Matt Mahan

Lighthouse Food Rescue and Distribution, a northside San Jose food bank founded in 2020 by Pastor Ralph Olmos, faces a potential forced move after a 2022-2024 periodic rezoning placed its location in a zone that no longer permits social services agencies. The nonprofit, which serves an estimated 1,000 people daily through a farmers-market-style distribution model, was given 10 days to clear sidewalk obstructions and 60 days to cease operations, with fines of $20,000 per day threatened for noncompliance. Neighbors have complained of double-parked cars, blocked bike lanes, and trash, while advocates and longtime recipients argue a relocation would cut off elderly and disabled residents who rely on walkable access.

City officials, including Mayor Matt Mahan and Councilmember Anthony Tordillos, say they are searching for a nearby, accessible, cost-effective site and have floated a grace period on fines while a resolution is negotiated. Olmos says he wants to cooperate with the city but would need a satellite site on the northside if relocation becomes unavoidable, warning that losing the current spot would disrupt the community network built around the food bank.

Lighthouse Food Rescue and Distribution, a South Bay food bank run by Pastor Ralph Olmos, has drawn a city zoning violation notice warning of fines up to $20,000 per day unless it addresses lines of people waiting for groceries that spill onto the sidewalk. The food bank operates under California's SB 33, which allows it to redistribute surplus grocery store food and let recipients choose their own items. Olmos says similar violations were issued in 2022 but later waived, and he is hopeful for a similar outcome this time after discussions with San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.

In a joint statement, Mahan and councilmember Anthony Tordillos said no fines have actually been assessed, calling Lighthouse's work valuable while acknowledging neighbors' need for clear sidewalks, especially for elderly and disabled residents. The city says it is working with its housing and code compliance departments to find Lighthouse a new location and has offered to help cover relocation costs, framing the effort as a solution rather than a punitive measure.