Keep the Farmers' Market Local!

The Farmers' Market in South Pasadena is "up for bid" right now. A number of would-be operators have submitted proposals to Assistant City Manager Sergio Gonzalez - including your own Chamber of Commerce, er, that means US, dear reader! The Farmers' Market was started and run by the Mission West Association for over a decade. With the dissolution of that nonprofit in October 2009 the City temporarily handed over control to an operator that runs many such markets in LA County. Meanwhile, the City is seeking a long-term operator that will be the right fit for the community. The Chamber Board thinks we're the right fit, since we promise the inclusion of local business and nonprofits, a connection with the South Pasadena Unified School District, sustainability outreach and more. Oh, what about expertise?  . . . we have a proposed Market Manager who is among the best in the State of California - Beverly Hills Farmers' Market Manager Greta Dunlap. (She started with South Pasadena FM years ago, and has since gone on to greener pastures. We're ready to bring her back!) If you have comments or questions on our proposal, email me. We'd love to have as much community support as possible. We're very optimistic about returning the Market to its local roots.