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Protest Organizer Takes Aim At New Food Vendor In Dolores Park

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)- San Francisco's Dolores Park was the site of an unusual protest Saturday afternoon. One-time mayoral candidate "Chicken John" Rinaldi organized a "puke-in" to put a damper on an organic Mexican food vendor's first day of business in the popular Mission District recreational spot.

Rinaldi is protesting what he calls the commercialization of a public space despite many that enjoy the park and are looking forward to welcoming the vendor.

One woman said having the vendor would be amazing.

"They would make a lot of money here because a lot of young people that like fast food," she said.

According to the San Francisco Examiner, the vendor is backed by Mission District non-profit La Cocina and there are currently no plans in place for additional food permits despite the demand.

KCBS' Susan Kennedy Reports:

The vendor is paying rent and a hefty permit fee which the City said could go to pay for trash clean-up in the park.

Meanwhile Chicken John spent $750 on fake vomit to throw on a cardboard replica of a food cart.

Last fall Oakland's Blue Bottle Coffee gave up its permit to operate in Dolores Park after protesters threatened to spit at the vendor.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report.)

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