Sonoma County has decided not to renew its lease with the Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market.
After months of negotiations, financial reports and public showdowns over a proposed rent hike at the Santa Rosa Veteran’s Hall, Sonoma County Regional Parks officials have accepted a new entity, The Redwood Empire Farmers’ Markets, as tenant. They will begin operations at Veteran’s Hall in Santa Rosa in July 2012.
According to Regional Parks Director Caryl Hart, whose department oversees the operation of the Veteran’s Hall, “I had a space and a set price for it. The (Redwood Empire Farmers Markets) wanted to pay the full amount.” She said that the current market lease expires on June 30, 2012.
At issue was a proposed rent increase beginning in July that would nearly double the current annual fees of $23,875 paid by the market for the use of the Veteran’s Hall parking lot on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Market manager Paula Downing balked at the increase, claiming that the $57,660 annual rental price proposed by the county would end up hurting local farmers and the market. For the past 10 years, the Santa Rosa Original Farmers Market paid a significantly discounted rate — up to 75 percent lower than what would normally be asked — to use the lot at Brookwood and Maple avenues. That’s added up to more than $156,000 in rent breaks, according to records.
However, financial records submitted by Downing to show the market’s income and expenses, and ultimately its need for continued subsidies by the county failed to convince officials.
“This is very valuable public space and there is a lot of demand for it. We’ve given a lot of concessions, and as a landlord it was clear to me that (the existing market) was not interested in doing business with the county,” Hart said. “The new group has the space reserved and have put down the deposit.”
The new market organization is a collection of current market vendors, farmers and community members, according to spokesman Rob Cary, former Sebastopol Community Center Director. The group is in the process of formalizing its board of directors, bylaws and certification, but Cary said he hopes to make the transition seamless for the public.
“The new market will continue (on Wednesday and Saturday) at the Veteran’s building without interruption, under new management. The stall rates will remain the same as they currently are. We want to have a smooth transition for everyone,” said Cary. Downing will be invited to apply for the new market manager position and Cary said there will be no fee increases for the vendors of the Redwood Empire Farmers’ Markets to offset the rent increase.
For Downing, the changeover amounts to a coup. In a blog post on the farm market website, she announced early Friday that the county had, “unilaterally and arbitrarily terminated the market’s lease negotiations and announced that they have made arrangements with another farmers market” without her official knowledge. She has asked the public and current vendors to meet at the Veteran’s Hall at 1:30pm on Saturday, Feb. 25 to discuss the future of the current market. “Not only has the rent been raised substantially, but some of our members/vendors…are bidding on this space in hope of replacing the market with a market of their own!” claimed a flier Downing passed out at last Saturday’s market.
Downing hopes to keep interest alive in maintaining the current market leadership and possibly changing the county’s mind about the space. “I’ve done enough politics to know that it’s never over and not to give up hope,” she said. Downing also said she is looking at possible new spaces for the existing market in Santa Rosa. “This is very emotional. I feel really sad. I feel like I have responsibility to these (vendors and farmers).”
An undercurrent to much of the upheaval is a public feud inside the market that’s been simmering since 2010. A number of vendors called for the firing of Downing from the market, ultimately removing her and installing a new board of directors. Weeks later, however, Downing and the original board were reinstated. After the tousle, several vendors alleged retaliatory acts by Downing, including the owners of Gleason Ranch who filed a pending lawsuit against the market in 2011. Former and current members of the market, including the owners of Gleason Ranch, have been supportive of the creation of the Redwood Empire Farmers’ Market.
Regardless of the history, for the county, a tenant means a new start.
“This is a fresh opportunity,” said Hart. “From my perspective it would be best if everyone could come together and stop all the acrimony. The number one interest of the county is a market that provides healthy local food in a vibrant and positive way,” said Hart. “Sometimes change is good.”
I just heard the new market is being managed by the guy from the French Garden
If you think there is turmoil now
You’ve been misinformed.
He put up the money
You’ll find out soon that’s not the case.
Anon, it seems that you are full of all kinds of meretricious fallacies!
Looks like someone need to learn the facts before opening their mouth!
After all we all know what happens when one assumes things.
And to be honest, it’s this kind of childish crap that has torn apart the current market into the sad, sad state it is now.
I just heard the new market is being managed by the guy from the French Garden
If you think there is turmoil now
You’ve been misinformed.
He put up the money
You’ll find out soon that’s not the case.
