Backlash Over Illegal Street Vendors in San Fernando Valley
A viral video showcasing crowded street vendors in the San Fernando Valley has led to frustration among legal vendors and restaurant owners. They feel overwhelmed by the permits and fees they must manage while illegal vendors appear to thrive without similar constraints.
Captured near Sherman Way and Independence Avenue in Canoga Park, the video reveals a busy scene of sidewalk stands filled with smoky grills and food preparations, resembling an outdoor night market.
“It’s just crazy,” the videographer remarked. “That area for illegal street vending was packed tonight.”
Comments surrounding the video highlighted a stark double standard. While legal restaurant operations face strict limitations in Los Angeles, it seems illegal vendors are openly operating with charcoal on public sidewalks late into the evening.
Anthony DeVgenio, owner of Big Dick’s Hot Dogs, an upscale mobile hot dog cart in West Hollywood, voiced his concerns. “I comply with inspection protocols, health standards, and permit zones,” he said. “Yet, unlicensed vendors blatantly disregard these rules.”
DeVgenio mentioned the extensive and costly steps he had to take to operate legally: hand-washing sinks, temperature controls, regulated hot water, refrigeration, food handler training, insurance, and regular inspections. His cart must also be stored in certified facilities when not in use.
As a result, he’s grappling with the impact of unauthorized vendors on his income. “I had to register, pass a background check, get a sales license, and acquire a tax ID,” he elaborated. “It’s been a significant financial investment, and now I’m losing half my profits to those not following the same rules.”
Moreover, DeVgenio stated that while city officials have acknowledged his issues, tangible actions have yet to follow. “They claim everyone should be treated the same,” he said. “But it feels like some vendors are left unchecked. For me, it’s about fair business practices.”
The Los Angeles County and City of Los Angeles recently introduced a $2.8 million Sidewalk Vending Cart Program, aimed at providing over 280 free health-compliant food carts to eligible vendors willing to complete the permitting process.
Officials explain that the program’s purpose is to assist low-income entrepreneurs in overcoming the challenges of legalization and adhering to new state laws regarding street food businesses.
This move aligns with recent changes under California’s Safe Sidewalk Vending Act and revised food safety regulations, which have now created a distinct permit category for mobile food operations.
County leaders have also been waiving or subsidizing certain fees while offering grants to cover extra costs. However, critics argue that many informal vendors often bypass these legal requirements and continue to operate.
Conflicts continue to arise throughout Los Angeles, including a lawsuit involving a long-established swap meet near Los Angeles City College. The owners are suing the city and City Councilman Hugo Sotomartínez, claiming his office obstructed enforcement of sidewalk vending rules and other assistance requests, describing it as a “personal vendetta.”
The swap meet, operating in the LACC parking lot for nearly three decades, faced disruptions during COVID-19, leading many vendors to migrate to nearby sidewalks, with some not returning to the market when it reopened.
Co-owner Philip Dane revealed he had repeatedly contacted the Los Angeles Police Department regarding vendor issues, only to have his requests for enforcement blocked. He also reported that his plea for temporary parking restrictions was denied.
While the city councilman did not directly address the specific allegations, he mentioned his aim is to find a solution that works for both vendors and the swap meet. Sotomartínez, himself the son of a street vendor, has expressed concern about the challenges faced by vendor families. He emphasized the need for a system that benefits everyone involved.
In contrast, other cities are tightening enforcement. Santa Monica, for instance, enhanced its sidewalk vending regulations in 2022 while simultaneously launching a low-cost permit program priced at $75 a year. This initiative emerged after alarming reports surfaced about unsafe practices among contractors on piers.
“We can’t ignore the dangerous activities happening there,” said City Councilor Lana Negrete, referring to businesses using propane tanks with open flames in wooden structures. She remarked on the sharp increase in illegal sales in the area.
In the midst of all this, questions linger. “Why isn’t anyone discussing how unfair this situation is for those of us who are compliant and pay our dues?”
