Oakland Neighborhood DECLARES WAR On Sideshows

Politics

Oakland Neighborhood DECLARES WAR On Sideshows

In Oakland, residents have taken a stand against the rampant street takeovers that have plagued their community. Frustrated by the lack of action from local authorities, they have resorted to creating homemade traffic…

March 10, 2025 • 3 min read • Art Grindstone

Art Grindstone is the hard-nosed storyteller behind Unexplained.co, a veteran investigator whose life’s work sits at the crossroads of the paranormal, fringe science, and the shadows most people try not to look into. With decades spent chasing impossible stories — black-budget psychic programs, vanished Cold War experiments, desert rituals that sparked UFO waves, and the strange phenomena buried in America’s forgotten backroads — Art brings a rare combination of skepticism, awe, and journalistic precision. He’s not here to debunk. He’s not here to blindly believe. He follows the evidence wherever it leads — even when it leads someplace deeply uncomfortable. Known for his immersive, cinematic style and his ability to turn obscure research into gripping narrative, Art has built a devoted following across podcasts, long-form features, documentaries, and serialized investigations. His interviews are direct. His analysis is unflinching. His voice has become a staple in the modern paranormal renaissance — the guy people turn to when a story is too strange, too complex, or too dangerous for anyone else to touch. Off-mic, Art works with a distributed network of researchers, archivists, and field operatives who help surface the stories mainstream media ignores. On-mic, he transforms their findings into meticulous, high-impact reporting that refuses to insult the intelligence of true believers. His philosophy is simple: Take the phenomenon seriously. Treat the audience with respect. Tell the story as if the world depends on it — because sometimes it does. When Art Grindstone digs into a case, he isn’t just chasing a mystery. He’s tracing the fault lines of reality itself.

In This Report(6)

In Oakland, residents have taken a stand against the rampant street takeovers that have plagued their community. Frustrated by the lack of action from local authorities, they have resorted to creating homemade traffic barriers and speed bumps to reclaim their streets and restore safety.

Key Takeaways

Residents are frustrated with the rise in street takeovers.
Homemade barriers and speed bumps are being used to combat the issue.
Local authorities have been slow to respond to community concerns.
The situation highlights a growing tension between citizens and law enforcement.

The Rise of Sideshows

Street takeovers, often referred to as sideshows, have become a significant issue in Oakland. These events involve groups of cars blocking off streets to perform stunts, such as donuts and burnouts. While some may see this as harmless fun, it has led to violence, traffic disruptions, and a general sense of lawlessness in the area.

Residents have reported numerous incidents of shootings and reckless driving, which have only intensified their frustration. The situation has escalated to the point where citizens feel they must take matters into their own hands.

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Community Action

In response to the chaos, a group of fed-up neighbors decided to act. They constructed barriers using tires and even installed their own speed bumps. This DIY approach was born out of desperation, as residents felt that their safety was being compromised and that local law enforcement was not doing enough to address the problem.

Tire Barriers: Initially, residents used tires as makeshift barriers. While they may not be the most effective solution, they served as a temporary deterrent against sideshows.
Speed Bumps: More significantly, residents installed legitimate speed bumps, which were effective in reducing the reckless driving that had become commonplace in their neighborhood.

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The City’s Response

Despite the community’s efforts, the city of Oakland quickly intervened. Officials removed the homemade barriers, citing safety concerns for the traveling public. This decision sparked outrage among residents who felt their voices were being ignored.

Josh Rowan, the director of Oakland’s Department of Transportation, acknowledged the community’s frustration but emphasized the risks associated with the self-installed barriers. This response has only fueled the anger of residents who believe they are being punished for trying to protect their neighborhood.