Anon, it seems that you are full of all kinds of meretricious fallacies!
Looks like someone need to learn the facts before opening their mouth!
After all we all know what happens when one assumes things.
And to be honest, it’s this kind of childish crap that has torn apart the current market into the sad, sad state it is now.
I just heard the new market is being managed by the guy from the French Garden
If you think there is turmoil now
If cheerleading were enough, the Santa Rosa farmers markets would be rousing successes.
They aren’t.
When I lived in the eastbay, I shopped at 11 farmers markets from Oakland to Fremont, and in The City. I went twice a week, every week. Since moving to Santa Rosa a few years ago, I stopped after a half dozen efforts.
The reason is simple: the SF and eastbay markets provided a great variety of produce at superb prices. Here, the variety and quality are poor — and the prices equal or surpass grocery store prices.
The Pacific Farmers’ market group is owned by farmers and has markets in 7 counties. The Marin group (run by sustainable food enthusiasts) has 4-5 markets. Both these groups operate successfully in low-income areas as well as upper-class SF.
Why can’t Santa Rosa markets offer the quality and prices the other markets do?
Just drop by the SF Civic Center market some day. Look at the selection and pricing on seafood, for gosh sakes! Who’s closer to the fishermen, them or us?
They COMPETE for the customer’s business. Our local farmers apparently EXPECT the customer to patronize them, as our duty to the earth, I guess.
well said
fredj the seafood vendor at the Marin Farmers Market is the same company that sells at the Santa Rosa Farmers market. I totally disagree with your assessment of our farmers. The vast majority of them farm in Sonoma County. The board does not turn away good farmers.
hear hear fredj! i am all about supporting farmers and the markets.
but why are the prices at Sonoma Cty farners mkts more than the already expensive Whole Foods and Olivers markets? there is no middle person, it should be cheaper! Sf and LA farmers mkts both are 1/3 of the prices at any of the Sonoma Cty farmers mkts–Santa Rosa and Sebastopol included, and those markets have to have food trucked to them!! it’s crazy!! it’s not worth it to me to support SR and Sebastopol mkts anymore!
If cheerleading were enough, the Santa Rosa farmers markets would be rousing successes.
They aren’t.
When I lived in the eastbay, I shopped at 11 farmers markets from Oakland to Fremont, and in The City. I went twice a week, every week. Since moving to Santa Rosa a few years ago, I stopped after a half dozen efforts.
The reason is simple: the SF and eastbay markets provided a great variety of produce at superb prices. Here, the variety and quality are poor — and the prices equal or surpass grocery store prices.
The Pacific Farmers’ market group is owned by farmers and has markets in 7 counties. The Marin group (run by sustainable food enthusiasts) has 4-5 markets. Both these groups operate successfully in low-income areas as well as upper-class SF.
Why can’t Santa Rosa markets offer the quality and prices the other markets do?
Just drop by the SF Civic Center market some day. Look at the selection and pricing on seafood, for gosh sakes! Who’s closer to the fishermen, them or us?
They COMPETE for the customer’s business. Our local farmers apparently EXPECT the customer to patronize them, as our duty to the earth, I guess.
well said
fredj the seafood vendor at the Marin Farmers Market is the same company that sells at the Santa Rosa Farmers market. I totally disagree with your assessment of our farmers. The vast majority of them farm in Sonoma County. The board does not turn away good farmers.
The county should appoint a farmer’s market liaison like Heather, who would take a small fee from the producers that is it, no 3rd party.
A commenter at the meeting brought up the point that it would be good to have citizens in the board whose livelihood isn’t tied to the market. I can only imagine how challenging it is to be a farmer trying to eek out a living and then have to be involved in the finances and politics of running the markets board. All I know is that I feel like I need to support the farmers more than ever.
Which farmers are you planning to support the disgruntled ones or the 99% that want the management to remain the way it is.
I have to say that I personally know most of these farmers. 99% truly isn’t close to accurate. I think Heather brings up a good point about the need for
citizen members on the new board.
Heather we vendors choose to be involved precisely because our livelihoods are at stake. A “citizen” member MAY be a good idea. They would have to run for their position and be voted in like the other board members. The “citizen board member” should be someone who has shopped at the market for years.
