Urgent: The Future of the LACC Swap Meet Depends on Us All

Dear Valued LACC Swap Community,

We’re reaching out today with an important and heartfelt message about the future of the LACC Swap Meet.

As you know, LACC Swap Meet leases from the LACC Foundation. While we are not the Foundation ourselves, we are the primary source of revenue supporting the Foundation’s mission—providing vital funds for over 17,000 students to pursue their education. Our collective participation is more than just a business decision; it’s a lifeline for students and the broader community.

Since day one, we have tried to work constructively with Street Vendor Advocacy groups and City Council District 13. Unfortunately, our efforts have been met with resistance and, at times, outright opposition to the ordinance designed to protect our swap meet. For years, the law stated that no street vending was permitted within 500 feet of the swap meet. In July 2024, a lawsuit between the Street Vendor Advocacy groups and the City of Los Angeles resulted in a change from “500 feet” to “immediate vicinity.” Despite this, these same advocacy groups have threatened to shut down Monroe and Marathon streets, have ignored their agreement, and continue to have the full support of Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez.

I have personally had countless phone calls with his office. Two months ago, I was asked to meet with them at my office to discuss the situation. They refused to have the conversation recorded, but after two hours, they admitted that street vending is not permitted on the streets surrounding the swap meet. However, they also made it clear they will not take any action to enforce this.

As many of you are aware, our revenue dropped by 50% once street vendors began surrounding the swap meet. Now, with the onslaught of ICE raids, our revenue has plummeted even further—we are down more than 85%. This has left us with no reserves to weather this storm. After multiple warnings and attempts to resolve the issue, we have made the difficult decision to file a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles. We will no longer sit idly by and watch unlawful activities continue around the swap meet. We have also requested that the District relocate the vendors to another street, and they have refused.

Now, with the onslaught of ICE raids, we are faced with a critical choice. The environment around the swap meet has become even more challenging and uncertain for everyone involved. These raids have heightened fear and instability, making it even harder for us to sustain operations and for our vendors to feel secure. We recognize the very real concerns this brings to our community.

Without increased vendor participation and support, we are left with only two options:

1. Close the Swap Meet permanently, or
2. Pivot to create new events that will attract vendor participation.

We understand the concerns and fears some may have about the Swap Meet—some things are beyond our control. But what we can control is our commitment and engagement. Without your support, we cannot continue in our current form, and that will have a ripple effect on the Foundation and the students who depend on it.

Your involvement truly matters—not just for your business, but for the futures of thousands of students.

If you have questions, concerns, or ideas on how we can move forward together, please reach out. We’re open to your feedback and committed to working with you to find solutions.

Thank you for being part of the LACC Swap Meet family and for everything you do.

With appreciation,
Phillip Dane
LACC Swap Meet