Council approves Uptown 'Sunset Saturdays' street market with security and traffic conditions

The City Council on Jan. 13 approved a special event permit for the Yucaipa Valley Chamber of Commerce to hold “Sunset Saturdays” on California Street (between Yucaipa Boulevard and Avenue A), with conditions requiring a plan for traffic control and a request that city police (COPs) have a presence at events.

Megan Wolf summarized the application: the market’s dates range from Jan. 25 through Sept. 27 on the application, with anticipated attendance of about 200 people, food and craft vendors and a location on California Street north of Yucaipa Boulevard and south of Avenue A. Staff noted the County Line Farmers Market intends to continue at the community park; that application will be considered separately.

Chamber representative Mary Reuter told council the market aims to support local mom‑and‑pop businesses on California Street and to raise funds for Chamber activities. Councilmembers asked for stronger traffic control planning and local security presence to avoid past problems that turned street events into informal child‑supervision gatherings and to protect merchants.

Outcome: Councilmember John (surname in transcript unclear) moved to approve the event conditioned on scheduling COPs and a traffic‑control plan; the motion passed. Staff will review vendor permits, health department requirements and coordinate with the Chamber.

Ending: Council directed staff to ensure the event plan prioritizes existing merchants on California Street, maintains public safety and coordinates with the County Line Farmers Market application.