Planners Approve Hotsy Totsy Tacos

A taco truck that made its unofficial debut in the parking lot within the past year will soon go legit on San Pablo Avenue.

City planning commissioners approved a permit Tuesday night for Tacos El Autlense to operate from 11:30 a.m. to midnight six days a week (Wednesday through Monday).

The truck will be parked on San Pablo just south of Garfield Avenue, with set-up beginning no earlier than 11 a.m. and clean-up finishing by 1 a.m.

Commissioner Phillip Moss said he thought the truck would bring "a lot of pedestrian interaction" to the street, and described the business as a "moneymaker" for the city.

"It brings life to that corner," he said. "I look at it as similar to an outdoor eating area along Solano. It brings people into that area and creates a vibrant neighborhood."

Hotsy Totsy Club owner, and lifelong Albany resident, Michael Valladares was in attendance, and spoke on behalf of taco truck owner Rodrigo Anguiano.

Valladares said he looks forward to working with the city on providing signage about respecting neighbors, and more trash receptacles, along with the permit's other required conditions. (The staff report from the meeting is attached to the right as a PDF.)

In response to concerns about people hanging around outside, Valladares said 60 percent of the truck's customers drive up and take their dinner home. 

"You can come in and enjoy, or take it to go. There is no loitering," he said. He added that he and co-owner , as alcohol vendors, consider it "responsible to offer food. It's right for the community."

One neighbor said she was worried parking could be a problem. 

Another said possible issues with trash, late-night patrons and noise gave him pause, and suggested an earlier closing time for the truck. 

These echoed potential issues filed in writing with the city before the meeting from neighbors who could not attend.

But others said it would be a "welcome addition" to the area.

In response to the concern about noisy crowds, Tod Abbot, a local business owner and the vice president of the , said he's often seen people outside "quietly waiting for a taco."

"I kinda think of it as my neighborhood bar, and I want to support the owner," he continued.

Commissioner David Arkin, along with Albany resident Ed Fields, said they felt wary about the truck's proximity to the corner, and its effect on cyclists and pedestrians, as well we drivers. Arkin added that the truck's height, at 6 feet, could well make it hard to see.

Arkin was the lone no-vote on the permit request, which was passed at about 9:20 p.m.

The license remains active for one year from the start of its use, but could be reviewed by commissioners if neighborhood problems related to safety, noise, trash or other issues arise.

According to the staff report prepared for Tuesday night's meeting, the Hotsy Totsy has received four noise-related complaints within the past year, which city staff described as "relatively minor."

"It's your corner," said Commissioner Leo Panian. "Take good care of it. Make sure the neighbors are happy to have you there. That's kinda all it takes."

CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL INCLUDE...

* Owners will post signs in the door to remind patrons the respect the nearby residential neighborhood

* Owners will install two new garbage cans, with continued cleaning during hours of operation

* Owners will post signs about throwing away trash

* Outdoor horn blowing and music playing are prohibited

* Permanent signage for the truck will require additional review

Everybody makes mistakes ...  ! If there's something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, call editor Emilie Raguso at 510-459-8325 or email her at emilier@patch.com.