HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17-2023_Open Session_General Comment_Trejo, Alma_RedactedFrom: on behalf of Alma Trejo
To:CityClerkDepartment
Subject:Public Comment: Stop Citations for Street Vendors and Day Laborers
Date:Wednesday, May 17, 2023 12:06:15 PM
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Dear SB Public Comment,
My name is Alma Trejo and I am emailing you in support of our Street vendor and Day laborers community and I
urge you to pass an Emergency Ordinance to stop citations until the City can produce sustainable solutions through
the 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 Comité de Jornaleros de Redondo Beach v. City of Redondo Beach established that day laborers' right to
solicit work is protected by their First Amendment rights. Workers have established the right to seek work as day
laborers, and yet, these workers 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 the community can work collaboratively to provide viable solutions. Finally, the City Council should
amend its code and remove enforcement power from the Police who continue to show that their goal is to further
criminalize communities of color.
Sincerely,
Ms. Alma Trejo