EFFORT TO GOVERN PUSHCART VENDORS REVIVED

S.D. mayor says he plans to propose rules this spring

SAN DIEGO

San Diego may finally get long-awaited rules this spring for sidewalk pushcart vendors, a growing part of the local economy that faced a possible ban from some business districts and tourist areas in 2019.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria plans to revive regulations that were abandoned midstream by his predecessor, Kevin Faulconer, after backlash from advocates for minorities and low-income residents.

Supporters of new regulations say a city crackdown is needed to fight chaotic and dangerous conditions created by vendors who illegally dump trash, don’t handle food hygienically and block access to restrooms, emergency lanes or mass transit.

Critics say onerous regulations would destroy the f ledgling businesses of thousands of low-income residents, many of them immigrants with families. Some also say the city’s initial proposal had racist overtones.

A state law that took effect two years ago aimed to encourage a new class of small entrepreneurs by loosening rules on sidewalk street vendors.

The law, the Sidewalk Safe Vending Act, gave cities power to regulate pushcarts but limited that power to issues of health and safety. It specifically prohibits rules limiting economic competition with brick-and-mortar businesses.

Gloria, who supported the law — SB946 — while in the state Assembly, plans to propose city legislation that will satisfy all groups, said Nick Serrano, his deputy chief of staff.

“Mayor Gloria is committed to working with all stakeholders, particularly our immigrant and business communities, to bring forward an ordinance to the City Council’s Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee this spring that will balance economic opportuni