[Occupymendocino] Everybody's Market Political and Free Speech Solution Might be Good for Occupy

[Richard Karch]

The Farmers Market and free speech
Brad Wagenknecht ,Oct 13, 2014
The Napa Farmers Market tries to be everybody’s market. Anyone who wants to sell produce, crafts and foods that are locally made or produced is welcome to apply to rent a booth.The Farmers Market board of directors has tried very hard not to be a market with a political agenda. We have not wanted to be attached to any issue that is coming to a vote in the near term. People have requested placement in the market because they know board members and assume this-or-that issue would be supported by board members.
Many on the board are very active politically but that is outside our roles as members of the Farmers Market board. But our job is to try to make the Napa Farmers Market everybody’s market.

With a goal of making the market “everybody’s market,” the board has thoughtfully come up with a free speech policy that is both inclusive and predictable. We have created a free speech section where folks can campaign for issues or for candidates running for office. The board provides this area fairly and impartially, and if someone campaigns for a certain issue, individuals presenting the other side of that issue are also welcome.

The board has tried to differentiate between political and educational/public service. Occasionally, there have been elected officials who have held what is, in effect, office hours at the Farmers Market answering questions and taking input, and they are allowed to do this between elections.

There are also people who set up tables to talk about issues as an educational service, but if that issue goes to the ballot, then the board requires that that table move to the free speech section. When someone is running for election there are often heightened feelings of fairness or unfairness, so this is the board’s attempt at keeping things as fair as possible. In the future, we can revisit this issue to make improvements.

In summary, the Farmers Market is a great place to buy good local produce and crafts, support nonprofit causes, and provide a venue to meet and talk to government workers and elected officials.

Tuesday at the market, students from the Napa Valley Language Academy will be selling produce from their school garden — please come out to support them. And it’s not too early to get some holiday shopping done; there is a lot to choose from at the market like pumpkins, wreaths, pottery, art, jewelry, soap and so much more! Plus, Nate Lopez, a market favorite, will provide musical entertainment.

On Saturday, Oct. 18, we’ll have a musical petting zoo. Bring the kids to see a variety of musical instruments at the market.

Another new act at the market is Glenda Bates, who plays oboe, French horn and Baroque oboe, as well as sings Baroque, classical, contemporary and jazz — everything from Bach to Miles Davis!

And make sure to check out the market’s new fish vendor, Freshway Fish. Stop by and try their salmon spread — it’s delicious!

The Napa Farmers Market takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., May through October, in the Oxbow Public Market south parking lot. The Farmers Market accepts WIC, CalFresh food stamps through EBT (electronic benefits transfer), and the Senior Nutrition Program (available through WIC). For information and upcoming events, visit NapaFarmersMarket.com or visit the market on Facebook.
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