It seems to me that the council members of Santa Cruz are not taking into account what is good for the citizens of Santa Cruz as a whole. Your article states that the merchants were never polled, and it doesn't sound as if the street performers had much say in the decision either. Even if the Council feels that they must pass legislation, they should still talk to all of the groups who would be affected by said legislation. This would make sure that the legislation works in the real world, instead of just looking good on paper. Also, if the street performers and merchants participate in the making of the legislation, they are far more likely to obey the legislation.