Politics & Government

Food Truck Owner: 'I Try to do My Best'

Criticism is mounting over the presence of food trucks and a junk removal truck on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Heathercliff Road in Malibu.

A local food truck owner said this week the trash build up around the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Heathercliff Road does not solely come from her customers.

Esperanza Lima, who owns one of the two food trucks frequently parked at the location, said she has been coming to the popular intersection for some time.

"Before I leave, I try to leave the area clean," Lima said.

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She said most of the trash she picks up comes from Jack-in-the-Box and other businesses.

"I try to do my best all the time," she said, adding that she has a dream of opening up her own inexpensive, but tasty restaurant in the area.

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Criticism

At Monday's City Council meeting, Malibu resident JD Stevens spoke out against the growing number of food and junk removal trucks along Pacific Coast Highway at Heathercliff Road because of the amount of trash and threats to public safety.

"I think the council, except for the two newest members, should be ashamed of their apathy to the situation on Heathercliff," Stevens said.

He called the area "disgusting" because of the junk removal truck and the trash caused by customers of the "catering trucks."

"I see people pulling out, almost causing accidents every single day," Stevens said. " ... I’m sick of it and I wish this council would do something about it."

According to Malibu City Manager Jim Thorsen, the city has reached out to some of the owners to try to get cooperation.

"As long as they’re out there legally and are licensed, they are allowed to be out there," Thorsen said.

Under state law, the junk removal truck is allowed to park on Pacific Coast Highway.

Councilwoman Laura Zahn Rosenthal said she would like to see a trash can installed near the bus stop.

"The food trucks are really a problem for me because of the trash," Rosenthal said. She said she often takes pictures of the activity there and sends them to the city's code enforcement and the sheriff's department.

She added that card tables were removed from the area around the food trucks already.

"I know it looks like nothing is being done, but some of the things we can do and some of the things we can't," she said.

Councilman Skylar Peak said the trucks are hurting local businesses.

"I spoke to some of the business owners about this and they are very frustrated. That really has crushed a lot of their business," Peak said.

Supportive customers

Alex Vega, who frequents Esperanza's food truck, said sometimes he does not have enough time to take a full lunch break.

"We get lunch breaks at different times," Vega said.

A customer who would only give the name Pablo said he enjoys the food trucks.

"It's easy for me to get to," Pablo said. "They're good people. They're just trying to make a living."

Jackie Robbins, who has lived in Malibu for 40 years, said she also frequents the trucks.

"I love Lily's, but you have to wait for a while. I prefer this fast food to the other fast food in town," Robbins said.

Phone calls to the junk removal truck owners were not returned.


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