Viral video shows packed illegal food vendors as legal businesses fume over two sets of rules

A viral video of a packed San Fernando Valley street-vending strip is sparking backlash from legal vendors and restaurant owners who say they’re drowning in permits and fees while illegal operators thrive in plain sight.The clip, filmed near Sherman Way and Independence Avenue in Canoga Park, shows a solid wall of sidewalk stands blasting smoky grills, charcoal fires, and full food setups — complete with tables and chairs — transforming the street into what looks like an open-air night market.“It’s insane,” the person filming says.“The illegal street vending block … is totally packed tonight.”People weighing in on the video noted the scene exposed a glaring double standard — coal-fired restaurant ovens face strict limits in Los Angeles, yet vendors openly cook with charcoal on public sidewalks late into the night.“I follow the rules — inspections, health standards, permitted areas,” said Anthony Devgenio, owner of Big Dix Hot Dogs, a high-end mobile hot dog cart in West Hollywood.

“Meanwhile, unlicensed vendors break the rules openly.”Devgenio said he faced a mountain of costly requirements to get approved: a hand-washing sink, temperature controls, hot water at mandated levels, refrigeration, food-handler certification, insurance, and regular inspections.His cart must be kept indoors at a certified facility when not in use.Meanwhile he said he is losing half his profits to unlicensed vendors.

“I had to register a business, pass a criminal background check, get a seller’s permit, tax ID — everything.This cost a lot of money to set up.

I pay inspection fees, taxes to the city.And now I’m losing half my profits to people who don’t follow the same set of rules.” Devgenio said city officials have acknowledged his concerns but taken no meaningful action, leaving him feeling the rules aren’t enforced equally.“They say we should treat everyone equally,” he said.

“But some vendors are left alone while I’m held to ever...