San Gabriel City Council seeks to improve public health services and streamline vendor enforcement

The San Gabriel City Council meeting on June 3, 2025, focused on several pressing issues, including the costs associated with public health services, the challenges of illegal street vendors, and the need for updated agreements with the county's public health department.

One of the main discussions revolved around the potential costs for the city, which has a population of approximately 40,000, to manage its own public health services. Council members noted that West Covina had estimated costs in the millions annually but had not yet secured funding from state or county sources. The uncertainty surrounding these costs has left many questions unanswered regarding the feasibility of such a move.

Concerns were also raised about the efficiency of services provided by the Department of Public Health, particularly regarding long wait times for business-related health inspections. Council members acknowledged that while the city has a collaborative relationship with the county, there are limitations to what can be done to expedite these services. The community development team is available to assist businesses with navigating these issues, but the public health department's response times remain a challenge.

Another significant topic was the ongoing issue of illegal street vendors in San Gabriel. Despite joint enforcement efforts involving the police and code enforcement, council members expressed frustration over the lack of success in curbing this problem. The public health department has been responsive, but the city faces staffing challenges that hinder more frequent enforcement actions. Council members emphasized the need for continued collaboration with public health to improve the effectiveness of these operations.

Additionally, the council discussed the formal agreement with the county's public health department, which had not been updated since 1996. The new agreement, which will be reviewed every five years, aims to clarify the services provided and address any shortcomings. However, council members noted that while the county had reached out for feedback, the agreement was largely a "take it or leave it" proposition, limiting the city's ability to negotiate specific service improvements.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the city's ongoing struggles with public health service costs, the enforcement of regulations against illegal street vendors, and the need for a more responsive public health framework. The council's discussions underscored the importance of collaboration with county services while also recognizing the limitations and challenges that remain.