Veteran-Owned Popcorn Stand Revenue Cut in Half by Food Regulations

Schroeders Gourmet Popcorn stand with sign saying "Schroeder's Kettle Corn" on large sign in front of a yellow canopyAs patrons meander through the Garberville Farmer’s Market every Friday, the smell of popcorn entices the young and old to the bright yellow canopy of the Schroeder’s Gourmet Popcorn booth. Michael Schroeder, an Army Veteran and his wife Tonya moved to Humboldt County two years ago, where they have established themselves as “the popcorn people,” selling their gourmet popcorn at farmer’s markets and along the roadside throughout the county. That came to a screeching halt in mid-April when a worker from Humboldt County’s Division of Environmental Health (DEH) came by their pop-up booth on Herrick Avenue in Eureka to tell them that they were operating illegally.

Michael and Tonya are not unfamiliar with food industry standards. They have been selling gourmet popcorn for several years, first in Kern County and now here in Humboldt. Upon arriving in Humboldt County, the couple applied for a business license and a Temporary Food Facility permit to sell their fresh-made popcorn throughout the county they now call home.

Schroeder’s Gourmet Popcorn customers are treated to a carnival type experience as the Schroeders pop kernels and season the warm popcorn as customers watch. The process and alluring aroma are part of the charm and appeal of the Schroeders’ business model.

The Schroeders were a bit perplexed by the notice from the county employee because they had been setting up at the Herrick Avenue location for months with no issue, often accompanied by a fruit stand that happened to not be there that day. When asked about why the fruit stand was allowed to be there  street vendors were allowed in various other areas, the Schroeders said that the DEH worker stated that the fruit stand was also operating illegally.

Michael Schroeder in front of a veteran owned local company sign with and American flag in front of his popcorn stand

Army Veteran, Michael Schroeder in front of his popcorn stand. [Photo provided by Tonya Schroeder]

A bit discouraged, the couple packed up their popcorn and their stand and drove back to Southern Humboldt with a plan to rectify the matter with the county as soon as possible.

The Schroeders contacted the DEH and scheduled a meeting with Benjamin Dolf, Supervising Environmental Health Specialist, ready to obtain whatever extra permitting needed to continue operating their business roadside in addition to their TFF permit and business license they hold with the county.

In Kern County, the street vending permit process is a little different, according to Tonya and Michael. When they came to Humboldt County, they were going to file for a community event permit but writing on the application stated that the community event permit was not needed for a single food booth. They mistakenly thought that meant they were legal to street vend with just their TFF and business license.

When they met with Dolf, they said they went into his office with the community event permit filled out thinking they needed the additional permit regardless of the lingo. Their attitude was, “How do we do this right?” stated Michael.

Unfortunately, they were informed that there is no path forward for them in Humboldt County with their business model as it is.

In a statement directed to us through the media email of the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), who oversees the DEH, Dolf stated, “There are multiple other options available to the Schroeder’s that are fully permissible and would be in compliance with state law. If the Schroeder’s wish to pursue a business model beyond the limitations of their current TFF permit, DEH is available to help them navigate the regulations and develop a safe, sanitary and compliant retail food operation.”

When asked what those avenues were, we were told the DHHS would not be answering further questions.

Other street vendors face similar issues even after California passed Senate Bill 946 in 2018 which was supposed to pave the way for small street vendors to have access to permitting. Instead, inclusiveaction.org says that as of a 2020 survey, approximately 75% of California counties continue to restrict street vending, remaining out of compliance with SB 946.

The couple say in the two years they’ve held their TFF, not once have they been inspected by DEH at any event. Michael said, “As I look more and more at the regulations they throw out, …it just seems to me they’re not really trying to protect the public.”

We were able to speak with Dolf at a later date to answer some questions regarding the limitations of street vending in Humboldt County. In a phone conversation, Dolf told us that Humboldt County follows the California Retail Food Code, a code written prior to the passage of SB 294. With the TFF permit that the Tonya and Michael have, they’re only allowed to pop popcorn inside the confines of an event, like a farmer’s market.

Even though California Retail Food Code considers popcorn a “nonpotentially hazardous food,” currently the Schroeders only have four permitting options available to them, none of which allow them to prepare their popcorn outside of an event.

A Cottage Food Facility Permit would allow Tonya and Michael to pop and package their popcorn at home. This would allow the couple to sell their prepackaged popcorn both wholesale and directly to their consumers. However, the Schroeders say that making popcorn fresh to order is their most effective business model.

They would also be allowed to prepackage their popcorn with a Processed Food Registration allowing the Schroeders to pop and package their popcorn in a commercial kitchen for resale. The same issues arise with not being able to provide warm popcorn to-order.

An option for popping popcorn on-site would be to obtain a Mobile Food Facility permit, essentially a food truck. The Schroeders said a food truck would be an exorbitant and unnecessary cost for popping popcorn, with food trucks costing around $75K.

A permanent food facility would also allow the Schroeders to pop their gourmet snacks to-order, but the cost is prohibitive for their sales revenue.

“[We need] a permitting process that allows for people to do their work safely and bring revenue into the county,” Tonya stated.

Roadside sales for Schroeders made up about 50% of their income. They had built relationships with their repeat customers at the various locations throughout the county. “We have a lot of business there, repeat customers, customers that will wait for us to get there [to set up],” Tonya said. All of that is now out of their reach. They can still vend at farmers markets and similar events when they’re held, but that leaves Tonya and Michael’s vending schedule reliant on event coordinators instead of in the hands of the entrepreneurs themselves.

