A Community's Heartbreak: Remembering Tony Botello and the Urgent Call for Sideshow Solutions

CROCKETT, Calif. – The quiet community of Crockett remains shrouded in grief following the tragic death of 16-year-old Tony Botello, who was killed last month in a horrific sideshow incident. As friends and family gathered for a heartfelt vigil, pouring out their love and sorrow, county officials are amplifying their call for concrete action to prevent such senseless losses in the future.

Tony, a beloved son, brother, and friend, was a passenger in a Mustang that collided with another vehicle during an illegal sideshow on San Pablo Avenue.

The impact was devastating, claiming his young life and leaving an indelible scar on all who knew him. "He was a good kid, he was loved," shared his grandmother, Elizabeth Perez, her voice heavy with unspeakable pain. "I'm going to miss him so much." The raw emotion was palpable as loved ones released doves into the sky, a poignant symbol of Tony's spirit ascending, and released balloons, each carrying a silent prayer or a cherished memory.

His sister, Stephanie Botello, spoke through tears, remembering her brother's infectious smile and kind heart.

"He was a sweet boy, always making jokes, always making us laugh," she said, clutching a photograph of Tony. The vigil wasn't just a place for mourning; it was a gathering of a community united in grief and a shared plea for an end to the dangerous activities that snatched Tony away too soon.

The tragedy has reignited the urgent discussion around sideshows, which have plagued Bay Area communities for years.

Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, representing District 5, has been a vocal advocate for stricter measures and more effective enforcement. "It's a huge problem. It's a quality of life issue, and it's a safety issue," Glover stated emphatically. He highlighted the significant resources that emergency services are forced to dedicate to these events, resources that could be better used elsewhere.

Glover revealed that county officials, including the Sheriff's Office, are actively exploring new ordinances and strategies to combat sideshows.

These efforts include leveraging advanced technology like drones for surveillance and adopting more aggressive impound policies for vehicles involved. The goal is clear: to create an environment where the risks and consequences far outweigh the perceived thrill, deterring participants and organizers alike.

For the Botello family, the pain is fresh and profound, but their hope is that Tony's death will not be in vain.

They, along with Supervisor Glover and countless community members, are pleading for an end to these dangerous spectacles. They envision a future where no other family has to endure the heartbreak they are experiencing. As the sun set on the vigil, casting long shadows, the memory of Tony Botello served as a powerful, somber reminder of the critical need for change, urging everyone to come together to protect young lives and reclaim their streets from the menace of illegal sideshows.