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CC 07-02-2024 Oral CommunicationsCC 7-02-2024 Oral Communications Written Comments From:Rhoda Fry To:City Clerk; City Council Cc:Tina Kapoor Subject:Oral Communications, City Council July 2 2024 Farmers" Market Date:Friday, June 28, 2024 4:44:07 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council, I was saddened to read the City letter pertaining to our Cupertino Sunday Farmers’ Market. I’d just like you to know a few things and realize it won’t change anyone’s mind, but residents should know that the market they’ve known and loved since 2011 will be no more if a home for them is not found in Cupertino. Not all of Torre would need to be used, but I don’t think it would make a difference anyway. There is an assumption that all Farmers’ Markets are alike. They’re not! What makes West Coast special is that they work with extremely small family farms that supply our community with specialty crops that appeal to our community. It is unlikely that they will be given space at De Anza by the new operator in the long run. The new operator was unsuccessful at Vallco – I don’t know why they were turned away from there because the parking lot remains vacant. And has been even less successful at Creekside – and more recently they have been denied use of the adjacent parking lot. A large company is taking over. They have made a number of hostile takeovers in the Bay Area and our community has fallen victim. It seems that some people have an issue with West Coast being a for-profit company. Keep in mind that people who work at non-profits make money too. According to public records, the top person at the non-profit Pacific Coast makes $144K per year. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/770196199 Conversely, the City works with many for-profits – for instance those companies that run classes for Parks & Rec. Nevertheless, West Coast is working on having a non-profit status for appearances sake so that they don’t run into these perception issues in the future. It saddens me that they’ve been given a black mark because of their tax status. Cupertino was West Coast’s first foray into Farmers’ Markets. And this market represents over half of the company’s income. Their loss is Cupertino’s loss as well. The company moving to De Anza is huge ($5M gross revenue) and has many markets and the cost and variety of food will just not be the same. Feeling Bad for Our Residents, Rhoda Fry Below is the City Memo for those who haven’t had a chance to read it. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM Date: June 27, 2024 To: Cupertino City Council From: Tina Kapoor, Deputy City Manager Re: West Coast Farmers Market Background At the June 18, 2024 City Council meeting, the City Council directed staff to explore options for an interim location for the West Coast Farmers Market Association (WCFMA). WCFMA is a private, for-profit organization that operates 12 farmers markets across the Bay Area. WCFMA began operating in Cupertino in 2011. At the time, WCFMA operated at the Oaks Shopping Center. In 2022, WCFMA moved to De Anza College and has operated every Sunday. Recently, WCFMA was notified to vacate their existing location by June 30, 2024 as De Anza College is conducting an RFP to seek proposals for a permanent Farmer’s Market Facility Usage Subsequently, WCFMA operator appeared before City Council and asked for assistance in identifying an interim location. Council then instructed staff to explore options for an interim location. At a Special Board Meeting on June 26 at De Anza College, the following key developments occurred: 1. WCFMA has been provided an extension to operate at their existing location at De Anza College through the end of July. 2. The Farmer’s Market Facility Usage contract was awarded to Pacific Coast Farmer’s Market. The operation will commence at the beginning of August, following the extension