Mayor Bass Announces Support for Boyle Heights Street Vendors and Businesses Impacted by Lineage Fire

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Sidewalk Vending Carts Awarded to Local Entrepreneurs; Business Grants of up to $30,000 Will Support Recovery, Workforce Stabilization, and Job Retention

LOS ANGELES - Mayor Karen Bass today joined Boyle Heights community members, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and job seekers at the Boyle Heights Job and Career Fair, launched by the Mayor's Office to support workers and businesses impacted by the Lineage warehouse fire and invest in local street vendors. Photos available here.

The Mayor's Office distributed sidewalk vending carts to local entrepreneurs and recognized recipients of the Boyle Heights Lineage Fire Business Assistance, Workforce Stabilization and Layoff Aversion Business Grant, which provides financial assistance to eligible businesses recovering from the Lineage warehouse fire.

"Boyle Heights is a community built on hard work, strength, and resilience. This community has been through so much, but these families and businesses have always found ways to overcome challenges and support one another," said Mayor Bass. "Our street vendors are a powerful example of that spirit, turning their dreams into businesses to support their families. And as small businesses continue to recover from the Lineage warehouse fire, we are investing in them and working to protect jobs as we continue fighting for environmental justice. Boyle Heights deserves a city that shows up, stands with its people, and delivers real support. That is exactly what we will continue to do."

Through the City's collaboration with the County, sidewalk vendors received carts to support their microbusinesses, helping them strengthen their operations and expand economic opportunities within their communities.

The event also recognized three recipients of the Boyle Heights Lineage Fire Business Assistance, Workforce Stabilization and Layoff Aversion Business Grant: Freeway Car Wash, Picaresca Coffee, and Luz del Dia Restaurant.

The Lineage warehouse fire significantly disrupted business activity and neighborhood foot traffic, forcing some businesses to close temporarily and leaving owners facing additional expenses for equipment, air filtration, and protective supplies.

"The fire had a major impact on our business, reducing foot traffic and making people feel unsafe going outside in our community. Like many other local businesses, we are still recovering from the immediate effects of the fire. We are grateful for the support as we work to bring customers back and rebuild our business," said Francisco and Elisa Valderrama of La Picaresca Coffee.

I'm a Latina who came to this country to work hard and pursue my dreams. I'm ready to sell lots of bolis with this cart and build a better future for myself and my family," said Jessica Viveros, a recipient of a paleta cart.

"I want to thank Mayor Bass, all the City agencies, and our community partners who made this grant possible. My family has been doing business in Downtown Los Angeles since 1941, and this investment will help ensure our story continues for generations to come. The funding will allow us to replace kitchen equipment, expand our marketing efforts to bring customers back, retain our employees, and protect the livelihoods of the families who depend on our business," said Gregory Berber, owner of La Luz del Dia Restaurant.

"Freeway Car Wash is a two-generation family business and one of the few 100% hand car washes in the neighborhood. The new signage will help us gain visibility on this busy street and attract customers. After the Lineage fire, we lost our customer traffic and had to close temporarily because of poor air quality and concerns for the health of our employees and customers. This support will help us bring customers back and keep our family business going," said Cesar Martinez of Freeway Car Wash.

In partnership with theCalifornia Employment Development Department (EDD), businesses may receive up to $30,000 for eligible equipment expenses and up to $15,000 for eligible marketing and outreach services, supporting recovery efforts, daily operations, customer engagement, and workforce stabilization.

Hosted in collaboration with the City's Community Investment Department (CID), the Boyle Heights Job and Career Fair welcomed more than 200 attendees and connected residents with employers, career opportunities, and resources to support workforce development. The fair reflects the City's continued commitment to bringing employment services and economic opportunities directly into neighborhoods.

"Small businesses are the heart of Boyle Heights, providing jobs, serving families, and bringing people together. The Lineage fire created serious challenges for local businesses, and we want them to know they are not alone. Through these grants and workforce resources, we are helping business owners recover, retain employees, and rebuild their customer base. Investing in these businesses means investing in the families and the future of Boyle Heights," said Abigail Marquez, General Manager of the City's Community Investment Department.

Mayor Bass reaffirmed her administration's commitment to working alongside Boyle Heights residents, local businesses, and community partners as the neighborhood continues its recovery.

Interested in applying for a sidewalk vending cart or learning more about resources for street vendors? ContactICON CDC at [email protected] or call (818) 647-9704. For additional information about starting or growing a business in Los Angeles, visit the City's Business Portal.