Steve Rocha of Mentone takes his order from the Bacon Mania food truck during the Run Through Redlands Food & Brew Fest hosted by the Redlands Kiwanis Club on Saturday. (John Valenzuela/Staff Photographer)

REDLANDS — As temps reached the 90-degree mark on Saturday, food truck enthusiasts came to the Redlands Mall in droves, hungry and eager to support the Kiwanis Club’s first-ever Food Truck Festival.

The event kicked off a weekend of downtown activities for the service club. Festivities conclude today with the 30th annual Run Through Redlands.

Proceeds from both events will benefit The Kiwanis Foundation, established in 1981 to raise funds for scholarships for area high school seniors looking to enroll in college.

Area breweries Hangar 24 and Ritual Brewing Co. were at the Food Truck Festival, as well as Los Angeles-based trucks Baby’s Badass Burgers and Me So Hungry, and Rancho Cucamonga-based Suite 106 Cupcakery.

“We love Redlands. We feel like a sister city to Redlands” said “Mama” Lee Grammer, mother of Suite owners Christy and Rebecca Grammer. “We’re out here for everything. We love the mayor. We love Kiwanis. Whenever they invite us, we jump at it. Everything that goes on here, we want to be a part of it. “

Tim Munore, chairman of the Run Through Redlands, said the Food Truck Festival was a welcome addition to the annual run, which draws thousands of people.

“Our expectation is to have as many at the event as last year’s city-sponsored (food truck) event,” Munroe said Saturday. “We have over 2,000 people who have registered for the run picking up their bibs here today, so we’re hoping those are going to spill over. “

Attendance and how much was raised Saturday was not immediately known.

Mike Reynolds, a longtime Kiwanian, said the event was his first Food Truck Festival, adding that he was eager to find one that peaked his interest.

“It seems like everyone’s having a good time on a very nice day,” he said.

Since 1981, the Kiwanis Club of Redlands has provided 165 scholarships, totaling $600,000, to area seniors.

http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/news/ci_23071944/redlands-kiwanis-club-holds-its-first-food-truck

Keith Kahn, owner of Complete Food Service in the Mira Loma section of Jurupa Valley, in his warehouse on Friday, August 24, 2012. He has added a gourmet food trucking component, the focus of this article. For events, festivals, etc., he hires gourmet food lorries to cater. Kahn doesn’t own these independent food trucks, but he gets a fee for booking them. Riverside County, of course, doesn’t permit food trucks except for special events. But San Berdnardino recently decided to allow them in the county.
KURT MILLER/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Keith Kahn, president of an industrial food service provider, is hungry for change. So he has created a new niche in the Inland area. But he knows it’s a gamble, fraught with irony.

More than a year ago, his company, Complete Food Service Inc., launched an IE Gourmet Food Trucks division.

Ironic, because at the time, Riverside and San Bernardino counties were the only two counties in the state banning trucks from selling hot, freshly prepared food except for special occasions.

For decades, his company has been supplying refrigerated vending machine snacks — drinks, chips, sandwiches, ice cream, salads, pastries, burritos — to distribution centers within 40 minutes of its Jurupa Valley headquarters. Nothing is cooked onboard the vehicles. Packaged and labeled, the food is dispatched on designated routes to customers.

Cody Marino, 26, of Corona, enjoys a lobster burrito from the Lee’s Philly gourmet food truck during the Corona Gourmet Food Truck Festival at the Dos Lagos Shopping Center in Corona on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012.
RODRIGO PENA/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER

But now Kahn, 55, who lives in Redlands, is pinning hopes on his home county to eventually waive all restrictions. San Bernardino County relented a bit in July, allowing hot-food trucks to operate in unincorporated — typically under-populated — areas under permit at sanctioned events.

Kahn is optimistic that the county’s cities will follow suit and adopt their own ordinances along the same lines or allow trucks even more freedom in cruising the streets.

“We’re waiting, biding our time,” Kahn said. And meanwhile, “I’ve become a foodie.”

