Yogis find zen in Carlsbad as S.D. battle rages

A fierce fight between yogis and the city of San Diego boils over into federal court; some find respite in Carlsbad as CVAC brings on outfits until S.D. issue resolved

Yogis at Sunset Cliffs in San Diego are moving away from the area due to civil fines and citations from the city of San Diego for violation of a sidewalk vendor ordinance. Some have moved to state beaches in Carlsbad. Courtesy Jackie Kowalik

CARLSBAD — A months-long feud over a permitting ordinance in San Diego has pitted yoga instructors and their clientele against the San Diego City Council.

Several weeks ago, park rangers at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in Point Loma began citing yoga instructors after the city revised its sidewalk vendor ordinance requiring fitness classes to obtain permits.

However, Jackie Kowalik, who owns Yoga Jawn, said she believes larger forces are at play. She previously worked in politics in Philadelphia before moving to San Diego and said the action by the council and the city doesn’t add up.

Additionally, she said the city is only enforcing the ordinance at shoreline parks and not at any other park or public space in San Diego.

“If you really want to follow the word of the law, it should be every park,” Kowalik added. “They’re not shutting down big gyms that are doing it. That tells me there is big money speaking. It’s making me feel very gross about the city of San Diego’s politics. I used to work in politics in Philly, so if I’m grossed out that’s really saying something.”

Kowalik, along with several others, heard about Dennis Shay, who owns the Carlsbad Village Athletic Club and his access on state beaches. Shay holds a permit from the California Department of State Parks to operate volleyball and other activities on the state beaches. He said he wanted to help the yoga instructors after seeing the news and speaking with several business owners.