Tougher Vending Law Gets Initial OK

Adrian Pedroza, who sells food every day from the back of his produce truck, says he is just trying to make a living. But how he does that may be changed by a new city ordinance that would increase regulation of produce trucks like Pedroza’s and ban pushcart vendors from public property.

“I don’t want to beg for food stamps or welfare,” said the 35-year-old father of eight children at a stop Wednesday on Baker Street. “I need to feed my family. That’s why I bought this truck and sell these goods.”

The City Council, however, tentatively approved the ordinance this week, saying the action was prompted by complaints about litter and noise.

Several residents complained that the trucks play Mexican music too loudly and that the customers who buy from street vendors drop food wrappers on the pavement, creating an eyesore.

“I, as a property owner, don’t want to see it in Fullerton,” resident Alice Pelayo said at Tuesday’s public hearing on the ordinance. “It’s very detrimental” to property values, Pelayo said.

The ordinance, which will be back on the council agenda for a final vote Feb. 4, would take effect in March.

Under its provisions, people who sell merchandise, including lemonade, corn, ice cream, hot dogs and flowers, from pushcarts, bags, other holders or stands would be prohibited from doing business on any public sidewalk, street or alley.

In addition, food vending motor vehicles would be required to obtain $60 permits each year in addition to their business and health licenses. Among other rules is a requirement that truck owners move at least 200 feet every 15 minutes and clean up customer trash within 25 feet of each stop.

Violators could face fines and have their merchandise confiscated.

The council decision did not sit well with vendors like Alejandro Cisneros, who sells fruits and candies from a truck on Garnet Lane. He called the ordinance “unjust and discriminatory.”

“It’s so hard to make a living already,” he said. “This is just one more problem.”