Farmers

Rima Shah A weekly Farmer's Market that serves as a Thursday morning ritual for many residents has moved to a new home, temporarily upsetting shoppers and retailers alike. Construction on Brand Boulevard has forced the market to move from its spot in the bustling 100 block of North Brand Boulevard to the 100 block of East Colorado Street at least until July, Farmer's Market manager Christopher Nyerges. Retailers say the move is causing them to lose business because of a parking shortage and lack of foot traffic.

Organizers of the farmers market in Montrose - already in hot water regarding sponsorship rules - have been told by public health officials to ratchet up efforts to keep animals out. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a notice of violation to organizers of the Montrose Harvest Market last month after counting more than 12 dogs in the market, far above the number usually seen during a random inspection, said Scott Hunter,...

As the Montrose Shopping Park Assn. lurches through a revamp among its leadership and possible changes at its popular farmers market, board members have unanimously agreed to give their executive director a 50% raise. The vote earlier this month increases the annual salary for Dale Dawson, who served on the board for many years before the group hired him as executive director a few years ago, from $12,000 to $18,000. Dawson said he deserved the raise, as his responsibilities have increased due to more park activities and the board separating itself from former City Councilman John Drayman, a one-time board member who often helped out when the association needed his aid. He often helped run the Sunday Montrose Harvest Market.

After several shake-ups last year at the Montrose Harvest Market, more are coming. The market's craft and collectibles section is getting a new name and a new organizer. And all vendors will have to pay higher fees. The tweaks come after the Sunday farmers market underwent several changes last year to address violations issued by the Los Angeles County Agriculture Commissioner and Department of Public Health, as well as the fallout from an ongoing Glendale police embezzlement investigation involving former Councilman John Drayman.

KENNETH VILLAGE — Organizers decided last week to cancel the farmers market here for the rest of the year, but the move may have come too late for one faltering merchant who had opposed the weekly event from the outset. Sarkis Militonyan, owner of the Kenneth Village Meat and Produce Market, had initially opposed the decision to open a farmers market on the one-block commercial strip, arguing it would undercut his business. Now, the damage has been done, he said. The grocer has lost 90% of his business in the three months since the farmers market started, he said, and has fallen behind on his rent.

A weekly farmers market is coming to Griffith Park at the Autry National Center , known for its museum of the American West. Across from the L.A. Zoo, Griffith Observatory Satellite and the Municipal Golf Course, the farmers market kicks off on Saturday, April 28, from 8 a.m. to noon, with about 16 local and organic farmers, including Tutti Frutti Farms, Underwood Family Farms and Avila & Sons Farms.  Food vendors such as Milkman Artisan...

Ryan Carter The farmers market that was intended to revamp weekend foot traffic on Brand Boulevard is no more, though its organizer is working to convince the city that a similar produce market could work, in the right place. Edward Antonino, president of Southern California Certified Farmers Markets, said he is trying to convince city officials that a market along Wilson Avenue, between Brand Boulevard and Orange Street would be a great place for vendors.

Rep. David Dreier is leading a bipartisan effort to expedite Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's request for a federal disaster declaration to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The request, drafted by Dreier — whose district includes La Crescenta, and who is the ranking Republican on the House Rules Committee and chairs the state's Republican Congressional Delegation — supports the governor's federal request and any submissions for federal assistance by state farmers. The governor declared a state of emergency Jan. 12 after freezing temperatures crippled about 70% of the state's unharvested citrus crops.

The game of musical chairs at the Glendale Farmer's Market continues, with the popular attraction moving to its third location in six months. Starting this Thursday, the market will be moved to the 300 block of North Brand Boulevard between Lexington Drive and California Avenue. The market's produce booths will line the sidewalk on the eastern side of the boulevard between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., every Thursday. The market had been along the sidewalk in front of The Exchange on Brand Boulevard for its first 12 years, until construction work forced organizers to move the operation in March to the corner of South Brand and Colorado Street.

Antique, collectible and used book dealers may see their role at the Montrose Harvest Market change as organizers continue to push reforms and take stock of the event. The farmers market has undergone several changes in the past five months to address violations issued by the Los Angeles County Agriculturer Commissioner and Department of Public Health, as well as the fallout from an ongoing embezzlement investigation being carried out by Glendale police. But another change may be in the midst as the Montrose Shopping Park Assn.