Durante décadas, el número de vendedores ambulantes ha superado con creces el número de permisos para vender legalmente en las calles de Nueva York. Un proyecto de ley del Concejo de la ciudad quiere cambiar esta situación.

Vendedores ambulantes y defensores asistieron el miércoles 7 de mayo a la audiencia del Concejo dedicada a la reforma de permisos. (Alex Krales/Unidad de Prensa del Concejo de Nueva York)

Este artículo se publicó originalmente en inglés el 8 de mayo. Traducido por Daniel Parra. Read the English version here.

Durante décadas, el número de vendedores ambulantes ha superado con creces el número de permisos que les permite vender legalmente en las calles de Nueva York.

En 2021, el Concejo de la ciudad aprobó la Ley local 18, cuyo objetivo era agregar 445 permisos para vendedores por año a partir de 2022. Sin embargo, hasta ahora solo se han otorgado 382 nuevos permisos a vendedores, dijo Corinne Schiff, comisionada de salud ambiental del Departamento de Salud e Higiene Mental (DOHMH por sus siglas en inglés), durante una audiencia del Concejo el martes. 

El Concejo de la ciudad de Nueva York escuchó testimonios sobre el paquete de proyectos de ley para reformar la venta ambulante, incluyendo uno que aumentaría el número de permisos a 1.500 cada año durante cinco años consecutivos —y luego eliminaría el límite en el número de permisos por completo. Otro proyecto de ley busca despenalizar los delitos de venta ambulante (Int. 47), y un tercero crearía una unidad de asistencia para vendedores ambulantes dentro del Departamento de Servicios a Pequeñas Empresas (Int. 0408).

De entrada, funcionarios del Departamento de Protección del Consumidor y del Trabajador (DCWP por sus siglas en inglés), del Departamento de Sanidad (DSNY por sus siglas en inglés), del DOHMH y del Departamento de Servicios para Pequeñas Empresas (SBS por sus siglas en inglés), se pronunciaron a favor de la posibilidad de aumentar el número de permisos, considerándolo viable. Pero los funcionarios de estas agencias no apoyan levantar del todo el tope del número de permisos, la segunda parte del proyecto de ley que presentó la concejal del Bronx Pierina Sánchez.

“El departamento de salud de la ciudad de Nueva York no tiene ningún inconveniente en que se expidan anualmente más solicitudes de licencias de supervisión de las que actualmente exige la legislación local, y le gustaría colaborar con el Concejo de la ciudad en algunos de los detalles para facilitar su aplicación”, dijo Corinne Schiff, comisionada adjunta del DOHMH para la división de salud ambiental.

Sin embargo, añadió, “la administración se opone a levantar por completo el tope”.

Uno de los primeros pasos que debe dar una persona para preparar o servir alimentos para la venta en la calle es obtener una licencia expedida por el DOHMH. El segundo paso es obtener un permiso, cuyo número se ha limitado durante décadas, lo que ha llevado a que muchos vendedores los busquen en el mercado negro, a menudo pagando precios exorbitantes.

Durante la audiencia, Schiff argumentó que eliminar el tope aumentaría la carga de trabajo del departamento, la formación obligatoria sobre seguridad alimentaria, inspecciones y expedición de licencias y permisos, además exigiría más fondos.

Carlos Ortiz, subcomisario de asuntos externos del DCWP, ofreció otro argumento para no eliminar el tope: “impacto en la calidad de vida”.

Durante la audiencia del martes, representantes de varios Business Improvement Districts (BID) —que representan a los negocios en locales y a menudo ven a los vendedores ambulantes como su competencia— se manifestaron en contra del proyecto de ley e insistieron en la necesidad de una mayor aplicación de la ley.

“La cuestión de cuántas licencias se quieren conceder es irrelevante para el Garment District”, dijo Barbara Blair, presidenta del Garment District Alliance, un BID del centro de Manhattan. “Lo que es pertinente es regular el tiempo, el lugar y la forma que se hacen cumplir las normas y que, de hecho, se hagan cumplir enérgicamente”.

La alcaldía ya regula dónde y cuándo pueden operar los vendedores ambulantes, por ejemplo, sólo en aceras de al menos 12 pies de ancho, y algunos permisos sólo funcionan por temporadas, entre otras normas.

