Vendors Are Part of Latino Culture
“Carts Caught in Culture Clash” is yet another case of rich, white politicians deciding the fate of impoverished, minority people.
What does Councilman Hansen know about being a poor Latino? “Get a license,” he says. I wonder what businesses are pressuring Hansen and other city officials to get vendors off the streets?
Only pressure or the almighty greenback could provoke such a dubious statement as, “Vendors pose a health threat and contribute to trash and graffiti problems.” Let’s see, the ice cream man sells his ice and fruit juice to people who in most cases cannot afford to buy the overpriced, prepackaged, chemical-ridden goods of larger businesses and in that way somehow induces his patrons to litter and spray-paint? I fail to see the logic.
We are talking about an 83% Latino area and these vendors are a part of the culture of that community. Unless people are complaining about sanitation problems, Councilman Hansen should mind his own business. Culture is something to take pride in, not discourage.
NICOLLE CORNUTE
North Hollywood
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