HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17-2023_Open Session_General Comment_Esquivel, Blasa_RedactedFrom: on behalf of Blasa Esquivel
To:CityClerkDepartment
Subject:Public Comment: Stop Citations for Street Vendors and Day Laborers
Date:Wednesday, May 17, 2023 12:26:04 PM
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Dear SB Public Comment,
I am a community member -- emailing you to support our Street vendor and Day laborers community by supporting
the Emergency Ordinance that would stop citations until the City can produce sustainable solutions through the San
Bernardino Worker Center.
It is shameful that despite the passing of state-wide legislation (SB 972) supporting the rights of street vendors, the
city and police continue to criminalize small businesses who are residents of San Bernardino and contribute to the
local economy. The case that found that the right of day laborers to solicit work was rooted in the First Amendment
was Comité de Jornaleros de Redondo Beach v. City of Redondo Beach, Day laborers established the right to seek
work as day laborers, and yet, day laborers continue to be intimidated and cited by local code and law enforcement.
We call on the San Bernardino Police and Code Enforcement to stop all enforcement operations immediately until
the city and community work collaboratively to provide viable solutions. Additionally, the City Council should
amend its code and remove enforcement power from the Police who have proven that their goal is to further
criminalize communities of color.
Sincerely,
next Blasa Esquivel