Concerns voiced at meeting regarding Rancho Santa Fe Farmers Market

By Karen Billing

Reactions to the Rancho Santa Fe Association’s March 6 approval of a nine-month trial run for a Saturday farmers market in the village trickled into the board’s March 20 meeting. Several people spoke out against the market during public comment, with concerns ranging from clean-up, security, traffic, competition with the Village Market, and the charity selection.

RSF Association Vice President Rochelle Putnam noted that a three-to-five-member oversight committee will be established for the market to come up with strategies to mitigate any concerns or issues that arise. It was reiterated by director Heather Slosar that if the market causes any problems during the nine-month trial, it can be stopped at any time.

The market will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on El Tordo between Linea Del Cielo and Avenida de Acacias on Saturdays.

The Secret Car Club, which meets Saturdays from 9-11 a.m. on Paseo Delicias and Avenida de Acacias, will be moving the show to Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., once the market begins.

According to Secret Car Club President Chris Erickson, club members do not believe they can co-exist with the market as there is not enough street parking for the cars, the market vendors and attendees for both events.

“(The change in dates) gets the fight that’s going on down to whether people want a farmers market or not and shows that we want to be friends,” said member Dave Darwin. “We appreciate all the support for the club and we’re looking forward to growing it.”

Erickson said the car club will continue to meet on Saturdays as normal until the market begins. A start date for the farmers market has not been set yet, but the RSF Association board members told the car club members they will give them 30 days notice before the market trial run begins.