After researching, contacting and sampling fare from many of the 300 hot-food trucks based in Los Angeles and Orange counties (three in Riverside and San Bernardino counties), Kahn re-invented himself as a gourmet chow expert. “It’s fun, exciting,” he said, “a breath of fresh air.”

Kahn is eager to roll with and roll out some of these trendy novelties. He’s hooked on “food with a twist,” such as beer-battered avocado tacos, chicken pesto crepes and waffles smeared with Nutella.

To promote and market them, the food king happily has assumed the role of event coordinator. He charges a booking fee for the gourmet food vendors he lines up for fundraisers, festivals and other permitted special occasions in the Inland Empire.

It’s not just the smorgasbord of Greek, Vietnamese, Korean and Southern comfort delectables, but the sense of community generated around these coaches, he said.

Kahn is determined to prove to truck operators that there is, indeed, a market here for their unusual grub. His goal is to anchor them full time at his company’s commissary where they’d pay a service change. Also ironic is that the health department has approved his company’s kitchen for hot-food trucks in a county that won’t allow them free rein.

In just a short time, as the emissary for purveyors of everything from lobster corndogs to red velvet pancakes, Kahn has gained enough clout to book their operators for nearly a dozen events.

Most recently, he wooed 26 vendors to the Corona Gourmet Food Truck Festival at the Shops at Dos Lagos on Saturday, Aug. 25. He sought a variety of one-of-a-kind fare to guarantee exclusivity for each operator.

“Keith does his homework to do everything the right way,” said George Wu, co-owner of Waffles de Liege. “The Inland Empire is very receptive to food trucks. When you work with someone who cares as much as Keith, it makes it easy to work with him.”

Wu said the drive to The Shops at Dos Lagos was worth it: They sold 250 tickets at $4.50 a pop. Waffles de Liege works out of a commercial kitchen in Lynwood, but Wu said it would consider adding a second lorry and use Kahn’s commissary should the Inland area embrace gourmet food trucks.

Kahn is confident that will happen in a few years.

But Kahn, who lobbied the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, knows he faces resistance from restaurateurs and some officials. Riverside County Supervisor Bob Buster has said that in a time of recession, it may be tough to add staff and programs to regulate the trucks.

Scott Vanhorne, chief of staff for San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford, who had pushed for opening the county to the industry, said only Apple Valley and Upland have expressed interest.

Riverside County outlawed hot-food trucks in 1980. That was seven years before Kahn moved his private, family-owned business to its current location, a 40,000-square-foot building on 5 acres at 3815 Wabash Drive in the Mira Loma area of Jurupa Valley.

The county’s health and safety concerns stemmed from incidents of food poisoning, trucks dumping their wastewater into storm drains, and injuries among cooks in the moving vehicles.

“The technology wasn’t strong enough to handle the area’s extremely hot climate and large acreage, so the food never passed inspection,” Kahn said. “Eventually, I thought the ban would be lifted.”

Even so, he said that until 2008, business flourished. But with the collapse of the housing, construction, travel trailer and support industries that Kahn used to service, “It’s been quite a struggle these past three years,” he lamented. “It a double whammy to the food service industry and as with all mobile caterers, we’ve suffered.”

http://www.pe.com/business/business-headlines/20120904-food-company-hitching-its-wagon-to-hot-food-wagons.ece?ssimg=701295#ssStory701303

Scott Sirowly of Redlands picks up his order at the Tornado Potato truck during the Redlands Food Truck and Brewfest on Saturday. (John Valenzuela/Staff Photographer)

REDLANDS – Despite sizzling temperatures, thousands flooded downtown on Saturday for the Redlands Food Truck and Brewfest, which included sixteen food trucks, Hangar 24, Time in a Bottle, and State Street Winery.

“The turnout today is phenomenal. I have lived in Redlands about 15 years, and when we got involved with Gourmet Food Trucks about a year ago, one of my dreams was to bring food trucks to Redlands,” said Keith Kahn who is president for the Gourmet Food Trucks, and who also booked the other food truck vendors for the event.

