Opinion: San Diego must address pop-up vendors in public parks

I visited Balboa Park for the first time in a long time and discovered several dozen tents near the Bea Evenson Fountain (also in the Plaza de Panama.) I was horrified by the clutter and cheapness of this collection.

It was difficult to get through the area and the whole space looked terrible. Not the image I would wish anyone to associate with San Diego. The tents ruin the sight lines for the fountain.

If the city somehow believes these vendors add anything to the ambiance of Balboa Park it is wrong. At least do it right. Locate them elsewhere. Have the tents clean, attractive and uniform. Moderate what can be sold.

I do not think religious and political groups should be allowed. Don’t the museums sell souvenirs? Why are we cheating our museums of revenue?

Please remove this ugly swap meet from the Jewel of San Diego’s heart.

James P. Schuiteman
Azalea Park

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