City committee reviews street-vendor outreach plan, hears complaints about enforcement, staffing and lighting

The Los Angeles City Council committee heard a presentation on the Office of Street Services’ street-vendor program and questioned staff about outreach, permit access and enforcement practices, while several public commenters raised related concerns about lighting, sidewalks and public safety.

The committee’s Office of Street Services staff reported that the office has issued 432 permits for merchandise vendors and 31 permits for food vendors and described an outreach effort that will include updated educational materials and translations. “Les proporcionaron cuarenta mil dólares para actualizar los materiales educacionales para alcance y también servicios de traducción,” a staff member said during the presentation. Staff also said a planned RFQ and contract would total "cincuenta y cinco mil" dollars, which staff described as covering outreach and the contract work.

The report summarized enforcement steps the office uses when complaints arrive: verbal warnings followed by written warnings and, if the violation continues, citation. Staff said the City Attorney’s office may pursue further action. Committee members…