SAN DIEGO – Yoga instructors can once again lead classes on San Diego’s picturesque beachfronts, thanks to a recent decision by a federal appeals court. The court overruled the city’s prohibition on such activities in beaches and parks,reigniting a debate over public space usage and freedom of expression.

Amy baack and Steve Hubbard, the yoga teachers who initiated the lawsuit against the City of San Diego in 2024, challenged the enforcement of a 2022 ordinance. This ordinance aimed to regulate commercial activities, including street vendors and group fitness classes, within city parks.

The U.S. 9th Circuit court of Appeals,in its June 4,2025,decision,asserted that teaching yoga constitutes “protected speech.” According to Bryan Pease, ESQ, co-counsel for Hubbard and Baack, this determination “overrules the district court judge in San Diego who believed the First amendment did not apply to teaching of yoga,” as stated in a press release.

In 2024, a City of Parks and Recreation spokesperson explained that, “The City saw a proliferation of businesses operating illegally in public spaces, attracting crowds of people and vehicles to areas that were not equipped to accommodate the influx.The situation also impeded access to beach and park areas for residents and visitors.” This week, the Parks and recreation Department has not yet commented on the appellate ruling.

city Attorney’s Office spokesperson Ibrahim Ahmed commented,”We are evaluating the decision and the potential next steps.”

“This case was never just about yoga-its about our right to gather, to move, and to share in community spaces,” stated Baack, who had been teaching at Sunset Cliffs as 2021 but suspended her classes last year due to the city ordinance.”It’s wonderful to see the courts agree that access to free, public wellness groups, like my yoga meetups at Sunset Cliffs, is a essential American right.”

Hubbard has already resumed his beachside classes. “I’ve already resumed teaching at Oceanfront this morning,” he announced the day after the ruling. “I started this class 18 years ago to make yoga accessible to everyone in the community,and it’s amazing after all we’ve been through to be back out teaching and sharing the practice.”

Baack’s classes are set to recommence on June 11th at Sunset Cliffs. “This is a big win, not just for me and Steve, but for all of San Diego! I’m proud to have stood up for something that matters,” she exclaimed.

“This case was never just about yoga-it’s about our right to gather, to move, and to share in community spaces.”

Understanding the Legal and Community Impact

The court’s decision has far-reaching implications for the use of public spaces and the interpretation of free speech rights. The ruling underscores the balance between regulating commercial activities and protecting individuals’ rights to express themselves and gather in public.