Anonymous
July 3, 2023, 2:47 am
10.9k Views
48 Comments
By an edhat reader
Is anyone else seeing these street vendors getting dropped off. I watched they got off the freeway at Carillo Street and dropped at San Andres street corners.
What is being done about these vendors not even from Santa Barbara and they are not starting to see them on the 154-pass area, and we all know there is no bathrooms up there on the 154. What can be done?
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I’m not worried about them either.
If they are getting dropped off, how do you know they are getting dropped off from out of town? Couldn’t they potentially be dropped off by someone in their family who lives in town? I’m certainly glad someone has free time to drive around town during the middle of day and photograph street vendors.
This has been going on for years. The guy comes from down south and drops them off. City doesn’t care just as long as they get their check they transfer you to somebody else if you call.
Every single day
This is an absurd situation. These vendors have created a sense of righteousness to their piracy and my liberal cohorts have bought into this as a proof of our tolerance. This is not about discrimination on the basis of race or class. It is about have rules that govern a civil society for our safety and health. These folks do not pay into the community. I cannot believe they collect sales tax. I doubt that they have business licenses. They are almost certainly not subject to health inspections. They are camping on public spaces without cost and are not fairly competitive to the businesses who play by the rules. The city has been dragging its heels about enforcement of simple laws, like you cannot block a sidewalk and you need a license and you have to be inspected…. Oscar in particular is petrified to do anything for fear of alienating what he calls “his people.” I am so disappointed in the city council and the city manager.
RHS, Please remember that when you say “city”, you really should say “certain City employees”, because that is what it boils down to. The buck has to stop somewhere. And in the past when reporting some basic corruption of some “City employees” to Oscar the Oligarch, he told me “Good luck with that”. It goes all the way to the top.
Everyone duck and cover!!!! We must all buy into this outrage, make it political, take sides, and let it ruin our day.
RHS: Please take my upvote.
RHS, I agree. I’m a liberal who does not support what I see.
Blocking sidewalks and paths? Nope. Cooking on the street? Nope.
I lived for years near Castillo & Mission. I saved my bottles and cans for a neighborhood woman to recycle. I loved when I occasionally had an elote cart vendor on my corner (I was a few blocks from a more popular corner near Oak Park). I bought flowers a couple of times over years, and gave my umbrella to a sales person at the Mobil station once during a helluva downpour. This was between 2004-2016.
I never saw stuff like what is going on now. It’s just unfair and a real imposition to take over a half a block; to take over a sidewalk.
I have not bothered to read health and other codes — IT’S NOT MY JOB. But I just don’t see how these street businesses can’t be shut down.
Given that, I would not report my old local elote cart.
DOULIE – I have purchased from these vendors. Why assume? If anything – the city should give them a permitting process, and not make it impossible or unaffordable to register and get inspections.
And Doulie – we probably agree a lot on this subject. I’ve seen the bureaucratic hoops and costs it takes just to launch a “lunch truck”. I’m glad the county started allowing cottage food businesses in the home – but put too much of a cap on the profits allowed on it to make it worthwhile . I’m all for the the licensing of street vendors – just would like to see it made achievable. As for a restaurant – I can’t imagine the struggles to launch or stay profitable. I’m not going to lose my sh&* about some unlicensed cart vendors. Other than that, I sincerely wish you and others here a safe and enjoyable 4th.
GENERAL – I strongly agree with the 6:07 comment by RHS. I’ll bet you have never purchased and will likely ever purchase a food or drink from one of these unlicensed vendors. I know I won’t. For me it has nothing to do with politics or taking anyone’s side. They’re unlicensed and not subject to health inspections. On June 23 Councilman Gutierrez held a community meeting for people to learn how to pursue a license for sidewalk vending. Has he followed up and spoken with vendors to learn if they have received the required license?
GENERAL – Well, I lost my bet. You did buy from a vendor. Just guessing. We did enjoy a great 4th. Thanks.
I find it hard to believe any person will drive from any significant distance to SB just to sell their drinks/food on a street corner. Is their that much money to be made? What’s the likelihood one or more of these “vendors” could be delivering drugs into our area and using their drink/food sales as a “front?” Another type of “mule?” Just a thought.
09:41 – Do you not believe this is possible?