Las responsabilidades de hacer cumplir la ley recaen principalmente en DSNY, que asumió el liderazgo en el cumplimiento de la ley de venta ambulante de la ciudad en 2023. Pero desde 2022, el departamento de policía de Nueva York (NYPD por sus siglas en inglés) ha liderado la imposición del mayor número de multas a los vendedores. Solo en 2024 fueron más de 13.000 las multas impuestas por estas agencias a los vendedores de la ciudad y decomisaron toneladas de alimentos.

Julie Menin, presidenta del Comité de Protección del Consumidor y el Trabajador del Concejo, interrogó a los funcionarios del DOHMH acerca de por qué la mayoría de los que han obtenido licencias de supervisión desde que se aprobó la ley local 18 aún no tienen permisos de supervisión.

“No sabemos la respuesta”, dijo Schiff. “La ley local no establece un plazo para pedir el permiso, así que puede que al final se conviertan en permisos”.

Mahmoud Zayed, vendedor ambulante desde 2008, dijo que lleva años alquilando un permiso a través del mercado negro, “ya que nunca he podido obtener uno a mi nombre”.

“Me he visto obligado a pagar miles de dólares cada dos años a personas que pudieron obtener permisos directamente de la alcaldía, mientras que ellos sólo pagan una tasa reducida”, añadió.

Durante las más de seis horas que duró la audiencia, testificaron más de 80 personas. Entre ellas decenas de vendedores ambulantes, propietarios de locales, inversores, creadores de contenidos y público en general. La gran mayoría respaldó el proyecto de ley.

Los proponentes afirman que la venta ambulante, un sector mayoritariamente en manos de inmigrantes, suele ser una de las pocas opciones para quienes intentan ganarse la vida en una ciudad cada vez más costosa. Las protecciones que traerían algunos proyectos de ley son aún más importantes ahora, ya que los inmigrantes están siendo blanco de arrestos y deportaciones bajo la administración Trump. 

Después de la audiencia, Carina Kaufman-Gutiérrez, subdirectora del Street Vendor Project, dijo que es alentador ver que la administración pida ampliar el número total de permisos.

“La lucha por reformar el sistema de venta ambulante en Nueva York siempre ha sido urgente, pero especialmente en el marco de la actual administración federal, es esencial”, dijo Kaufman-Gutiérrez.

Para ponerse en contacto con el reportero de esta noticia, escriba a Daniel@citylimits.org. Para ponerse en contacto con la editora, escriba a Jeanmarie@citylimits.org.

The post Funcionarios neoyorquinos apoyan aumento de permisos para vendedores ambulantes, pero se resisten a levantar el límite impuesto hace tiempo appeared first on City Limits.

By most players’ standards, Jhoan Duran had a good season last year. By his own admission, it wasn’t what he was looking for — he wanted results that more closely resembled his 2023 season.

After posting a 2.45 earned-run average, converting 27 saves and striking out 12.1 batters per nine innings, his numbers took a slight hit last year — still dependable, just not quite as dominant. So, he dedicated himself in the offseason, stuck to a regimented plan that more closely resembled his offseason two years prior and showed up to Fort Myers, Fla., for spring training 12 pounds lighter.

And now?

“I feel great,” Duran said. “I feel younger, I can say I feel really good.”

He has looked good, too.

The Twins’ bullpen has been among the strengths of the team in recent days — on the last homestand, the group gave up just two runs (one earned) in 21 innings across six games — and Duran is right there among the big reasons why.

“His ability to repeat right now, his ability to throw his strikes with all his pitches when he wants it, and the stuff itself is back up,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “There’s just a lot of really good signs with the way he’s throwing the ball.”

The Twins, who had Monday off and will resume play on Tuesday at 5:35 p.m. CT in Baltimore, are in the midst of an eight-game winning streak. Duran is a perfect 5 for 5 in save attempts during that run, picking up a win in another game.

Across 19⅓ innings thrown this year, Duran has a 0.93 earned-run average, allowing just three runs (two earned). He has recorded seven saves in as many chances. Opponents are hitting a collective .147 against him and his 0.983 WHIP (Walks and Hits per Innings Pitched) sits at 0.983, lower than each of his previous two seasons.

Though he’s not lighting up the radar gun at 103 and 104 mph like he was a couple years of ago, he’s still throwing plenty hard — his four-seam fastball is averaging 100.5 mph, on par with where it was last season and close to 2022, as well.

And after his four-seamer got hit a little bit last year — opponents hit .296 off it — he tweaked his pitch usage. For the first time, that pitch, one of the hardest in the game, isn’t his most-used offering. That’s been replaced by his splinker, a pitch he throws at, on average, 97.8 mph.

