The Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee approved a draft street vending ordinance, which will be heard by the City Council on March 1. The goal of this new ordinance is to control the overcrowding of vendors in areas like Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla, Balboa Park, and Downtown. The ordinance, crafted by District 2 Councilmember Dr. Jennifer Campbell’s office, will require licensing, permits, health standards, and limits on where vendors are allowed to set up.
On Monday, Feb. 14, there were several vendors set up in Mission Beach, but not the overwhelming amount that you see on weekends. Tina, who sells hand-crafted resin and polymer clay jewelry, had just paid the renewal on her permit the day before.
“Honestly, I don’t have a problem with having to have a permit,” she said. “I mean, it’s so inexpensive, it’s $38 a year.”
Tina would appreciate more regulations as she does have a problem with vendors who leave up their canopies overnight when the law says they should be taken down every day. At times, she hasn’t been able to find a space to set up her table because of the canopies that have been left to “save” spots.
“That’s my only gripe, you know, it’s kind of unfair,” she said.
Her main worry was that vending would be outlawed completely, so she is happy to follow any new regulations.
Maria, who also was also selling handmade jewelry at a nearby table, didn’t have a permit and was unsure if she would get one if the ordinance goes into effect. Making jewelry helps Maria with her anxiety and depression. She pointed out a pair of earrings that took her about an hour to make but she was only selling for $3. She understood why the ordinance would be put in place but was not sure if it would make financial sense for her.
“I do it because I love it, not because I make a lot of money,” she said.
Near La Jolla Cove, Tish, who works with La Jolla Crystals, had a table set up. She also has a permit to sell her goods. She is retired and is a vendor because she loves La Jolla and spending time near the ocean and seals.
“I definitely think it’s a good thing,” she said when asked about the ordinance. “I think they all should have permits, especially — the main thing is the food [vendors].”
Tish thinks the biggest complaints were because of food vendors, who don’t have to abide by a health code, and artists who were leaving debris behind. The main thing she was concerned with is how the regulations will be carried out, especially in regards to where people can vendor and how many. She hopes the city will determine how many spots are available in a certain area and hand out the correct numbers of permits based on that.
“Do I want to be here every day and be able to have a spot? Yeah, but is it fair to say that I get a spot over somebody else? That’s what we have to all work out,” she said.
Tish spoke about how long-standing vendors have become fixtures in La Jolla and are part of the history of the area.
“But I don’t want it to end up like PB and Mission Beach,” she said. “I go down there and check it out and it’s bad. But how do you regulate it?”
Tish says that she has been bumped from spots when they are taken by other vendors, but there’s nothing she can do because as of right now, there is no regulation. It’s something the vendors have to work out amongst themselves. She is hopeful that the new ordinance will take these factors into consideration.
