‘Freedom Scroll’ Protests New Law for Street Performers
Protesters registered their anger with City Hall on Tuesday by sending officials a 1,300-foot-long roll of butcher paper that carried messages condemning a new law that regulates city street performers and vendors.
The new ordinance requires performers and vendors on the Third Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Pier to move to a new spot every two hours or face a $250 fine. Protesters say that the law violates the right to free speech, and hope their “Freedom Scroll” would cause officials to rethink their decision.
It didn’t, said Santa Monica Mayor Pam O’Connor.
After learning of the scroll’s delivery to City Hall, O’Connor said the council was not going to reconsider the new law any time soon.
“We need to give this new law a chance,” she said. “Later on, we’ll revisit it and see if there need to be changes.”
The city began enforcing the new law less than a month ago.
Under the new law, street performers must move to a new spot at least 120 feet away, and stand 40 feet away from any other performer. Protesters say that the rotations will cause confusion and safety problems.
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