As a rookie, that pitch was thrown 16 percent of the time. Now, it’s all the way up to 37.5 percent, eclipsing the fastball (36%). Last season, he threw his fastball 40.7 percent of the time and the splinker 31.4 percent.

“Last year when I had a bad moment, and I threw that pitch, it got me out of that situation,” he said of the splinker. “I said, OK, I need to throw it more because that pitch is really good. That’s why I throw it more. I throw it for strikes and then whatever happens.”

What happens most of the time is that opponents can’t do all that much with it.

Accompanied by a devastating curveball, which Duran throws 21.9 percent of the time — and a sweeper that he has very occasionally mixed in this year — and you’ve got a recipe for one of the most dominant pitchers in the majors.

The Twins have seen plenty of good versions of Jhoan Duran, but the version has been among the best yet.

“He’s been very good throughout, from Day One, and you had a feeling he was in a good spot in spring training,” Baldelli said. “But the season started and he really turned it up a level and I think he’s looked excellent.”

Briefly

Infielder Mickey Gasper, optioned to Triple-A St. Paul last week, was named the International League’s player of the week after a hitting .478 (11-23) with two doubles, four home runs, and six RBIs as the Saints took five of six from the Buffalo Bisons at CHS Field.

By Noreen Kompanik, TravelPulse

Owners of bed and breakfasts, the immensely popular trend of the 1980s and 1990s, faced a decline in interest among vacationers for a while in the 2000s.

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Perhaps it was because of the shared bath concept or the hotels and resorts popping up on the accommodation scene with their myriad amenities and benefits that made these once-coveted places less alluring to the traveler. Or perhaps, just a shift in travel trends.

Beds and breakfasts, however, have shaken off their dusty image and they’re back in a big way. Yes, you can still stay in stately historic mansions, former schoolhouses and old mills. But some of the trendiest properties are also featuring themed rooms, designer furniture and on-site activities such as wine and cheese pairing, afternoon tea, cooking classes, ski lessons or helping out on the property’s farm.

As a true bed and breakfast aficionado, I enjoy the affordability, personalized service, unique settings, romantic getaway opportunities, complimentary social hours and quiet, relaxed atmospheres.

Here are some of the destinations in the U.S. to enjoy your first (or next) bed and breakfast experience.

Cape May, New Jersey

This charming seaside town located at the southern tip of New Jersey is known for its beautiful beaches, Victorian architecture and relaxed coastal vibe, a blend of small-town America and old-world elegance.

Cape May is also renowned for its impressive selection of bed and breakfasts. Guests will find everything from colonial revival homes with wraparound porches and Victorian treasures to boutique offerings with eclectic design elements.

Fernandina Beach, Florida

The Addison B&B on Amelia Island, Florida. The island features the 13-mile-long Fernandina Beach. (Noreen Kompanik/Noreen Kompanik/TNS)

Located on Amelia Island in northeast Florida, Fernandina Beach offers 13 miles of pristine beaches, a rich history, a range of outdoor and water activities, a historic, quaint downtown, scenic beauty and a welcoming community.

Victorian architecture is a standout here, reflected in its many cozy bed and breakfasts that blend historic elegance with modern comforts. But you’ll also find Italianate, old Florida and New England designs as well.

Most homes are owned and operated by local families who also live on-property. And expect to enjoy gourmet breakfasts with that warm Southern hospitality the island is known for.

Charleston, South Carolina

Horse and carriage rides are a familiar sight throughout historic Charleston, South Carolina. (Noreen Kompanik/Noreen Kompanik/TNS)

This captivating coastal city seamlessly blends a rich, fascinating history, vibrant culture and true Southern charm.

Founded in 1670, Charleston is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. renowned for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets and the Charleston City Market, established in the 1790s with Gullah artisans still creating handcrafted sweetgrass baskets in the marketplace.

The city’s historic district features iconic landmarks like Rainbow Row, the Battery promenade, and antebellum mansions which is why staying in the historic district is a must. Staying in a historic bed and breakfast sets the stage for the ideal getaway, and there are so many amazing options to choose from.

Dahlonega, Georgia

If you’re looking for a charming mountain town destination, think Stars Hollow or Hallmark perfection), Dahlonega, located in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, delivers with charming bed and breakfasts that feel like a warm Southern hug.

The site of the first major U.S. Gold Rush in 1828, Dahlonega offers stays that range from historic homes near its storybook downtown to vineyard-view cottages snugged among the vines. And just venturing out a bit, you’ll find hiking trails and waterfalls, fishing and kayaking opportunities, wine tasting rooms, leaf-peeping in the fall, and an adorable downtown historic square.

