A street vendor who was violently attacked last month in downtown Los Angeles called Monday for an end to violence against food vendors, standing alongside local officials at a City Hall news conference. The victim, 62-year-old Arabelia Martinez, said assaults on street food workers have become alarmingly frequent and urged the public to treat vendors, who sell items such as bacon-wrapped hot dogs, churros, and tacos, with respect.
The incident occurred on June 15 near the intersection of 7th and Figueroa streets, when Martinez, who operates a hot dog cart, reportedly became involved in an argument with 19-year-old Harmunie Heaven Church. According to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, Church allegedly punched Martinez repeatedly, threw her to the ground, and overturned the cart during the confrontation.
Church was charged last week with assault likely to cause great bodily injury, aggravated battery, and vandalism. District Attorney Hochman indicated that prosecutors are considering adding a hate crime allegation to the charges. Church, who is Black, pleaded not guilty at a June arraignment. Martinez, who is Latina, described the attack as racially motivated during Monday’s event, calling for an end to discrimination against street vendors. A representative for Church’s defense did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The case has drawn widespread public attention in part due to video footage of the assault that circulated online. Additional context emerged from a TikTok user identified as @ladydope6, who posted videos claiming to have been involved in the altercation. The user alleged Martinez refused to serve her and that she responded by pouring chamoy, a Mexican condiment, on Martinez’s hot dogs. The TikTok poster further claimed Martinez had acted with racial animus by throwing the spice tajín in her face prior to the physical attack. These assertions remain unverified, and the user has not replied to inquiries.
Family members of Martinez spoke at the news conference, noting this was not the first time she had been subjected to violence. Shannon Camacho, an activist with the nonprofit Inclusive Actions, said attacks on street vendors often go unreported. She pointed to ongoing challenges faced by vendors due to lengthy legal battles over street vending rights in Los Angeles and heightened fears stemming from Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities, which contribute to vendors’ reluctance to engage with law enforcement.
Martinez praised the Los Angeles Police Department officers who investigated the case and urged fellow vendors and community members to report incidents of violence. “We must not stay silent,” she said, emphasizing the dignity of street vending as a means of livelihood.