Dear Stakeholders,
As chair of the Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council’s Ad-Hoc Food Truck Committee, I would like to clear up misinformation going around about the food trucks in our community and the neighborhood council’s position. Because of the recent—and sometimes heated—debate about this issue, the Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council (GHSNC) has formed a committee to look into and address these concerns.
GHSNC hopes to act as a facilitator through which the community and all stakeholders can discuss, and possible come to some resolution or “gentleman’s agreement” about this matter. We also want to bring information to the community as we learn more about what the City of Los Angeles is doing to regulate food trucks. We hope to host a “town hall” type forum in the near future where all stakeholders can give input. However, to clarify any misunderstandings:
- The NC does not have the authority to ban or regulate food trucks, nor have we done so;
- The NC duty is to represent all stakeholders in our community, which includes local businesses, community members (customers) and food truck owners.
We urge everyone to keep things peaceful and safe. Please look for more meeting information as it become available on our website.
Sincerely,
Sean M. Rivas
Secretary/Outreach Chair
Ad-Hoc Food Truck Committee Chair
Erin says:
Although I am a resident of Granada Hills North, I am a frequent visitor to the Food trucks. I feel the food trucks are bringing a greater sense of community to Granada Hills. I have personally met so many people who are of the same mindset as myself.
I had the pleasure of meeting the guys over at the VFW on the day they hosted the food truck fest. I would never have had that opportunity of meeting and talking to such a great group of men.
The food trucks are Granada Hills. My dad grew up in Granada Hills during the 60’s. He always talks about how Chatsworth St. was where everyone went on a Friday night. Out to eat, hang out, and even maybe even race a car or two. Those time are gone, and have been gone for a long time. Chasworth St. has been turning into one large corporate conglomerate, driving out the little guys. Just because those times left, doesn’t mean we can’t get them back. The food trucks have brought a livelyness back to Chatsworth St. that hasn’t been there in over 25 years. Chatsworth St. is now the place to be, and I hope it stays that way.
G Fuentes says:
Have you seen the increased amount of litter left behind because of these food trucks? This is becoming a nuisance. Not only are people leaving their trash everywhere but they are loud and it is increasing traffic in and around the surrounding streets. Isn’t this the why we fought hard to keep Kohl’s from building a store here? This is becoming ridiculous our local businesses should be treated better than this as well as the residents.
Darrin says:
Sean, Keep up the good work,we all know one can get pulled from both sides on issues such as this. Proud residents of Granada Hills have a common saying,”When Frosty Queen is Gone,I’m GONE!”
That phrase has little to do food per se, it’s more along the lines of supporting change,embracing it…and keeping it in check!
The Lunch Trucks? Are we insane for letting this fall into the ‘Gray Area’? In every other quaint city they have set up shop, the city has passed zoning or other ordinances to keep the integrity of the street up to standard. If they climb out of their parked eye sores,clean up the trash,leave some parking,or even show some respect,it would be great to have them. Is there any reason we can’t have them park in front of Petit Park? Tables,grass,trash cans,and no feuding with businesses that pay a lease. With 39 wonderful years in G.H.,I would sure hope the day never comes when the new palm trees remind us of Sherman Way in Reseda, now that’s a lovely place to be caught after dark! Thank You So Much…
Valley Lynn says:
In the past, with the exception of ChatOak, I would hardly ever go to the business along Chatsworth as none of them seemed very interesting. With the advent of the Food Trucks, I have discovered some nice little places to go. About a week ago, my husband and I had a “date night” and went to the Food Truck fest along Chatsworth, and while walking around after having some dinner, found a hair salon that had stayed open late. I inquired about available appointments and made one for the next day since it had been awhile since my last cut and color.
The next day, when my appointment was done, I wondered over to Numero Uno and ordered take-out dinner. All told, as a result of the food trucks, I spent about $130 at local businesses that I would not otherwise have.
I can only guess that I am not the only person to have done so. There is no amount of advertising or coupon offers in the world that can bring out the foot traffic like the Food Trucks. Rather than fighting this, how about considering making Friday Night “Family Date Night” in Old Granada. Block off the Chatsworth to vehicle traffic from Shoshone to Zelzah starting at 6 p.m. and charge a $60 vendor fee (the price of a parking ticket?) to any business that would like to set up a truck or table in the area. Any business located along the blocked portion of Chatsworth would have that fee waived, and the business can use it for themselves, sell it to another business, or donate it to a non-profit organization.
If there were 100 paying businesses that wanted to participate, that would generate $6,000 in fees which can be used to help support local projects.
This could be set up on a trial basis of 3 months or 6 months to see how it does. If successful, this could be replicated in other areas of the Valley or even the city where businesses have a dearth of foot traffic.
The Food Truck phenomenon is a uniquely L.A. innovation. Rather than trying to squelch it, we should utilize its potential to bring in tourists that want to experience the Los Angeles street scene and street food.
Valley Lynn says:
Meant to add, the $60 fee would be per week, so that is a potential $6,000 a week, or $26,000 a month in revenue for the local area based on an assumption of 100 vendors.