With all do respect Missy the managing of the Farmers Market is a very time consuming job. We vendors like the job that our manager is doing. If you have been a shopper for the last ten years you must have seen the growth that the market has experience in that time frame. Heather are you ready to moonlight? Peace
The county should appoint a farmer’s market liaison like Heather, who would take a small fee from the producers that is it, no 3rd party.
A commenter at the meeting brought up the point that it would be good to have citizens in the board whose livelihood isn’t tied to the market. I can only imagine how challenging it is to be a farmer trying to eek out a living and then have to be involved in the finances and politics of running the markets board. All I know is that I feel like I need to support the farmers more than ever.
Which farmers are you planning to support the disgruntled ones or the 99% that want the management to remain the way it is.
I have to say that I personally know most of these farmers. 99% truly isn’t close to accurate. I think Heather brings up a good point about the need for
citizen members on the new board.
Heather we vendors choose to be involved precisely because our livelihoods are at stake. A “citizen” member MAY be a good idea. They would have to run for their position and be voted in like the other board members. The “citizen board member” should be someone who has shopped at the market for years.
With all do respect Missy the managing of the Farmers Market is a very time consuming job. We vendors like the job that our manager is doing. If you have been a shopper for the last ten years you must have seen the growth that the market has experience in that time frame. Heather are you ready to moonlight? Peace
This seems to be a whole lot of drama for a farmers market. You should all come to the Healdsburg Farmers market, it’s a drama free zone I hear. Just good produce from good people.
The county should appoint a farmer’s market liaison like Heather, who would take a small fee from the producers that is it, no 3rd party.
This amounts to commercial gentrification.
This seems to be a whole lot of drama for a farmers market. You should all come to the Healdsburg Farmers market, it’s a drama free zone I hear. Just good produce from good people.
Been selling at mkt for over 30 yrs. Remember that it’s a farmers mkt NOT a managers mkt. Problems arise when vendors take sides in disputes . A strong elected board should guide and direct mkt manager. Vendors should sell their products, not try to govern. Let the board do that. If you do not like what’s happening,promote change in a positive and responsible way. This is again turning into a he said, she said.!
I will stay and sell at the Vet location under a strong and united mkt. Let’s have a board that is committed to the good of all.q
This amounts to commercial gentrification.
Been selling at mkt for over 30 yrs. Remember that it’s a farmers mkt NOT a managers mkt. Problems arise when vendors take sides in disputes . A strong elected board should guide and direct mkt manager. Vendors should sell their products, not try to govern. Let the board do that. If you do not like what’s happening,promote change in a positive and responsible way. This is again turning into a he said, she said.!
I will stay and sell at the Vet location under a strong and united mkt. Let’s have a board that is committed to the good of all.q
This amounts to commercial gentrification.
Just a few years ago the fairgrounds inked a deal with someone who was going to put a farmers market on the fair grounds like the new group a lot of big plans no experience. No market ever appeared
It was pretty speculative and never got financial traction. I don’t think anyone in the biz ever really thought it would happen. It sounded great but it was way overambitious
At the meeting I learned that disgruntled vendors are causing the problem
they couldn’t get what they wanted so they sued the market
and that wasn’t enough now they are trying to destroy it
Petty childish behavior the irony is the market can now sue them for tortious interference
the only ones getting rich will be lawyers
I hope the county can hold Ms Hart personally liable for these dreadfully stupid management
decisions. She thinks because she is rich that she entitled to get her own way
let her pay out of those deep pockets. She caused this problem
I attended the meeting as well. I didn’t LEARN that disgruntled vendors are causing the problem. I HEARD that disgruntled vendors are causing the problem, and I heard that from a disgruntled board member, whose fellow board members are being sued.
It’s so frustrating to see grown men & women make the leap from hearing to believing – without any fact checking in between.
It the Santa Rosa Farmers Market and/or their market manager have broken the law, they should be held accountable. Many non-profit corporations have a rich history of community service, while others have been riddled with thievery. Whether the Santa Rosa Farmers Market is found to be guilty, or vindicated, I’m grateful a court of law will make that adjudication – rather than the court of public opinion.
Hmmm, I too was in attendance at this meeting.
I felt that the current board were the childish ones in the room.
They showed no leadership what-so-ever. They treated the vendors and public in attendance in an extremely unprofessional manner. They were too busy bad mouthing, blaming, and spreading rumored hear-say about everyone from the PD, County Sups, County Regional Parks Department and the New management group for THEIR inability to deal with the rent increase issue. To be honest they never really answered ANY of the questions asked of them by the public and vendors.
