HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence- #32 Orozco, Norma
From: Melinda Alamilla <Melinda Alamilla123@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2023 2:03 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Item 32 Unpermitted and Unsafe Sidewalk Food Vendors
Attachments: IMG_20230207_113937jpg; IMG_20230207_113917jpg; IMG_20230207_113906jpg;
IMG_20230207_113904jpg; IMG_20230206_162743jpg
Good afternoon,
My name is Melinda Alamilla and I live in Ward 6.
I oppose the Unpermitted food vendors since they are unsafe for pedestrians since the Taco stands and
Unpermitted food vendors take over our sidewalks. These food vendors setup on our sidewalks and block part
of the sidewalk which is hard for pedestrians to walk through.
Our sidewalks are also dirty and damaged due to the food vendors and their food burners. Please find attached
photos.
These food stands are unsafe, unsanitary and make look our city bad.
Please enforce our city codes to ban these food vendors from our city.
Thank you,
Melinda Alamilla
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Orozco, Norma
From: John Ramirez <jpramirez714@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2023 2:13 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Item 32 Unpermitted and unsafe sidewalk food vendors
Hello,
My name is John Ramirez and I currently reside in Ward 2 and have lived in Santa Ana for 43 years.
I would like to state my opposition to unpermitted sidewalk vendors. I urge the council to adopt an ordinance to ban
them as they pose a risk to the health and safety of our residents being as they do nothing have to go through the same
inspections as licensed vendors do in our city.
Thank You
John
z
Orozco, Norma
From: martha santos <msaga.24@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, February 06, 2023 1:54 PM
To: eComment
Cc: Lopez, Jessie; Amezcua, Valerie; Phan, Thai; Bacerra, Phil; Vazquez, Benjamin;
ryanhernandez@santa-ana.org; Penaloza, David
Subject: Item 32; unpermitted and unsafe sidewalk food vendors.
Santa Ana Council,
As a resident of Santa Ana who has lived here all my life, I would like to see these ILLEGAL and
UNSAFE taco stands/sidewalk food vendors gone from our city. They posed a health threat to our
community. They block views of incoming traffic, encourage cars to stop illegally (while they buy
food), cause congestion, and a health hazard of possibly contaminated food. It's not fair to the
businesses in our city that conduct food sales here and do it the legal way, and aesthetically it makes
our city look dirty because they leave trash near their stands.
It's time that you as city representatives take action and help make Santa Ana great again !!
Thank you,
MSAGA
i
Orozco, Norma
From: Roberts, Dana <Dana.Roberts@camoves.com>
Sent: Monday, February 06, 2023 1:33 PM
To: Lopez, Jessie; Amezcua, Valerie; Phan, Thai; Bacerra, Phil; Vazquez, Benjamin;
Hernandez, Johnathan; Penaloza, David; eComment
Subject: SHUT DOWN the TACO STANDS
Hello All,
Please shut down these UNSANITARY and unsightly taco stands throughout the city. These hurt our local
restaurants & economy and devalue our city, making it look like a third world country. Personally, I have
observed a huge increase in taco stands here after LA imposed some sort of action on them last year. These
stands have no health regulations, no permits and don't pay any taxes - completely hypocritical of the
strenuous and expensive process Santa Ana asks of Restaurants and Taco Trucks.
Side note - Do you notice these taco stands don't set up in surrounding cities such as Fountain Valley, HB,
Irvine, Anaheim Hills, etc... Those cities don't tolerate them and shut them down immediately before the
number grows. The pop-up taco stands have no respect for our city and laws. Please stand up for the hard-
working business owners in your districts who voted you into office and shut down the taco stands.
We have been residents for nearly 18 years and want to continue to be proud of Santa Ana, improve it and
make it a desirable place to live.
Thank you for taking the time to read the influx of emails you are/ will be receiving and listening to your
constituents.
P.S.
We also need harsher penalties for street racers/ take overs AND their audience before more people die. Their
audience isn't innocent, they aren't there by accident or happenstance. They too are part of the problem and
deserve to be punished for encouraging the street takeovers.