Looks like Kahns dreams are coming true.

Some liness had hundreds patiently waiting to get their grub on.

Chelsey Feierfeil from Redlands was one of hundreds to try the Cousins Maine Lobster truck.

“I wanted to try some new food, so I came out to the food trucks, and have tried the lavender biscuit, which was awesome. I have stood in line for over an hour now, for the Maine lobster, so I can’t wait to try it out.”

This was Feierfeil’s first time experiencing food truck faire although she has heard about the ones in L.A. and Palm Springs and has always wanted to try them out.

The food trucks lived up to their `Gourmet’ title. Some menu items included rattlesnake sausage, potatoes on a stick and lobster corn dogs.

Molly Flynn, 14, of Redlands was having a good time.

“This is really fun. I have been to an event like this, the grilled cheese invitationals, and they had trucks. I have tried the tornado potato, which was pieces of potato on a stick, with truffle oil and garlic and parmesan.”

The hot temperatures left mouths dry, and thirsty friends Karen Locey of Redlands and Wendy Williamson, who sported a Hangar 24 shirt, braved the huge Hangar 24 line.

Keith Kahn, owner and operator of I.E. Gourmet Food Trucks,

A proposed ordinance that would expand food truck operations in San Bernardino County goes before the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

The county Planning Commission approved the ordinance in April. County staff began researching and preparing the draft ordinance last year at the direction of the Board of Supervisors.

Supervisor Janice Rutherford said she brought the matter to the board’s attention after a constituent complained she was unable to get a permit to operate a food truck.

Rutherford and county staff began researching ordinances in other counties, including Los Angeles and Orange, where food trucks have long been operating with minimal restrictions.

The two-pronged proposal that goes before the supervisors Tuesday would require amendments to the development code that would create a new category for food truck events, identified as either major or minor events.

A major event would consist of 500 or more people in attendance. A minor event would consist of fewer than people.

The proposal also calls for public health provisions for employee restrooms, operating locations, commissary requirements and letter grades for food trucks just as restaurants are required to have.

Food truck operators would also be required to submit a site plan showing the layout of the food truck event.

The county Land Use Services Department would consider several things before approving the permit, such as the location of the event, vendor plans for trash disposal and if adequate restroom facilities are available.

Because the ordinance relates to both the inspection and rating of hot food trucks and when, where and how they can operate, the Land Use Services and Public Health departments have each drafted their own agenda items for the board to consider.

Both would need board approval in order for the ordinance to pass.

Food truck operators are anxious to do more business in San Bernardino County, where they say the market is ripe. In the last year, food truck festivals have been held at convention centers, airports, high schools and ballparks across the San Bernardino Valley. Guests flock to the events hungry for quirky meals and treats such as lobster tail corn dogs and designer cupcakes.

Though food truck proponents say they are happy that the county is taking a step forward, they feel it’s not a big enough step and that the proposed ordinance is too costly, complicated and toothless, not going much further than what is already allowed under the existing county ordinance, which historically allowed food trucks to operate only at special community events such as carnivals.

Under the proposed ordinance, food trucks would still not be allowed to roam and stop without a permit in the unincorporated areas of the county, which is essentially what food truck operators have been pushing for all along.

Rutherford acknowledges the proposed ordinance isn’t ideally what she had in mind, but it is a start. The crux of the problem, she said, is resistance – some cities do not want food trucks operating on a regular basis while others embrace them.

So far, Rutherford says she hasn’t received any negative feedback from opposing cities regarding the proposed ordinance.

“So I’m thinking the cities don’t have a problem with it,” she said.

One of the biggest complaints from food truck operators is the proposed $596 annual fee, per parcel, that would apply to both major and minor food truck events.

Keith Kahn, owner and CEO of I.E. Gourmet Food Trucks in Mira Loma, the Inland Empire’s only food truck commissary, said the proposed fee would mean that vendors would have to pay thousands of dollars annually if they wanted to do business at multiple locations.