Michael Schroeder holding two large bags of popcorn in front of his popcorn stand with black mesh walls and bright yellow canopy

 Michael Schroeder with bags of Schroeder’s Gourmet Popcorn [Photo provided by Tonya Schroeder]

Hoping to do just that, the Schroeders thought they could coordinate with other street vendors to create roadside events, both allowing small businesses vending options and DEH oversight for the pop-up event. Community event application approval is at the discretion of the DEH, stated the Schroeders and confirmed by Dolf. However, the Schroeders stated that when asked if they could host a ‘Friends of the Veterans’ reoccurring event, donating part of the proceeds to U.S. Veterans, Dolf said he would not approve the event because it would set a precedent.

Dolf told us that he was not aware the Schroeders were interested in hosting an event.

Even if the Schroeders manage to get a community event permit to allow roadside vending, the TFF permit limits permit holders to 25 days of operation in a 90-day period.

The Schoeders are frustrated. They want to work with the county and believe that not having a path forward for street vending limits street vendors ability to make a living and leaves some contemplating the risk of operating outside the law with no oversight from the DEH. The Schoeders have opted to stay within the bounds of the laws, hoping the county and state will adopt regulations that allow for street vendors like the Schroeders to operate legally.

Michael and Tonya Schroeder in front of their popcorn stand with black mesh walls and bright yellow canopy

The Schroeders [Photo provided by Tonya Schroeder]

Help may be on its way. Bill SB 972, has passed the Senate and is currently being reviewed by the Senate Appropriations Committee. If it passes, it will then go to Governor Newsom for approval. The bill, authored by Senator Gonzalez, and co-authored by Assemblymember Carrillo, Senator Durazo, and Senator Rubio, aims to remove barriers to food vending permits, protecting public health, reducing unpermitted food vending and contributing to the state’s economy. The bill will also allow for compact mobile food facilities other than hotdog carts which are currently allowed.

From Senator Gonzalez’s District 33 website:

“Today I am proud to announce the introduction of my bill SB 972 that will help support street food vendors,” said Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach). “Street food vendors are woven into the culturally diverse and culinary fabric of California. These workers, however, lack access to the permitting they need to be able to work and provide for their families. This is due to policies in the California Retail Food Code that make it difficult for them to enter local permitting systems. SB 972 will remove those barriers and at the same time uphold public health and safety standards to protect consumers. I am excited to move this legislation forward this year and look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure we provide a more just, accessible pathway to economic stability for California street food vendors.”

Until something changes, Michael and Tonya will attend every event they can enticing customers to their booth the mouth-watering aroma of their gourmet popcorn, trying to deal with the drastic reduction in revenue as they hold out hope that a legal pathway for their small business will arise. As Tonya stated, “Times are tough, we need to go out there and make money. We have a product that people want.”

You can follow the Schroeder’s Gourmet Popcorn Facebook page for more information on their vending event schedule.

Contact your local representatives to voice your opinion about SB 972, contact information can be found here

This article is written by Lisa Music, a local freelance journalist. To reach Lisa about tips, questions or comments, email her at [email protected]

Note: This article was edited to clarify the Schoeders had asked the DEH worker about other street vendors they had witnessed operating in the county, not the produce stand which is not considered a prepared food item.

 

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129 Comments
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NoGovernment
Guest
NoGovernment
1 year ago

join the Club, were all paying more….

5150
Guest
5150
1 year ago
Reply to  NoGovernment

Government hates corruption outside their own cubical

honey Lumpkin
Guest
honey Lumpkin
1 year ago
Reply to  5150

this is designed to stop business. why

Sugar in the Economic Engine
Guest
Sugar in the Economic Engine
1 year ago

I hate to see a business that is operated by people willing to work hard who are trying to comply get buried by statutes that are not really protecting anyone. Apparently the county managed to find a path forward for the fruit stand to operate “legally.” Why can’t they look for solutions for others too? If their product is safe to make and sell at the Town Square on Fridays, why isn’t it safe to make and sell it one block over on Saturdays?

California and Humboldt County…let’s stop driving our businesses out of business!!

I will be voluntarily increasing the price I pay for the Schroeder’s delicious popcorn on Fridays at the Garberville Farmers Market as a show of support for this business. And I’ll be using my vote in the June primaries to support those candidates with a more common sense approach to business.

Martin
Guest
Martin
1 year ago

I agree with your comment 100%! Thank you for offering to pay them more for their popcorn on Fridays at the Garberville Farmers Market. I truly hope ours will follow your path and do the same. We need more folks like you! It also bothers me that he is an Army veteran and is being smacked down. Serves his country proudly and then is treated like crap.

Mariahgirl
Guest
Mariahgirl
1 year ago

I don’t know who Dolf is but he sounds like a real jerk! He won’t let them hold a re-occurring event and donate to the veterans because he doesn’t want to set a precedent. How did the fruit stand on Herrick Avenue get permitted? That is secret and we can’t tell you?

Mr. BearD
Member
Mr. Bear
1 year ago
Reply to  Mariahgirl

You could just ask him.

Don T MattaD
Member
Don T Matta
1 year ago
Reply to  Mr. Bear

One could yes, but likely wouldn’t get an answer, except, stereotypical BS Runaround, from a semi professional bureaucrat!!!!