granted to WCFMA. With the June 26 decision, there will be no gap in the community having access to a farmer’s market in Cupertino at the same location. Should the city council desire to support a second farmer’s market by the WCFMA, staff reviewed city-owned locations, including right-of-way locations, to determine their viability as a potential interim solution. Staff also assessed City-owned properties and facilities to determine if any can accommodate the market’s requirements. This includes adequate space, accessibility, public and neighboring community impacts, and compliance with safety regulations. Based on staff’s assessment and input from the City Departments, City-owned parks were removed from the list of viable locations due to ongoing field use and to ensure adequate opportunities for the public to utilize open spaces, further limiting available options. However, a potential location is the public right-of-way along Torre Avenue, between Rodrigues Avenue and Pacifica Avenue. It is important to note that this location does not offer a strong logistical feasibility, and several factors require attention, as highlighted below. For the second farmers’ market to operate at this location, the entire block of Torre Avenue will need to be closed every Sunday between 7:00 am and 2:00 pm. In addition to the cost implications to the City as outlined in Attachment A, the following key considerations will need to be addressed: 1. Traffic Impacts: The street closure will affect traffic flow, including detour routes, and will impact local businesses, including the Cupertino Library, the library field, and nearby residents. 2. Parking Considerations: Staff recommends that the Civic Center parking lot be reserved for the use of Civic Center and Library visitors. Therefore, staff also recommends that farmer's market patron parking be limited to street parking in the area outside the Civic Center parking lot and that WCFMA coordinate and obtain permission from nearby property owners for additional parking in advance. 3. Public Safety: Proper arrangements will need to be made for emergency vehicle access and pedestrian safety during market hours. Staff recommends WCFMA contracting with the Sheriff’s Office for necessary enforcement. 4. Staffing Requirement: Logistical coordination for the street closure will require two overtime staff members (Public Works and Parks and Recreation staff) and overhead costs. 5. Community Outreach and Notification: Residents, businesses, library staff and patrons, community hall rental groups, library field youth sports groups, and civic center event organizers need to be informed about street closures in advance and the potential implications for each group need to be considered and evaluated. Staff recommends WCFMA to distribute these notifications with staff’s assistance. 6. Permits and Approvals: WVFMA will need to obtain the necessary permits, such as encroachment and right-of-way use permits from the City. While Council could provide additional direction to facilitate the operation of a second farmers’ market by WCFMA in the public right-of-way or on City property, based on recent developments, it appears that WCFMA will continue to operate the farmers’ market at De Anza College through July, and a new operator will begin operating a farmers’ market after that time. Given the limited options for alternative locations and the continued availability of the De Anza farmers’ market as an amenity for Cupertino residents, staff is not recommending further action. Sustainability Impact No sustainability impact. Fiscal Impact The cost to operate the farmers’ market at Torre Avenue is estimated at $4,288 per week in addition to a one-time business license fee of $174 as outlined in Attachment A. California Environmental Quality Act Not applicable. Prepared by: Tina Kapoor, Deputy City Manager Reviewed by: Chris Jensen, City Attorney Approved for Submission