This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The millions expected to show in downtown Los Angeles today did not appear. While that was good on the city's resources, it meant bad business for hundreds of vendors selling t-shirts, buttons and other items. Around 4 p.m. outside the Staples Center, Chick Hearn Court was opened up to the public at large as well as the vendors who were making last minute efforts to jettison their wares. Unfortunately for them Street Services Investigators--public works employees with police powers--were forcing the vendors to pack up and leave.
One Investigator, wearing a black polo t-shirt with "City of L.A. Investigator" emblazoned on the back, told LAist that they were not out to cite or arrest any of the vendors today, even if they just moved one block down. He said they would only be disciplined if they were acting difficult.
