The Glendon Avenue portion of Westwood Village’s
Farmers’ Market had its last day Thursday because of a
multi-million dollar commercial construction project by Casden
Properties scheduled to start next week.
All types of vendors, from produce to hot foods to crafts, who
do business on Glendon every week were affected. Vendors were
notified on Thursday that it would be their last day at the market,
which has been there for over 10 years.
The sudden notice came as a surprise.
“We knew that it was pending,” said Bridget Butler,
a UCLA alumna working in her family business, Louisiana Crunch,
which serves flavored popcorn on Glendon. “We were never
given a date as to that time. Of course we are surprised. We are
disappointed.”
Rafael Romero, owner of Flower Power, a jewelry business, said
he was also caught off guard.
“You don’t expect to come to work and it’s
your last day,” he said.
Aaron Shapiro, director for the market, said, “It hit me
like a ton of bricks. It was shocking that we were given one
week’s notice to get rid of a good 30 percent of our
vendors.”
A spokeswoman for Casden Properties said the market manager has
known for months that vendors would have to relocate. She also said
Casden is supportive of having a local farmers’ market in
Westwood and has been “as accommodative as
possible.”
The spokeswoman said it was Casden’s understanding that
the city council was working on finding another location for the
market. Jack Weiss, Westwood’s city council representative,
could not be reached for comment.
Many vendors hope to be squeezed onto Weyburn with the remaining
vendors, but due to state regulations regarding produce and space
constraints on the street, this will not be possible for all the
displaced vendors.
Shapiro said he is exploring other options for the market such
as a weekend or weekday market on other streets or lots in
Westwood. Vendors also expressed how important they feel the market
is to Westwood.
“This city has become an absolute ghost town. (The market)
is the only thing (that) keeps people here,” said Paula
Culliton of Misstrapples.
Many vendors, such as Jordan Sanderford of Vintage Creations on
Glendon, spoke of the importance of the market as a workplace where
people earn their living.
“It’s my job!” she said when asked how the
closing would affect her.
There is also talk of having the market moved on campus. Shapiro
said he had not really considered that as he does not think
students buy a lot of produce.
“However, I may be proven wrong,” he said.
As managers and city officials hurry to find a new location and
market customers search for new places to shop, there may be a
light for vendors. As vendor Paula Culliton said, “Everything
that closes opens new doors.”