The intestections located at Flower at 19th, Flower & Santa Clara and Flower & Memory are ruined from cars
doing donuts on a weekly basis and we the taxpayers are footing the bills to fix them.
Thank you again.
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Positive!
Dana Roberts - Realtor@ DRE *01777972
Relocation Specialist, CNAS,CNMS,CNBS,CNIS
Coldwell Banker Realty
Cell 949.433•6694
Dana. Roberts P camoves. com
Instagram @dana_roberts_2
Facebook. com/ danarobertsrealestate/
www.danarober-tsrealestate.com
FIVE STAR PROFESSIONAL AWARD WINNER * 77 YEARS INA ROW*
Giving back one transaction at a time.
www.pinraise.com
`Wire Fraud is Real`. Before wiring any money, call the intended recipient at a number you know is valid to
confirm the instructions. Additionally, please note that the sender does not have authority to bind a party to a
real estate contract via written or verbal communication.
Middleton, Samuel
From: D Espi <dice4819@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 6:15 AM
To: eComment
Subject: Item 32- Unpermitted and Unsafe Sidewalk Food Vendors
To Council
Please make every effort to remove these unpermitted food vendors from our streets. Our brick and mortar restaurants
should not be losing customers to people who are taking advantage of our lack of enforcement. Not to mention they are
often blocking our sidewalks. I have seen a mother with her stroller walk onto the street to get across. Completely
unacceptable.
SAPID is already streched thin, so I hope you will create a task force that will work after hours as that is when these
stands become prolific.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Diana Espinoza
Middleton, Samuel
From: Dianaa Iniguez <iniguezdianaa@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 9:32 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Item 32- Unpermitted and Unsafe Sidewalk Food Vendors
Good evening,
Side walk vendors should not be allowed. They are not following health, safety and tax regulations. I don't have a
business and I think it's extremely unfair for business owners that actually rent or own a location/food truck. Besides all
that, it also makes the city look extremely dirty. It's almost hard to believe that the city does nothing to stop these pop
up food stands. Irvine would not allow this. Santa Ana is okay with a lot of things that need to be regulated. Let's not
even forget to mention that most of these vendors aren't even local vendors.
Best regards,
Diana Iniguez
Middleton, Samuel
From: Jesus Noyola <jesusnoyola94@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 9:25 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Item 32 - Unpermitted and Unsafe Sidewalk Food Vendors
I've been aware of all the sidewalk street vendors that have been popping up in almost every corner in Santa
Ana. From what many have investigated these vendors are not Santa Ana locals and are running without
licenses or permits causing great financial hardship to all our local small businesses. In turn lowering City
income paid by small businesses. I want to make sure something is done about this as our city is going through
a lot of construction to make it look better and these street vendors make it look very tacky and second class.
The workers at these stands I'm sure have no fault in this and hopefully they are able to find other jobs as
another thing being said is that they are exploited migrants being forced to work all day, not sure about how
factual these comments have been, but they've been spreading around.
Thank you in advance for reading my eComment and any updates you guys might have please forward them to
this email.
Dale Helvig
Resident, Santa Ana CA 92706
February 6, 2023
Mayor Amezcua and Santa Ana City Councilmembers
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, 81" Floor
Santa Ana CA 92702
Subject: COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTED ITEM 32
At a recent council meeting you heard many citizens speak to you about the increasing number of
sidewalk food vendor and the impact they are having on nearby brick -and -mortar stores. What I
heard that night was the brick -and -mortar stores want an even playing field. To do this, you, the city
council need to take action to ensure this happens.
Code Enforcement is given the undaunting task of trying to enforce unpermitted and potentially
unsafe conditions by these sidewalk food vendors. You need to help them out.
Stay safe, stay healthy.
Respectfully,
a:.. 4
Dale A Helvig
Resident, Santa Ana
cc: Kristine Ridge
City Manager, Santa Ana
Sonia Carvalho
City Attorney, Santa Ana
Steven Mendoza
Assistant City Manager, Santa Ana
Page 1 of 1
2023-02-07 Letter to City Council
Middleton, Samuel
From: Cynthea Vaglienty <cyntheav@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 9:01 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Item 32 unpermitted and UnsafeSidewalk Food Vendors
Hello,
Please get these unsafe food vendors who are not paying any taxes, no rents, no insurance off our sidewalks and lots.
