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Local vendor urges probe into outdoor market funding and reports intimidation
Summary
A San Fernando vendor asked the council to investigate alleged misuse of COVID-era state funds tied to an outdoor market, reported unclear financial records, and said she faced intimidation; council did not provide on-the-spot accounting and noted the comment for staff follow-up.
During public comment, Lupita Gonzalez, who said she owns a local salon and has represented businesses at the outdoor market, asked the City Council to investigate losses she attributes to closure of the outdoor market and alleged improper use of state COVID-19 funds. She told the council that records were unclear, cited $100,000 in funds used to close the market, and offered an estimate of several thousand dollars in lost Saturday revenue. Gonzalez also said she experienced intimidation linked to the market’s closure and has consulted an attorney.
Council did not take formal action at the meeting. Staff received the public comment and indicated that individuals will be able to follow up through city staff channels; the council’s public-comment period does not permit a back-and-forth exchange during the meeting.
