Olvera Street is at a crossroads, that has become an emergency. The birthplace of Los Angeles used to have 2 million people per year supporting the small businesses on the most historic Street in LA. Today, that number has dwindled by 85%, shuttering many of the puestos That were a lifeline to generations of immigrants, families, Los Angeles, legacies.
I sit down with Ed Flores of Juanita’s, Sylvia Grabel of the Mexican Shop, and Valerie Garcia of Casa California, Each of whom are multi-generational merchants on the Calle to discuss what went wrong, and how it can be fixed. Sarah Higgins from The People Concern Joint as well, to provide a perspective on safety & homelessness around the Pueblo, one of the many factors attributed to the decline attendance.
Please consider donating to the GoFundMe To help ALL vendors on Olvera Street.
Jul 13, 2026
