San Bernardino street food vendor files lawsuit claiming city violated his civil rights

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) — Cesar Marroquín operates La Fonda Asadero in San Bernardino, but as a road vendor, he does not work at any just one locale.

On Saturday, July 9, he was set up alongside East Highland with other food items distributors when code enforcement and law enforcement confirmed up.

In a now viral movie, it shows some of what unfolded as they approached Marroquín and asked to see his allow to sell foodstuff.

“We are going through a scenario following COVID-19 that is quite challenging,” he explained. “We have had to resort to advertising food. Foods that men and women appreciate and is element of the culture.”

But as the movie goes on to show, Marroquín is handcuffed by police just after he was instructed his products and foodstuff he’d geared up would be removed.

On Friday, Marroquín spoke outside the house San Bernardino’s former Town Hall with his attorney at his side. He reported next the July 9 incident, he is arranging to file a civil rights lawsuit versus the metropolis.

“These are the most marginalized individuals in the community,” mentioned Civil Legal rights Lawyer Christian Contreras. “They are being taken gain of, they are becoming subjected to civil rights violations, and they are becoming discriminated upon when they are apply for permits.”

In the online video, other sellers are listened to coming to Marroquín’s protection, shouting “SB 946,” referring to a 2018 invoice that decriminalized sidewalk vending in California.

However, the invoice does let the towns, counties and the condition to build their own policies.

The town of San Bernardino reported it is getting ready to launch law enforcement officers’ entire body digital camera footage to dispute what was seen in the video clip launched by Marroquín and an additional vendor.

“Simply because what was issued by the seller was only a partial movie, so we are geared up to difficulty, alongside with a narrative, police body cams,” mentioned Town of San Bernardino spokesperson Jeff Kraus.

According to Kraus, Marroquín is no stranger to code enforcement and has been instructed with a several modifications he could work as a legal meals truck.

The city also suggests it’s straightforward to obtain a permit.

“The system involves getting a seller’s license for the point out board of equalization, receiving a food items facility allow from the county wellness department, and instruction your personnel to get a food provider card and the last issue is a foodstuff facility insurance coverage,” stated Kraus.

Kraus also mentioned the police section is launching a personnel investigation into promises Marroquín was forcefully detained.