Clarifying Intent of Vendor Legislation

* I am writing to clarify the issue regarding street vendor legislation introduced by state Sen. Rob Hurtt (R-Garden Grove) which appeared in Focus (Feb. 23). The legislation, SB 458, would restore local authority regarding street vending in residential areas.

Hurtt introduced this legislation at Anaheim’s request after city officials received numerous citizen complaints regarding vendor trucks being disruptive to the residential community. The complaints centered around street congestion, excessive noise, trash or debris from packaging, blight in neighborhoods, and jeopardizing the public’s health and safety.

In many communities throughout Orange County and Southern California, vending from vehicles is no longer typified by the traditional roving ice cream or bakery trucks. In many instances, large vans or trucks are parked on residential streets for prolonged periods of time--primarily for the purpose of vending a wide variety of products. Many of the food products are not inspected by the health department and pose a potential safety hazard to children and adults.

These trucks constitute nothing less than markets or stores on wheels, a majority of which do not obtain a business license or pay sales or use tax, which is unfair to those businesses that abide by the rules.

Under existing law, local government can impose very limited standards to regulate street vendors. Local government, in essence, has no authority to resolve this issue without the enactment of state legislation. Hurtt’s legislation is designed to permit, not mandate, the prohibition of street vendors in residential areas.

TOM DALY

Mayor, Anaheim