HomeMy WebLinkAboutLynne Wear - Special Meeting Comment - Street Vendors_RedactedFrom:Lynne Wear
To:Public Comments
Cc:
Subject:Special Meeting Comment - Street Vendors
Date:Wednesday, August 5, 2020 8:18:54 AM
Mayor and City Council,
I am Lynne Wear, a life-long and concerned resident of San Bernardino.
I am a community advocate, actively involved in Neighborhood Associations,
working with city officials and residents toward improved quality of life for everyone.
While we all understand the importance of making a living and taking care of our families, we live in a country of
laws. Those laws should be enforced and applied fairly and equitably to all. So, it is not acceptable to allow a
certain group of community members to completely disregard a city ordinance, without consequences...
in this case the Street Vendor Ordinance.
It appears as though street vendors in San Bernardino are not monitored or inspected at all. They draw customers
away from legitimate “brick and mortar” establishments who are licensed and inspected regularly and pay taxes. In
addition, from a public safety standpoint, these street vendors set up in locations where their customers are stopping
or parking unsafely, jeopardizing vehicle and pedestrian safety.
This is not acceptable!
It is unfair to ask law-abiding community-minded groups to obtain and pay for a permit to have a meeting or an
activity in a park or to have a block party, while simultaneously turning a blind eye to street vendors who break the
law everyday. There is a Taco Festival set up every night at Muscupiabe and Highland, featuring half a dozen street
taco and beverage vendors, complete with lights and easy up canopies. Something must be done about this inequity.
Please make a determination as to who in our city government will be responsible for monitoring these street
vendors and enforcing the law. I know I speak for many, many other community members as well as for myself.
You were elected to uphold the law and protect our rights.
Thank You.