Vendors at the popular Malibu Farmers Market are expressing anger and frustration after being abruptly moved from their long-standing location at Legacy Park to a parking lot outside City Hall. The market, known for attracting celebrities and offering high-end goods like $14 organic eggs and artisanal cheeses, had operated at Legacy Park for three years.
Dispute Over Legacy Park Location
The move comes as the city of Malibu stated that its permission to use Legacy Park had expired. Officials cited deed restrictions on the property, which restrict commercial activity, as the primary reason for the relocation. An announcement from the City of Malibu explained that the current site was "not designed or approved for farmers market operations and was never intended to be a permanent location." The property was purchased in 2002 under a deed that restricted commercial use, and a temporary allowance for the market's operation had been made.
Vendors reported that dozens failed to show up for the first market day at the new City Hall location due to the short notice and the less desirable site. Debra Bianco, co-founder and president of the Cornucopia Foundation, which launched the market, stated that "at least 30 to 35 vendors didn't come" because "it's a hidden location, like it's way up a hill, so we didn't get the foot traffic we usually would have. And it was way too short of notice."
Shoppers also voiced their disappointment and confusion. Social media posts reflected dismay over the lack of communication regarding the new location and a preference for the previous scenic spot. Some residents questioned the city's rationale, suggesting a lack of political will to accommodate the community's desires.
Official Response and Temporary Solution
City spokesman Matt Myerhoff addressed the concerns, stating that "Legacy Park remains unavailable as the deed restriction on the Legacy Park property restricts any commercial activity, including farmers markets." He added that the city provided a "temporary, safe and code-compliant location that enabled the farmers market to take place and serve the community" at the City Hall parking lot.
Myerhoff further explained that the City Hall spot is intended as a temporary location while a license is processed for the market to return to its previous site at the Los Angeles County Malibu Library lot. City Code Enforcement staff reportedly assisted Cornucopia and vendors with setup, providing amenities and directing customers to the new location. The city also posted information about the temporary site on social media and Nextdoor.
Prior to its time at Legacy Park, the market operated at a lot adjacent to the Malibu Library. The relocation to Legacy Park was initially necessitated by construction at a Santa Monica College campus. Fashion designer Betsey Johnson had previously written a letter to the city, expressing strong support for the Legacy Park location, praising its aesthetic appeal and community benefit. The market's organizers stated they were "shocked and blindsided" by the decision to move.