SOUTHEAST BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Bakersfield police and other agencies went to the area of Casa Loma Drive and South Martin Luther King Boulevard on Sunday to address ongoing community concerns about vendors setting up on private property.
The Bakersfield Police Department said vendors have been creating traffic congestion, trespassing violations and leaving trash behind after they leave. Some neighbors said the situation has become too much.
Blodgie Rodriguez said she has complained to the city and asked officials to take action. “I’ve been almost rear ended…because people race down that street every single day,” Rodriguez said.
Manuel Alderete said traffic and trash have become ongoing problems in the neighborhood. While he said he understands some vendors depend on sales for income, he said there needs to be accountability.
“What I don’t want is people running a business and then walking away from trash in a mess in my neighborhood. And that’s what the bigger picture if for me, its a deterioration of services based on overpopulation and illegal vending,” Alderete said.
Vendors said they understand the safety concerns but said selling is their source of income. “We’re not doing nothing bad, nothing out of the ordinary. We’re just trying to make a living,” one vendor said.
When asked what is stopping them from obtaining permits, several vendors said cost is a major barrier.
A few miles away, vendors pointed to the swap meet at the Kern County Fairgrounds but said relocating there is not simple. “The requirements are a lot and it’s not like they’re gonna let anybody just go up in there. You have to apply, you have to wait, you have to secure your spot, the money,” another vendor said.
In a statement, Bakersfield police said vendors interested in operating legally can contact the Kern County Swap Meet for guidance on obtaining the necessary permits and licenses.
The full statement:
The Bakersfield Police Department has received multiple concerns from community members and local business owners in the area of East Casa Loma Drive and Cottonwood Road regarding pop-up, swap meet–style vendors operating in the vicinity. A large number of street vendors have been establishing weekly operations on private property, resulting in congestion, traffic safety concerns, and instances of trespassing. Additionally, these gatherings have generated litter and debris that remain in the area after vendors disperse, negatively impacting the surrounding community. The Kern County Swap Meet, located at 1142 South P Street at the Kern County Fairgrounds, offers a properly permitted venue with appropriate amenities for both vendors and patrons. Vendors are provided an initial opportunity to sell non-food and non-produce items prior to obtaining all required permits or licenses. Interested vendors may contact Kern County Swap Meet Vendor Information at (661) 397-1504. They will receive guidance on how to participate in the swap meet and receive assistance with obtaining the necessary permits and licenses should they choose to continue vending at that location.
Police said enforcement will continue in the coming weeks, with a focus on public safety and protecting private property rights.