HomeMy WebLinkAboutREDvarious5presentationsf COUNCIL ADD DI REnc.—GAO cc-ry /n6i SIN DI I,'cirYo16LLIRE CHIEFTTORNEY[W DlFtFrom:Sarah McMullen[SMTP :SARAH19_MINNIE@YAHOO .COM]CLERK/ORIQ POLICESent:Monday, February 01, 2010 10 :43 :52 AM El DEPT HEADS i EC Dl ~To :Council, SloCity ; Council, SloCity P{ P,MOIL DI M
Subject :SLO Famers market should run their own market mZrn a ^-HR DI M
Auto forwarded by a Rule tLYS,) 7717165 rCounlCiL
Why would you terminate a wonderful market that has brought many peopl e
downtown for 27 years . I think that they are being treated unfairly and you shoul d
reconsider . Thank you .
RED FILESarah McMullen MEETING AGENDA
DATE 2/2/I o ITEM #d'n oo,0
From :Pandora Nash-Karner[SMTP :PANDORA@PANDORAANDCOMPANY .COM]
Sent :Monday, February 01, 2010 10 :50 :24 A M
To :Council, SloCit y
Subject :Please support the farmers in Farmers Marke t
Auto forwarded by a Rul e
Dear Honorable Council members,
I cannot attend your Council meeting on Tuesday night and I hope you will accept thi s
letter in support of the FARMERS at Farmers Market .
It's the farmers of Farmers Market that have made the event such a success in downtow n
on Thursday nights . In the beginning when it was a drag racing problem that prompte d
the closure of the street, it was the farmers who supported the idea .
The mission of Farmers Market was and should continue be about healthy eating and
lifestyles and who better than our local farmers, many of which are certified organic wh o
sell products free of harmful chemicals and pesticides ?
As city leaders, I hope you would support healthy lifestyles by ensuring people ca n
continue to buy healthy fresh local products and support our farmers . Providing local s
and visitors alike with the ability to shop with local farmers provides them with a bette r
quality of produce — fresher and healthier — than they can ever get from the loca l
grocery stores .
The Farmers Market management needs to be sensitive to the needs of farmers and b e
able to work with them . The Downtown Association is made up of business people an d
as such clearly know all businesses are unique, farming certainly being one. Unlike most
businesses, their profitability is at the whim of weather, market demands and affordabl e
locations to sell their perishable offerings .
It is unclear what is going on with the current Farmers Market management . The notice to
the farmers was abrupt and vague . But, this should be more than just an economic issue ,
it goes to the heart of the market . The system has worked for 28 years why are yo u
considering changing it? I encourage you to support good health and the economi c
viability of our farming community .
Please support the local small farming community .
Thank you ,
Pandora Nash-Karne r
350 Mitchell Driv e
Los Osos, California 9340 2
P/F: 805/528-701 4
L :Pandora(a.PandoraAndCompanv .co m
W :htto :l/vwwv.PandoraAndCompanv .co m
From : jeffrey thompson[SMTP :JEFFREYTHOMPSON4@MAC .COM ]
Sent : Monday, February 01, 2010 11 :31 :04 AM
To : Council, SloCity
Subject : farmers marke t
Auto forwarded by a Rul e
We have had friends and family, as well as ourselves ,enjoying th e
thursday night farmers market, for years . I t is always a specia l
fun thing to do and make san luis obispo unique . I t is als o
something that the college students can afford to do . I really se e
no need to have the city council now take over something that ha s
been successful for all this time . Why would the council feel th e
need to take over or change something that works well the way that i t
has for years??????
From :Sandra Heller[SMTP :SANDIH5@SBCGLOBAL .NET ]
Sent :Monday, February 01, 2010 11 :34 :49 A M
To :Council, SloCity
Subject :Farmer's Marke t
Auto forwarded by a Rul e
I support the Farmer's Alliance in their desire to keep control of their own market . There
seems no reason for the downtown association to take over that role . The market i s
vibrant and thriving; therefore, don't fix what isn't broken .
Sandi Heller
://www .sandihellerart .com
From :Alice Reinheimer[SMTP :ALICER1 @CHARTER .NET]
Sent :Monday, February 01, 2010 11 :55 :21 A M
To :Council, SloCity
Subject :Re : Farmer's Market agenda item for Feb 2, 201 0
Auto forwarded by a Rul e
As I understand it, on January 14 th operation of the SLO Thursday night farmer's market wa s
taken away from SLOFMA by the Downtown Association abruptly and without prior consultation .
