The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is considering a proposal to create free speech zones, restricting free speech activities to certain areas in downtown's Waterfront Park.
The park has become very popular for private events and recreation, but also for protesters.
The recommendation from the County's Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer is to amend county rules that would limit free speech to certain areas of the park.
Those trespassing on private events at the park could be fined.
It would establish the issuing of advance permits for protests, although officials said they are not required.
The idea would be to not allow protests hindering recreational or civic use.
While Robbins-Meyer recommended immediate approval the changes, supervisors expressed concern for infringing upon people's First Amendment rights.
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They cited a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union that needed to be addressed further.
One Vietnam War veteran spoke at the meeting recalling how he was proud to read about Vietnam War protesters in the U.S., exercising their rights.
"Occasionally I am offended by protesters' materials but I chalk that up to my obligation to tolerate different opinions in America and make room for differing opinion, " David Patterson told the supervisors.
These proposed changes would apply to this and other county parks in San Diego.
A second reading of the proposed changes is scheduled to take place on June 23.
