California city backs down on $20K daily fine threat against pastor's food pantry after outpouring of support

Pastor Ralph Olmos faced a potential shutdown of Lighthouse Food Rescue & Distribution, which provided free groceries to more than 1,000 people daily in San Jose, California. (Olivianna Calmes)

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A California pastor who provides free groceries to more than 1,000 people daily was ordered in September to shut down his food pantry after the city of San Jose cited zoning violations and blocked sidewalks, threatening fines of up to $20,000, just a day before officials changed course following an outpouring of social media support.

Lighthouse Food Rescue & Distribution, operated by Pastfor Ralph Olmos, received a citation requiring the nonprofit to remove its food distribution operation from the public sidewalk within 10 days and cease operations at its longtime 17th Street location within 60 days.

Olmos told Fox News Digital that despite the city's subsequent offer to help with relocation costs, he sees little possibility of keeping the pantry at its current location, pointing to the city's previous recognition of his charitable work.

"I can tell you that this is definitely not my first rodeo with the City," Olmos told Fox News Digital. "But from being called a Beacon of hope, to get out or we will fine you. There really doesn't seem any way that the Lighthouse stays on 17th street."

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and Councilmember Anthony Tordillos confirmed that no fines had been assessed against a pastor's food pantry previously threatened with penalties of up to $20,000 per day. (Getty Images)

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Following the backlash, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and Councilmember Anthony Tordillos, who represent the district where Lighthouse operates, told Fox News Digital that the city was working to help relocate the pantry while addressing concerns about sidewalk accessibility for neighborhood residents.

"Two things can be true at once – and they are in this case. Lighthouse is doing incredible work in the community and their neighbors deserve to be able to use the sidewalk," the officials said in a joint statement. 

"We’ve been working with our Housing Department and Code Compliance Team to find a place where the pastor can relocate and continue serving the community while ensuring that the mobility issues in the neighborhood are addressed so that elderly and disabled residents can get where they need to go," they added. 

The officials also addressed the potential financial penalties outlined in the city's original enforcement notice, emphasizing that no fines had been imposed and that San Jose was instead offering financial assistance to help the nonprofit relocate.

"No fines have been assessed – in fact, the City has offered to help with relocation costs because we are committed to finding a solution that is not punitive but creates a better situation for everyone involved," Mahan and Tordillos said.

San Jose officials offered to help relocate Lighthouse Food Rescue & Distribution following an outpouring of social media support over the city's enforcement action against the nonprofit. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg/Getty Images)

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The response followed a report from San Jose Spotlight, detailing a Sept. 25 citation ordering Lighthouse to remove its sidewalk food distribution operation and canopies within 10 days or face potential fines of up to $20,000 daily. The citation also directed the nonprofit to cease operations at its current location within 60 days.

Pastor Ralph Olmos, the nonprofit's president and CEO, previously expressed concern about abandoning the families who depend on its services.

"I'm up against the wall. It's almost like (the city is) telling me to stop. But my conviction says, 'How can I leave the people?'" Olmos told San Jose Spotlight.

The pantry, located near East Julian and North 17th streets, distributes groceries five days a week to families, seniors, homeless residents and people with disabilities. Its offerings include milk, meat, eggs and specialized food packages.

San Jose officials defended their concerns about blocked sidewalks while acknowledging Lighthouse's charitable work and offering assistance with relocation costs. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

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Mahan also addressed the controversy on Instagram, saying his administration was working to ensure the organization's charitable efforts continue.

"Seeing the outpouring of advocacy and support for [Light House Food Rescue] has been amazing — and I’m right there with you. Pastor Olmos has been doing incredible work in our community and we’re going to make sure that work can continue. My team, alongside our Housing Department, has been in touch with the Pastor over the past week to help them relocate to a location that works for them, the people they serve and their neighbors. The city may even be able to help them with moving costs. Stay tuned!" Mahan said.

The controversy marked another dispute between the Lighthouse and the city.

In 2022, the nonprofit faced a special use permit requirement costing up to $15,500. Following community opposition, then-Mayor Sam Liccardo and Councilmember Raul Peralez proposed waiving or funding the fees. The City Council later voted unanimously to support relief for food pantries, according to the San Jose Spotlight.

That same year, San Jose officially recognized Lighthouse through its Silicon Valley Strong Heroes initiative, praising Olmos and volunteers for feeding vulnerable residents during the pandemic.

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City Planning, Building and Code Enforcement spokesperson Marika Krause told San José Spotlight that zoning rules have since changed and a special use permit is no longer available for the pantry's current operations. 

The city has not publicly confirmed a finalized relocation site or whether the original 60-day shutdown order has been rescinded.

CJ Womack is an associate editor at Fox News.

CJ joined Fox News Digital's team in 2026, which highlights the vital role journalism plays in shaping politics and culture. He has years of experience analyzing and reporting on the news media.

CJ graduated from Long Beach State University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Journalism. 

You can send news tips to cj.womack@fox.com and follow CJ on Twitter.