Mr. BearD
Member
Mr. Bear
1 year ago
Reply to  Don T Matta

You know him? My experience directly with Mr. Dolf would say otherwise.

Or you could just keep assuming things about him?

Country Joe
Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Mr. Bear

And we all know what the say about assume…

Sickof Thebullshit
Guest
Sickof Thebullshit
1 year ago
Reply to  Mr. Bear

If you know him…let him know he can read the comments here to get an idea of how the majority of Americans have had enough of people like him and the over reaching health departments in this country.

Dolf is the food police no one asked or voted for. The time of changed has arrived.

Guest
Guest
Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  Lisa Music

We were wondering about the same thing… “Fruit cutters” are common…

But this is clearly not about food safety, as the only discrepancy is about whether popping popcorn is occuring at an “event” or not…

It’s clearly about politics.

The Herrick fruit stand probably bitched to the County, because they felt the popcorn vendors were taking business from them…

That Herrick fruit stand sucks, and is way overpriced.

The Schroeder’s are good, hardworking successful people, and it’s unconscionable that the County would interfer with that success, by standing in their way, especially if the County is not conforming to the new regulations passed in 2018.

I feel that makes the County’s interference, technically, unlawful.

rollin
Guest
rollin
1 year ago
Reply to  Guest

“The Herrick fruit stand probably bitched to the County,”

Looks that way. I’m sure that driving a truck around with a port a potty in the bed isn’t blowing fecal matter all over that fruit stand in tow, mmmmm. Thank god our government is keeping us safe from evil popcorn vendors.

Maybe once the popcorn vendor figures out his permits, they can force him to put caloric information on the popcorn bags. That’ll keep us extra safe. Liberalism is a mental disorder!

geoffrey davis
Guest
geoffrey davis
1 year ago
Reply to  rollin

whats liberalism? thanks.

moviedad
Member
moviedad
1 year ago
Reply to  geoffrey davis

It’s a moveable feast.
It is whatever the “Media-Dupes,” say it is.
One could say the same thing for, “Conservatism.”

North westCertain license plate out of thousands c
Guest
North westCertain license plate out of thousands c
1 year ago
Reply to  moviedad

You must mean turmupiest

Dano
Guest
Dano
1 year ago
Reply to  rollin

Actually, conservatism has been linked to lower IQs and socipathic behavior. Just ask the racist kid in Buffalo…

In my 1911 I trust
Guest
In my 1911 I trust
1 year ago
Reply to  Dano

And liberalism has been linked to low testosterone

Country Joe
Member
1 year ago

No gonads…No Testosterone…

Country Joe
Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Dano

Typical leftist drivel…Self righteous liberals have tried to smear conservatives with studies linking prejudice to low intelligence for decades, with no success. They employ liberal bigots looking to cash in on negative stereotypes. It’s no surprise that they’d imply that conservatism is rooted in prejudice, just to prove their arguments.

If prejudice is truly linked to low cognitive abilities, liberals have proven that they are the ones suffering from the mental deficiencies described in these studies. Their own practices of cultural segregation, race baiting, and constant pandering to divisive groups has exposed their very own brand of prejudice. Furthermore, it’s because of their own prejudice that they’ve failed to understand the true principles of conservatism. 

willow creeker
Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Country Joe

Country Joe you seem smart enough to know there are idiots on both sides, and smart people too. I used to see more critical thinkers on the left and I think that’s getting harder to confirm these days. I for one appreciate people who can put thoughts behind what they believe in and don’t lap up the dogma from one side or the other, but make up their own minds. It’s pretty rare to see that in todays world.

Country Joe
Member
1 year ago
Reply to  willow creeker

“I seem smart enough”…Thanks for giving me a little credit…You seem smart enough to know that the left is on an ethical and moral race to the bottom…

Actually
Guest
Actually
1 year ago
Reply to  Country Joe

Haha how’s your buddy Madison Crawford holding up right now? Is he still punching trees and visiting hitlers bunker? Wasn’t he supposed to be the next gen conservative leader? I’m watching the Republican Party go batshit crazy and imploding on itself in a very comedic/terrifying way and yet you people still think they have no mental disorders or anything. Nothing to see here move along folks…

Not that dems are any better but come on folks this is embarrassing; the conservative movement really can’t claim any moral high ground or sanity either.

Madison Crawford is “just the tip” of the iceberg…

Last edited 1 year ago
edited for content
Guest
edited for content
1 year ago
Reply to  Dano

The racist kid in Buffalo is a self described Left wing authoritarian. Left equates low IQ, and socially unacceptable behavior, in my humble opinion.

Guest
Guest
Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  rollin

Gross!

Seriously?

That’s foul.

The County of Humboldt, in all of it’s intrepid, insipid, infinite, indefinite, shit-stained wisdom…

What a bunch of completely corrupt idiot’s.

Last edited 1 year ago
Mr. BearD
Member
Mr. Bear
1 year ago
Reply to  rollin

I did have an unpleasant run in with the woman setting up the fruit stand when I accidentally parked in “her spot”.

Turned me from a regular customer to a never customer in three sentences

Dano
Guest
Dano
1 year ago
Reply to  Guest

WHy would the fruit satnd complain about a business selling a product they don’t sell, but brings people to their location? BS. You must have a bone to pick with the fruit stand but making BS up isn’t appropriate.