They are not safe. They have no where to wash their hands. No -one is regulating them. They are a complete eyesore to
this city. Shut them down permanently. I completely do not understand why Santa Ana allows this spectacle. Our
neighboring cities do not allow this. Santa Ana just loves to roll over and take it! There has to be a better way to shut
them all down permanently!!
Keep the LA Business in Los Angeles
Cynthea Vaglienty
Sent from my iPhone
Middleton, Samuel
From: Dave Elliott <delliott@santaanachamber.com>
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 6:52 PM
To: eComment
Cc: Dave Elliott
Subject: Agenda Item 32 Sidewalk Food Vending
Honorable Mayor Amezcua and Members of the City Council
As the President /CEO of the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce I wanted to comment on this issue.
I think it is very important that any business operating in our fine city needs to comply with all the regulations
they required to. If a regulation is not good then change it. Unsafe and non permitted vending is not fair nor
good business to allow some to slide by while others comply. We want to be "open for business" and
"business friendly" but there are conditions that all need to follow.
Lastly is Enforcement of the regulations again needs to be fair for all. Many of our businesses have gone down
the path with major investments in their business and then have some take advantage of not complying. not
GOOD.
Thanks for the consideration of my comments
David L Elliott
Middleton, Samuel
From: Noe C <wishes_03@hotmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 12:21 PM
To: eComment; Lopez, Jessie; Amezcua, Valerie; Phan, Thai; pbecerra@santa-ana.rog;
Vazquez, Benjamin; Hernandez, Johnathan; Penaloza, David
Subject: Item 32 - Unpermitted and Unsafe Sidewalk Food Vendors
I have been living in Santa Ana for 30+ yrs, I bought a home here and I am against all those pop up taco stands.
Is illegal, unsafe and not fair for the other business owners who have work really hard to have a stablished
business and on top of all of this, it makes Santa Ana not a very good looking city.
Again, No on Taco Stands
f►M
Middleton, Samuel
From: Roxana Pleitez <rpleitezhl @gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 9:00 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Illegal Street Taco stands - safety concern -Santa Ana Resident
Good morning,
I would like to express my disapproval and concern about the illegal street taco stands that keep appearing on a
daily basis around the city of Santa Ana, California. My quality of life is being placed in danger as I am unable
to take a walk around my neighborhood.
The taco stands are taking over the sidewalks preventing citizens like me from taking a walk around my
neighborhood. In addition, it is unsanitary as the taco stands do not have the proper food and health measures
as the ones that a restaurant and food trucks have; also, the taco stands tend to leave food waste and plastic
around the sidewalks and the streets. The food waste not only attracts rodents, but it is also unsafe for children
that walk around this area. If we take a look at this from the economic perspective, it is taking away business
from legal locations that pay taxes, rent and food and health licensing fees. If this issue continues, then the city
of Santa Ana will soon become inundated with many more and all sidewalks around the city will be blocked.
I urge you, as an elected city official, to please remove these illegal taco stands from the city of Santa Ana;
other cities, Newport Beach/Irvine/Costa Mesa, do not allow this. Why does my city allow for this?
Thank you,
Roxana Pleitez
Santa Ana, Resident Ward 5
Middleton, Samuel
From:
OLIVOS, GAY D <go2863@att.com>
Sent:
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 10:51 AM
To:
eComment
Cc:
OLIVOS, GAY D
Subject:
Item 32 - Unpermitted and Unsafe Sidewalk Food Vendors - OPPOSITION TO "STREET
VENDORS" WHEN WILL IT CEASE?
Good evening, Mayor, and Councilmembers:
Let me begin by saying: I love Santa Ana - she is my home. I stand behind her good and bad and will continue to
do so.
I am addressing the council today regarding my dismay on the street vendors and in favor of taking them off our
city properties.