That is one of the issues Rutherford said she plans to discuss at Tuesday’s meeting.

“I want to talk to county staff about some of the fees they’re suggesting,” Rutherford said. “I don’t think we need an annual fee. I’m not convinced I see a purpose in that.”

http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_20773937/san-bernardino-county-supervisors-take-up-food-truck

LA's Great Balls On Tires Truck

Food truck owners would have more options to sell their menu items under a proposal that moves to the county’s Planning Commission on Thursday.

But long frustrated by county conditions that restrict their sales, food truck operators are hungry for more.

Supervisor Janice Rutherford proposed the move last year after constituents complained they couldn’t get licensed to operate a food truck.

San Bernardino and Riverside counties are the only two counties in the state that prohibit food trucks from operating, except at community events.

San Bernardino County’s Department of Environmental Health Services has continuously recommended restricting food truck operations, citing the potential health risks associated with them.

There’s one exeption.

Historically, food trucks have been allowed to operate as temporary food facilities at community events held within the county, such as the Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino and the Upland Lemon Festival. The Department of Environmental Health Services has approved roughly 400 community events over the last two years.

The proposed ordinance calls for a revision to the development code that would allow food truck vendors to operate at other organized events, so long as they obtain a special permit. They would not, however, be allowed to roam freely and operate within the public right-of-way in unincorporated areas of the county.

In addition, food truck events would be divided into two categories: major and minor events. A major event is defined as having 500 or more people in attendance and one or more food trucks operating. A minor event is defined as having 500 or fewer people in attendance.

Keith Kahn, president of I.E. Gourmet Food Trucks in Mira Loma, the only food truck commissary in the Inland Empire, said the ordinance does not meet the demands of food truck operators, if it does not provide for unrestricted daily operations.

“Just to take baby steps isn’t going to help food trucks establish an Inland Empire presence,” Kahn said.

Rutherford said it was her intent to get an ordinance drafted that would allow for unrestricted daily operations of food trucks, but some cities were reluctant to get on board with the idea.

“We have a lot of cities and areas in the county that are just not comfortable with that, so as with most policy makings, we’re going to be incremental,” Rutherford said.

If the proposed ordinance gets the blessing of the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors, cities within the county could tailor their own land use policies regarding food truck operations.

For example, a city like Rancho Cucamonga, which isn’t

Charles “Chuck” Buquet (Left) Rancho Cucamonga City Council called Food Trucks "Gypsy Restaurants"

This past year, the gourmet food trucks that have been so popular in Southern California have come peering into San Bernardino County, hoping to get in.

On Saturday, 14 of these eateries on wheels descended on Don Lugo High School for a school district fundraiser. In June, an I.E. Food Truck Festival brought 11,800 foodies to Ontario.

Although the demand for food truck fare – Asian tacos, fusion fries, etc. – is high, some politicians in this county are skeptical, fearing that trucks would bring unfair competition to brick and mortar establishments that are already suffering in this economy.

San Bernardino and Riverside are the only two counties in California that ban food trucks from operating on occasions other than special events. Efforts to lift the ban were thwarted when the majority on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors believed it would create too much competition for the business community.

At a recent Rancho Cucamonga City Council discussion, Councilman Chuck Buquet called food trucks “gypsy restaurants.”

“People spend millions and millions of dollars to build restaurants. These are mobile homes set up for food operations and what I believe to be a detriment of existing businesses,” Buquet said. “I’m hoping there’s nobody entertaining any delusions of getting support from this corner of the council for launching some sort of food truck operations to go up and down the city streets.

“The last thing we

need is some people setting up at Victoria Gardens.”

Earlier this month, the City Council asked the Planning Department to monitor decisions from the Board of Supervisors with regard to food trucks and review its municipal code to see if changes need to be made.

