united-states california
What is illegal to watch on the streets or other public spaces in California, United States?
<p>Last night I was hearing some car noises in the street next to my place in San Jose, California, and by the time I went out, things had calmed down. To my great surprise, this morning I <a href="https://twitter.com/SJPD_PIO/status/1366060926122614786" rel="nofollow noreferrer">read</a> (<a href="https://archive.vn/5Ctob" rel="nofollow noreferrer">mirror</a>) that the bunch of bystanders next to my place earned a criminal record:</p>
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<p>Over 40 citations, many for municipal code spectator violations. These events are illegal and we will continue the enforcement.</p>
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<p>These municipal code spectator violations are a <a href="https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Poway/html/Poway10/Poway1064.html#:%7E:text=Any%20individual%20who%20is%20present,to%20a%20maximum%20of%20six" rel="nofollow noreferrer">misdemeanor</a>. Had I gone outside my apartment slightly earlier, I could have been struck with a misdemeanor.</p>
<p>I am therefore very concerned as to what I am legally disallowed to look at when in a public space, especially because I have a green card and I fear deportation or issues when renewing my green or getting the US citizenship, and also need to apply for visas that <a href="https://travel.stackexchange.com/q/162523/1810">sometimes</a> require a criminal background check.</p>
<p>Aside from looking at cars making noise, what else is illegal to watch on the streets or other public spaces in California, United States?</p>

<p>As a practical matter, if you learn that people are gathering around a street racing event, leave.</p>
<p>In all likelihood, you should do the same if you learn that people are gathering around a cockfighting event, a duel, a staged fight between people outside of a licensed boxing or fighting event, or any other illegal contest. Rather than worrying about the precise contours of these laws, avoiding this situations is the safest rule for your personal safety from other participants and from authorities.</p>