Guest
Guest
Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  Dano

The fruit stand would complain about the fact that dollars that they would rather be going into their filthy pockets, they are seeing go into Schroeder’s pockets…

Lots of people probably stopped for popcorn and said “fuck that shitty ass overpriced picked up off of the ground windfall splits and doubles type funky fruit”, and didn’t buy shit from them.

And they got butt- hurt and bitched about it to their buddy Dolfie…

It’s called jealousy and greed.

Simple…

That kind of shit is complaint driven… Who else would have complained?

Hensell’s? Pierson’s?

WinCo? Costco?

Somebody bitched.

Think Occam’s razor.

I figure it was the fruit pushers.

They were mysteriously not present when Schroeder’s got the visit from Dolf.

Then they mysteriously returned…

Mystery solved…

rollin
Guest
rollin
1 year ago
Reply to  Guest

“Think Occam’s razor.”

Spot on again. And you beat me to the economics lesson for Dano (didn’t see that before I posted). And yes I’m serious about the shitty ass port a potty in the bed of the truck, nice and high up in the wind blowing fecal matter, yummmy.

rollin
Guest
rollin
1 year ago
Reply to  Dano

“WHy would the fruit satnd complain about a business selling a product they don’t sell”

If I pull in and have $10 to spend and $5 goes to popcorn, there’s only $5 left for fruit. If liberals understood economics, they wouldn’t be liberals. Now, what was it you were saying about IQ?

geoffrey davis
Guest
geoffrey davis
1 year ago
Reply to  Mariahgirl

Give a Dolf- monkey a badge… and it thinks that it is Hitler….kinda like the other dude.. jack black ,or whatever his name is.. they are all up there in Eureka. at the zoo on 101.

Nooo
Guest
Nooo
1 year ago

It seems that, while the county has an interest in not letting stands be put up willy nilly where they could pose traffic or safety issues for every kind of product, they could arrange for permits for designated areas to allow pop up stands for such a product and should work with the venders to arrange it. I know, while I would never buy mystery meals from an questionable pop up, popcorn seems pretty safe and even tempting. After all, the health department says they could sell the same product if they make where the customer couldn’t see it.

onrust
Guest
onrust
1 year ago
Reply to  Nooo

Probably some conservative businessperson wants that arena for their own and complained. Conservatism is a disease that causes mental illness.

In my 1911 I trust
Guest
In my 1911 I trust
1 year ago
Reply to  onrust

I’m a libertarian, but from the outside looking in, at least the republicans and conservatives know what a woman is.

Ben Round
Guest
Ben Round
1 year ago

at least the republicans and conservatives know what a woman is”. And what does THAT mean???!!?

Hayforker
Guest
Hayforker
1 year ago
Reply to  Ben Round

If you don’t get it, then I’m not sure what to tell you.

Country Joe
Member
1 year ago
Reply to  onrust

You do realize that Humboldt County is a liberal county…Your political animosity is showing…

Huh?
Guest
Huh?
1 year ago

What about the Latino folks selling cases of strawberries and mangos on street corners in Eureka? That has been allowed for years and I would venture to say they don’t have permits.

Mr. BearD
Member
Mr. Bear
1 year ago
Reply to  Huh?

I believe the issue is the actual preparation and cooking of food on site

rollin
Guest
rollin
1 year ago
Reply to  Huh?

That’s different. If you ask them for a permit, it’s racism.

Actually
Guest
Actually
1 year ago
Reply to  rollin

Haha wow dude. The issue is food prep. Do you have to insert these weird takes on everything?

Ernie Branscomb
Guest
1 year ago

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could regulate our government as well as they regulate us?

dawni
Guest
dawni
1 year ago

This is the best solution Ernie. While I worked frth county for 20 years I had to annually do a self evaluation and have one completed by my supervisor also. I often asked the question why the workers were not requested to evaluate their supervisor(s) in the same manner.

Ernie Branscomb
Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  dawni

I believe we are at the tipping point of many issues. You can smell impending change in the air. It will be interesting to see where this all lands.
It reminds me of the old Chinese curse. “May you live in interesting times”.

moviedad
Member
moviedad
1 year ago

Thought that was Arabic?

Ernie Branscomb
Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  moviedad

I’ve always heard it quoted as Chinese, but it has become much quoted because of the built in irony. It sounds like a blessing to the naive. However, as reality comes to play, it becomes apparent that is is a curse.

Vern
Guest
Vern
1 year ago

It is an Irish pub toast . . . best in Gaelic. ^-^

Anonymous
Guest
Anonymous
1 year ago

Circulate a petition requiring treatment and recovery for public employees suffering alcoholism.
And protection for the whistleblowers who out them.

Bill
Guest
Bill
1 year ago

Three things…
1.Gourmet?
It’s popcorn, right?…
OK, I’ll give ’em that.
It’s good popcorn marketing.
2. If they can give away popcorn at a hardware store…why not sell it on the corner?
It’s freshly made, and you can see them make it!…Allowing so would set a precedent?
The public would be unsafe because of popcorn?
Driving TO and getting out near traffic is more of a hazard. Which brings me to…
3. Hot Dogs are the exception. I was going to post what’s allowed in them, but you don’t want to know.