Claiming they were blind-sided by the County’s decision…EXCUSE ME! The have known for over a year that this rent increase was coming, but what did they do? They gave Ms Downing a huge pay raise, spent thousands of dollars on a new and now useless website. Not to mention all the unaccountable missing money?
The other thing is that the board had already decided at their last regular board meeting that they wanted to leave the Vet’s Building location. So with that decision already made, why all the drama?
The Vendors and public who attend this market are not stupid.
No we vendors are not stupid. We elected the Board that governs for us and this majority is quite happy with their work. I am Franco Dunn a long time market vendor. Who are you? A vendor, a customer? Where do you get your insights as to the running of the market?
Hmmm. I wonder who is backing Redwood Market??? I guess the county needs money to pay for the flagstone they just put in front of the vets bldg….
Just a few years ago the fairgrounds inked a deal with someone who was going to put a farmers market on the fair grounds like the new group a lot of big plans no experience. No market ever appeared
It was pretty speculative and never got financial traction. I don’t think anyone in the biz ever really thought it would happen. It sounded great but it was way overambitious
At the meeting I learned that disgruntled vendors are causing the problem
they couldn’t get what they wanted so they sued the market
and that wasn’t enough now they are trying to destroy it
Petty childish behavior the irony is the market can now sue them for tortious interference
the only ones getting rich will be lawyers
I hope the county can hold Ms Hart personally liable for these dreadfully stupid management
decisions. She thinks because she is rich that she entitled to get her own way
let her pay out of those deep pockets. She caused this problem
I attended the meeting as well. I didn’t LEARN that disgruntled vendors are causing the problem. I HEARD that disgruntled vendors are causing the problem, and I heard that from a disgruntled board member, whose fellow board members are being sued.
It’s so frustrating to see grown men & women make the leap from hearing to believing – without any fact checking in between.
It the Santa Rosa Farmers Market and/or their market manager have broken the law, they should be held accountable. Many non-profit corporations have a rich history of community service, while others have been riddled with thievery. Whether the Santa Rosa Farmers Market is found to be guilty, or vindicated, I’m grateful a court of law will make that adjudication – rather than the court of public opinion.
Hmmm, I too was in attendance at this meeting.
I felt that the current board were the childish ones in the room.
They showed no leadership what-so-ever. They treated the vendors and public in attendance in an extremely unprofessional manner. They were too busy bad mouthing, blaming, and spreading rumored hear-say about everyone from the PD, County Sups, County Regional Parks Department and the New management group for THEIR inability to deal with the rent increase issue. To be honest they never really answered ANY of the questions asked of them by the public and vendors.
Claiming they were blind-sided by the County’s decision…EXCUSE ME! The have known for over a year that this rent increase was coming, but what did they do? They gave Ms Downing a huge pay raise, spent thousands of dollars on a new and now useless website. Not to mention all the unaccountable missing money?
The other thing is that the board had already decided at their last regular board meeting that they wanted to leave the Vet’s Building location. So with that decision already made, why all the drama?
The Vendors and public who attend this market are not stupid.
No we vendors are not stupid. We elected the Board that governs for us and this majority is quite happy with their work. I am Franco Dunn a long time market vendor. Who are you? A vendor, a customer? Where do you get your insights as to the running of the market?
Hmmm. I wonder who is backing Redwood Market??? I guess the county needs money to pay for the flagstone they just put in front of the vets bldg….
Just a few years ago the fairgrounds inked a deal with someone who was going to put a farmers market on the fair grounds like the new group a lot of big plans no experience. No market ever appeared
At the meeting I learned that disgruntled vendors are causing the problem
they couldn’t get what they wanted so they sued the market
and that wasn’t enough now they are trying to destroy it
Petty childish behavior the irony is the market can now sue them for tortious interference
the only ones getting rich will be lawyers
I hope the county can hold Ms Hart personally liable for these dreadfully stupid management
decisions. She thinks because she is rich that she entitled to get her own way
let her pay out of those deep pockets. She caused this problem
any organization that doesnt follow there own bilaws can end up in this mess
This is a real political bugaboo, with a lot of emotions on all sides. There are many many people involved who have their financial lives at stake. There are many people who have dedicated their hearts and lives to the market.
