An iconic donkey stand may soon have to go after a state court ruled the owners need to be evicted.
Tourists for more than 60 years have sought out Olvera Street to pose next to Jorge, a sarape-wearing stuffed burro. The Mexican cart known as “La Carreta” has become a staple icon in Los Angeles.
The family who owns the stand, however, lost a legal battle with the city, which had served Richard Hernandez with an eviction notice.
According to Hernandez, her mother requested his name be added to the vendor’s lease. After her death, however, he discovered that didn’t happen and he wasn’t given a reason why.
The eviction notice came soon after. With the lease’s expiration, city contracting requirements open that space up to public bidding, the mayor’s office said in a statement to KTLA.
“Mr. Hernandez has been informed that the bidding process is open to the public,” the office added.
Potentially losing the stand is personally devastating for Hernandez, who has worked there since he was 13, his family said in a GoFundMe hoping to win that bidding.
“I’m not asking for a handout — I’m asking for support to help bid for our family’s spot and preserve this small business, this family legacy, and this beloved Los Angeles landmark,” the fundraiser stated.
Hernandez said he tried to work with the city on any issues such as paying back rent, but to no avail.
Los Angeles residents expressed sadness at potentially never seeing the donkey again.
“Keep him here. He’s part of Olvera Street. You’re just chipping away at all our families,” one nearby vendor told KTLA.