It should be noted that I am heavily involved with the City of Santa Ana Parks and Recreation — I am literally at
either the Salgado Center or at the Jerome Center five days out of the week — sometimes six days out of the
week, during the baseball and football season. I have all my three grandsons playing sports and I am too proud
to put into words to see my grandsons play who are 6th Generation "Santaneros". In doing so, I have seen
quite a bit of good qualities within our parks and some improvements we need which is a different agenda all
together. I bring this to your attention since during my daily visits to these parks I do see what we term as
"paleteros" and I always contribute to their business. They work hard in the heat, in the cold, walking endlessly
throughout the park. They clearly display their business license and one can easily state they work tirelessly.
More often than not, we, the parents, and families in attendance purchase from them — we respect and love
"our paleteros"
This is not the agenda of these "street vendors" — entirely different group of individuals who have their
shoulders back and literally can become combative on their stance - entitlement individuals I might add. They
set up their "shop" on City of Santa Ana sidewalks which we pay for. They set up their tents, generators, chairs
without any care at all for Santa Ana. Their patrons leave their trash throughout the neighborhood and block
our sidewalks. Recently, they are now playing music which echoes within the neighborhood — disturbance on so
many levels. Why, I ask are we allowing this? Why have we allowed them to station themselves on Santa Ana
property without any repercussions? Cars stop with their blinkers on, literally get off their vehicle to purchase
whatever item(s) the vendor is selling. No care at all for the driver behind you or the people — mainly children
who are trying to cross the street. It must cease.
There has been quite a bit of discussion on various social media platforms both for and against "street
vendors". The main argument for those who are in "favor" of street vendors have claimed that they have a
"right" to support their families. And this is a true and valid statement. However, this is not about preventing
any vendor from supporting their families but rather holding these "street vendors" accountable. All "street
vendors" should open up a business the right way - get a business license, pay taxes, involve the health
inspectors, and more importantly do not set up their business on the City of Santa Ana property and station
themselves all day. Unlike the "paleteros" in our parks who are walking and who abide by the rules.
As a homeowner within my community, these vendors reduce by home value but more importantly, affect my
quality of life. I should be able to take my new 1 year old grandson on a walk around my block without any
obstruction on the sidewalks. I should be able to enjoy my home without the excessive noise and cars literally
blocking the "right of way". It has become so intolerable that it seems that these "street vendors" have more
rights than us, the residents, the homeowners, your constituents.
Trust me, they don't love Santa Ana. They don't care if she prospers, nor will they stand behind her good or
bad. They don't have 6th generation family members. They don't pay taxes. They don't care if the
neighborhood is left with trash. They don't care if their patrons get "sick" from the food or items they sell. They
don't care if children can't walk on the sidewalk. They don't care if cars are blocking other cars from moving.
They don't care if their music is loud.
Yes, they do have the right to support their families, but they do not have the right to not abide by the laws - all
they care about is them —they are "opportunists"
If we as a community don't speak up — when will these "street vendors" end? They won't.
I'm attaching pictures of what this "street vendor" does daily at my corner.
Sincerely,
Gay Olivos
4th Generation City of Santa Ana resident
Middleton, Samuel
From: Esmeralda Jade <sophieandme@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 1:32 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Item 32- Unpermitted and Unsafe Sidewalk Food Vendors
Hello this email is in opposition of illegal street vendors selling on our streets. Over the many past few months
I've witness in influx of illegal popup taco stands throughout the city. My street alone has a total of 4 new
ones. These vendors are out of town business owners who are not paying taxes, obeying the food health and
safety laws and taking their earnings out of Santa Ana.
Aside from the laws they are breaking, the random taco shops that are showing up are blocking the views and
streets of drivers throughout the city. I'm often -times distracted from the random tarp and bright shining
lights. If something is out of the ordinary, and literally on the sidewalk next to a busy street, as a driver it
becomes a safety issue. I'm scared to drive around at night because of these random shops that pop up. Its very
distracting and unsafe. God forbid I kill someone because I was blinded by lights that arent authorized for that
location.