BigRick
Guest
BigRick
1 year ago
Reply to  Bill

Hot dogs are pre-cooked but if you think of it that way Taco Stand are operating illegally because they have to cook the taco meat and tortillas

Woed
Guest
Woed
1 year ago

California sucks, Humboldt county sucks…. you heard it here first.

deadmanwalkingwmd
Member
deadmanwalkingwmd
1 year ago
Reply to  Woed

Go somewhere else. Don’t let the door hit you in the ass when you leave. No, I hear it all the time from uneducated, unknowledgeable idiots. Every state in the Union and every county in every state has laws regarding food selling and food preparation. And you guys are the first to complain when someone gets sick from poorly prepared food. And yes, even popcorn can make a person sick, though usually I get sick from eating too much of it.

Woed
Guest
Woed
1 year ago

You are an unoriginal weirdo that is making alot of assumptions. Who said I live in California? I love street food. Everyone knows everywhere has laws, only you seem to think California’s laws are more lenient than other places.

Country Joe
Member
1 year ago

Woed is correct. California sucks, as millions have already left the State of Mexifornia, for greener pastures, lower taxes and fewer regulations.

California ranked dead last in Chief Executive magazine’s annual Best and Worst States for Business survey in 2016. Oh, and it also was ranked dead last for every other year that the survey has been conducted.
//r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr9DtmX8YtiMbgAHQVXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZANMT0NVSTAzOEJfMQRzZWMDc3I-/RV=2/RE=1653367319/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fhiddendominion.com%2f50-reasons-why-california-sucks%2f/RK=2/RS=yIkG9iR7AehnPW8VdYg3Hwz0Y3k-” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener nofollow ugc”>hiddendominion.com › 50-reasons-why-californiar.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr9DtmX8YtiMbgAHQVXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZANMT0NVSTAzOEJfMQRzZWMDc3I-/RV=2/RE=1653367319/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fhiddendominion.com%2f50-reasons-why-california-sucks%2f/RK=2/RS=yIkG9iR7AehnPW8VdYg3Hwz0Y3k-” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener nofollow ugc”>75 Reasons Why California Sucks 2022 – The Hidden Dominion

edited for content
Guest
edited for content
1 year ago

California”s door keeps slamming on businesses and taxpayers daily. It’s a liberal shithole with liberal shitheads running it. Seems the uneducated love that shithole but are so educated they can’t do simple math. Like keeping 16% or mor of your income?

Maximus
Guest
Maximus
1 year ago

Maybe he can declare himself a “farmer” and then there won’t be any regulations he has to follow. Plus he can sell on the black market across state lines to increase his revenue. After all, popcorn is a holy sacrament that Bob Marley loved! RastaPopCorn

Hayforker
Guest
Hayforker
1 year ago
Reply to  Maximus

These guys say they want to operate within the law. If you were honest, cannabis farmers who also operate within the law face the strongest regulations of any agricultural product. Sure there are plenty of farms outside the law, but that is not the comparison. I see a direct correlation with the popcorn makers and cannabis farmers wanting to operate legally only to find the legal pathways cost prohibitive (see the food truck model).

Farce
Guest
Farce
1 year ago
Reply to  Hayforker

Aren’t you the guy who said every permitted weed farm should be allowed to bend or break the law to turn a profit? Now you say they “operate within the law” like sure, until they don’t and then we should all look the other way…You’re being deceptive in your comments and I for one don’t believe a word you say. I think you are a scammer…who helps cover for other scammers

North westCertain license plate out of thousands c
Guest
North westCertain license plate out of thousands c
1 year ago
Reply to  Farce

Hay Farce, what’s The difference between a bot or a troll ?
I thought one was a person, the either a machine.

Bug on a Windshield
Guest
Bug on a Windshield
1 year ago

With all the mechanical implants these days, we’ll soon have troll bots.

Hayforker
Guest
Hayforker
1 year ago
Reply to  Farce

For someone claiming such an education as to see the folly of prop 64, you apparently can’t seem to read or remember my comments correctly. Or perhaps you’re just blinded by bitterness that things didn’t work out the way you thought they should.

No scammer here just someone who can identify your BS and willing to comment on it. Haha you’re the one who said I was gonna be tracked down like a criminal for stating that some entities have higher audit rates than others. You’re the one who suggested people make bad loans to others with the intent of foreclosing on them thereby seizing the property and keeping the principal payments.

You’re clearly confused because what I did say about people operating in the gray market is that while I don’t condone it, it should be expected when the regs and statutes are such that to follow every rule is almost impossible while operating in the black. Much like big ag, restaurants, construction, etc that routinely hire under the table. I don’t think it’s good, just like speeding in the highways. Yet I don’t naively believe everyone obeys the speed limit. You need to chill out and take a break from the vindictive attitude. Maybe take a vacation?

Frank Pembleton
Guest
Frank Pembleton
1 year ago

Yes, food safety is important. What is apparently not important to bureaucratic drones is common sense.

Hayforker
Guest
Hayforker
1 year ago

Hot dog carts are allowed so why not other carts? Popcorn has got to have lower risks of food borne illness than hotdogs with all the fixings.

deadmanwalkingwmd
Member
deadmanwalkingwmd
1 year ago
Reply to  Hayforker

Hot dogs have to sit in 212 degree water which stops any bacterial growth. Popcorn is popped and then cools down and then butter and other flavorings are added and it might sit that way for a while. Ever been to the County Fair? Every one of those food vendors is permitted as are the Mexican food trucks you see along the road. This is not new. It has been this way for decades. Get a grip.

Woed
Guest
Woed
1 year ago

You are wrong again. Water boils at 212. You definitely don’t leave hotdogs in boiling water indefinitely. I am noticing a pattern of you speaking up and running your mouth about things you have no idea on, but boy, do you think you are right.

