The market began in 1981 when then-Governor Jerry Brown began pushing to end so-called"food deserts" in poor neighborhoods. And though the UN Plaza farmer's market has become an institution to its loyal shoppers over the years, farmer Nick Cipponeri said it's also faced challenging times before.
Wednesday was the last day for the market at the original location. Operations are being moved across the street, to a parking lot that workers were scrambling to repave. Officials say they are clearing UN Plaza in an effort to rid the plaza of the open-air drug use that occurs during the week when the market isn't operating. To generate more public activity at the site, plans have been floated for the installation of a skate park and court space for sports.
It's just across the street, but the location is much smaller, and farmers who normally sell from multiple tents may only have room for one. And their trucks will have to be moved to some as-yet unknown spot. The City took the action without any input from the farmers or the customers, so on Wednesday, they gathered to offer their thoughts about the new location.
A worker named Miss Cece was selling from a space under four canopies. She said her boss isn't likely to return to the new location. "She's not intending to drive five hours to have one tent," she said. "What can she put in one tent? Look...she's losing three tents! No business for her!"
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