And not much of one.
Anyone who owns a business in this city, as I do, will be able to give you the run-down of taxes, permits, inspections and licenses we all must pay to do business here. We play the game honestly, we subsidize the bloated bureaucracy of government workers. Restaurant owners in particular go through so many layers of inspections, I know a pal who bought a restaurant and it took 2 years to get it cleaned up and repaired to the satisfaction of government officials before he could reopen it. THAT is why we begrudge the scofflaws who represent “free enterprise”, because of our costs for regulation. I have nothing against the entrepreneur, but make enforcement fair for all.
Randy Rowse has exhibited zero leadership on this issue.
Have you spoken to these street vendors? Asked them where they’re from or what their deal is? Maybe find out something before you start stirring up the pot? Have you made a complaint to the City of SB? The edhat comments board is not really an effective vehicle for permit enforcement, you know.
Unfortunately, that is true about mayor Rowse but given that he is voted against by other council members it is not surprising that he has not taken on this issue that has been given a strong racial overtone. And they are focused on the eastside and westside where sidewalk blocking and fairness to other businesses seem less important to their representatives who speak all the time about “our” or “my” people.
To try ro answer some questions, my bff owns a restaurant locally. He is from Mexico. He hired legal immigrants and has a very good business. He Has gone to these venders. Yes they come from out of town some from Los Angeles some from Oxnard. He believes that there is going to be a huge influx in this kind of illegal behavior as his relatives are seeing in Texas and Oklahoma. Due to the fact that 1000’s are pouring into this country not speaking English from many countries. It would be a good idea to curb this activity before it get too out of control.I had the kids from LA selling magazines again last week. I see the van 6-8 jump out spread through the neighborhood. I bought once and never received any. The same with flowers they walk the neighborhood selling flowers once again all being dropped off by a van,it’s just very unfair for those who pay high rents and obey the laws for permits. Just look around during fiesta and see how our fun little confetti eggs have become big business not only do they take away from local non profits selling them but they harm our wonderful city and animals.
I’m pretty much OK with food cart people although every once in a while when I see one in an odd place, I wonder where do they go to the bathroom and how do they wash their hands. I saw a cart once out in front of Casa Dorinda and figured they must be relying on the bushes and Purell
The fruit vendors pictured have been setting up on the sides of the roads here locally for at least 2 years. There had been a cart parked at the end of my street weekly. They have the rainbow umbrellas and stainless silver quilted carts. I don’t know where they come from, or whether they are licensed. My first thought upon initially seeing them, “Wow, good for them. That’s some entrepreneurship.”
My observations… almost every customer I have observed was hispanic. Fruit carts are very common in Mexico. Is this truly a big problem?…. I just don’t see it.
When it comes to food safety regulators need to be all over this otherwise they put the public at risk of food borne illness and outbreaks.
You from Ventucky?
CDC Foodborne Germs and Illnesses
https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/foodborne-germs.html
CDC Total number of foodborne illnesses each year
ESTIMATED ANNUAL NUMBER OF DOMESTICALLY ACQUIRED, FOODBORNE ILLNESSES, HOSPITALIZATIONS, AND DEATHS DUE TO 31 PATHOGENS AND THE UNSPECIFIED AGENTS TRANSMITTED THROUGH FOOD, UNITED STATES
Estimated annual number of illnesses. “179 million”
Estimated annual number of hospitalizations “ 486,777”
VENTURA, California – The County of Ventura’s Environmental Health Division (Division) advises the public against consuming food and beverages made or sold by street vendors that do not possess a valid health permit.
The same goes here in Santa Barbara or anywhere.
The Division is seeing an increase in unpermitted food sales from food carts and pop-up food stands throughout the county. Many unpermitted vendors are coming from areas outside of Ventura County. These vendors are unfairly impacting local vendors who have obtained their licenses and training to do business in Ventura County.
Consuming food from vendors that have not obtained a health permit pose a serious public health risk to residents and visitors in Ventura County. Such vendors often possess unsafe makeshift equipment that do not follow proper food safety protocols and handwashing practices.
If you think you or someone you know got sick from food, please report it, even if you don’t know what food made you sick. Reporting an illness can help public health officials identify a foodborne illness outbreak and keep others from getting sick. Please call (805)654-2813 or file a complaint report at https://eco.vcrma.org/#/home.
