“The carreta was established in the late ‘60s by Jesus “Don Chuy” Hernandez and Trancito “Tancho” Hernandez. It has been in the Hernandez family since then. It is currently at risk of being removed from La Placita Olvera due to the recent death of the matriarch, Trancito Hernandez, and a termination of the merchant contract with the city of Los Angeles. We are fighting to keep this business open and keep this historic LA landmark within our family legacy, and we need your help.” (The singer La Marisoul wrote on social media a few weeks ago).
El Burro at Placita Olvera is not only a symbol of Mexican culture in Los Angeles, but also a symbol remembered by thousands of Latino families and tourists.
But it seems that didn’t matter to Mayor Karen Bass or City Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado of District 14. A judge ruled on March 13 that Hernandez would have to vacate his family-run photo stand known as LaCarreta in the historic Mexican marketplace.
A fixture on Olvera Street for decades, Jorge the stuffed burro is facing eviction, as is his owner, Richard Hernandez.
A sign at Hernandez’s photo stand reads, “Good Bye Los Angeles it’s been great! Since 1968 the Hernandez family has brought you timeless memories. Generations have been photographed here. We lost our case with the City of Los Angeles. we want to stay, but Mayor Bass won’t negotiate.”
Mayor Karen Bass’ office says, “The Burro has been an iconic feature for so many Angelenos, which is why the city has been open to working with Mr. Hernandez and his family to honor its history. But the lease for that space ended on its own terms with the passing of Maria Hernandez on April 16, 2024, and city contracting requirements necessitate a bidding process. Mr. Hernandez has been informed that the bidding process is open to the public.”
The statement referenced Richard Hernandez’s mother, Maria Trancito Hernandez, who died in April 2024 without legal documentation that handed over her business to her son.
The Board of Commissioners gave Hernandez a 30-day eviction notice for the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument Authority, which manages Olvera Street.
Hernandez said he tried to pay what he owes but to no avail. He told KTLA, “I offered to pay whatever is owed, penalties, whatever, and they returned my check.”