Mr. BearD
Member
Mr. Bear
1 year ago

140 or warmer. They would be nasty at 212

In my 1911 I trust
Guest
In my 1911 I trust
1 year ago
Reply to  Mr. Bear

The fact ya’ll are boiling hotdogs says it all

Guest
Guest
Guest
1 year ago

No perishable flavorings are added to Schroeder’s popcorn. I have discussed this with them…

It’s part of the regulations they closely follow.

You don’t seem to know what you are talking about.

rollin
Guest
rollin
1 year ago

If I want to roll the dice and eat a warm water hot dog or a piece of fruit spackled with fecal matter, that should be my choice the same way it should be your choice to smoke a joint and say stupid shit on random blogs. That is the difference between liberals and non liberals.

Hillsman
Guest
Hillsman
1 year ago

“Land of the free” but now we can’t even sell popcorn without paying Uncle Sam a good cut and also obtaining 12 permits and the blessing of the church of health regulations.

Gavin'sComb
Guest
Gavin'sComb
1 year ago

Beware of the Covid empowered bureaucrat.

deadmanwalkingwmd
Member
deadmanwalkingwmd
1 year ago
Reply to  Gavin'sComb

Beware of idiots on parade.

In my 1911 I trust
Guest
In my 1911 I trust
1 year ago

Beware of monkeypox. The latest release from our friends at the Wuhan Lab

Gavin'sComb
Guest
Gavin'sComb
1 year ago

Stay away from the County Bld. and it shouldn’t be an issue.

North westCertain license plate out of thousands c
Guest
North westCertain license plate out of thousands c
1 year ago

The aroma of fresh popped corn is a number one seller. It’s actually a must. Best wishes for you in this tangle of bureaucracies

Guest
Guest
Guest
1 year ago

The sound of popcorn popping is what gets me juiced up, as much as the aroma of the popcorn popping… And the smell of the butter… And , for me, the nutritional yeast… Yum.

There is no better sales pitch.

Long live Schroeder’s Popcorn!

It adds character and nostalgia to our area.

Kettle cooked craftsmanship, at its finest!

Clear the path!!!

GO ARMY !!!

I like stars
Guest
I like stars
1 year ago

I used to work at a convenience store. We had a corn popper. If I made fresh, I always sold at least a few bags. If I didn’t make fresh, it was rare to sell any at all.

Notheone
Guest
Notheone
1 year ago

I feel bad for the Schroeder’s because the “Government strikes again” although, they really didn’t need to throw the “fruit stand” under the bus! Stay in your lane please.

Lisa Music
Guest
Lisa Music
1 year ago
Reply to  Notheone

They were actually speaking of fresh cut fruit vendors not the fruit stand on Herrick. The Schroeder’s intention was to ask how other street vendors were being permitted to do onsite prep vending, then we’re told that those vendors were operating illegally. (There was some confusion on my part about the fruit stand next to them vs the fruit vendors elsewhere.)

Guest
Guest
Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  Notheone

It’s not the fruit stand that is the issue so much, (it could be), it’s the many cut fruit operations scattered hither and yon throughout the county…

There seems to be a double standard being applied…

That’s the issue…

Times are hard, people are being reduced to filling themselves with popcorn.

Schroeder’s got “popped”?

An Army veteran?

Fuck that!

Fuck the County, Fuck Dolf, they are obnoxiously standing between the people and their fucking popcorn now? WTF?

What, they want their fucking popcorn tax now, too?

Begrudging the people “popping” popcorn?

Talk about fucking with the mom’s and “pops”!

Enough is enough!

They’ve gone to far! …

deadmanwalkingwmd
Member
deadmanwalkingwmd
1 year ago
Reply to  Guest

Smoke more weed dude. Chill. Get out in the world more. These rules have been in effects for about 150 years.

Guest
Guest
Guest
1 year ago

The bill passed in 2018?

150 years?

Talk about effects…

Maybe you better cut back a little.

You might be overdoing it a little.

Popping popcorn to feed the world is not a crime!

In my 1911 I trust
Guest
In my 1911 I trust
1 year ago

150 years? Lol! Food trucks and all that didn’t exist, heck, trucks didn’t exist until 1886. You say food trucks were regulated 16 years before the first truck ever came into existence? My friend, think before you put something in writing!

Bug on a Windshield
Guest
Bug on a Windshield
1 year ago
Reply to  Guest

When did people start paying to have their fruit cut for them? And why?

Guest
Guest
Guest
1 year ago

Doesn’t matter. And doesn’t matter.

For the same reason, and for about as long, as people have paid to have their popcorn popped for them…

The problem is, some worthless asswipe, sticking out his filthy, stinking hand, expecting to get paid, before someone can get paid to cut someone else’s fruit, or pop their fucking popcorn.

And that cutting someone’s fruit, is going to much more likely sicken someone, than popping someone’s popcorn, but it’s the popcorn popper that gets “popped”.

It’s bullshit.

Too many filthy, stinking, entitled, money grubbing, greedy County hands, that do nothing but pilfer and obstruct, and not enough fruit cutters and popcorn poppers…

Get real.

I support Schroeder’s!