This is unfair to the SLOFMA and the farmers it represents . Farmers deserve a say in how th efarmer's market is run . I request that the SLO city council grant the appeal of the SLOFMA .
As you know, SLOFMA also operates the two farmer's markets in Arroyo Grande and one i n
Morro Bay as well as the Saturday SLO market . Of course the Thursday night SLO market is th ebiggest in the county . What will become of the other markets without support from the big one ?
A decision by the Downtown Association has the potential to create an impact far outside th eboundaries of SLO . That is not fair . Again, I ask that you grant SLOFMA's appeal .
Small farms are part of what gives SLO county it's charm and helps to make this area a touris tdestination. I support the local farmers not only because I enjoy local food but because I
recognize the economic benefit they bring to our area . They are part of a vibrant local economy .
It is not fair to let the Downtown Association risk this . Please grant SLOFMA's appeal .
Regards ,
Alice Reinheime r
580 Gularte Roa d
Arroyo Grande CA 9342 0
(805) 489-293 0
From : EAReinheimer[SMTP :ERICA_R@CHARTER .NET ]
Sent : Monday, February 01, 2010 12 :11 :23 PM
To : Council, SloCit y
Subject : Farmers Marke t
Auto forwarded by a Rul e
Dear Council Members ,
Please reconsider whatever led up to the SLOFMA being replaced by th eDowntown association .
We need to support our local farmers .
They have done a fine job of running the farmers market, and there i s
n o
reason to change . The existing organization has the experience an dsupport
of the market participants - so they can continue to do a fine job .
And what will happen to the SLOFMA's other projects if they loose thi s
one ?
Thank you for intervening on behalf of the SLOFMA in this matter .
Sincerely ,
Erica Reinheime r
From :Jennifer C . Allen-Barker, OTR/L[SMTP :JCBARKER@CALPOLY .EDU ]
Sent :Monday, February 01, 2010 12 :59 :01 P M
To :Council, SloCit y
Subject :Farmers' Market
Auto forwarded by a Rul e
Dear SLO City Council Members - As a long-tim e
resident and patron of the SLO downtown Farmers 'Market, I am concerned about the recent change i n
operations oversight for this weekly event . There ar e
many rumors around, and no concrete information t o
assuage the uproar caused by the rumors, thus far .
No matter what organization has oversight to thi s
event, I would like you to know that it is my interes tthat this market continue to support the local an d
small farmer concerns . Having an opportunity t opurchase locally, organically, and from small farmin g
families/operators is why I go to the Farmers' Market .
I have no interest in purchasing from large, non-loca l
operations (if I want that, I'll get my produce from m y
grocery store). I will also tell you , that the primar yreason I go to Farmers' Market is for the produce .Idon't go to visit with friends or eat dinner sitting on acurb; those activities are secondary to the produce . I f
the local operators are compelled to quit this market
due to fee increases (one of the many rumors flyin garound), I will seek other avenues for my produce an d
will very likely not attend the downtown Farmers '
Market event . After nearly three decades of success ,why change something that isn't "broken"?
The Tribune has recently printed an open letter to th e
community, from the SLO Farmers' Marke tAssociation. I suggest that you and the Downtow n
Business Association follow suit soon, to outline th e
intent of the changes and plans for the future . I als o
would like an explanation as to why the Farmers '
Market Association has been relieved of it's role in th eSLO downtown farmer's market .
Please consider some quick and open communicatio n
with your constituents on this matter .
Thank you ,
Jennifer C . Allen-Barke r
From : Anne Sinsheimer[SMTP :ANNESINS@CHARTER .NET ]
Sent : Monday, February 01, 2010 12 :59 :04 PM
To : Council, SloCit y
Subject : Farmer's Marke t
Auto forwarded by a Rul e
Dear Friends ,
For many years, I have been a staunch Farmers Market shopper an d
supporter . The Farmers Market Association runs great markets fo r
patrons and vendors alike . A management change is unnecessary . The
Thursday Night Market has brought accolades to our city from visitor s
far and wide . Why change a good thing? Please leave market managemen t
under the direction of the Farmers Market Association . Thank You .
Anne Sinsheime r
From :Kathy Sherman[SMTP :IBDSHERM@EARTHLINK .NET]
Sent :Monday, February 01, 2010 12 :58 :50 P M
To :Council, SloCit y
Subject :Farmer's Market
Auto forwarded by a Rul e
Like the majority of friend & neighbors, we're upset by the recent "takeover" of Farmer s
Market . This is especially surprising since the Farmers don't have solid reasons for this action ,
nor do any of us understand the termination of your relationship with the Farmers Marke t
Association - but we all have our guesses, and can't think of one redeeming rationale for this t o
have happened .
