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Residents urge city to drop charges and restore photographer Matt Hauser's pier vending spot
Summary
Multiple San Clemente residents urged the council to drop charges against photographer Matt Hauser, who was cited for vending without a business license and spent nights in jail; speakers described Hauser as a fixture at the pier and asked the city to consider issuing a special permit or restoring his place at the foot of the stairs.
During oral communications the council heard several speakers asking the city to reconsider enforcement actions against photographer Matt Hauser, who for years sold photographs near the San Clemente Pier. Hauser told the council he faces court and possible jail time for tickets including vending without a business license and alleged confusion over special-event permits and park ranger enforcement.
Supporters described Hauser as a longtime community fixture whose photographs contribute to the pier's character. "Matt Hauser is a fixture in San Clemente... People expect to see him there," said a resident who asked the council to drop charges, remove a chain-link fence that now blocks the location, and issue a special permit or allow Hauser to return. Hauser said he has not received public support in the form of permits and felt trapped by conflicting instructions from enforcement staff.
Council did not make an immediate policy change or vote on enforcement; Hauser and several supporters requested staff review permit options or consider a discretionary approach such as a special permit or limited exemption. The matter remains in the oral-communications record and may be raised again through staff follow-up or a future agenda item.
