A cosmetology teacher in Santa Maria launched a petition to allow barbershops and hair salons to operate with outdoor services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday the closures of barbershops, hair salons, fitness centers, places of worship and other indoor operations in counties that have been on the state's monitoring list for at least three days, including San Luis Obispo County.
The petition, which has garnered about 500 signatures so far, asks the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology to issue a temporary service permit to licensed businesses.
"If we were given the green light to practice safely and legally with a personal service permit, then that would be an ideal temporary situation for a lot of us industry workers," said Candice Payne, a beauty school instructor.
According to the petition, the outdoor barbershop or hair salon would have to be at the business storefront but on the sidewalk or parking lot with limited services.
Without the extra income, many salon workers claim they will not be able to afford rent.