by: Pamela Wu, City Manager Attachments: Attachment A – Estimated City Costs 4 ATTACHMENT A Estimated City Costs Weekly Costs: Item Rate Quantity Cost 2 Staff - OT $79/Hr 16 $1,264 Overhead $88 1 $88 Sheriff Deputy/ Parking Control $161/Hr 8 $1,287 15% Admin Fee 1 $396 Encroachment Permit $608 1 $608 Private Use for Right-of-Way $1,253 1 $1,253 Total Weekly Cost $4,288 One-Time Costs: Item Rate Quantity Cost Business License $174 1 $174 Total One-Time Costs $174 Virus-free.www.avg.com From:Rhoda Fry To:City Clerk; City Council; City Attorney"s Office Subject:Oral Communications, City Council July 2 2024 Purchasing a Building Date:Friday, June 28, 2024 3:21:12 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council, I have a number of concerns regarding the purchase of a new building. 1. Typically, it only makes sense to purchase a building when the plan to hold it is at least 10 years. In this case, the idea is to use it for 2 years. It makes no sense to buy a building. 2. Because the intended use is only for 2 years, it looks like a real-estate investment. What is the City investment policy for real estate? And, if it is a good investment, it would have been purchased by now. There are plenty of newer buildings in the City and there will be plenty of even newer ones. I don’t see this as being a good investment and I don’t think that the City should get into real-estate investing anyway. 3. We also need to be looking at either leasing or buying a building for the sheriff substation because the current location is expected to go away. This has been on the City’s radar for quite some time (I recall seeing it on some sort of work plan around the time of public safety forum at Quinlan before the most recent one as I had spoken with Mr. Morely about it). We should not be doing anything with another building that might risk resources that need to be applied to public safety. Warm Regards, Rhoda Fry Virus-free.www.avg.com From:Rhoda Fry To:City Clerk; City Council Subject:non-agenda oral communications - lawson bike trail Date:Friday, June 28, 2024 3:12:53 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council, I am worried about the Lawson bike trail because of the loss of parking. As the district continues to close schools, students will be coming from further away, which will increase the need for parking. Please keep this in mind to make sure that there is adequate parking to keep our community safe. Regards, Rhoda Fry Virus-free.www.avg.com From:Jennifer Griffin To:City Council; City Clerk Cc:grenna5000@yahoo.com Subject:250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence Date:Thursday, June 27, 2024 5:24:35 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council: The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776 in what was to become The future United States of America. I spent a week in Virginia in May/June of this Year, 2024, and I am already seeing Virginia beginning to celebrate the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration on July 4, 2026. There are special preparations being made at Monticello and Mount Vernon and Williamsburg and Yorktown. There are even "Bicentennial Minutes" being reported in the state's newspapers and on-line Media as to what was happening in the colony/state of Virginia and future country on dates leading up to 1776. These Bicentennial Minutes are similar to those that were broadcast and printed in California media And across the country in 1976 during the Country's Bicentennial Celebration which was a huge Affair. I don't see any of this acknowledgement of America's 250th Anniversary in our area or even in California. This is an important time leading up to the 250th Anniversary to be thinking about the Birth of our Country and what our country means to us. I hope Cupertino and the state will do more to remember this important, inspiring and historic event, the 250th Anniversary of our beloved