Personally, I hope there can be some reconciliation between all sides. The best thing for sonoma county is a vibrant, healthy farm market that puts farmers first. Whoever can do that effectively is the best person to run the market. Period.
any organization that doesnt follow there own bilaws can end up in this mess
All these posters reveal the root cause of the problem an organized campaign to destroy this market
because some people thought they has been unfairly treated
I have never been unfairly treated at the market. I enjoy going to the market with my wife and the businesses that I have bought from have always done me right.
I am wondering why you are so upset. If you’re a farmer, you still have the opportunity to sell your what ever it is you have and the stall fees are not tripling, there the same.
If your a customer like me, you still get purchase the items you need from local farmers.
Amen Leslie!
Good! Get some new management into the Farmer’s Market who isn’t so autocratic and alienating to producers. Eliminate the middle (wo)man and her markup and let the vendors deal more directly with the county. Censoring people who don’t meet the strict and arbitrary qualifications of current management is wrong and I’m glad she’s gone.
Jason there in no middle (wo)man. Every market needs a manager to run it. Our manager gets a fair salary. A salary that we vendors and farmers approve of by our votes. The vast majority of us voted in the current board. The vocal fifteen to twenty percent are attempting to circumvent a democratic process. The rules are NOT arbitrary. We farmers and vendors approve of them.
As a veteran, I am glad to see the county will be getting the additional money to make the much needed renovations to the veterans building.
As a frequent shopper at the farmers market, I am glad to hear that a market will still continue and there is no additional financial hardship on the farmers.
Sounds like this is great for everybody concerned.
A 75% discount for 10 years and 4 years of negotiation, sounds to me like the county did their part. There has been so much negativity with the market lately, I’ve stopped going. I think I’ll give this new management a try. Good luck to the new guys. See you in July!
According to the newspaper article of about 2 weeks ago. It is apparent the county was negotiating with the Santa Rosa Farmers’ Market for 4 years or so. Thats seems pretty much good faith negotiations with a long term tenant in my opinion.
Let’s see what a new market group can offer.
Practicing law without a license?
Do YOU have a license to practice law?
So any current tenant who decides to move should be concerned because the county is going to find someone to compete with them???
The management farmers market is not a leasehold of the county or a concession of the veterans hall. What they have done is interfere is a private groups right to determine where they will do business and what rent or costs they will have.
The county perhaps unknowingly has allowed itself to be used as a pawn and unfortunately also a patsy in a way that could end up costing the county a lot of money
no one will end up happy in this scenario
So Leslie, let me get this straight.
If I’m the landlord of a building, and my current tenant decides to move out, and/or not pay the rent rate set for said property, how is finding a new tenant who is willing and able to pay the set rent competing with the former tenant who is moving out?!?!
Oh, and if the Current Farmers Market Tenants are not lease holders as you claim, then the landlord can move on ANYTIME they want. They are not interfering with your private group’s right, nor ability to determine where you will do business or what rent you will pay. They have just determined that you cannot do business on THEIR property.
Since said group has already indicated that they are not interested in paying the set rent rate, and haven’t been interested in do so for the last several years, the landlord in under no obligation what-so-ever to continue to do business with that tenant.
I am pretty sure that no other renters of the Vet’s Hall and facilities has enjoy the rental breaks that the current Farmers Market Group has enjoy.
Sounds like you guys are out of sorts because the discounted ride is over.
I hope the county has a good attorney.
The Vets Hall management is not the authority for determining the farmers market management
and it would appear the county has interfered in a management dispute and not negotiated in good faith with a long term tenant
more threats from a board member of the santa rosa farmers market. enough! let’s return the focus to the market…..and the farmers.
I’m not a board member of any market
but I can see people who have made bad decisions are nervous and view
transparency as a threat
Interesting…if you haven’t done anything wrong, why would transparency be a threat?
It seems that the new market management group is interested in operating the market with complete transparency. The current market management hasn’t operated with transparency for many, many years.
Now who is “practicing law without a license”? And what kind of a flimsily-veiled threat is that remark: “I hope the county has a good attorney”? Are you and Paula getting ready to sue the County because Paula finally didn’t get her way?
Leslie, you are correct in stating that the County Regional Parks Department that does manage the Vet’s Hall does not have the authority to determine the farmers market management, nor have they done so.
They have just determined who will be renting the space beginning in July.
This is a real political bugaboo, with a lot of emotions on all sides. There are many many people involved who have their financial lives at stake. There are many people who have dedicated their hearts and lives to the market.
