San Gabriel council urges RFPs, explores Blossom Market partnership to relaunch farmers market

The San Gabriel City Council directed staff to solicit proposals from qualified farmers‑market operators and to approach local businesses about hosting a smaller, pilot market after a wide-ranging discussion on costs, sites and vendor economics.

Community Development Director Aldo Cervantes told the council that Farm Habits, a market operator staff consulted, would require about $60,000 a year to place a dedicated manager for a Saturday market plus an additional $30,000 for equipment and marketing; that price would fall to roughly $30,000 for a weekday market. Cervantes said staff therefore recommended seeking proposals from other qualified operators and, if that process fails, discussing the possibility of a market on Boston Market property.

Britney Lucas, who identified herself as a proprietor of Boston Market and a member of the LA Food Policy Council, told the council her family would be willing to manage or co‑manage the market at Boston Market and asked what credentials would be required. "I don't mind operating the market — and if anyone wants to co‑manage it with me, that would be awesome," Lucas said.

Several council members expressed support for a two‑track approach: advertise an RFP to multiple operators and simultaneously explore a small‑scale pilot with Blossom Market. Vice Mayor Menchaca raised concerns about paying for a guaranteed result, noting "there's no guarantees to the success of the market once they launch it in March." Council Member Chen and others suggested a soft launch in a parking lot that could later expand into a street‑closure format if successful.

Council members emphasized practical steps staff should include in any contract or agreement: waiving minor city fees to make vendor economics viable, requiring operator and vendor liability insurance, clear provisions for trash collection and site cleanup, and detailed scopes in any RFP so operators can provide accurate pricing. Aldo Cervantes summarized the council direction: seek proposals from the vendors listed in the staff report, approach Blossom Market owners and operators about hosting a farmers‑only event at their site, and return to council with detailed proposals.

The council did not take a separate vote on the farmers‑market direction at this meeting; staff will return with RFP language, cost estimates and proposed agreements for council consideration.

Looking ahead, council members discussed scheduling tradeoffs — Saturday mornings draw more family attendance but cost more to secure an operator, while weekday evenings (for example, a Tuesday night "Taco Tuesday" concept) could reduce operator costs and attract different vendors. Several council members said waiving nominal fees would likely be critical to vendor participation, while others cautioned about visibility and the need for clear signage if a lot‑based pilot is used.