San Diego to Crack Down on Street Vendors?

By Priya Sridhar / KPBS / Sept.25, 2019

The City of San Diego is considering cracking down on street vendors because of a new state law that went into effect January 1.

The new law decriminalized street vendors and requires cities across California to create local ordinances that only regulate street vending based on public health and safety, not stifling competition. Supporters of the new law hope it encourages grassroots entrepreneurs and immigrants, and protects the from criminal charges and deportation. Cities across California are now scrambling to create regulations that will conform to the new state law.

Luis Sierra and his friends have been selling jewelry and artwork on the pathway in front of Ocean Beach for years. However, for the majority of the time that has been selling his natural stone necklaces, he has technically been committing a misdemeanor.

“It’s a way of life so whether it’s illegal or not. If I can do it within a means where I’m going to still be able to feed myself and those around me at night, it has to be done,” he said.

Robert Vacchi, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer with the City of San Diego, said cities have to manage issues from vendors who may dump trash or block access to bathrooms or bus stops. Vacchi’s office is coming up with new proposed regulations that will be heard by City Council in October.

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For the text of the proposed ordinance, go here.