Is regulating yoga in parks really worth it? This all started because the state wanted to promote street-vending entrepreneurism. San Diego officials apparently interpreted that as a mandate to go after park yoga.
What did yoga ever do to San Diego?
For two years, the city has been waging a protracted legal battle against two yoga instructors. Their alleged transgression? Teaching yoga classes supported by donations in a picturesque public park on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You know, the kind of park perfect for a relaxing activity like yoga.
The park is open to the public. Visitors can take a walk and look at the ocean, but they should be careful. Bringing a yoga mat and a few friends (at least four, to be exact) might be construed as an illegal yoga session. It’s probably safe for a group of joggers to stretch before setting out, but if anyone’s wearing yoga pants, that could raise a red flag — hard to tell, because the ordinance is silent and the city wouldn’t comment.
And, yes, there’s litigation. So far, San Diego is losing.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.
A California city is waging a fight against yoga
Matthew Fleming
Is regulating yoga in parks really worth it? This all started because the state wanted to promote street-vending entrepreneurism. San Diego officials apparently interpreted that as a mandate to go after park yoga.
What did yoga ever do to San Diego?
For two years, the city has been waging a protracted legal battle against two yoga instructors. Their alleged transgression? Teaching yoga classes supported by donations in a picturesque public park on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You know, the kind of park perfect for a relaxing activity like yoga.
The park is open to the public. Visitors can take a walk and look at the ocean, but they should be careful. Bringing a yoga mat and a few friends (at least four, to be exact) might be construed as an illegal yoga session. It’s probably safe for a group of joggers to stretch before setting out, but if anyone’s wearing yoga pants, that could raise a red flag — hard to tell, because the ordinance is silent and the city wouldn’t comment.
And, yes, there’s litigation. So far, San Diego is losing.
Read the entire op-ed here.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.