Law Regulating Street Performers Discussed
After listening to views of more than 40 street performers and merchants, the City Council is scheduled to resume discussion next week on a controversial ordinance regulating street performers.
“Street performers are the heart and soul of the [Third Street] Promenade,” said Mayor Pam O’Connor. “They’re what sets it apart from a shopping mall. They lure people here.”
The proposed ordinance calls for limits on performers’ noise levels and on where they can set up. “These are common sense regulations--like not setting up near a bus stop, and keeping a certain distance from the doors of a business, not blocking public access,” she said.
However, folk guitarist Ned Landin, head of the ad hoc Santa Monica Street Performers Group, said a provision requiring performers to put up a sign stating that their performances are free “would absolutely cut into income.” He also criticized provisions allowing unsworn community service officers--in addition to police officers--to issue citations.
He also lambasted provisions allowing a performer to be suspended after two citations.
Under current regulations, performers can be suspended after three citations.
“All the best performers will be leaving town if this one passes,” he said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