country. I am very proud that I saw Virginia is remembering it. Sincerely, Jennifer Griffin From:Jennifer Griffin To:City Council; City Clerk Cc:grenna5000@yahoo.com Subject:AB 1893 (Wicks/Bonta) Allows Developers to Override Planning Department Building Standards Date:Wednesday, June 26, 2024 2:52:29 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council: Zelda Bronstein, writing in a June 25, 2024 article in 48Hills, is very concerned about A housing bill by Assembymember Buffy Wicks and State Attorney General Rob Bonta called AB 1893. This bill would alter the way Builders Remedy is used in the state. This bill Has angered many yimby groups. While Ca Yimby and Housing Action Coalition actively support the Bill, other yimby groups like Yimby Action and Yimby Law don't like the bill because it seriously Affects Builders Remedy which these two groups have promoted. Ms Bronstein says that AB 1893 goes even further than Builders Remedy to be a threat to Future construction in the state. AB 1893 eliminates the ability of local City Planning Departments To make rational decisions about the actual "buildability" of a project and whether it is not Buildable because of CEQA concerns, and allows "a reasonable person" to make judgements About whether the project is suitable to be built or not. Under AB 1893, "a reasonable person" can determine that a planning department has inappropriately Delayed a building's construction and can sue that city under the HAA (Housing Accountability Act) to force the building to be built. Developers would be making "fundamental land use decisions" In building construction, rather than trained planners in city planning departments. Not only do planners have to be concerned about this proposed housing bill AB 1893 by Assemblymember Wicks and AG Bonta, the general public needs to be aware that this Bill is expecting the General Public to be the best judge of what should or should not be Built in the state. The ramifications of the allowed passage of this bill on the projects built in California in the future is Truly horrifying. Sincerely, Jennifer Griffin From:Brett Reed To:Tina Kapoor Cc:Cupertino City Manager"s Office; City Clerk; City Council; Jerry Lami Subject:Oral Communications July 2 City Council – Save Cupertino Farmers’ Market Date:Wednesday, June 26, 2024 10:15:49 AM Attachments:Petition Signatures-r.pdf Abrava Consulting.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council, Please see the support we have for West Coast Farmers’ Market in Cupertino through a petition that was circulated at the market last weekend. Sincerely, Brett Reed 831-287-9852 Office 831-345-5731 cell Abrava Business Systems www.AbravaConsulting.com Petition to Foothill-De Anza Community College District Support our Community's Farmers Peak Season Keep the Cupertino Farmers'Market Open Name Address (City) ''CU- '#vo .SAzv <.'s^6(\lN 9^ll\1 /V\o>nW 17;^ 'Ot\oo^t1iu>l-v Email or other Contact Info NiSWtgi C^VXchXi ^cKj(pJctK (Ji^n\^|^'\^\Ay/vcW-(TM fSiyvvj^ $0^(3-co\€-^€"grU /•Y-\l ACM-^ fjovn yc^JuTh,f/ryr ^SV/\QnV Kk.vv\ai ^"^TArvlSHLJ K( i'A'hy>\y^ C^ppil'w >io V\g nW pCt/'C M.eAAn Pa^Jl S,iJlhA^2^Ay^k hv-)^Ob n:jV»v\riAfAi^4^ //CV>^v,'•l^i^dxP ^/r^L 'Ct OvAcka (7 /aU^O.Co^ ^uc-il>rJ rr May We Contact You? (Y/N) X A/ Sciri t)CiPVW pCvl dC/5fc/V^'^0 ^ C{^) wjL^yV'dC^l WtxctS '3[C7J'C \MCI'U0:1^(4 CUa^^>^'j^A^ul;V >>^ou^olc 'Oy (HP iTtCCA-^^dh^C^V-C-Oy^ / ^AA\J 'fViiQolAtCLL?g ^ PdKli^'^W<C<Jfcr+ivic <M\/i5'j'lacP M(1^'^\r<L A IGf-I MV y r^Ar q(Lh<7vU rg'^vygW 'crNV-a Petition to Foothill-De Anza Community College District Support our Community's Farmers Peak Season Keep the Cupertino Farmers'Market Open Name (Mfl. QiA LdAAn^ ivvLi/v^^S-xh-i <=^^ -k L\v\dK V Cu-^TV-V- Sc^u^fn, U^' Address (City)Email or other Contact Info r"upfcH In e kAP^X\iSU) -tdfx/ie.lQ) / I .\^j \/l n \iX(§fkiipU'>n'i' (n^ip Up\^<^^fUK O \ l \ I c.