Personally, I hope there can be some reconciliation between all sides. The best thing for sonoma county is a vibrant, healthy farm market that puts farmers first. Whoever can do that effectively is the best person to run the market. Period.
All these posters reveal the root cause of the problem an organized campaign to destroy this market
because some people thought they has been unfairly treated
I have never been unfairly treated at the market. I enjoy going to the market with my wife and the businesses that I have bought from have always done me right.
I am wondering why you are so upset. If you’re a farmer, you still have the opportunity to sell your what ever it is you have and the stall fees are not tripling, there the same.
If your a customer like me, you still get purchase the items you need from local farmers.
Amen Leslie!
Good! Get some new management into the Farmer’s Market who isn’t so autocratic and alienating to producers. Eliminate the middle (wo)man and her markup and let the vendors deal more directly with the county. Censoring people who don’t meet the strict and arbitrary qualifications of current management is wrong and I’m glad she’s gone.
Jason there in no middle (wo)man. Every market needs a manager to run it. Our manager gets a fair salary. A salary that we vendors and farmers approve of by our votes. The vast majority of us voted in the current board. The vocal fifteen to twenty percent are attempting to circumvent a democratic process. The rules are NOT arbitrary. We farmers and vendors approve of them.
As a veteran, I am glad to see the county will be getting the additional money to make the much needed renovations to the veterans building.
As a frequent shopper at the farmers market, I am glad to hear that a market will still continue and there is no additional financial hardship on the farmers.
Sounds like this is great for everybody concerned.
A 75% discount for 10 years and 4 years of negotiation, sounds to me like the county did their part. There has been so much negativity with the market lately, I’ve stopped going. I think I’ll give this new management a try. Good luck to the new guys. See you in July!
According to the newspaper article of about 2 weeks ago. It is apparent the county was negotiating with the Santa Rosa Farmers’ Market for 4 years or so. Thats seems pretty much good faith negotiations with a long term tenant in my opinion.
Let’s see what a new market group can offer.
Practicing law without a license?
Do YOU have a license to practice law?
So any current tenant who decides to move should be concerned because the county is going to find someone to compete with them???
The management farmers market is not a leasehold of the county or a concession of the veterans hall. What they have done is interfere is a private groups right to determine where they will do business and what rent or costs they will have.
The county perhaps unknowingly has allowed itself to be used as a pawn and unfortunately also a patsy in a way that could end up costing the county a lot of money
no one will end up happy in this scenario
So Leslie, let me get this straight.
If I’m the landlord of a building, and my current tenant decides to move out, and/or not pay the rent rate set for said property, how is finding a new tenant who is willing and able to pay the set rent competing with the former tenant who is moving out?!?!
Oh, and if the Current Farmers Market Tenants are not lease holders as you claim, then the landlord can move on ANYTIME they want. They are not interfering with your private group’s right, nor ability to determine where you will do business or what rent you will pay. They have just determined that you cannot do business on THEIR property.
Since said group has already indicated that they are not interested in paying the set rent rate, and haven’t been interested in do so for the last several years, the landlord in under no obligation what-so-ever to continue to do business with that tenant.
I am pretty sure that no other renters of the Vet’s Hall and facilities has enjoy the rental breaks that the current Farmers Market Group has enjoy.
Sounds like you guys are out of sorts because the discounted ride is over.
I hope the county has a good attorney.
The Vets Hall management is not the authority for determining the farmers market management
and it would appear the county has interfered in a management dispute and not negotiated in good faith with a long term tenant
more threats from a board member of the santa rosa farmers market. enough! let’s return the focus to the market…..and the farmers.
I’m not a board member of any market
but I can see people who have made bad decisions are nervous and view
transparency as a threat
Interesting…if you haven’t done anything wrong, why would transparency be a threat?
It seems that the new market management group is interested in operating the market with complete transparency. The current market management hasn’t operated with transparency for many, many years.
Now who is “practicing law without a license”? And what kind of a flimsily-veiled threat is that remark: “I hope the county has a good attorney”? Are you and Paula getting ready to sue the County because Paula finally didn’t get her way?
Leslie, you are correct in stating that the County Regional Parks Department that does manage the Vet’s Hall does not have the authority to determine the farmers market management, nor have they done so.
They have just determined who will be renting the space beginning in July.
All these posters reveal the root cause of the problem an organized campaign to destroy this market
because some people thought they has been unfairly treated