Councilwoman Diane Williams said it would be a “fun idea” to have food trucks at special events such as the Grape Harvest Festival but she would not support them roaming.

“We don’t want a food truck to go willy-nilly, anywhere they wish, anytime they wish,” Williams said. “My goodness, they could pull in front of our restaurants at any time. I don’t want that. I think we need to, at all cost, protect those people who put blood, sweat and tears in their businesses.”

Supervisor Janice Rutherford is not certain that food trucks are as threatening as they’re perceived.

“What we found were examples of brick and mortar restaurants that expanded their business to open a food truck themselves. We also heard from restaurants that don’t want competition,” Rutherford said. “But there are state rules that govern where food trucks can park and in talking to mobile vendors, they do not park at existing restaurants.”

Rutherford said state guidelines require food trucks to operate near restrooms and since most restaurants won’t allow mobile vendors to use their facility, the trucks won’t park there.

If Rutherford could have it her way, the ban would be lifted and food trucks would be free to roam. But Rutherford only had support from one other supervisor, Brad Mitzelfelt, so mobile vendors for now can only operate at special events.

Last month, the county eased restrictions on food trucks but only slightly. Originally, food trucks were permitted at special events but the definition of “special events” was narrow, said Rutherford. Saturday’s event in Chino would fall under that category.

The Board of Supervisors voted to broaden the category of special events, giving these vendors more opportunities to come to the county.

“Let’s say at a strip mall, somebody wanted food trucks to come park in the parking lot; the city would not have permitted that. But under the new way of doing things, if a city wants to allow that, the county would allow it,” Rutherford explained.

Although the county does not have jurisdiction over cities with regard to business licenses, the county does issue health permits for food trucks to operate throughout San Bernardino County.

This is one reason why Rancho Cucamonga wants to take a closer look at its municipal code. If the county plans on issuing more health permits for food trucks, the city wants to make sure these mobile operations know they are not welcome to roam freely.

“Since hot food trucks in the future will get clearance from county health, we want to make sure our ordinances are up to snuff,” said Planning Director James Troyer.

Currently county staff members are coming up with new rules to allow cities that want food trucks be able to let them in. Cities will set their own regulations including the definition of a special event.

Rutherford believes that in time, food trucks will gain acceptance as more events bring them to town.

“We’ll begin to see and experience more of them and understand that this creative entrepreneurial spirit creates opportunity rather than competition,” she said.

http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_18917870?source=most_viewed

By Gina Tenorio | Loma Linda Patch

2nd District Supervisor Janice Rutherford

Is it possible? Could we begin to see food trucks in San Bernardino County?

In a unanimous vote, the county has said yes to amend an ordinance that regulates food trucks, albeit on a restricted basis. The amendment means that food trucks will be able to operate beyond the festivals or private functions with permits, according to a county staff report.

The move is a positive change, said Board Supervisor Janice Rutherford before last week’s vote. Rutherford brought the issue to the attention of the board.

The issue had been on her mind because “I had always wondered before being elected to the board of supervisors why I couldn’t get my hands on some of those yummy Korean tacos in my own hometown, why people were driving to LA for them,” Rutherford said.

After her election, she had a constituent approach her to ask about starting a food truck business, she said. When she looked into it, she said she was surprised to learn that San Bernardino and Riverside were the only two counties in the state who did not allowed them.

“I (thought) we needed to lift that ban,” she said.

Rutherford had hoped to lift the ban entirely, but did not have the votes, according to reports. But the board did compromise.

“I’ve heard from a lot of people who are very enthusiastic about this — foodies or just entrepreneurs — and who believe in the entrepreneurial spirit and who think this would be a great thing for this region to have,” Rutherford said.

There have been concerns expressed by some businesses and residents about litter and cleanliness, she said. Others worried about the competition the trucks might pose.

As far as the safety of the food, Rutherford said on top of the efforts that cities and counties will put in keeping the trucks safe, she encouraged people to be discriminating. The supervisor said the issues would be addressed as they worked out the process.

