Yoga teachers threaten to sue San Diego over beach class ban
Yoga teachers threaten to sue San Diego over beach class ban
A group of San Diego yoga instructors is preparing to take legal action after city park rangers shut down their free beachside classes. The city is citing updated vendor laws. Despite not charging fees, the instructors fall under new regulations that target unlicensed commercial and recreational activities in public spaces.
The instructors operate on a donations-only basis. As a result, they were shocked when park rangers began disrupting their sessions. They were even using trucks to block the instructors’ access. Danielle MacGreggor is one of the instructors. She described the response as overkill. Also, she accused rangers of pouncing on their small classes.
San Diego’s new ordinance initially targeted food vendors. Now, it includes other activities like luxury picnics and yoga. The law specifies that businesses must have permits for events. Thus, restricting classes to a specific area. Also, limiting group size to four people without a permit.
Jackie Kowalik is another instructor. She recounted seeing park rangers ready to issue tickets during their classes. Hers have run smoothly for over a decade. The yoga teachers argue that the ordinance’s language was unclear about including yoga sessions. So, they claim their classes should be protected as free speech.
The instructors sent a cease and desist letter to city leaders, including city attorney Mara Elliot and Mayor Todd Gloria, demanding clarification and an end to the disruptions. They contend that their donation-based classes do not constitute commercial activity and should not be restricted.
A meeting between the yoga instructors and city officials is scheduled for Friday, where they hope to secure an injunction against the ordinance’s enforcement on their classes. The instructors remain determined to continue offering free yoga sessions to the community
Source: Dailymail