Plan to address illegal street racing in Fresno announced

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, Police Chief Paco Balderrama, and Councilman Mike Karbassi held a news conference on Monday to announce steps the city plans to take to deal with illegal street racing.

A summer campaign was launched on Monday to "put the breaks on street racing and sideshows in the city of Fresno," said Mayor Dyer.

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Mayor Dyer said city officials and law enforcement are sending a clear message to anyone who wants to participate in a street race or sideshow or anyone who wants to watch, "Not in Fresno."

It's not worth it. The danger is not worth it. The arrest or citation is not worth it. And certainly, the impounding of your vehicle for 30 days or more is not worth it and the cost associated with that is not worth it.

The mayor said there is a new team of 10 officers and one sergeant that will proactively monitor social media to "seek out those who wreak havoc on our streets."

Dyer says a significant number of people who participate in illegal street races and sideshows don't live in Fresno.

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He says they come from other parts of California specifically for the street races and sideshows.

Police Chief Balderrama said the California Highway Patrol is working with the police to share intelligence of outside groups coming into Fresno for these illegal events.

Not in Fresno.