In late July 2024, representatives from the City of Pasadena and the County of Los Angeles met to discuss ways to address the growing issue of unlawful food vending throughout Eaton Canyon. Since 2023’s heavy rains and subsequent skyrocket in visitation rates, food vendors have been repeatedly coming to Eaton Canyon several days per week with coolers full of drinks, fruit cups, and water bottles hoping to sell them to trail users. These food vendors often set up along the main trail directly south of the Mount Wilson Toll Road bridge, but occasionally also attempt to set up near the main parking lot. The presence of these vendors have led to an increase in littering throughout the canyon, potential health risks, as well as heated territorial disputes between different vendors.
Now, the two government agencies who control land within the topographical Eaton Canyon area have come together to put a stop to the vending. The two parties have all agreed that visitors to any part of Eaton Canyon who notice individuals selling food or drinks are encouraged to call the City of Pasadena Police Departments’ non-emergency line at (626) 744-4241. Upon being alerted to ongoing food vending activity, the operator may dispatch code enforcement officers to the canyon. This is made possible because while both government entities operate land within topographical Eaton Canyon, everything from the Nature Center to the main waterfall is still located within Pasadena City limits. Visitors are also asked to leave the law enforcing to the code compliance officers, and to not get involved beyond calling the non-emergency line.
Due to health concerns, high fire danger, and a trend of excessive littering, no food vending permits are given out at Los Angeles County Natural Area Parks or Pasadena Municipal Open Spaces save for those associated with government events and programming. As of late August 2024, both warnings and citations have already been given out.