In July of 2007 I contacted council members Michael Gregory and Bill Stephens to inquire about bringing a weeknight Farmer’s Market into Downtown during the summer. I think bringing people into the downtown area is key to it’s revitalization, and a farmer’s market on a weeknight, during the extended daylight hours, would be a great way to bring people there. Cities, such as San Rafael, have similar markets which have live music and other activities that bring people into the area (almost like a festival). What better way to bring our community together than a street party each week? The idea is that after attending, people could then wander over to downtown restaurant such as the Tequila Grill, Luke’s or Tsuri Sushi, or shops such as Anguiano’s Fine Papers. Michael Gregory put me in touch with Ryan Evans, Development Planner for the City of San Leandro.

Ryan Evans recently met with both the California Farmer’s Market Association and the Pacific Coast Farmer’s Market Association regarding their organization’s interest in implementing a farmer’s market in Downtown San Leandro. He spoke to both associations about several topics including, possible locations in San Leandro, market themes and special events, dates/times for the market, etc. Both associations told him that they intend to complete feasibility studies to determine the extent to which a new market would be viable in the downtown area. He anticipates that both studies will be completed within the next few weeks. Of course, community support for projects such as these, will help get them off the ground.

If you are interested in a Downtown summer evening Farmer’s Market, please contact your representatives, Michael Gregory (mgregory@ci.san-leandro.ca.us) or Bill Stephens (bstephens@ci.san-leandro.ca.us) to let them know of your support. Also, if you have any ideas for the market , please contact me at john@estudilloestates.org, and I will compile and relay them to the city.