Cracking down on illegal Valentine’s Day vendors

UPDATE 2/8/2017 5:30 PM:

Like every rose has its thorn, almost every city has its illegal Valentine’s Day vendors. That’s why Salinas code enforcement officers are coming down on them, to create a fair playing field for the flower market.

“For the existing flower vendors that count on these major holidays, for the vendors that do come in and go through the proper process and obtaining TULP’s (temporary use of land permits) and creating a livelihood for themselves and trying to have an outside person come in and bypass the whole process, set up shop and take the business away from them,” said Lorenzo Sanchez, senior code enforcement officer.

Mark Silacci, the owner of Swenson and Silacci Flowers agrees, saying he doesn’t mind competing with people who have gone through the proper permitting process.

“We try to be a good citizen and pay our taxes and pay our fees and everything,” Silacci said, “And to see these tents and stuff pop up alongside the road, of course it’s not something we prefer. I have no problem with anyone selling stuff legally or legitimately but when it’s illegal, I’d like to see the city step in and do what they can to enforce the rules.”

Code enforcement isn’t just looking for illegal sales, but practices. According to the city’s vendor program regulations, vendors are not allowed to block driveways, entryways or sidewalks. They are also not allowed to stop traffic in order to make a sale and people wishing to have outdoor sales on private property need a TULP.

“There are areas that aren’t approved by the city because it is a dangerous location for them to be in,” Sanchez said. “So we ask them to come in and get the proper permit and let us know where they’re going to be conducting business. We’ll make sure that the location is a safe spot for them to be in.”

In 2016, Salinas code enforcement officers cited two illegal vendors. One was busted after he refused to leave private property. Another was cited for selling flowers in an intersection. Citations start at $100 and in some cases, the flowers were also confiscated.

In the meantime, Silacci said he isn’t worried about sales withering away, especially when he’s scheduled to deliver some 1,500 arrangements on Valentine’s Day.

“Am I really worried about it? No, of course not. But I just think it’s the right thing to do, is to stop this,” Silacci said.

ORIGINAL POST:

Salinas code enforcement officers to reduce illegal Valentine’s Day vending

Salinas city officials said Valentine’s Day weekend sees a rise of unlicensed and unpermitted vendors on city streets, along with more complaints from residents and businesses about the vendors.

In preparing, the city’s code enforcement officers said they have been reminding the public to buy from legitimate sellers and reminding vendors to follow the law.

According to city officials, on the days and weekend leading up to Valentine’s Day, code enforcement personnel will be contacting vendors who operate without licenses or Temporary Use of Land Permits (TULPs).

Officials said officers will issue citations if necessary and possibly confiscate merchandise.

“We appreciate people trying to make a living and encourage them to do so, but it’s important for all vendors to follow the rules,” said Lorenzo Sanchez, senior code enforcement officer.

According to city officials, TULP forms and vendor information are available at the City Permit Center’s public counter at 65 West Alisal Street in Salinas.