Informed Opinions on Today’s Topics : New Proposal Fuels Street Vendor Debate

After 2 1/2 years of bureaucratic wrangling, an ordinance that would legalize street vending in specified areas has come before the Los Angeles City Council, reigniting a debate that has long divided the city. Under the proposal, street sales would be legal for certified vendors who operate in special vending districts. Proponents argue that legalization will allow vendors--many of them immigrants in the city’s poorer neighborhoods--to make a living lawfully. Critics counter that vendors unfairly draw sales away from existing, permanent-site businesses. A vote is expected next month.

Should street vending be legalized in Los Angeles?

Genny Alberts, Panorama City property owner who works with the Blythe Street Renaissance, a group of Valley-based street vendors:

“We have a lot of immigrants in this country. Instead of picking on them, we should turn around and try to make money out of them. We have to make sure that everyone is taken care of. We have to make sure that regular business owners aren’t hurt by this. This could be like a micro business which could help the economy.” Frank Jacobs, president of the Sylmar Chamber of Commerce:

“My concern is the amount of money (it will cost vendors). I don’t know where they’re going to get that kind of money. If everything is equal and vending is legalized, you still can’t compete with them. They’re still on the corner and they’re not paying rent. We ought to control it and not neglect it because they’re going to be out there.”

Mike Hernandez, city councilman whose district includes Pico-Union, Westlake, Chinatown and Highland Park:

“The whole question about undocumented or documented immigrant (vendors) is a side issue. What I’m trying to do is give street vendors an opportunity to make an honest living. It’s already going on. There was a time when it was legal (before) and it was called the Depression.”

Penny Young, director of Mission College’s business and professional center, which oversees a street vending entrepreneurial program.

“People who want a chance to make it in this country should be given a chance, but they should carry out their activities within the law. Many vendors are living hand-to-mouth and somehow or other they need to make a living. It’s happening and it’s not going to go away.”

Marcia Moradi, owner of Northridge Flowers:

“It’s a problem for me on holidays. I’m at a very busy intersection and invariably they’re there. I would think the only way to do it would be to legalize it. If you made it legal, (street vendors) would have to follow rules like everyone else. I don’t like the whole idea of street vendors at all, though. It definitely should be legal for control purposes.”

Kevin Lentz, owner of The Weiner Factory in Sherman Oaks:

“Competition will always be there. There’s nothing any of us can do to stop it. (Street vendors) should have to toe the same line we do. It’s not cheap to get into business. If you’re not willing to (pay the required fees) then I don’t see that you have the right to be on the street selling. As with anything, it’s caveat emptor-- let the buyer beware.”

Leroy Adams, president of the Pacoima Chamber of Commerce:

“I don’t know of any chamber member who would embrace street vending. I do know that they are definitely opposed to street vending in residential areas. We all want to have the access and opportunity to make a living, but there are some standards we have as a society that we have to try to promote and maintain.”