WILSHIRE—On Wednesday, August 11, the Los Angeles City Transportation Committee held a public meeting to discuss the issue of food trucks. The phenomenon has taken over the city during the last year and has become a trendy, dining-out option citywide; however, issues have been raised relating to parking and traffic, which the meeting addressed.
Three ordinances were up for discussion, two of which were penned by Councilmember Tom LaBonge whose district includes the congested Wilshire corridor where many food trucks stop to sell. LaBonge’s proposals include the designation of specific parking zones for the catering trucks. He also put forward the recommendation for tighter restrictions on food trucks parked at meters, most notably in commercial districts.
One of the suggestions was a system of permits, which would serve to regulate the food trucks. Voices on both sides of the argument have expressed their support for this idea, including the CEO of the Asociación de Loncheros, Erin Glenn. His organization oversees a series of profitable food truck operations and Glenn supports the idea of permits to allow food trucks to operate, while respecting the ordinances of the city and the legal issues relating to running a business.
After hearing from both sides, the committee has opted to gather more information on the issue before making any decisions.
