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Council directs staff to modernize park rules to allow mobile vending, raise permit thresholds and update skate‑park language
Summary
Councilmembers supported a councilmember‑requested item to update municipal code provisions governing vending in parks, permit thresholds for gatherings, and skate‑park usage (to include nonmotorized scooters), and asked staff to return with draft ordinance language and operational details on enforcement and trash management.
Councilmember Jesse Lopez introduced a request to modernize provisions of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (chapters 31 and 26) governing parks and park uses, urging changes that would allow mobile vendors (for example, paleteros), raise permit thresholds for small family gatherings and update skate park rules to reflect current recreational devices such as kick scooters.
Councilmembers from across the dais expressed broad support but asked staff to consider operational details including trash management, staffing impacts for larger gatherings, and whether vending should be limited to mobile vendors to avoid turf conflicts. Councilmember Becerra suggested a preference for mobile vendors rather than stationary concessions; Councilmember Phan and others urged staff to consider park size when raising permit thresholds and to produce clear administrative guidance.
Lopez framed the changes as removing unnecessary barriers to micro‑enterprise and family uses of parks, and Councilmember Hernandez and others emphasized cultural uses, family gatherings, and the need to make parks more accessible for community events.
Council gave direction to staff to draft updated code language and return with implementation details for council review at a future meeting.
