A hot dog vendor who was violently attacked in downtown Los Angeles last month has joined local officials in a public plea to end the escalating violence targeting street food sellers.
Arabelia Martinez, 62, whose assault was captured on viral video, spoke outside City Hall on Monday, emphasizing that attacks against street vendors have become alarmingly frequent. She asserted that those selling items like hot dogs, churros, and tacos deserve the same respect afforded to all workers.
“Let’s stop all the discrimination against street vendors... Enough!” Martinez stated in Spanish, her voice filled with emotion. “All of us have the dignity to work. We all have the right to do our job.”
Authorities reported that the incident occurred on June 15 when Martinez was operating her cart near 7th and Figueroa Streets. An altercation allegedly took place with Harmunie Heaven Church, 19, who is accused of punching Martinez multiple times, throwing her to the ground, and overturning her cart. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed that Church has been charged with assault likely to produce great bodily injury, aggravated battery, and vandalism. Hochman also indicated that his office is reviewing the possibility of adding a hate crime allegation.
Martinez, who identified herself as a victim of "racial discrimination," is Latina, while jail records indicate Church is Black. Church has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Two of Martinez's children also spoke at the news conference, revealing that their mother had faced previous attacks. Shannon Camacho, an activist with the non-profit Inclusive Actions, noted that violence against street food workers is often underreported due to a combination of ongoing legal battles to legalize street vending and harassment from federal agencies, which discourages vendors from reporting incidents.
Martinez and her family commended the Los Angeles police for their investigation and urged fellow vendors to speak out against violence. "We must not stay silent," she concluded.
