HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17-2023_Open Session_General Comment_Luna, Sergio Tonatiuh_RedactedFrom: on behalf of Sergio Tonatiuh Luna
To:CityClerkDepartment
Subject:Public Comment: Stop Citations for Street Vendors and Day Laborers
Date:Wednesday, May 17, 2023 2:19:26 PM
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Dear SB Public Comment,
Good evening honorable mayor Helen Tran, council members Teddy Sanchez, Sandra Ibarra, Juan Figueroa, Fred
Shorett, Ben Reynoso, Kim Calvin and Damon Alexander and city staff. I am a long time resident of the city of San
Bernardino and I am currently living on the 4th Ward and work on the 2nd ward and go to Our Lady of Guadalupe
Catholic Church on 1st Ward. I am the director of congregational organizing with Inland Congregations United for
Change and we have partenered with most of you to improve the quality of life in our city. I was recipient of citizen
of the month in 2018 for the efforts I help lead towards bringing the Violence Intervention Program to our city.
Tonight I am encouraging you to please support of our Street Vendor and Day Laborer communities. As a long time
resident I urge you to pass an Emergency Ordinance to 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 Comite de Jornaleros de Redondo Beach V. City of Redondo Beach established that Day Laborers’ right to
solicit work is protected by the First Amendment. 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 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,
Mr. Sergio Tonatiuh Luna