San Bernardino has joined a movement sweeping through Southern California. Many of today’s food trucks are nothing like the stereotype of the  “roach coach.” The Food Network has devoted an entire show to the rolling restaurants. And Los Angeles food truck events pack hundreds.

On June 18, Citizens Business Bank Arena held its own large event with the IE Food Truck Fest. The event drew 11,800 from San Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles counties.

The event was so successful that a second event has been planned for Oct. 8 also at Citizens Bank Arena. This time organizers said it would include a brew fest. The city of Riverside is also planning its own event Labor Day weekend.

http://lomalinda.patch.com/articles/bring-on-the-food-trucks

2nd District County Supervisor Janice Rutherford is on a mission near and dear to Dine 909's heart -- legalizing food trucks.

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will discuss whether the county should ease its restrictions on food trucks.

San Bernardino and Riverside counties are believed to be the only two counties in the state that prohibit food trucks from operating other than at special events such as fairs, carnivals and circuses.

The board will consider three options Tuesday: maintain the status quo, amend the county’s ordinance to establish a new category of food-truck events, or amend the ordinance to permit food trucks to operate throughout the county.

Under the second option, the county would establish the category of “hot food truck events” and a system for allowing food trucks to congregate, subject to the approval of the cities where the food trucks plan to operate. The county would work with the cities to develop the definition and operational framework for the new category of event, according to a staff report prepared for the Board of Supervisors.

The third option would allow food trucks to operate countywide and lift restrictions. If restrictions are lifted, the county and all the cities in it would need to decide how to regulate food trucks.

Supervisor Janice Rutherford said she began pushing for changes when a constituent who wanted to start a food- truck business contacted her asking why that wasn’t allowed.

At first, Rutherford pushed for the lifting of the ban but was met with resistance from some cities that wanted more local control.

Rutherford now thinks the second option is more feasible.

“I’m leaning toward the middle ground because I don’t want to force anything on cities they may not be ready for,” she said.

Food trucks are now allowed to operate in San Bernardino County on condition that they are operating at community events and have a permit by the county’s Environmental Health Services Division.

Environmental Health Services approved more than 200 community events in 2010 and is expected to approve and equivalent number this year, according to the staff report.

Although most of the feedback Rutherford received has been positive, she said some people have expressed concern about potential negative impacts, such as litter and trucks being parked in residential areas for prolonged periods of time.

“And some business owners just don’t want the competition,” Rutherford said. “They feel they’ve invested a lot in capital, pay more taxes and shouldn’t have the competition.”

The board is expected to hear a presentation by county staff members on a recent evaluation by Environmental Health Services assessing the health and safety risks associated with stationary restaurants, temporary food facilities and food trucks.

That assessment showed that restaurants had 0.42 violations per inspection, temporary food facilities had 0.65 violations per inspection and food trucks had 0.98 violations per inspection, according to the staff report.

Read more: http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_18634919?source=rss#ixzz1UXXXo1uD

Riverside Councilman Paul Davis, who appeared to get food-truck religion: "Let's open our eyes to a new economy. Maybe we've been too Draconian." Hallelujah!

Put your ear to the ground and you might hear the faint rumble of gourmet food trucks heading deeper into the Empire.

Except for special events (Coachella, the Date Festival, etc.), these sleek, fully equipped, mobile kitchens are banned in Riverside and S’Berdoo counties — even as LA and Orange county foodies are but a tweet away from hot, fresh Korean-Mexican fusion tacos, grilled cheese sandwiches, sliders, crepes and other delights.

But in June, these trucks roared into Ontario for a Food Truck Fest that attracted thousands, including Riverside Councilman Paul Davis, who appeared to get food-truck religion: “Let’s open our eyes to a new economy. Maybe we’ve been too Draconian.” Hallelujah!

Needlessly mimicking the county, the Riverside council had earlier imposed a virtual ban on these vehicles, apparently confusing modern gourmet food trucks with rickety ice cream trucks whose operators occasionally sell toy guns to children. (And we keep hearing Riverside is such a “smart” city.)

