By Miriam Raftery

April 4, 2020 (La Mesa) – La Mesa’s Certified Farmer’s Market has returned with an “On the Go” model to comply with county rules barring crowds. Now you can place your order online by 3 p.m. Thursday and choose a drive-through pick up time for Friday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Allison Avenue parking lot (between Palm and 4th).

Visit the On the Go Farmers' Market website for complete details!

By Miriam Raftery

January 4, 2019 (La Mesa) – Opinions among stores and restaurants along La Mesa Boulevard remain divided regarding the city’s decision last March to move the Farmer’s Market into the downtown village. But while some restaurants report a sharp drop-off in business on Friday nights, the market has been a financial success for most farm participants and for the city’s coffers.

At a November 27 meeting, a staff report informed councilmembers that sales tax revenues in the village rose 2.6 percent in the second quarter of the city’s fiscal year over the same period a year earlier – and staffer Chris Gonzalez advised that the village was the only area in the city to see sales tax revenues rise.

Updated April 30, 2018:  The city has rescinded $3,400 in fines and administrative citations on Depot Springs after finding the property in "substantial compliance" April 26, for violations and citations dating from 11/30/17 through 4/11/18.

Also comments from city manager Yvonne Garrett on availability of the existing Farmer's Market site have been added.

By Miriam Raftery

April 29, 2018 (La Mesa) – Numerous merchants in La Mesa’s downtown village are calling for the City Council to reconsider its vote to move the Farmer’s Market to the heart of the village on Friday nights. Some say they were never contacted, while others contend they were deceived  in a survey sent around by the La Mesa Village Association (LMVA) about which night of the week the market would be held, and/or about the inclusion of food trucks. One says that her survey was forged—with even her name misspelled.

 Several long-time merchants are also raising concerns over the financial stability of Aaron Dean, president of the La Mesa Village Merchants Association which is currently set to takeover management of the Farmer’s Market from the City of La Mesa starting the first Friday in May, on a six-month trial basis.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Farmer's Market at its former location on Allison Avenue may soon come back to its roots in the La Mesa downtown village

March 22, 2018 (La Mesa) – On Tuesday, La Mesa’s City Council will consider a proposal by the La Mesa Village Association to move and expand the farmer’s market back to the downtown village, with street closures for the event each Friday.  Staff has recommended approval in its report.  

Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 27 at its 6 p.m. meeting in City Council Chambers, 8130 Allison Ave.

The issue has fostered a lively discussion on social media, with some residents and local merchants welcoming the proposed change to invigorate downtown and boost traffic for local businesses. But others vigorously oppose the change, citing concerns over not enough parking, having to carry groceries too far, and dissuading patrons from coming into downtown on Friday night, when restaurants are typically busiest.