CA Legislator Takes Aim at Food Trucks

A well-intentioned new bill that could nudge food trucks out of huge swaths of territory now faces backlash, explains Jonathan Kauffman.

1 minute read

February 23, 2012, 9:00 AM PST

By Ryan Lue


California Assemblymember Bill Monning (D-Carmel) introduced a bill last Tuesday that would prevent food trucks from setting up shop within 1,500 feet of any school. AB 1678, intended as part of an effort to create a healthier eating environment for school children, resembles an existing ordinance in San Francisco.

But there are some important differences that have big-city officials and entrepreneurs up in arms. Unlike the Bay Area ordinance, Monning's bill bans food trucks near elementary schools as well as middle and high schools. "That doesn't make any sense," said San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener. "I don't know any elementary schools that allow their students to leave campus for lunch -- and there are many more elementary schools in town." That means that the added provision "would knock out the bulk of the city from having access to food trucks."

Critics have also pointed out that the ban would not apply to fast food outlets.

In response, a food truck advocacy group has brought together restaurateurs and enthusiasts to petition Assemblymember Monning to have a second look at the bill.

Monday, February 20, 2012 in SF Weekly

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

6 hours ago - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

7 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today