A program in Orange County will offer free permits and licenses to street vendors.
This will be the first time the county has considered street vendors as independent individuals trying to make an honest living, and drew support from District 2 authorities.
“We wanted to help those who need funds to get their permits,” said Vicente Sarmiento, Orange County Supervisor.
This morning, during an information forum, which was attended by some 30 street vendors, it was announced that the county, in addition to assistance in filling out the forms for licenses and permits, will offer financial help to pay for the paperwork as well.
“We know that many times people who do not have permits are because they cost a lot, so our office wants to help not only with information, but also with funds for the procedures,” said Sarmiento.
Within the information they received, there were also talks about their rights and also their obligations, as well as the importance of obtaining all the documents indicated by local laws.
And despite the fact that a law that benefits street vendors in California went into effect last January, it should be noted that each city has its own regulations and its own sanitation codes).
Despite the difficulties, Lupita Baltazar is now the first in her family to graduate from a university. Her parents came to Los Angeles as immigrants from Mexico and always worked hard to give her daughters the best education.
“It is important that people seek advice. There are two types of key regulations, one is the permit to sell healthy food because each county has its regulations with different types of details,” said Álvaro Núñez, deputy director of planning for Santa Ana.
Rogelia Bernabé is a fruit vendor in the city of Santa Ana and commented that with this help it will be easier for her to work without fear of being fined.
“It’s help for us, we don’t have to go on, and that’s what I need, to have permission,” said Bernabé.
The excitement of being able to put a small stand on the streets with the help of the county, brought more people to the informational forum, who expressed their interest.
“I want to sell fruit and for that I am here to learn more about how I can do my own business, and more than anything that the city helps me how to start,” said María Chinos, who wants to start her business.
Administrative and financial assistance will be available only to Orange County street vendors and will be until funds are depleted.
For more on this help call 714-834 -3220.
