FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The Fresno City Council is considering an amendment that would eliminate vendors from operating in the Tower District.
That proposal was recently postponed on the council’s agenda
In the original 14-page amendment, the city said from January 1 to September 1, there were over 5,500 calls to police from the heart of the Tower District. Those calls resulted in multiple arrests.
It also cites a rise in gang activity that results in violence in the area.
It also says this area is filled with street food vendors.
“It just really feels like they’re trying to stifle and ban street food vendors as a small business,” said Cultiva La Salud Executive Director Genoveva Islas.
The amendment says on Fridays and Saturdays between 8 pm and 2 am, crime runs rampant.
Islas said that worries street food vendors, too.
“Why are all of these negative things being associated with us as a small business? Like, they’re not villains. They are people who are trying to raise their families, pay their bills and send their children to college,” said Islas.
Islas’ organization works alongside our local vendors to offer several different resources to support their small businesses.
She said regulation can be beneficial, but overregulation can be dangerous.
“Let’s help people get all their licenses and permitting and food handling certifications. Let’s create vibrant areas where they can sell and invite them,” said Islas.
Action News did reach out to Miguel Arias and Annalisa Perea, the two who sponsored the amendment.
Off camera, Perea said there may be more changes to the original amendment, but she hasn’t been part of those conversations.
Islas said she plans to meet with city officials later this week to discuss the amendment further. She said she’s offered the city alternatives and hopes that in the discussion this week.
