Berkeley mayor wants law banning sitting on sidewalks on November ballot

http://www.insidebayarea.com/bay-area-news/ci_20754674/berkeley-mayor-wants-law-banning-sitting-sidewalks-november

Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates said he wants to put a measure on the November ballot to ban sitting on sidewalks in commercial areas, a move that would avoid a protracted fight in City Council chambers.

Bates said he was particularly motivated by the scene on Telegraph Avenue, which on some days can be a virtual gauntlet of transient youth sitting with their dogs and asking pedestrians for change.

He said the fine for breaking the law would be about $50 and would be classified as an infraction, meaning if you are a repeat offender or don't pay the fine it becomes a misdemeanor or higher.