Finding a cheap taco could be a little difficult in Tulare County a week from today. That's because county staff members are hoping that taco truck vendors take some time out of their day to meet with them at 9 a.m. April 9 at the Tulare Board of Supervisors Chambers in Visalia.

The county wants to discuss proposed rules that would change where, when and how taco trucks can operate.
But don't call them "taco trucks." County officials prefer the term "mobile food vendors."
County officials say restaurant owners have been complaining about these mobile food vendors for years for taking away business while not having to pay property taxes.

When the Board of Supervisors seemed ready to vote on the new rules in December, they were surprised as dozens of these vendors -- mostly Spanish speakers -- showed up to say the rules would put them out of business.
Now county officials say they are ready to hear their input on the proposed rules. County spokesman Eric Coyne says the county has started to reach out to this community by providing notices en Espanol.

Since reporting this story in December, I've needed a decent excuse for posting a link to this Web site that tracks taco trucks across California. It might be able to help you find or avoid taco trucks, depending on where you stand on the issue.

Also, taco trucks aren't just an issue in Tulare County. Here is a link to our friends at the Sacramento Bee about a mobile food vendor ordinance up there.