"NamaSteve" sues San Diego again over yoga classes
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Yoga class in Pacific Beach. Photo: Kate Murphy/Axios
The saga of whether people can teach yoga at city parks and beaches without a permit just keeps on going.
The big picture: Steve Hubbard, known as "NamaSteve," filed a third lawsuit against the city last week, challenging tickets he got while teaching yoga in 2025.
Catch up quick: During COVID, party planning businesses started using city parks and beaches for baby showers, birthday dinners and other events.
- In 2024, the city tried to crack down on those businesses using public space for profit without a permit.
- The city also included group fitness classes in that crackdown.
- Hubbard and fellow teacher Amy Baack sued the city, saying the ban was unconstitutional because teaching yoga is protected free speech.
- They also argued that while they get donations from participants, they're not a business because payment is optional.
- The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed, blocking the city from requiring a permit for yoga.
Driving the news: Now Hubbard has filed another lawsuit against the city, saying park rangers continued to give him tickets after the ban was reversed.
- That includes a ticket for teaching classes online from his home, because the video was livestreamed at a park.
Friction point: After the federal court ruling, the fight continues over Hubbard's other lawsuits in state court. The city has subpoenaed his bank statements, Venmo history and social media messages, per court documents.
What they're saying: "... the subpoenas are pure harassment," Hubbard's attorney Bryan Pease told Axios.
- The city attorney's office didn't respond to a request for comment.
Context: Cities across the country handle permits for outdoor classes differently.
- In Chicago, you need a permit for any fitness or wellness class with more than five participants, even if it's donation-based.
- In New York City, same deal but for 20 people and up.
- But in other cities like San Francisco and Portland, you only need a permit if you're clearly running a business.
What's next: A hearing over the subpoenas is scheduled for July 17, and the larger trial is set for January.