- C/Uv7?i j2 ,/i Jx^x/^Cjck c/o^fll'loi~/^/A •r^-'x^Py '^u.or f Cv Vr^ May We Contact You? (Y/N) 1 X X X< U vC/ r (H QnM.X)0^pfTX i,^WtAy5£^ C/vrrA 5"Air*X ^c*JC|tn <sv..-vv<r--tp ^y Xm^ Yiu)Hao Soar LmA "i-e^ I'yry^^oj \x \ox k 7 OA AX UL ^Ai\r<\t /YyCU kA± /\.iAv Qnxey C'i/iperfiHo £_^er^r\o iu f<5xnrf^h^. n, C UDP y-i-A Un /1lKXL M c V y-x) Oursp rt"ti^cA, f[Mpe^-Vvn CJc^^ j CLKj.z.VHyu (2 fifA ( •C£^ Ijfyj/M omk'f)jM,UcoMi Pi'5-^g.jAI-D(^^QlAAlL.Co.V) 1'^ J Wi^^vylAjU^j ^ -r / -Cr .<•by xV -C-cv D\/v^-A-A.1 ^Aj (xy XY/c:^/vCD - f fU 9^ y , A A) N h Y A T Petition to Foothill-De Anz munity College District Support our Community's .urmers Peak Season Keep the Cupertino Farmers'Market Open Name Address (City) 4? \/'1^^^v/Atv f 'C]^•\V^'k^-^(/a A t. t--\.-cr CP' 4i^ 'TcU aVA >jp^W-i'no (_,ipFf^T/r^'V CuF^xfiL^ C \AjvW\^V SetVIivwj k >5Y<Ntvi YvALir CW C~v tTXi t/tN^f>T)>A''^A-aj Oa-M K\x^A«i feegU keeftene^Oyfl-AWvAO ^a^g<^/uV?PtWv /Jfv.•>'Ai , •-•.Hc-1 s 1^1CZ-i iSkcM^k^lypWAtcHV^ Sock.J<»6 \Aib Los (A," b-yfc^Ck Ci\f)^/Hnd /yo Email or other Contact Info I j V-A-L !• a (§i m^f •r^Jtn •jry^iittc /•Cff^ May We Contact You? (Y/N) /v. 7 hL VA/(r ^M0 "H QT C4r(^'^/^A\L.ife ^^ I ci >/c ^ 3 c/i.fr /•'.i /•nc t~w 1)"/^(^^p.AtiT*• RRAT6S .ARH 1 UiM/,(roN 772 _X - C<^R-"c K\CY V'<T Pd /pO^DH (7 r.:iuV(fri L CC7V y / T',7 (\aS,ivV f ^sftju'-V<\/VYA ^0 Y'y y-.(f^v i/y [•'•-tv-rv^<f (*'/'0.v lQivA<"df\^^.J"/Q PauA;\A i ,](J Pv/«^ Jz)C-cl/lUn<\(2^ivvL;ti c^ ^v*iw cj, /<^r)V4/-Z j . f LLf.^ Lf-q . I '^.ywfs.4.iU^ p^\va^/x^^Lr%H^/Ri^r.r li,(c^Qrd/l-^ Othiiwi/JOvicacl/ii ^iMi'l -a/^i i/ Petition to Foothill-De Anza Community College District Support our Community's Farmers Peak Season Keep the Cupertino Farmers'MarketOpen Name Address (City) IL i"M)AtVi &DCC MA^l Liu cuPg^EII/Jo LOJ f /^TLUK\KUKAj^cu^-g^'E'yoo AX AjA-o'^ (;v.^v^v'v:•^c fh/fnAf) A f P}-2/y< on [Ji'}\2nfi./{ji} ^Vx-A Email or other Contact Info pAACf<ir>i,L^l ^ yoltOO.C£fY\ 0 uaii/oO 'COM loO^Q 9"*^-1 •Cg'A HprViiSWi^GoC'O ^Kvn'iMni t- Hl\^2(Asfuaiu-wA o-;;^C>/Z.y&^& ^frAJTITKUt'^;!(O AOL.COH ^-jfyPrO^'l (7y L£r^ ;l-^Akd: /i';??^oK3'/^\v\t\of'-c £w-'V "I . j tgL)^ (pj -, May We Contact You? jxm I A/ yiy jsL C .---V Petition to Foothlll-De Anza Community College District Support our Community's Farmers Peak Season Keep the CupertinoFarmers'Market Open Name Address (City)Email or other Contact Info May We Contact You? (Y/N) I -^!;^CPc^^ia VI.ctV^r 0 fj.(1^XTtA ,1 >r ^—:i::= V <JU f C . Uj i]l—.V — V—_S==Cxxvx K ^^ w ,iy,rVI}i v'/ (.W)rf rs/y f^u CU/i jmvAowl ^iJ,j\.6 'k)\1 'Ij.t-t-y 7 —•{-/ i/^// W^u {}filfhilcuM^'U ^mjf /C inmr c ^(T^ hj / V (''f 1 , If Ty n A /.'\laiA ^(jy ^U{.^A\r\Jalp //^ /I I V/ .J),J }I'AvNtV I?^/(^V '' Name ^rip Petition to Foothill-De Anza Community College District Support our Community's Farmers Peak Season Keep the Cupertino Farmers'Market Open Address (City)Email or other Contact Info \yiX\6^.9c'' iiyiA Q rz /y)ig (g Yq ^CtuX I0 (/'c Clto:g/\—,0 D ,kJt CJ^r\ A ^>C i"M. ly P^I cU2j^ jn\jU^\AiviAf 6 .ah, Cl\Oln{l>ly^^/)^r((l.Cisty-^ •Co Q,2rVKfXi(- aa^_CM. ir'r>;=^c^<=3 .^>^1 . May We Contact You? (Y/N) no /V ly <r<^H!i Petition to Foothill-De Anza Community College District Support our Community's Farmers Peak Season Keep the Cupertino Farmers'Market Open Name Address (City)Email or other Contact Info May We Contact You? (Y/N) \f '5.'^RO (V ( j / Petition to Foothlll-De Anza Community College District Support our Community's Farmers Peak Season Keep the Cupertino Farmers'Market Open Name Address (City)Email or other Contact Info May We Contact You? (Y/N)y 1 ^ y (6>I 7. J .i f^btrA ch H &^trkvil (Af 'K / / Petition to Foothill-De Anza Community College District Support our Community's Farmers Peak Season Keepthe Cupertino Farmers'Market Open Name ! J Address (City)Email or other Contact Info May We Contact You? (Y/N) C> C \<o Oi/pfjn^io }\l\/..