07/18/2026
Here is the email I sent the city of Hemet regarding downtown food trucks and events.
Mr Rao,
I am writing to express my frustration regarding my outstanding Public Records Act request concerning the Wanderlust Food Truck Festival. It has now been well over a year since I requested these records, and I still have not received a complete response.
Specifically, I requested copies of:
● All encroachment permits.
● All Temporary Use Permits (TUPs).
● All certificates of insurance and any documentation showing the City was indemnified as required.
● All receipts showing what fees, if any, were paid for permits and applications.
● Any traffic studies, parking plans, or similar requirements imposed on the event.
● Any correspondence regarding the approval process or waivers granted to the organizers.
● Documentation reflecting any City resources devoted to the project, including Public Works labor, utility work, construction costs, materials, employee hours, invoices, purchase orders, budgets, and any other expenditures associated with the site improvements.
These are straightforward public records that should have been produced long ago.
My family and I have organized community events in downtown Hemet for nearly a decade. During that time, I have been required to obtain permits, pay fees, provide insurance, and satisfy every condition imposed by the City. We have invested substantial personal time and money into events that benefit the community, including holiday celebrations and downtown activities, without receiving comparable assistance from the City.
At the same time, the City is facing a reported budget deficit measured in the millions of dollars. That makes it even more important for taxpayers to understand how public resources have been allocated and whether they have been used consistently, fairly, and in the public’s best interest.
From my perspective, the City missed an opportunity to partner with local organizers who have invested years into revitalizing downtown Hemet. I have long believed that supporting locally based events could have created lasting economic benefits that remained in our community and helped strengthen downtown businesses, charitable organizations, and community events. Instead, I have experienced what I believe has been inconsistent treatment, and I remain concerned that my proposals and community efforts have not received the same consideration afforded to others.
For that reason, I am requesting a complete accounting of all City support provided to the Wanderlust Food Truck Festival. The public deserves to know exactly what permits were required, what fees were paid or waived, what City resources were used, how much those resources cost taxpayers, and who authorized those expenditures.
If responsive records exist, they should be produced immediately. If any records do not exist, please state that clearly in writing for each category requested so there is no further uncertainty.
Transparency and accountability are essential, particularly when public funds, staff time, and City resources are involved and when residents are questioning how those resources are being managed during a period of significant financial challenges.
I look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
Matt McPherson
Coleman & Associates
