideshow content violates the platform’s own community guidelines. Snapchat prohibits violence and the promotion of criminal activities that may harm people, animals, or property. Sharing locations and clips of sideshows, which have resulted in fatalities, clearly goes against these guidelines.
Mayor Mahan believes that by working together with social media companies and the community, they can put an end to sideshows and ensure the safety and well-being of San Jose residents.
Besides involving social media platforms, how else is Mayor Mahan addressing the sideshow issue and collaborating with other entities like law enforcement
With Social Media Platforms
Recognizing the role that social media plays in promoting and glorifying these dangerous activities, Mayor Mahan has proactively engaged with major social media platforms in an effort to eliminate their distribution. By requesting platforms like Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok to ban users who post videos of sideshows, Mayor Mahan aims to curtail the visibility and popularity of these events. He firmly believes that by cutting off the online platforms that fuel this behavior, the sideshow culture can be significantly diminished. Technology has both positive and negative impacts on society, and sideshows are a prime example of the detrimental effects it can have. Social media platforms provide a platform for participants to showcase dangerous and often illegal behavior, which can attract more individuals to participate and glamorize these activities. By taking proactive steps to restrict the dissemination of such content, Mayor Mahan is leveraging technology to discourage and deter individuals from engaging in these illegal activities. Mayor Mahan’s initiative does not stop at involving social media platforms alone. He has also been working closely with law enforcement agencies to increase patrols and monitoring in areas prone to sideshows. The San Jose Police Department has already increased its presence during peak hours and deployed specialized units to address sideshows as a priority. This joint effort between the city administration, social media platforms, and law enforcement aims to create a comprehensive strategy to curb sideshow incidents effectively. Mayor Mahan understands that addressing the sideshow issue requires more than just enforcement measures. It is essential to educate the community about the dangers and consequences associated with sideshows. Public awareness campaigns, community forums, and outreach programs are being implemented to inform residents, particularly the younger generation, about the risks involved in participating in and promoting sideshows. By fostering a sense of responsibility and respect for public safety, Mayor Mahan hopes to build a community that actively rejects sideshows. The actions taken by San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan to combat sideshows are commendable. By proactively engaging with social media platforms, increasing law enforcement presence, and prioritizing community education, he is taking a comprehensive approach to address this growing problem. Mayor Mahan’s initiative reflects his commitment to making San Jose a safer city for all residents, free from the disruptions and dangers posed by sideshows. With these measures in place, San Jose can reclaim its streets and restore peace and tranquility to the community.The Power of Technology
Collaborative Approach
Community Education and Support
A Safer San Jose
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