\M olrj / Petition to Foothiil-De Anza Community College District Support our Community's Farmers Peak Season Keep the Cupertino Farmers'Market Open Name Address (City)Email or other Contact Info May We Contact You? (Y/N) cj •u ''0 ^—t Vy Petition to Foothiil-De Anza Community Coilege District Support our Community's Farmers Peak Season Keep the Cupertino Farmers'Market Open Name r .^ Address (City)Email or other Contact Info May We Contact You? / ( ^e>•^/hAJ L t-M —''^ L . Petition to Foothill-De Anza Community College District Support our Community's Farmers Peak Season Keep the Cupertino Farmers'Market Open Name IfM JaC r- Mj S 5 0 1 Ci+/^-kfhef\Ni CMODHUKV ^s=5i (^...A /J^\€^ ^sHEAuiH~IM^ ^VaC^O- V>V <3 <ocUq IK . Address (City) SgN/>v <r-e ecApiA^Vt YIQl /V\\cb pcAi)Mb (VIC c y^jP&Xjj:/uo rJfuwk CV\<o jkAj- cJ Email or other Contact Info ^/'g/>—.j^osLr l\^o )^a:KawcltOf^-Cow 'yvy\i>L'p ^Crw May We Contact You? (Y/N) y X- CHANDHMH.r &/lFniFFr^fi.lLrfLf CjgU^gg^,VAAjfc^ f.Cov»^ >Ar^»0>W i .OuK i/'idkl p/tk ^ £V* v4vq./7/fh^h^ -tPiax)df rxauyo^Vflfu'D. Y N/<fliu T2.3 .yA'Uvvs.c^.y S'/j-eauiAft ^yahAOf co?^y r-f-^lc/LiX^(^y%(^r-7^. \ i/VVJU?Cvkjt (a)0\jrO-Oc^ij PVU ©%?^tct)-rxwc cnaLA<^ ou .C-rwi \j June 26, 2024 To Whom it may concern, As media producer for Oldtown Salinas Foundation, it has been my pleasure to work alongside Jerry Lami and his West Coast Farmers Market management team for the last year in Salinas, Ca. Our interactions have been nothing less than professional and enjoyable. Mr. Lami runs a well organized, friendly market that boasts a great sense of community among the vendors and customers alike. I may be reached for comment or dialog via phone or email. Sincerely, Brett Reed 831-287-9852 Office 831-345-5731 cell Abrava Business Systems www.AbravaConsulting.com From:Rhoda Fry To:City Council; City Clerk; Cupertino City Manager"s Office Cc:Debra Nascimento; Tina Kapoor; Economic Development Subject:Thanks for your swift efforts toward bringing our market back into Cupertino Date:Tuesday, June 25, 2024 9:37:03 PM Attachments:Farmers Market- Support Letter WVCS (2).pdf CFMA_RFQ RESPONSE_CAMPBELL.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi All, I hope that we can move the Cupertino Farmers’ Market back into our City. It appears that De Anza has become unworkable. Things you should know about Cupertino’s Farmers’ Market 1. A Certified Farmers’ Market is a government program run under the auspices of the CA dept. of Agriculture primarily in order to keep small family farms in business 2. The Farmers’ Market provides affordable fresh food to Cupertino residents 3. The West Coast Farmers’ Market has been in operation in Cupertino since 2011 4. West Valley Community Services values to contributions that the market has made available (see first attachment) 5. A Certified Farmers’ Market provides a service to the community – it costs money to operate with various permits, fees, and ancillary expenses 6. Many Farmers’ Market operators are paid to have markets and others have low or no rent. West Coast Farmers’ Markets has a market at 2 County hospitals both of which pay for the annual permits totaling about $3K with the operator paying for inspections at about $600 per year. Larger markets pay more for inspections than smaller markets. West Valley College pays $300 per week and patrons have access to public restrooms and so on. 7. Given the City’s economic situation, it would make sense for the market operator to defray some of the city’s costs – although the costs should be minimal (e.g., additional sheriff has not been used in the past) 8. Attached and below are letters showing how De Anza RFP process were extortionary 9. Having the market back in Cupertino would allow for economic development for the City like adding a “merchant in the market” which highlights a different local merchant every week. This has been done successfully in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Thanks for your swift efforts toward bringing our market back into