We will boycott Farmers Market until you re-evaluate this "knee-jerk" decision that was made ...
This just is not fair to take away the rights of the Farmers, especially in the manner yo u
did ...Shame on you !
Please reinstate the original policy that kept us all coming to these wonderful events .
You've tainted that long-held tradition with the unfair treatment of Farmers . You can still mak e
this right and come out looking great . Mistakes happen - and boy, did you make one here !
You're dealing with a community who does not like to see the underdog unfairly treated .
Where would Farmers Market be without these hard-working people? Rethink your hasty
decision, and we'll all support SLO community - you will see .
Sincerely ,
Kathy Sherma n
From :Judy Jones[SMTP :JJUDY64@ATT .NET]
Sent :Monday, February 01, 2010 1 :01 :34 P M
To :Andrew Carter ; Council, SloCit y
Subject :SLO Farmers Market Associatio n
Auto forwarded by a Rul e
Mayor and Council Members :
I am concerned how the situation between the Farmers Association an d
the SLO Downtown Assocation has been handled .
The Farmers Association has for 27 years done a wonderful job o f
putting on the Farmers Market in Downtown San Luis Obispo . Th e
Downtown Business Assocation has augmented that with entertainment ,
and booths for food and non-profits . Why tinker with success .
I AM CONCERNED THAT THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATIO N
IS BEGINNING TO BECOME TO POWERFUL IN THE OVERALL DIRECTIO N
AND DECISION-MAKING INVOLVING THE CITY .
I would not like to see the Produce section moved further toward Morr o
Street.It seems to me that the Center of town has always bee n
Higuera and Chorro . To move the produce booths etc further dow n
because of outdoor eating tables and other elements will disturb
the success of what has become a major attraction in the town .
Other changes will occur with new business development an d
will the Downtown Assocation dictate additional changes an d
will they begin to change the business agreements with th e
Farmers . ??????
The Farmers Market may just decide to pull out of the downtow n
and where will that leave a wonderful Market that has onl y
gotten more and more successful .
I believe that the City Council has to step in and exert some directio n
and some legislation that will protect the Farmers Assocatio n
and the "Farmers Market" downtown .If not, the Downtow n
Assocation and Chamber of Commerce will control what happen s
in the downtown, which is not for them to do, but for the Counci l
and staff of the city to protect for all of the citizens not just businesses .
Thanks
Judy Jones
From :KAJacksonBudd@aol .com[SMTP :KAJACKSONBUDD@AOL .COM ]
Sent :Monday, February 01, 2010 1 :17 :38 P M
To :Council, SloCity
Subject:Farmer's Market Thurs . Night in Downtown
Auto forwarded by a Rul e
Dear City Council Members ,
As a SLO County homeowner and parent for the past 20 years, I request you continue to allo w
the Farmers of the Farmer's Market, held in the downtown section of San Luis Obispo o n
Thursday evenings . That Thursday evening event brings out the largest amount of farmers an d
their produce, and, moreover, it brings buyers from all over the county, and travelers to ou r
area, to your downtown area, every Thursday evening .
I realize it's growth and popularity demands organization and participation by police and othe r
civic employees, but it seems apparent the cost to run this venue should be afforded .
The Downtown Thursday evening Farmer's Market is one of the main reasons your pedestria n
Friendly Downtown is thriving . Take this away and you will lose a large returning customer base .l
saw what SLO was like before the Farmer's Market existed, and have witnessed the reality of i t
becoming a destination point countywide . On a yearly basis, I visit every Farmer's Market in ou r
county, and always enquire how the participants think it fares compared to DowntownThursda y
Evening in SLO . Your venue remains the Best, the cornerstone of countywide success . Th e
success is in the location, the time and the Farmer turnout . The extra venues of readymade food ,
entertainment and political/religious platforms can be weighed and reviewed .
Karen Jackson, Cayucos, C A
From :Trudy Jarratt[SMTP :TJ1945@ME .COM ]
Sent :Monday, February 01, 2010 1 :18 :09 P M
To :Council, SloCity
Subject :Support for the SLO County Farmers Market Associatio n
Auto forwarded by a Rul e
Dear Mayor and City Council ,
I want to express my support for the SLO County Farmers Market Association's desire t o
retain their relationship with the SLO Downtown Association . If our local farmers ar e
not associated with all "Farmer's Markets" throughout our county we will loos e
something very special .