But now, Riverside is staging its own food-truck fest — a downtown Sept. 3 affair that is almost certain to demolish the most popular stereotypes (“roach coach” and “tacos in a trunk”) held by RivCo’s mule-headed electeds and bureaucrats.

And S’Berdoo County Supe Janice Rutherford has made good on her vow to drive the food-truck matter right into the meeting chambers.

Tuesday, Berdoo supes will consider relaxing food-truck rules in order to make this fare more accessible to county residents.

There are good reasons for these counties to get with it. Some food trucks are made in Lake Elsinore — deep in the heart of Supe Bob Buster’s district — but must leave RivCo before they can cruise the streets and open for business. This makes no sense.

The stakes are even higher for RivCo Supe Jeff Stone. His blueprint for secession calls for South JeffStonia to include 13 counties. Among them San Diego and Orange Counties.

It’s going to be tough enough to sell this idea, but imagine Stone telling electeds in those backwaters: “We’d like you to come with us, but you’ll have to ditch your food trucks.” Can you say deal killer?

It won’t be easy coming up with sensible food-truck rules, but it can be done. It has been done in our neighboring counties. And, yes, the rules will probably have to be a bit stricter in S’Berdoo County.

Some food trucks have very clever names: “Great Balls on Tires” (specializing in meatballs), “Grill Em All,” etc. If only for appearance’s sake, S’Berdoo should publish a pre-emptive list of unacceptable food truck handles — names that might put the county in an unflattering light:

Kickback Kabobs

PAC It In

On The Takeout

Stuffed Pockets

Baby Back BribES

Sinful Settlemints

Creme Brultee

Honeydew Felons

Big House of Pancakes

Blackberry Spy

The Bigger They Are, The Harder They Falafel

http://www.pe.com/columns/danbernstein/stories/PE_News_Local_D_dan07.3d3b546.html

Gourmet food trucks may soon make their way to San Bernardino County as the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday considers whether to legalize their businesses.

The supervisors will receive a report from the county’s environmental health services department that looks at various options for allowing food truck businesses to operate in the county.

Supervisor Janice Rutherford, who asked for the report, said allowing food trucks could expand business opportunities while allowing residents access to an increasingly popular food trend.

In the past few years, the food truck business has taken off in Los Angeles and Orange counties, with vendors selling more sophisticated fare such as Korean tacos and crepes.

But Riverside and San Bernardino counties both have strict guidelines that limit food trucks to selling only pre-packaged foods and drinks.

Hot, freshly prepared foods can be sold only at special events at specific locations, such as a festival.

San Bernardino and Riverside counties are believed to be the only two in the state that prohibit food trucks, a staff report to the board states.

San Bernardino County environmental health services officials have recommended against their approval in the past, citing concerns about potential health risks.

As part of its study, county officials surveyed restaurants, temporary food stands and food trucks operating at community events and found that food trucks were cited more often for health violations, the report states.

The report suggests three options to the board: continuing with the ban; allowing food trucks only at specific locations but at a wider variety of community events; or allowing them to operate county-wide.

Rutherford said she believes the county can ensure proper health standards through regulations it adopts and suggests the county can take the middle option to see how it works.

“They’ve dealt with the health issues everywhere else in the state,” she said. “You’re never going to have 100 percent, either at a traditional restaurant, a temporary food facility or a food truck. You’re always going to have to have consumers being wary of what they’re eating.”

Matt Geller, CEO of the Southern California Mobile Food Vendors Association, said food trucks have helped bring life to neighborhoods and offer residents a wider variety of fare.

“Because of the lower cost of entry people can get more wild with the kinds of cuisines they want to cook,” Geller said.

Geller said vendors have worked well with health officials in other counties, providing their weekly schedules in advance in Los Angeles for example.

“They have a great opportunity to start fresh,” he said of San Bernardino County.

http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_D_nfood07.3d3dfbb.html