Cupertino. Sincerely, Rhoda Fry From: Ron Pardini <ron@uvfm.org> Subject: DeAnza RFP Date: June 20, 2024 at 3:55:27 PM PDT To: Chris Winn <winnchristian@fhda.edu>, Chris Winn <winnchristian@deanza.edu>, phamjohn@fhda.edu Cc: Office <info@uvfm.org> Dear Foothill-De Anza Community College District, Thank you for reaching out and sharing the Request for Proposal (RFP) regarding the operations of the DeAnza Farmers' Market with Urban Village Farmers' Market Association (UVFM). UVFM, in operation since 1997, is well respected within the industry and amongst city leaders and community members. We currently run 10 successful and award-winning farmers' markets across the Bay Area, and we appreciate the opportunity to consider your proposal. Upon careful review of the RFP, UVFM finds itself with significant concerns regarding the issuance of this RFP given the current operational status of the market. It is unusual for an RFP to be issued when there is no apparent issue or dispute with the existing operator, who was curiously also invited to apply. This raises questions about the motivation behind soliciting new operators, particularly whether financial considerations are driving this decision. Many cities and hosts often sponsor farmers' markets, recognizing them as neighborhood treasures rather than attempting to extract every dime from our operations. The mandatory fees outlined in the RFP for the use of the college parking lot are exorbitant and unprecedented. Such costs would severely hamper our ability to operate the market successfully. Currently, every dollar we earn is crucial to supporting our operations, paying fees, staff, and promoting the market. Implementing these fees would inevitably force us to either pay unlivable wages to our employees or increase stall fees, significantly impacting the already struggling small family farms and local businesses that participate. These vendors are already grappling with rising business costs, the impacts of climate change on crop production, the overall cost of living, etc. Higher costs would likely lead vendors to raise prices, making healthy food less accessible to the community. We are also disheartened to learn of the impending shutdown in July, which will further impact the farmers and small businesses that rely on the market for their income and community presence. If UVFM were to be awarded the market, we would commit to enhancing it even further with our time, energy, and resources. However, we are concerned about the uncertainty posed by the potential for another RFP every two years, potentially nullifying our hard work and dedication if it were to be handed off to another bidding market organization. Market operators like UVFM are not merely contractors; we are community resources that add significant value to local neighborhoods. UVFM values transparency, integrity, and mutual respect in all our business dealings. Therefore, under the current circumstances and considering the concerns outlined above, UVFM will not be submitting a response to your RFP at this time. Nevertheless, should circumstances change due to termination or a mutual parting with the current operator, UVFM would be open to discussing how we can support and integrate the DeAnza Farmers' Market into our Association, with the understanding that we cannot collaborate with hosts who see the market as a revenue generator and have plans for putting the market out to bid every two years. We appreciate your attention to these matters and remain hopeful that future decisions regarding the DeAnza Farmers' Market will prioritize the long-term interests of its vendors and the community. