The twinkling sun peering from every tree is one of my favorite things about the Santa Monica Food Market. The "California Certified Farmers' Markets (CFM's) were established in 1978, when then-governor Jerry Brown signed legislation known as the Direct Marketing Act. This enabled California farmers to sell their own produce directly to consumers at locations designated by the Department of Agriculture goals of providing reasonably priced, high quality produce to the city's population, and bringing more foot traffic into the downtown area." The Market has never ceased to disappoint me with either its culture or food products. There is every type of people imaginable there wether he has soft cimmerian skin, she has smaragdine eyes, or he has aeneous hair; everyone is accepted, even children. People of different styles ranging from hipster to bohemian is present. While the Market only sells one style of clothing, no one is looked at weird for shopping out of their style. The food also ranges from different colors to different flavors. A person can either eat there or take some food home. The only thing I would sort of change would be the seating. There is a little cafe in the middle of the Market and there are only so many seat, which is annoying because sometimes after a long day of shopping for either food or clothes there, you want to sit! I find this a great public place because any body can set up a tent and sell their goods. It has almost everything a public place needs: culture, variety, a bathroom, and serenity. Has anyone ever been there? The Market only runs on Sundays; so if you have a chance of going, tell me how you like it and if you think it is a great public place!
Is there any competition between vendors for space? I'm discussing Venice Beach for this assignment and I noticed from your description that Venice and the Santa Monica Food Market are very similar in terms of the various vendors who are eager to sell their products to the public. But did you notice any tension between them? In Venice some of the vendors have to arrive at dawn to claim space and they risk violating certain trespassing laws; were you able to tell if that was the case at the Food Market? I've only been there once when I was little so I don't remember too much other than amazing food.
ReplyDeleteI think it's also interesting and worthwhile to consider how the market appeals to different classes. You mentioned that the market is very culturally diverse and, as such, appeals to various ethnic groups. How about social classes? Do you believe the market is geared specifically towards any one class, or that it attempts to appeal to all citizens?
ReplyDeleteKathleen,
ReplyDeleteI went back today to make more wonderful memories there; I noticed that the the vendors were most likely in the same space. I knew where to go to get what I needed and I even recognized the vendors, exchanged friendly hellos, and even trusted one of the vendors enough to try coconut milk, which I would not suggest haha. It seems to me that since the space has been there for so long, the Market is filled of a family own businesses. What I mean is, for example, when I ordered a crepe today, I noticed that the people were related and that it was sort of a family business thing, even though its not a permanent spot (if that makes sense). They also are very friendly to one another; even though it is a competition, I feel like all of the vendors have consistent customers (because I heard a lot of exchanges such as "Hi so and so, its nice to see you again, how are the kids?" or "how have you been?"), so they don't really need to fight for customers. It's a really fun place to just relax at. If you get the chance, you should go again! It is so worth it.
Samir,
It is interesting indeed about how diverse it is! That is one of the reasons why I love the Santa Monica Food Market. But I will admit, I feel like maybe it does appeal to more of the higher/middle class just because the food is on the higher price end. But, if you think about it, in order for a smaller business to succeed, the prices do have to be higher just for survival because, compared to a huge business, they sell much less and make was less even though their prices are more expensive. On the plus side though, since they are smaller businesses, their produce is better taken care of and tastes way better, hence why people spend the extra money. Then again, there are many friendly homeless people who are accepted there and they are in the lower class, so who knows! It all really depends on how much the individual wants to spend. But, mostly, I see higher/middle class people. I think you should check it out for yourself if you get a chance, because like I said to Kathleen, it is worth it!