San Diego, CA – Steve Hubbard, known to his followers as “NamaSteve,” was back teaching yoga on a San Diego beachfront park Thursday, just one day after a federal appeals court ruled against the city’s ban on his classes. The decision from the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted restrictions that prohibited Hubbard and other instructors from teaching yoga in shoreline parks and beaches for groups larger than four people.
“We’re all happy to be back,” Hubbard said, as he and a group of yoga enthusiasts practiced beneath the palms at Pacific Beach, with waves crashing in the background.
Background of the Case
In 2024, San Diego implemented an ordinance that restricted yoga classes in its public shoreline parks and beaches, specifically targeting groups of four or more participants. The city argued that the rule was meant to prevent commercial activity in these public spaces, ensuring that the parks and beaches were available to all members of the public.
However, Hubbard and another yoga instructor challenged the law, claiming that it infringed on their rights to free speech. The case went to the 9th Circuit Court, where a three-judge panel sided with the instructors, ruling that teaching yoga is “protected speech,” and the ordinance violated their rights.
City’s Argument and Appeal
San Diego’s attorneys argued that the rule was not specifically about yoga but rather aimed to regulate commercial activities on public property. Hubbard’s classes, which can attract up to 100 people, often include donations ranging from $5 to $40 per person, making them potentially lucrative. The city highlighted its interest in managing the use of public spaces for the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, as San Diego saw 32 million visitors in 2023 alone.
Despite these concerns, the 9th Circuit Court ruled in favor of the instructors, placing a temporary hold on the ordinance while the case continues. A hearing is scheduled to discuss the full details of the ruling, and the city’s attorney’s office is currently evaluating the decision.
Impact on Hubbard and the Community
Hubbard, who had been cited over ten times since the ordinance took effect, argued that his yoga classes were not about profit but about offering a community service, especially to people who may not be able to afford studio classes. Many of his students rely on the accessibility of outdoor yoga, particularly those with disabilities or financial challenges.
Hubbard’s attorney, Bryan Pease, emphasized that the outdoor classes provided access to yoga for a wider audience. “It’s a popular thing here. We’re a beach community, and it’s a way for people to access yoga that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to,” Pease said.
During the time the ordinance was in effect, Hubbard and his students took their classes online, streaming them from Hubbard’s backyard. However, the city continued to issue citations, even for virtual classes, as park officials cited Hubbard for operating in the park without physically being present.
Community Reaction
For many in the community, the case has become about more than just yoga. Students like John Noack, who has attended Hubbard’s classes for four years, see the victory as a win for public access over what they view as the interests of affluent property owners in the area. “I personally see this as a triumph of community over a handful of elites,” Noack said, referencing his belief that the ordinance was pushed by local residents concerned about the large crowds in front of their oceanfront properties.
The ruling comes as a relief to many in San Diego’s vibrant beach community, where yoga on the beach has become a beloved tradition.
What are your thoughts on the court’s ruling? Do you think public spaces should be regulated differently for activities like yoga? Share your opinions in the comments below.
