Street vending

A restaurant owner said street vendors have cut his sales 45-50%, forcing him to cut hours and staff, and asked the city to act on an ordinance promised since 2022.

The owner of Los Carnalitos said a food stand next to his restaurant is unfair to small businesses struggling with rising costs, and asked the council to act.

Speaking through an interpreter, the La Casita Restaurant owner raised health and safety concerns — blocked sidewalks, untrained food handlers, gas cylinder risks — and said the city has a moral responsibility to act.

A small business owner since 2004 said he's down from 15 employees to one and works 15-hour days, and asked why he must follow health and safety rules while street vendors don't.

Said unpermitted food trailers operate without license plates or driver's licenses seven days a week on A Street, and criticized the lack of police or health department follow-up.

Speaking through a translator, the owner of two Hayward restaurants said unpermitted street vendors are forcing layoffs and cut hours at her restaurants, and asked the city to act.

A San Lorenzo business owner asked the council for help removing street vendors, saying he pays all licenses and permits while competitors don't.

Said a city inspector repeatedly cites his business over minor drainage issues while street vendors operate daily without consequence; showed a video of water runoff and pleaded for enforcement.

A resident, mother, and business owner described illegal vending near Cherryland Elementary, including alcohol sales, and asked the city to enforce ordinances near schools.