Los Angeles, CA — Los Angeles city leaders, law enforcement officials and community advocates gathered at City Hall one month after a longtime street vendor was violently assaulted in what officials described as a possible hate crime, condemning hate and discrimination while urging victims to report incidents and seek help.
The Los Angeles Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department organized the news conference on behalf of Mayor Karen Bass following what officials called an unprovoked attack on Arabelia Martinez, a street vendor, while she worked at her hot dog cart near Figueroa and Seventh streets. Officials said Martinez was subjected to violence, extortion and harassment, leaving her injured and damaging her livelihood. The event brought together District Attorney Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles Police Department leadership, Councilmembers Ysabel Jurado and Eunisses Hernandez, and community advocacy partners to show support for Martinez and the city’s street vendor community.
“Let’s stop all the discrimination against street vendors. Enough!” Martinez said in a translated statement. “All of us have the dignity to work with freedom in this country. We all have the right to do our job. We are all humans. We are all equals.”
Martinez, who said she has worked as a street vendor since 1996, encouraged others not to remain silent after experiencing discrimination or violence.
“Raise your voice,” she said. “Everyone who has been assaulted and stayed silent. I am very proud to be Oaxacan… To all street vendors, feel proud of your work. Unity makes us strong. Yes, we can. We can make a change.”
Capri Maddox, executive director of the Los Angeles Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department, said the city organized the event to stand “shoulder-to-shoulder” with Martinez and send a clear message that “Hate has no home in Los Angeles.”
“For more than 30 years, Ms. Martinez has been a vital part of our street vending community,” said Maddox. “We want every Angeleno to understand this: no matter your citizenship status, your permit status, your country of origin, or the language you speak, you have rights!”
Councilmember Ysabel Jurado said the legal process should continue but added that preventing future attacks also requires supporting victims and strengthening partnerships among residents, businesses, community organizations and public agencies.
City officials urged anyone who experiences discrimination to file a civil rights enforcement claim with the Los Angeles Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department. They also encouraged victims and witnesses of crimes to contact law enforcement, saying Los Angeles is committed to protecting all residents from hate and discrimination.
