Los Angeles Olvera Street Beloved Burro Photo Stand Faces Eviction After 57 Years- Find out details here

For nearly six decades, one of the most iconic and beloved attractions on LA’s historic Olvera Street has been the burro photo stand. Operated by the Hernandez family since the late 1960s, generations of Angelenos and visitors have had their photos taken sitting atop the stuffed donkey, smiling wide amid the bustling Mexican marketplace. In this article we talk about Los Angeles Olvera Street Beloved Burro Photo Stand Faces Eviction After 57 Years.

But now, after 57 years, the burro’s days appear to be numbered. The stand’s owner, Richard Hernandez, has been ordered by El Pueblo’s management to vacate the premises by May 16th – potentially putting an end to a quintessential Olvera Street experience.

The situation has sparked outrage from longtime fans and residents who see the burro as not just a photo op, but a piece of living Los Angeles history and culture. As debate swirls over the stand’s fate, all eyes are on LA City Council to potentially intervene and save this cherished institution.

The Burro’s Roots & Significance

The burro photo stand dates back to 1965 when Richard’s parents, Maria Trancito Hernandez and her husband, started the business using a live donkey brought in from Tijuana, Mexico. For a quarter, visitors could have their photo snapped sitting on the burro’s back, surrounded by carts of produce, pottery, and other goods sold by street vendors.

Over the decades, as the family business passed from generation to generation, the real donkey was eventually replaced by a life-sized stuffed model for ease. But the burro remained an ever-present fixture, watched over firsthand by the Hernandez family.

To locals and regular Olvera Street visitors, the burro photo op transcended being just a tourist trap. It became an indelible part of the cultural fabric and storied past of a Los Angeles neighborhood recognized as the “Birthplace of Los Angeles.” Political leaders, celebrities, and everyday families all smiled for the camera astride the donkey over the years, collecting memories at this iconic spot.

“It’s amazing, you know, that so many folks have come out in support of the burro,” remarked LA City Councilman Kevin de León, whose district includes Olvera Street. “I say, let’s save the donkey.”

The Eviction Notice & Fallout

So when Richard Hernandez received a notice on May 1st ordering him to vacate the burro stand’s premises by May 16th, it set off a firestorm of dismay, confusion, and calls to action.

The notice stated that Hernandez’s late mother had been the sole lease holder on the stand’s contract with El Pueblo. Despite her attempts before passing away in April to add her son to the lease, El Pueblo management claimed the agreement was never amended. Thus, they argued, Hernandez had no legal claim and had to leave.

“As indicated previously the agreement was never amended and the only tenant under the agreement is your mother, Maria Trancito Hernandez. Under Section 13.1 of the lease agreement, upon the death of the merchant, (your mother Maria Trancito Hemandez) her interest in the agreement automatically ended,” read the eviction notice.

Hernandez, who had spent his entire life working at and managing the family business, was devastated by the prospect of losing the burro stand his parents had started from scratch years ago.

“When I received a letter on May 1, it just became the darkest moment in my life. It really has,” Hernandez told NBC4. “Last night, I couldn’t sleep. I’ve been up. I can’t sleep. I’m thinking, What am I going to do? Where am I going to go? What’s going to happen to my kids’ tuition? You know, my rent?”

A Glimmer of Hope & A Looming Decision

In the days since news of the burro stand’s threatened closure went public, an outpouring of support has emerged from Angelenos desperate to see the beloved attraction saved.

On May 11th, Councilman de León announced he planned to file a motion at the next City Council meeting in an attempt to keep the Hernandez family’s business operating on Olvera Street. De León said the burro has become “part of the fabric of Los Angeles” and that his “perspective is let the burro stay.”

El Pueblo’s general manager Arturo Chavez had stated there was a “contract dispute” and that Hernandez could plead his case at El Pueblo’s Board of Commissioners hearing on May 23rd – potentially allowing the burro stand to remain open past May 16th.

However, as of this writing, the clock is ticking for the Hernandez family burro stand. After 57 years of donkey delight bringing smiles to the faces of millions on historic Olvera Street, will LA’s elected leaders step in to preserve this iconic cultural gem? Or will the donkey’s days come to an unfortunate end as Richard Hernandez is forced to shutter forever his family’s labor of love?

The decision could be made in the coming days and weeks. For burro supporters hoping to see this beloved LA treasure saved, now is the time to make your voices heard. I sincerely hope you find this “Los Angeles Olvera Street Beloved Burro Photo Stand Faces Eviction After 57 Years- Find out details here” article helpful.