(KRON)– A longstanding group of street vendors is worried they may have to pack up shop after being accused of violating city codes and causing a nuisance, according to some neighbors.
Vendors outside “Our Lady of Guadalupe” church in eastside San Jose say in recent weeks, police have served them paper notices alleging they are violating code violations.
Ignacia Rueda, owner of Taqueria El Perico, received a notice from SJPD and spoke to KRON4 about her experience.
Through an interview translated into English by KRON4 staff, Rueda said SJPD told her, “That you can’t have tents or tables, that everything has to come from the food truck, and only for take-out. I know it’s easy to take out, right? But I need the tables to put my things on. They intimidate me about doing my things the way they are supposed to be done.”
The city says the police response came after neighbors and people in the congregation had complained of blight and traffic in the area caused by the vendors. Others in the community say the vendors have been in the area for years without causing problems, and their presence benefits everyone in the neighborhood.
“That is part of the charm of that particular part of the community,” said Claudia Rossi, a nurse who has worked for the church community for more than a decade.
The San Jose Police Department says it was addressing community concerns over trash and sidewalks being blocked.
The SJPD sent a statement that reads in part:
SJPD conducted educational enforcement, including administrative citations for vendors without permits. The City of San Jose has hosted and continues to host public educational workshops to educate vendors on how to obtain permits and follow guidelines and regulations.
Citation received by vendors
KRON4 reached out to City Councilmember Peter Ortiz, who represents District 5, representing the area where the “Our Lady of Guadalupe” church resides.
“It’s my goal to be the mediator between the police department and the vendors to cause a pause in this type of enforcement,” said Ortiz.
He plans to host a meeting in the future for vendors to learn about the permitting process required by the city.
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