In news outside of OC, a street vendor was ran over and killed. They are also putting themselves at risk. who
knows if they're actual employees or if they're paying off their coyotes and putting their lives at risk.
The city is already suffering as it is. We're overpopulated, parking is at its all time worse and people are
struggling to make ends meet. We simply cannot allow others to come into the city and profit off of our hard
earned money and turn around and infuse that money into another county.
Thank you for you attention and time.
Ward 3 Resident
R. Myers
Middleton, Samuel
From: Linda Espinoza <Iindaespinoza1519@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2023 2:45 PM
To: eComment
Subject: ITEM 32- UNPERMITTED AND UNSAFE SIDEWALK FOOD VENDORS
Good afternoon,
I am writing to you today in regard to the unpermitted and unsafe sidewalk food vendors that have recently been
engulfing the beautiful streets of Santa Ana. I would like to start off by saying that I am in no way, shape, or
form against street vendors in our community of Santa Ana. However, I am against those who come from
another county and profit from our community while making our streets look unpleasant. It is clear that the taco
stands that have been visiting our streets are part of a bigger business that only desires to profit for their own
benefit and NOT our community. I have recently traveled through the streets of Los Angeles county and the
setup, material, menu, and advertising is identical to the taco stands that are now in Santa Ana. While driving
through LA, I have also seen the clutter that these taco stands have caused the streets such as oil stains, napkins
and plastic paper trash, and rodent issues that leave that community and street of Los Angeles looking filthy and
foul. I am concerned that Santa Ana will soon become just another place that these big taco-stand vendors
destroy. Having a safe sidewalk is something I wish to advocate about. The reason being is that this has become
a safety issue for my grandmother and many elderly people who need some sort of instrument to walk such as a
wheelchair, stroller, or walker to assist them. My grandmother, who has been here in Santa Ana for more than
60 years, still likes to feel independent and sometimes takes a solo walk to the grocery store or retail store.
However, because she is old, she usually takes a stroller to help her balance and get around and it worked for
her up until we started having people sell food right by the sidewalk. As the taco stands were set up, they were
blocking my grandmother's path and not one of them took the time to help her get across. She asked out loud if
they can move the stuff but she mentioned that they did not listen to her and they were in their van prepping for
the profit they plan to make later that night. This was very upsetting to hear as people in our community that
have been here a long time are not able to safely walk their community. She was blocked from walking on the
sidewalk because these taco stands take up the entire sidewalk which leaves minimal to no space to walk by
with her stroller. I was born and raised here in Santa Ana, and I take pride in my community so I worry about
these issues as I would not like our community to look like those I have seen while traveling outside our county.
I have also driven through the city of Fountain Valey, Westminster, Costa Mesa, and Huntington Beach and
they have done a wonderful job in keeping these taco stands off their streets. By keeping them off the street,the
community looks vibrant and calm, and somewhere you might want to take a relaxing stroll. In these cities, I
see young kids riding their bikes or even the elderly taking a stroll in the afternoon with no worry or despair that
they will be blocked by a taco stand or stepping over trash or leftover meat on the floor. These unpermitted and
unsafe street vendors do not care about our Santa Ana community. I urge all the members of the Santa Ana city
council to take an afternoon/night trip through the cities of Los Angels county to grasp and visualize the
community and street conditions that these taco stands have degenerated and made unpleasant. We must strive
to become a community that is clean, vibrant, and that sticks together to work towards these issues. Our Santa
Ana community deserves beautiful streets and community conditions just as much as these other cities that
surround us.
