'Wearing Yoga Clothes as a Group and Laying Mats' to Occupy the Park... US City Takes Action

San Diego, Public Yoga Class Regulations
"NIMBYism Exploited" Some Instructors and Students Oppose

The major city of San Diego in California, USA, has launched a 'war on yoga.' Recently, as yoga instructors and participants have excessively gathered in several public places within the city, which has emerged as a yoga sanctuary, the authorities have decided to strengthen regulations.

On the 17th (local time), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the San Diego city authorities passed an ordinance this year restricting yoga classes in public places such as beaches and parks. In the past, San Diego was famous as the yoga sanctuary of the United States, but now fitness classes must be conducted only at designated locations after obtaining prior approval.

San Diego, USA, has long been famous as a "yoga sanctuary."
[Image source: Screenshot from the City of San Diego website]

If this rule is violated, park management officials will directly crack down and issue fines to yoga instructors. It is said that San Diego city officials have already started identifying unauthorized yoga instructors since last month.

However, some yoga instructors are opposing the city's measures. They claim that the city's regulation of yoga classes is a 'NIMBY' act for wealthy residents owning homes near the coastline.

Amy Baek, an instructor who has been conducting yoga classes at Sunset Cliffs Park, known as a 'sunset spot' in San Diego since 2021, filed a lawsuit against the city of San Diego along with other instructors. Baek stated, "My classes are offered for free, and participants only make voluntary donations," arguing that "therefore, it does not fall under the 'yoga classes' regulated by the city authorities."

However, the city authorities maintain the position that such yoga classes may threaten the safety of other citizens and interfere with other activities in public places.

Jennifer Campbell, a San Diego city council member, emphasized, "The city must ensure the safety and accessibility of all residents in public places." Additionally, a Sunset Cliffs Park ranger said, "Yoga classes are occasionally held at the main park's observatory, which can block visitors' views or obstruct passage."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.