Los Angeles Taco Trucks in Trouble

"Some taco trucks park in the same place all day, despite an existing law that requires they move every 30 minutes. But because the fine is only $60, many truck owners view it as a cost of doing business."

"The new restrictions, proposed by Supervisor Gloria Molina, would increase the penalty for violating the law to a misdemeanor punishable by a $1,000 fine and/or a six-month jail sentence. To soften the blow, however, she would extend the time a catering truck can be parked in one place from 30 minutes to an hour."

"Restaurant owners have long complained to county officials that taco trucks have an unfair advantage: If customers don't come to them, they can drive to the customers. And because they are small and mobile, their overhead costs are comparatively low."

"'I'm for people succeeding, but it's so hard for us who are established to be able to survive,' said Huerta, who has been a business owner in East L.A. for nearly 25 years."

"But taco vendors see it differently: They say they provide good and affordable food to communities that sometimes lack places to eat."