Are unpermitted food vendors actually a problem in Santa Barbara County or has the beef against one stall in Santa Ynez become the loud squeaky Karen that’s garnered all of 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann’s attention?
She’s made allegations about human trafficking tied to roadside vendors in the county. She’s made it sound like they’re just lined up and down Highway 246—businesses from Los Angeles sending vanloads of unrefrigerated food up to the county, just waiting to make patrons sick.
So far, the proof is not in the pudding.
Her “task force” aims to fix the issue, but what is the issue exactly?
Her office points to a stall on Highway 246 as an example of broader issues. Unpermitted without proper handwashing stations, it sells street meat across the highway from Santa Ynez Union Valley High School during soccer and football games. Environmental Health Services has cited the stand, and it’s packed up and left. But, it just sets up again.
The state, Hartmann said, has tied the county’s hands. Enforcement is toothless. And the Solvang Chamber of Commerce complains about this taco stand (and possibly others) constantly, especially since it’s competing with other vendors who are actually permitted!
Chamber Executive Director Tracy Beard was very concerned about a lack of handwashing stations. She said vendors are “defecating” with nowhere to wash their hands.
I’m so confused. Are they just pooping on the side of the road? Sounds fishy.
OK, permitting is important. Food should also abide by safety regulations. No one needs to get a foodborne illness here.
But really, are unpermitted food spots pervasive in Santa Ynez?
I couldn’t tell you. But apparently the word is out that this is an issue and some Lompoc public officials (well, one person) have taken it upon themselves to do something about it!
Mayor Jim Mosby approached a roadside stand in Lompoc and started asking them questions that someone from Environmental Health might: “Where’s the refrigeration? What are your temperatures? You have no health permit.”
I’m so confused. Does he work for code enforcement or the county Health Department? Nope.
“This is not legal,” he told the sidewalk vendors.
The whole thing went viral thanks to video of the incident (there’s always video) posted on the TikTok (of course)—and people called Mosby a racist, which could be true, but don’t worry, he did say in the video that he likes Mexican food. Oh, good!
Not a good look, bro. Not your job, Mosby.
This little incident came in the wake of the felony and misdemeanor charges filed against City Councilmember Steve Bridge for alleged forgery and embezzlement. And requests from residents and fellow Councilmember Jeremy Ball asking Bridge to step down.
Bridge, of course, ain’t doing that. And the other three council members, including Mosby, were mum on the issue. Except Mosby did say something about how the council wasn’t wearing any black robes.
Who are they to judge, you know?
Interesting. So, Mosby’s cool with judging sidewalk vendors selling Mexican food, but not cool with judging a fellow elected official who’s charged with doing shady things.
Not a good look.
The Canary always looks good. Send mirrors to canary@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 11 – Dec 18, 2025.