Normally, the city Planning Department deals with permit violations in what can be a lengthy legal process. In this case, Macias said, Greuel's office held meetings with temple officials in the last three months.
"We wanted to avoid the city citing them. Everyone wants this to stay cooperative," said Abernathy, the Greuel spokeswoman.
The temple responded to neighbors' concerns by arranging for monitors to watch for parking infractions and hiring a firm to clean up after the vendors.
But residents continued to complain, and some patrons ignored the parking monitors' instructions.
So at the Aug. 1 meeting, when temple representatives asked if the fair should close, the city said yes, Macias said.
Temple officials will apply for a new permit, said Patamakanthin, their legal advisor. Although they wanted the food fair to stay open, she said, "At the same time, we have to look at the big picture. We just have to find a solution to this excessive traffic."
This weekend, some workers serving sticky rice and noodle soup said they were worried about losing the pay they earn from fair vendors. "I worry, because no job. So quickly. We were surprised," said one worker who would not give her name.
"This is like going to church on Sundays. This is what we do on weekends," explained Janet Hunpadongrat, 21, who lives near the temple. "We don't have enough parking because everyone loves this community."
