July 12, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

L.A. City Council Looks to Legalize Street Vendors

Los Angeles
Los Angeles CIty Council News on WestsideToday.com (Thinkstock)

A Los Angeles City Council committee agreed on May 13 to form a working group to explore ways to legalize street vendors.

Street vendors selling hot dogs, tacos, and other foods are commonly seen around the city, though all of it, except at special venues, is illegal.

As many as 2,000 street vendors have been arrested since 2012, the council’s Economic Development Committee was told.

The committee voted to create a group to design a way for vendors to apply for permits and demonstrate that they are following health laws and other city regulations. The group was asked to deliver a report in 90 days.

Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, and Portland, Ore., currently allow permitted vendors to sell goods and food on the sidewalk.

For years, the City Council has looked at legalizing street vending – allowing a pilot program in and around MacArthur Park at one point – but no citywide ordinance exists for licensing and regulating vendors.

In November 2013, council members Curren Price and Jose Huizar renewed an effort to legalize street vending.

In a statement today, Price said the time has come for Los Angeles to join “every other major city in the country” by developing a “properly regulated street vending system” that is sensitive to the needs of “vendors, consumers and small business owners.”

“Thousands of Angelenos are already making their living by selling food and retail items on our streets and sidewalks,” he said. “This program will simply allow us to better regulate and manage this industry.”

Huizar called the existing methods for dealing with street vending “untenable and impossible to enforce.”

“It’s unfair to brick-and-mortar businesses and it’s unfair to vendors who truly want to play by the rules under a permitted and regulated system,” he said.

Related Posts

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Billy Wilder Theater to Screen Housing Struggle Short Films with Q&A

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The program includes works by community organizers and filmmakers addressing housing struggles from LA to D.C. A free film screening...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

Chinese Bakery Hi Bake to Open First U.S. Store in Beverly Hills: REPORT

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hi Bake will offer a fusion of French and Asian pastries, including croissants filled with molten chocolate or wagyu beef...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

California Seizes $476 Million in Illegal Cannabis

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The operation, described as UCETF’s largest to date, involved support from multiple state agencies The state confiscated $476 million worth...

The Reservoir Play Opens at Geffen Playhouse

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The play follows Josh, whose life is unraveling, as he receives unconventional support from his grandparents. Their unsolicited advice, judgments,...

Angelini Grill Opens Limited Run at Peninsula Beverly Hills

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The menu includes tableside Dover Sole, lobster salad, and a signature pasta tasting A new culinary collaboration, Angelini Grill, launched...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

The Bar at Century Plaza to Celebrate National Caviar Day with Exclusive Tastings

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The seven-hour event will feature exclusive caviar tastings and champagne pairings The Bar at Fairmont Century Plaza will host a...

Westwood Village Cooking Class to Showcase Spanish Paella

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The class will guide participants through crafting both seafood and vegetarian versions of the iconic Spanish dish Food enthusiasts will...

Unmasking ICE: Senators Push for Visible IDs After Secretive LA Immigration Raids

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bill Requires Federal Agents to Display Visible Identification During Raids U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) on...

Bacio di Latte’s Beverly Hills Gelateria Debut Blends Italian Tradition with California Cool

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Gelateria Features In-House Gelato, Espresso Drinks, and Decadent Signature Flavors Bacio di Latte has officially opened its latest U.S. flagship...