Mission District street food vendors say new regulations drafted by the Department of Public Health could run them out of business. "Our community is already living with so much uncertainty, costs have risen and our stability is fragile," said Rosi Villanueva, in Spanish. Villanueva was one of two dozen street food vendors who gathered on Tuesday for a rally at the 24th Street BART station.
Google The meeting heard from Richard Smith, representing members of the church, said they did not want to stop the business trading. "Trading from a pizza van at the gates of the church in such a location is demonstrably unsuitable even, some say, disrespectful," he said. Smith also said the location of the van caused "disturbance and inconvenience" for churchgoers, particularly disabled and elderly people.
'The Bear' says he got his name in prison (there, inmates used the Spanish word for bear, "Oso") for starting too many fights. He sells his goods at the 16th St. Plaza to make a living. It's temporary, he says, while he waits for his disability papers to process. He estimates that it will take six months or so. Despite his nickname and towering 6 ft plus frame, Heller has a gentle demeanor.
