Street vendors forced away from Beach Street and West Cliff

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) The city of Santa Cruz ordered all street vending to stop along Beach street, near the wharf and West Cliff drive, Friday. Street vendors weren't adhering to social distancing, and it has created an unsafe space during the pandemic, according to the city.

This executive order comes just weeks after an altercation between a street vendor and business owner. Since the new pandemic rules were put in place this spring, vendors say competition has been stiff fighting over limited selling space.

The executive order will last until October. Street vendors are allowed to set up in other parts of the city.

Tonight at 5 and 6 p.m. on KION, Drew Andre will have more on the new order to keep street vendors off of Beach street.