💯%

Entering a world of pain
Guest
Entering a world of pain
1 year ago
Reply to  Guest

Man you are really Jonesin’ for some popcorn. Makes me wonder what they’re putting in that stuff Lol

Guest
Guest
Guest
1 year ago

Was!…

I just finished a big bowl of homemade yellow “butterfly” or “snowflake” popcorn, with gobs of butter and heaped high with nutritional yeast…

Soo goood!

Schroeder’s probably uses “mushroom” popcorn in their kettle corn, which pops up bigger and rounder…

Last edited 1 year ago
Entering a world of pain
Guest
Entering a world of pain
1 year ago
Reply to  Guest

That’s making me hangry

Guest
Guest
Guest
1 year ago

🤔🧐😁

burblestein
Guest
burblestein
1 year ago

So Mr. Dolf doesn’t want to set the precedent of businesses donating to charity? That pretty much tells us who he is.

Guest
Guest
Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  burblestein

It sounds like he doesn’t want to set the precedent of having to do any more work.

Nor to set the precedent of abiding by the new regulations established in 2018, that 3/4ths of California counties are not abiding by.

Those precedents?

thetallone
Guest
thetallone
1 year ago

I’m grateful to the authorities for protecting us from popcorn. It’s destroying our communities.

Last edited 1 year ago
Country Joe
Member
1 year ago
Reply to  thetallone

It’s a menace to society…

pop corn.jpg
Lou Monadi
Guest
Lou Monadi
1 year ago
Reply to  thetallone

Cmon man! He was talking about Corn Pop, not Pop Corn

thetallone
Guest
thetallone
1 year ago
Reply to  Lou Monadi

I thought this article was about cop porn.

Bill Hogoboom
Guest
1 year ago

Can anyone tell me what being a vet has to do with complying with food safety regs?

Guest
Guest
Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  Bill Hogoboom

I don’t know, but did you miss the part about the County of Humboldt not complying with the relevant Bill passed in 2018, along with 3/4 of the Counties in California?

Maybe the Schroeder’s are in technically in compliance, and it is the County of Humboldt that is not in compliance, because they are not recognizing the passage of that Bill?

Observer
Guest
Observer
1 year ago

Yet another example of how our county operates under the culture of NO. Every single person in our local government rings their hands over every little thing producing a never ending web of ticky tacky redtape. From building a home to making popcorn.

Bug on a Windshield
Guest
Bug on a Windshield
1 year ago

“Until something changes, Michael and Tonya will attend every event they can ….”

You probably already know about these events, but if not,
Eureka Old Town Friday Nights – in past years, three blocks, might be two now, get blocked to traffic. Craft and food vendors set up. Face painting for kids and kids at heart. Music. Goes through summer. Sometimes I’ll get a taco from the truck if the line dies to less than ten people, but, you pretty much have to sit and eat. Popcorn though, perfect for this event. I think the contact is Eureka Main Street. Edit: contact is the Clark Museum.

Eureka Arts Alive – First Saturday of the month in Old Town. In the past, streets were not blocked off. Beginning this year, I’ve heard so please confirm, at least two blocks will be closed to vehicles, but, it spans many more blocks with several locations to set up. Again, popcorn would be perfect for this event and I think the contact is Eureka Main Street.

Thursday Night Summer Concerts – On the boardwalk at C St. & 1st/Waterfront Drive. Popcorn, again perfect. Plenty of room to set up in the dirt lot or next to the hot dog cart. Contact might be Eureka Main Street, could be radio Cool105 or Power96. Usually no vendors, but, folks dance, mingle, sit and listen, and/or stroll the boardwalk. Even when the weather is socked in, there’s a crowd, it’s Humboldt. Rain usually cancels.

Best of luck. Thank you for your service.

Last edited 1 year ago
Country Joe
Member
1 year ago

Typical government BS here in Humboldt County. They probably didn’t grease the right skids.

Smoky OG again
Guest
Smoky OG again
1 year ago

Veterans arent a special class that can escape the rules.

Legallettuce
Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  Smoky OG again

We get buried for free and have special loans backed by uncle Sam. We get 10points added to any federal or state employment application.
Plus when we turn 55 we get offered life insurance at $9.95 up to 85 years old and no physical necessary. Pretty special if ya asked me burials are expensive.

Last edited 1 year ago
Country Joe
Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Legallettuce

What makes veterans special? They serve to protect us as a country, and they serve to protect their loved ones. By definition, a person who has once served in the U.S. Armed Forces is a veteran. However, veterans are more than just former soldiers, they are human beings that choose to stand up and defend our country; they choose to defend us as a nation no matter the risks that come with it. 

Hayforker
Guest
Hayforker
1 year ago
Reply to  Country Joe

Defend the country from who? Did someone from Afghanistan or Iraq attack the US? As I recall they were from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, and Lebanon. Not sure where this guy served, but most soldiers are fighting for empire and not defending the country per se.

Corporate Serfdom
Guest
Corporate Serfdom
1 year ago
Reply to  Hayforker

I do find it interesting that our country is under attack from within, and you brought up some very important aspects of the military I distrustul complex, that has made veterans who fight in every other country but our own, a salient point.

We need to save this country from these non stop divisive actions.

Country Joe
Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Hayforker

Obviously, you never served our nation in the Armed Forces. You completely missed the point, to vent your leftist rhetoric.