Pacific Grove, California

For a small town, Pacific Grove, California, sports a good number of delightful Victorian bed and breakfasts, each providing a unique blend of historic charm, coastal beauty and personalized hospitality. (Noreen Kompanik/Noreen Kompanik/TNS)

Nestled between Monterey and Pebble Beach, this picturesque coastal town on the Monterey Peninsula is famous for its Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, where thousands of these magnificent insects migrate each fall and winter.

Lovers Point Park is a popular spot for picnicking, kayaking and catching the sunrise, being one of the few places on the West Coast where you can see the sun rise over the ocean.

For a small town, Pacific Grove sports a delightful selection of Victorian bed and breakfasts, each providing a unique blend of historic charm, coastal beauty and personalized hospitality.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Founded in 1846 by German immigrants, Fredericksburg still proudly celebrates its heritage with events like Oktoberfest and Maifest.

The gem in Texas Hill Country blends wine country flair with Southern hospitality and offers a historic main street with boutique shops, art galleries, bakeries beer gardens and cozy cafes. From mid-March through April, the hills are blanketed with vibrant wildflowers, the most notable, the bluebonnets.

Fredericksburg offers a diverse array of bed and breakfasts. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, a rustic escape or a luxury stay, you’ll find one to suit your preferences.

Savannah, Georgia

The city of Savannah is like a dreamy blend of Southern elegance, spooky legends, moss-draped oaks and rich American history — all wrapped up in a walkable, artsy and totally photogenic package. If you’ve ever wanted to step into a storybook (or a movie set), Savannah is your spot.

Georgia’s first city, founded in 1733, was laid out in a grid of 22 beautiful public squares, each with fountains, statues and towering oaks. Historic mansions, inns and bed and breakfasts surround these picturesque squares, offering a multitude of places to stay. Bed and breakfasts are our favorites, and depending on what you’re looking for, you’ll find everything from Revival mansions with courtyards and Victorian inns with antique furnishings to haunted places (if you dare)!

Newport, Rhode Island

Bannister’s Wharf Newport, Rhode Island, known as the“ sailing capital of the world,” also has many B&Bs to choose from. (Noreen Kompanik/Noreen Kompanik/TNS)

Known as the “sailing capital of the world,” Newport has deep yachting roots and regularly hosts international sailing regattas. The coastal treasure sports a rich maritime history, legendary Gilded-age mansions and seaside charm that makes it feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

Newport’s downtown waterfront is cobblestoned and full of boutiques, seafood restaurants, art galleries and colonial architecture. Bed and breakfasts here are uniquely arrayed, reflecting the character of the home, whether on the waterfront overlooking Narraganset Bay or on historic streets in town.

St. Augustine, Florida

As the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city, St. Augustine is a city draped in layers of history and cultural richness.

The city’s allure as a beautiful destination is woven from a rich tapestry of historical charm, architectural elegance, and natural beauty. The city’s cobblestone streets and well-preserved colonial architecture transport visitors to a bygone era, creating a sense of timelessness that is both enchanting and unique.

St. Augustine has many lodging options for visitors, but the most popular choices are its bed and breakfasts, located in Old Town or in a beach or waterfront setting.

©2025 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday described as “unfair” the decision by the Trump administration to suspend imports of Mexican beef cattle for 15 days due to the detection of screwworm in shipments.

Sheinbaum, who has spent the past few months scrambling to offset tariff threats by U.S. President Donald Trump, said she hoped the suspension would not result in another economic blow for her country.

“We do not agree with this measure,” she said at her morning press conference on Monday. “The Mexican government has been working an all fronts from the very first moment we were alerted to the screwworm.”

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The U.S. restricted Mexican cattle shipments in late November following the detection of the pest, but lifted the ban in February after protocols were put in place to evaluate the animals prior to entry into the country. But there has been an “unacceptable northward advancement” of the screwworm, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a statement Sunday.

“The last time this devastating pest invaded the U.S. it took our livestock industry 30 years to recover,” U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said on the X social media platform. “This can never happen again.”

The screwworm is a larva of the Cochliomyia hominivorax fly that can invade the tissues of any warm-blooded animal, including humans. The parasite enters the skin, causing serious and life-threatening damage and lesions.

Mexico’s Health Ministry issued an epidemiological warning this month after the first human case of screwworm myiasis, or parasitic infestation, was confirmed on April 17 in a 77-year-old woman living in the southern state of Chiapas.