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to further discuss these concerns or explore potential collaboration in the future. Sincerely, Ron Pardini Executive Director e-mail ron@uvfm.org website uvfm.org Virus-free.www.avg.com Dear De Anza Board, Interim President Espinosa-Pieb and Chancellor Lambert, I am writing on behalf of West Valley Community Services (WVCS) to express our strong support for the continued operation of the Farmers Market at De Anza College, specifically under the management of the West Coast Farmers Market Association (WCFMA), led by Jerry Lami. The Farmers Market has become an invaluable asset to our community, and its continuation is vital for several reasons that align with both community needs and the college's mission of equity and inclusion. Firstly, I want to acknowledge the college’s commitment to keeping the Farmers Market open. This decision is crucial for maintaining a healthy and vibrant community resource that provides fresh, nutritious food to the residents of Cupertino and beyond. WVCS has been a proud partner of this market, regularly receiving donations to support De Anza College’s Food Pantry. The loss of this market would significantly impact the availability of fresh produce to some of the college's most needy students, directly affecting their health and well-being. It is concerning to learn about the recent complications in the selection of the market operator. While it is understood that the college requires a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to ensure fair governance, I must highlight the proven track record of WCFMA. Despite a miscommunication regarding the RFP application process, which can be substantiated with email evidence, the market has consistently demonstrated its commitment to social equity by employing individuals with disabilities and those facing food and housing insecurity. This aligns perfectly with the District’s credo of equity and inclusion. Moreover, the environmental benefits of the Farmers Market cannot be overstated. By providing locally sourced food, the market significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation, thereby supporting the college's sustainability goals. Additionally, the freshness and nutritional value of the produce from the market far exceed those of supermarket offerings, contributing to the overall health of the community. The Sunday Cupertino Farmers Market, established by Jerry Lami in 2011, has uniquely catered to the diverse needs of our residents. It stands out among other Bay Area markets for its commitment to small family farmers, who might otherwise be displaced by larger operators. These small farmers have expressed concerns about their future if the market’s management changes, which could result in a loss of the market's unique character and offerings. To underscore the impact of WCFMA, over the two-year period from June 1, 2022, to May 31, 2024, the market has donated nearly 245,000 pounds of produce, including baked goods. This remarkable contribution highlights the market’s role in combating food insecurity within our community. Without these donations, WVCS would face a severe shortage of fresh foods for our food market, which currently provides groceries to over 700 persons each week. The loss of these donations would force WVCS to purchase additional food, significantly impacting our operating budget and necessitating cuts to other crucial safety net services. In conclusion, WVCS strongly urges De Anza College to reconsider any changes that might jeopardize the current operation of the Farmers Market. We ask that you extend the market’s operation at least until October, if not through the end of the year, to allow for a thorough review and consideration of all factors involved. The continued partnership with WCFMA is crucial for maintaining the market’s positive impact on our community. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your favorable consideration and are willing to provide any additional information or support required. Sincerely, Sujatha Venkatraman Cassandra Magaña Executive Director Asst. Manager of Advocacy & Public Policy West Valley Community Services West Valley Community Services