For information regarding the Food Safety Program at the Environmental Health Division, please visit https://vcrma.org/en/consumer-food-protection
Accommodating unlicensed , unpermitted ,non inspected, non trained and equipped vendors in food safety, handling and storage etc places everyone at risk of serious food borne illness, outbreaks and Antimicrobial resistance…
You got sick, are you prosing others get sick.? With companies that hold a valid health permit to sell food, at least their is a means to keep record of illnesses and investigate cause but with pop up’s like I saw today it,s impossible, food poising doesn’t happened until 2 hours later and onward…by then the pop up is long gone ….
Enough, Sun!
Now break down how many illnesses are contracted in the home versus outside.
I had campylobacter once; I was terribly ill even though I was young and healthy. I got it preparing chicken in my home.
and I got sick once from raw oysters, in N. California.
Yes, there are millions of foodborne illnesses each year, but their source is not always clear.
Correction..
@ A-1688544827
Accommodating unlicensed , unpermitted ,non inspected, non trained and equipped vendors in food safety, handling and storage etc places everyone at risk of serious food borne illness, outbreaks and Antimicrobial resistance…
You got sick, are you prosing others get sick.? With companies that hold a valid health permit to sell food, at least there is a means to keep record of illnesses and investigate cause but with pop up’s like I saw today , tocos out of a box it,s impossible, food poisoning doesn’t happened until 2 hours later and onward…by then the pop up is long gone ….
Hmm… let’s not make bit political or a blame game. The food/ flower vendors would not make the drive from Oxnard/ Ventura/ LA unless it was profitable. They are obviously in the game to money.
I remember something one of my professors once said that when you stop enforcing the laws in society it starts to unravel. Don’t site for not having a food / sellers permit because it’s a low priority eventually will lead to don’t site/ arrest if the theft is under $900. Laws are the fabric of society All must be enforced, how they are dealt with after is another subject. If there are no consequences for actions that illegal ( yes it’s illegal to run a business in the city without a license, it’s illegal to sell food products without a health permit) then those actions will continue.
Bravo to their entrepreneurial spirit, bs, what those entrepreneurs who went through the process and made the big gamble to be in business. We need more of them, let’s not stack the date against them.
Happy 4 th
I was on my way to get a bite at Garrett’s (corner of Mission/State), but saw a cart vendor selling ‘Tacos de Canasta’ at the corner of Mission/Castillo (on the sidewalk right next to the Mobil gas station). The cost for five tacos with all the trimmings/salsa was $10….no tax and or bogus15-cent charge for the plastic bag to save the whales/penguins/etc. Such a deal! Had I made it to Garrett’s, a standard breakfast and tip would have cost me double that of the five tacos. The taco/fruit stands are going to force regular restaurants to lower their prices, so that’s a good thing for those of us who have nearly stopped going out to eat due to the unGodly amount we are forced to pay. If I owned a restaurant, I would operate a food cart on the sidewalk outside and rake in the dough each and every day.
Babycakes! TACOS!!!!
No, Babycakes, unlicensed/regulated carts will not force established businesses, as Garretts, to lower prices. Instead, they will force them out of business, unable to compete and pay their employees. …If the business began to operate illegally, with a cart outside its storefront business, it would quite soon lose its license or be fined.
As long as they keep records and pay tax like the licensed businesses who cares?!
I care if they are using public spaces for their private gain, without regard for whether or not they “keep records” or “pay taxes” like the legitimate companies. Those spaces are for other purposes that cannot be done when the squatters occupy them.
Good read,
Surge of Unpermitted Street Vendors in Santa Barbara Prompts Quest for Health and Safety Solutions
https://www.independent.com/2023/06/23/surge-of-unpermitted-street-vendors-in-santa-barbara-prompts-quest-for-health-and-safety-solutions/
Accommodating unlicensed , unpermitted ,non inspected, non trained and equipped vendors in food safety, handling and storage etc places everyone at risk of serious food borne illness, outbreaks and Antimicrobial resistance…what’s next unlicensed doctors, dentists, attorneys etc because of entrepreneurial desire?