Trudy Jarratt
Trudy Jarrat t
t~1945(d me .co m
From : Rhonda Riggins-Pimentel[SMTP :RHORIGG@CHARTER .NET ]
Sent : Monday, February 01, 2010 2 :09 :37 PM
To : Council, SloCit y
Subject : Farmers Marke t
Auto forwarded by a Rul e
Dear Mayor and Council Members ,
I did not get to sign the petition by the Farmers Marke t
Association . I am using email to let you know that I believe the y
have been unfairly treated, and that they should say how the Farmer s
Market is run . They are to be credited for its success !
In the past couple of years I have become convinced that th e
Downtown Association has evolved into a political rather than a
promotional organization . I see the recent action by the Downtow n
Association as a power grab to collect funds for their own politica l
agenda .
Please do all you can to keep the farmers in their Farmers Market .
Sincerely ,
Rhonda Riggins-Pimente l
2457 Leona Ave .
SL O
From :dorraine streeter[SMTP :PEKEPAD@GMAIL .COM ]
Sent :Monday, February 01, 2010 2 :11 :49 P M
To :Council, SloCity
Subject :farmer's market
Auto forwarded by a Rul e
There is an old saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" Please leave the market in the abl e
hands of the farmers .
From :pinardmat@aol .com[SMTP :PINARDMAT@AOL .COM ]
Sent :Monday, February 01, 2010 2 :28 :53 PM
To :Council, SloCity
Cc : davecongalton@clearchannel .co ; KJohnston@newtimesslo .com ;
CRigley@newtimesslo .com
Subject :Farmer's Market -for the Council Meeting's Record
Auto forwarded by a Rul e
Dear Mayor and City Council ,
On behalf of the Old Town neighborhood I have been asked t o
communicate our concerns regarding our community's Thursday nigh t
activities . When Farmer's Market first began its approval was centere d
around the ability for San Luis Obispo residents to buy fresh produc e
from our local farmers . "Events" were to be in conjunction with th e
seasonal promotions . Over the years the "events" have become louder ,
more numerous, and the impacts on the neighborhoods ignored .
We are the ones who live with the impacts - the noise, the trash, th e
vandalism, and the drunken behaviors . While others collect their profit s
we are the ones the community relies on to call the police
when disturbances occur, such as when loud, drunken revelers star t
screaming, running out in front of ongoing traffic at 2 :30 in the mornin g
or when fights break out. We pick up the broken glass beer bottles, an d
we bear the cost of repairing the damage done to our homes .
The city has seen a significant outflow of home-owner residents . Thes e
are people who already lived here, owned their homes and yet chose t o
move out ...mostly to the more livable surrounding communities . At
the last census, the proportion had already deteriorated t o
approximately 60% renters and 40% homeowners . Residents testifie d
at that time that the city was becoming more and move unlivable fo r
families . They said the city was unresponsive to residents' needs .A
recent analysis was that the city's population has deteriorated eve n
further to a very unbalanced 70% renters and only 30% resident owner s
- a statistic more closely resembling Isla Vista's . You probably saw th e
report that a single recent Halloween "event" cost Isla Vista over $1
million in damages and enforcement .
The rise in "events" downtown, especially on Thursday nights, has bee n
in total disregard to the city's noise ordinances and common sens e
safety . On almost any Thursday night the highly amplified music can b e
heard 4 and 5 blocks away . The loudspeakers for Thurs . nights an d
other events are set so loud that the words are clearly heard throughou t
the neighborhood . When and where was input from the neighborhoo d
solicited and taken into account? Where are the sound studies t o
measure decibel levels? One wonders about the liability to the city fo r
the damage to the hearing of the babies and little children standing righ t
in front of those amplifiers . It would seem like only a matter of time unti l
a lawsuit is brought against the city for creating such a dangerou s
situation .
At a time when city residents are looking for healthier food and when w e
want to support our local farmers, the city should be making that easie r
to happen and providing for even more growers . The farmers'_part of
the downtown's Farmer's Market is wonderful . It's lively and famil y
friendly . The variety and availability of fresh produce entices families t o
come downtown which provides the ambience (and safety) the cit y
desires . When the families leave, the whole mood changes ...and so d o
the costs to the rest of us .
Sincerely,
Peg Pinard
former Mayor of San Luis Obispo and County Supervisor