Not only do these taco stands make our community streets look unpleasant, but they also drive away customers
from the long-time Santa Ana families that have worked hard to create a business the correct and proper
way. We have many food businesses that cater to everyone in our community. We have many taco trucks and
dine-in taco places here in Santa Ana. Many people argue that these "taco stands are not stealing business
because people will go where the food is good", but in reality, many of these businesses with proper permits
1
have amazingly delicious food but sometimes these mom-and-pop shops do not have the resources to advertise
on the street or adverse online of how delicious their food truly is. We have to encourage people to go into these
food shops and support Santa Ana businesses. Another argument may be that these taco stands are also just
trying to make a living, but the reality is that it is also the same case with our community food business. Many
of our community businesses suffer because these taco stands come and go and take without helping or
contributing to our city. We must support each other and protect our Santa Ana business. There is no need for
more taco stands especially those from other areas. Our community must strive to keep our streets safe and
coordinate food-vending businesses properly. For example, I recently attended a clean and coordinated'Friday
Night Munchies' by Edinger & Bristol where most if not all vendors were from Santa Ana. These vendors were
in a proper place where they do not block anyone and it is only done on certain days a month. It is not difficult
to work towards doing things the right way. Again, we must strive and make it a goal to make our beautiful
community of Santa Ana a place that looks orderly, clean, and safe. If we do not advocate for the good of our
community, then we will conform to an unpleasant environment, and when we conform, we accept anything
that is given to us despite it hurting us.
I want a beautiful and clean Santa Ana. We deserve a community that sticks together and retaliates against those
that want to exploit and profit from our neighbors and friends. Our communities deserve this and more. I
implore those in the city council to take the time to go to the streets of Los angles to see what these taco stands
can eventually do to a community and to also drive to Newport, Westminster, and Fountain Valley and see the
difference. We voted for you all knowing that you all will stand up for what is right and make a positive
influence and difference for Santa Ana. With this beating said, I and the community urge and plead that
something is done about these unpermitted and unsafe sidewalk food vendors. Thank you!
With much respect,
L.S Espinoza
2
Middleton, Samuel
From: Roberts, Dana <Dana.Roberts@camoves.com>
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 1:33 PM
To: Lopez, Jessie; Amezcua, Valerie; Phan, Thai; Bacerra, Phil; Vazquez, Benjamin;
Hernandez, Johnathan; Penaloza, David; eComment
Subject: SHUT DOWN the TACO STANDS
Hello All,
Please shut down these UNSANITARY and unsightly taco stands throughout the city. These hurt our local
restaurants & economy and devalue our city, making it look like a third world country. Personally, I have
observed a huge increase in taco stands here after LA imposed some sort of action on them last year. These
stands have no health regulations, no permits and don't pay any taxes -completely hypocritical of the
strenuous and expensive process Santa Ana asks of Restaurants and Taco Trucks.
Side note - Do you notice these taco stands don't set up in surrounding cities such as Fountain Valley, HB,
Irvine, Anaheim Hills, etc... Those cities don't tolerate them and shut them down immediately before the
number grows. The pop-up taco stands have no respect for our city and laws. Please stand up for the hard-
working business owners in your districts who voted you into office and shut down the taco stands.
We have been residents for nearly 18 years and want to continue to be proud of Santa Ana, improve it and
make it a desirable place to live.
Thank you for taking the time to read the influx of emails you are/will be receiving and listening to your
constituents.
P.S.
We also need harsher penalties for street racers/take overs AND their audience before more people die. Their
audience isn't innocent, they aren't there by accident or happenstance. They too are part of the problem and
deserve to be punished for encouraging the street takeovers.
The intestections located at Flower at 19th, Flower& Santa Clara and Flower& Memory are ruined from cars
doing donuts on a weekly basis and we the taxpayers are footing the bills to fix them.
Thank you again.
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Positive!
Dana Roberts - Realtor@ DRE *01777972
Relocation Specialist, CNAS,CNMS,CNBS,CNIS
Coldwell Banker Realty
Cell 949.433.6694
Dana.RobertsCa�camoves.com
Instagram C dana_roberts_2
Facebook.com/danarobertsrealestate/
www.danarobertsrealestate.com
i
FIVE STAR PROFESSIONAL AWARD WINNER 9 9 ITARS INA ROW*
10
Giving back one transaction at a thee.
www.pinraise.com
*Wire Fraud is Real*. Before wiring any money, call the intended recipient at anumber you know is valid to
confirm the instructions. Additionally, please note that the sender does not have authority to bind a party to a
real estate contract via written or verbal communication.
2