Operator of L.A.'s famed La Luz Del Dia fears they may close after more than 6 decades on Olvera Street

Have you ever dined at L.A.'s historic El Pueblo de Los Angeles ? This historic DTLA social spot includes museums and legendary restaurants. But recently, one has shut down, and another is seriously considering leaving.

So, why is the gathering place shrinking? Longtime businessman David Solarazano has operated the famed La Luz Del Dia on L.A.'s Olvera Street for over six decades, but he fears he'll be forced to close soon.

Solarazano says there have been growing problems with homelessness, crime, and rising costs. He told KNX News' Craig Fiegener he blames the city of Los Angeles--- which currently owns the property that he's been renting.

"We don't have safety on the street," said Solarazano. "The street is dirty; it's not welcoming. It used to be - I put the blame on the management of the city."

He said people can't even park in front of the restaurant, and where they can park, it costs $15 after an hour and a half - the same amount the average patron spends to eat at the restaurant, and that is causing some folks to reconsider visiting.

Solarazano said that the city's recently mandated wage increase is also putting a strain on the business, causing them to open later, close early, and manage with fewer employees to make up the difference.

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Despite being honored by the City of L.A. in 2019, Solarazano said he no longer feels the city values the restaurant's impact on the community.

"It's sad because I mean this restaurant in his height, it helped 30 families survive," Solarazano said.

El Pueblo de Los Angeles has nearly a dozen restaurants and businesses.

The owner of one popular business known as 'El Burro' is closing due to the death of its owner. The city recently served the property with a notice to vacate because nobody has been officially designated to continue operating the business following the owner's death.

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