A can of food borne illness has been opened up encouraging more to bypass the process and bypass consumer safety…the article also touches upon labor law abuse that needs investigation…those who follow the processes are not being rewarded , however those who abuse the system are getting a free pass … a huge lawsuit by consumer (s) for damages will occur and then all of us will have to cover the cost because the unlicensed will not have insurance…it a lose lose situation
CDC Total number of foodborne illnesses each year
https://www.cdc.gov/foodborneburden/2011-foodborne-estimates.html
CDC Foodborne Germs and Illnesses
https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/foodborne-germs.html
There are better and safer ways to foster entrepenures and protect the public…SBCC offers the skill set to work in the food industry at low to no fee based on income. It doesn’t only have to be the food industry but a wide array of professions. Build health code community kitchens as a means to rent and provide sanitary food to the public, and can be monitored for safety while offering work experience while getting the skill set needed from school. We want to build a better more efficient world. This also solves the problem of labor law abuse and also rewards business who follow the process. One day these entrepreneurs who work through the process, the skill set may open a business. The restaurant business has one of the highest failure rates and by having the skill set it will help to increase success. Some may find they want to pursue a different profession like higher education engineering, robotics, environmental occupations and climate change action, clean energy, finance, fashion, film… but don’t throw out these carts with no skill set, no sanitary ability, no fire hazards prevention, no health code regulations or safety to the public…it’s a loose loose situation…you have to work for success which includes more than just entreprenurialship. Create a win win solution.
Actually community kitchens already exist, they just have to go through permitting , inspection, be managed by a restauranteur who wants to give back etc…to offer a safe means to sell food and partner with SBCC to offer skills and education. A win win
I’m surprised at how pissed off lots of the usual Edhat liberal commenters are at this non-issue. Are you seriously worried about getting sick even though you don’t buy anything from them? Angry at the City for not taxing and regulating? Worried about the welfare of others? Or just don’t want brown folks trying to make a living as best they can? I’m trying to understand where you’re coming from.
Basic – one of the few times I agree with you – that people are getting way to pissed off on this subject.
Yes, concerned about the welfare of others; concerned that such rule-breaking without consequences will multiply; want safe and healthy food, once having contracted hepatitis from bad drinking water; prefer an orderly society where there are rules protecting health for _all_! Those are my reasons for objecting. …And it seems unfortunate that school children outside of Franklin School, for instance, are enticed by junk food carts! No wonder most children now are overweight with the health consequences of that.
It’s really unfortunate that Santa Barbarans are so insular that no one is asking the obvious questions around human trafficking and forced labor. Other counties did.
Why WOULD food cart vendors come here if it wasn’t profitable? It is probably pretty profitable when you leverage indentured servants who essentially have no freedom, and you pay them nothing. They have to stand there and work for 12 hours a day w no breaks or bathrooms. This is to pay off their ‘debt’ for getting smuggled into the country. Their living conditions are deplorable – sleeping 10-15 per room. Some of the Mexican-owned businesses know this is cartels in operation. They drive them up early from LA, drop them off w their carts, and come pick them up at night.
Cartels don’t bother with getting permits or worried about your health. They’ll just move the carts and laborers around so they’re impossible to find again.
Yet none of you question that aspect of this at all. Liberals pretend it’s about racism. Conservatives pretend it’s about unfair competition.
You need to look one level deeper. It’s criminal forced labor.
Partner with local organic farmers to produce nutritious organic meal meals, have a certified nutritionist on site to help improve societies gut biome in order to reduce disease and health care costs
Promote the 7 lifestyles https://youtu.be/iddFlIcxQi4 and cut heart disease by 80% and diabetes by 88%
I like what the the non profit Organic soup kitchen is doing, nutrious meals and feeding the poor will running a sustainable business…
There is so much positive, sustainable things that can be done to better society..we only have to look at the big picture to solve problems and not create more.
All the more reason Not to rezone prime ag land for housing as being proposed. We need prime ag land for sustainable cities, for organic food production when disasters take havoc on current production lands…with climate change things are going to drastically change with severe weather and cities need to be prepared to be self sustainable.
DOGS – While trafficking and forced labor is always a possibility relative to vendors, they are the only ones that know for sure where their money goes. One truck for each vendor to move their equipment up and down the coast? Not very cost effective.