Last edited 1 year ago
Prometheus
Guest
Prometheus
1 year ago
Reply to  Smoky OG again

What makes veterans special? They serve to protect us as a country, and they serve to protect their loved ones. By definition, a person who has once served in the U.S. Armed Forces is a veteran. However, veterans are more than just former soldiers, they are human beings that choose to stand up and defend our country; they choose to defend us as a nation no matter the risks that come with it. We need to honor and respect the veterans that are with us today.

BigRick
Guest
BigRick
1 year ago

Okay so what im reading is:

“Taco vendors can cook their tacos on a taco stand but popcorn vendors cant pop corn at a popcorn stand”

Seems racist to exclude white culture like that.

Entering a world of pain
Guest
Entering a world of pain
1 year ago
Reply to  BigRick

Corn was popped way before white people came to America

BigRick
Guest
BigRick
1 year ago

If you’re one of those people who believe white people have no culture then how are you going to explain the spork? Whose culture was the pet rock? Who invented the slam dunk?!

Take that attitude back to 1920 Weimar Germany!

Entering a world of pain
Guest
Entering a world of pain
1 year ago
Reply to  BigRick

Dude chill out! My grandfather invented mayonnaise

Al L Ivesmatr
Guest
Al L Ivesmatr
1 year ago

Another standard case of, “I’m from the government and am here to help.” Put you out of business…..beahahahaha. And some people think government run single payer healthcare will be fantastic when there are thousands of examples of incompetence, harassing and putting up obstacles against people for the simplest of endeavors, selling popcorn and young children selling lemonade. Some moron Calfire inspector a decade ago or so used to scan the local classifieds and message board at Murphy’s in Trinidad daily to see if people were selling firewood and then would call them and appear at their house to find out where they got the firewood from. Did the moron ever think nobody gets rich off firewood, they barely break even when you consider the time involved. But the state had to be covered in the morons mind to make sure the firewood seller wasn’t stealing from the government coffers somehow. How, I have no idea. Powertrippers without any power outside their measly job title makes for a bad situation for the taxpayer on the receiving end.

Al L Ivesmatr
Guest
Al L Ivesmatr
1 year ago

Commentators keep on bringing up the Hondurans selling mangoes, guavas, and strawberries on many street corners in McKinleyville and Arcata. I highly doubt they have a permit for one as they switch locations weekly. Secondly, do you think Dolf or any other bureaucrat has enough guts to endanger their job to squash the unpermitted Honduran fruit sellers? The answer is obviously no for reasons everyone knows but is unwilling to state as they are on the corners daily for the last five years now. They are not going anywhere and Dolf knows it. The white popcorn guy is such an obviously easy target, he was made to get busted. Do I have a problem with the Hondurans selling fruit? Not at all because everyone needs to pay the bills, they are providing a service and are probably making 20 dollars a day after they give the boss his cut. It serves as a point of reference who government employees feel comfortable harassing and who they ignore by driving past to not create a firestorm of “you government person, you racist, me immigrant, leave me alone, bye bye government cull.”

HotCoffee
Guest
HotCoffee
1 year ago

“When asked what those avenues were, we were told the DHHS would not be answering further questions.”

Isn’t that what they are there for?
Or is it just for fines, fees, and penalties?

Hayforker
Guest
Hayforker
1 year ago
Reply to  HotCoffee

I’m hoping this part is just a misunderstanding…

Guest
Guest
Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  HotCoffee

Sounds like the answer the DHHS director Piriera gave when asked about the population of Humboldt, and the population of Humboldt that was under 5 that was used to determine vaccination percentages…

She said she wouldn’t be answering those questions.

I don’t get it.

What’s the problem with answering questions?

HotCoffee
Guest
HotCoffee
1 year ago
Reply to  Guest

I suspect it’s because they don’t have acceptable answers.
Move up the regulatory “food” chain until we get the answers, and solutions.

Last edited 1 year ago
Salmongirl
Guest
Salmongirl
1 year ago

Egad, some self important county health bureaucrat tattles on a extremely popular popcorn stand. And ruins a small business contributing to community financial health in the county. Wtf you fckers

Coveman
Guest
Coveman
1 year ago

Just what we need “Popcorn Police” The Camo Cowboys might have a song there!

Joe
Member
Joe
1 year ago

What a JOKE, and what a world! Hey Michael, Thank You for Your service!

Last edited 1 year ago
Allison Hames
Guest
Allison Hames
1 year ago

If they are known here and hot dog carts are legal then how about a popcorn cart….. Rally the community or seek funding through fundraiser or through benefits.gov (for military people )

Corporate Serfdom
Guest
Corporate Serfdom
1 year ago

I bet their popcorn doesn’t cause blood clots, myocarditis, and all those side edefects of safe and effective

rollin
Guest
rollin
1 year ago

love it

Jamie A Rennie
Guest
Jamie A Rennie
1 year ago

At some point we need less legislation and bureaucracy in California. This is ridiculous. Wake up Humboldt County.

Laura Hall
Guest
Laura Hall
1 year ago

The county worker that stopped the popcorn people shouldn’t let his erectile dysfunction interfere with folks just making a living

M&T Schroeder
Guest
M&T Schroeder
1 year ago

Please share this link….

Here is a link to take action against street food vendor prejudice and in support of Senate Bill 972.
Join us in demanding that state legislatures support SB 972 to update the retail food code enabling street food vendors to safely and legally serve our communities! ❤️

https://castreetvendors.org/take-action/

Stoney Bologna
Guest
Stoney Bologna
1 year ago

Ohh my god you can tell weed moneys running dry for the county. Milking their people anyway they can now