Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has instructed the city’s Police Department to stop issuing criminal citations to street vendors, a directive that follows reports of citations being "erroneously issued" around MacArthur Park. Bass’s office confirmed that the LAPD had incorrectly issued these criminal charges and is now working to remove them, while also requesting the department verify no similar issues are occurring citywide.
A spokesperson for Bass, Paige Sterling, highlighted the mayor’s commitment to the local food scene, saying that street vending is "a quintessential part of L.A.’s world-class food scene." Sterling also stated that the mayor and her team plan to continue meeting with vendors to develop policies and programs tailored to their needs.
This recent focus on vendor policy comes after Mayor Bass faced criticism for remarks made last week at a mayoral debate hosted by the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. During the debate, Bass suggested that street vendors should not be permitted to operate directly in front of brick-and-mortar restaurants. She drew a comparison, stating that vendors, like encampments, should not be in front of restaurants or schools.
Councilmember Nithya Raman, a vocal critic of Bass's earlier comments, subsequently visited the popular Brothers Cousins Tacos stand on Sawtelle Boulevard with supporters and television cameras. Raman, who released a comprehensive policy plan to support street vendors, asserted that efforts against vendors affect "the heart of L.A."
Raman's proposal includes the establishment of an Immigrant Economic Opportunity Hub. This hub would provide vendors with resources such as permitting support, microloans, and legal assistance. She also emphasized the importance of creating pathways for fresh food stands to secure permits and expand their businesses, potentially towards brick-and-mortar locations.
The plan further suggests creating special vending zones within existing Los Angeles vending corridors. While specific locations for these opt-in zones were not outlined, the proposal indicates they would include shared infrastructure like sinks, power, lighting, shade, and restrooms. Raman explained that these "street vendor districts" aim to foster an environment where vendors and brick-and-mortar businesses can coexist on shared streets without conflict. When asked about vendors operating in front of restaurants, Raman affirmed that methods exist to prevent intrusion, though she did not specify enforcement details.
