[dropcap size=big]S[/dropcap]treet vendors in Los Angeles feel hopeless following a string of sweeps done by the LA County Department of Public Health in the last couple of weeks, describing the sweeps as inhumane, aggressive, and violent.
It’s important to note that DPH inspections “sweeps” are not something new. They happen as often as every eight to 15 days, according to vendors. Before the pandemic, some vendors reported inspections as often as every week. DPH’s reasoning for the often aggressive confiscation of their equipment and disposal of inventory is the lack of the vendor having a proper permit. However, as vendors argued today during a press conference, obtaining a permit is next to impossible, especially for food vendors.
On Friday, June 11, DPH was filmed by a group of street vendors in one of the most recent sweeps after they [DPH] showed up unannounced to the Guatemalan Night Market on 6th Street and Bonnie Brae.