Others had installed on the west side, selling from speakers to jewelry. They seemed - and were - official. The stalls had similar awnings, and all vendors wore yellow vests and t-shirts. 'We are happy because we have returned, and also there are more people here, more traffic,' said De Jesús about the Mission Street pilot program between 23rd and 24th streets.
De Jesús and other vendors have been banned from entering Mission Street since November 27. During the prohibition, they have been confined to two and then to one designated area. The ban - which remains in effect beyond the pilot program - has prevented BART plazas from being filled with vendors, but it has also prevented authorized vendors from making enough money.
The pilot program, involving 10 vendors, started on Friday, marking the city's fourth effort to find a balance between allowing sales and keeping sidewalks and BART plazas accessible. It is not clear if this latest pilot program will be successful. But there is no doubt that tensions were high, and the return to Mission Street was a victory for the vendors.
'It feels like the first day of school (being here on Mission Street),' said Rodrigo López, president of the Mission Street Vendors Association. 'I am very happy that the city has listened to us and supported us.'
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