Look on the issue of the ability to do business in town I have been championing the ability of the small Entrepreneurs to enter the business world with as few restrictions as possible.
Doing a little business in town is not an easy task. Legally you just can’t run down to city hall and buy your little license, hang your shingle and you are ready to go. It just doesn’t happen that way.
All my wife and I want to do is to be able to set up our Hot Dog Cart in front of a couple of friends businesses once in a while provide a needed service and supplement our income. We’ve passed through all the hoops Health Department, the State, health cards, inspections, and a pretty substantial investment over the years to sell a few hot dogs for special events.
All we’ve wanted is to help our local business community out by working with local business. Pretty simple concept… A business needs a draw, something to bring customers to a fellows Brick and Mortar business. Everyone likes Street Food. Most everyone likes a good hot dog.
The reason you do not see a hot dog stand in front of the local hardware store is not that it would not be a draw but it is not permitted under the present Development Code. The funny thing about 29 Palms is the the way the Development Codes are interpreted, they are exclusionary. Exclusionary in the fact that if it is not specifically allowed in the code it is verboten.
The Codes no matter how well intended do not meet the needs of entry level entrepreneurship of this quickly changing society. We have been quietly working to change the Codes. We quietly lobbied city hall. We found a receptive ear in our Planning Commission. After 3 study sessions, a public hearing and 9 months of being on the back burner the Commission hammered out a tough Street Vendor Ordnance that was a good start and would allow Street Vending, Peddling, and Hawking. But more importantly would allow entry level Entrepreneurship without the prohibitive requirement of renting a downtown building or not being able to test the waters of Self Employment.
We had our First Public Hearing before the Council on the proposed Ordnance last night. Mind you going on 9 months, working on a year.
We naturally had our continuing letters in opposition to the proposed change in the Development Code, the most notable Lori Hebel. Herbel would like to have everyone believe that street vending would hurt what she believes as her exclusive right to Hawk and Peddle and at the same time deny local businesses a seat at the table. What Herbel will not tell the Council or the planning commission is this whole reason of visiting the development code was brought about by her not allowing local homegrown businesses to participate at her Farmers market (I am happy to provide the paper trail of this to the council or Planning Commission upon request) . It turns out that Lori Herbel is not a very nice person at all. But then other than her trying to stop others earning a living, it has little to do with this new proposed ordinance.
Herbel’s complaint has been that Street Vending would somehow cut into her exclusive “Right” to Peddle and Hawk. Early on the commission hammered out both an exclusion zone (1,000 feet) and a requirement that no Street vending, hawking or peddling be allowed on the days that Herbel held her little Farmers Market. She continues to complain.
The other detractors seem to worry about peddlers from out of town. Herbel is the classic Carpetbagger. She lives in Yucca Valley and the majority of vendors are not from Twentynine Palms . [I have been informed by "Melanie" that there are three hawkers / peddlers / street vendors at the Farmer's Market that are local... I stand corrected.]
My Dad, Bill O’Brien. He and my Mom owned Trinity Appliance until he died in 1993
Our family have been contributors to this town as property owners and business owners since 1979 and My wife and I have lived in town since 1987. Our Youngest Son (36) graduated high school from here. My Business license for my Communications Business is Number 51. I Bought my license on the very first day they were offered.
Back to the Public Hearing…. I am going to assume that our Council saw some problems with fairness and equity in the proposed Development Code changes. A great deal of time was spent by Councilman Corbin in suggesting ways to clean up the proposal’s language. Concerns were made for veterans, separations, and the limitations on the ability to conduct business. Councilman Harris was concerned with the ability to make a living with the limitation of a total of 60 days a year. Ultimately the Council wisely sent the issue back to the Commission for revision.
I am hoping that as the self appointed representative of the Street Vending Industry, we will be able to hammer out an even more fair development code that will allow Street Vending, Peddling and Hawking and still protecting the interest of the Brick and Mortar business community. In the end all we as business people should want, is to provide to the consumer the best product at the best price in a convenient and healthy manner.
I am reminded of our friend Steve Whitten when he said about the subject, “KISS, Keep it simple Stupid.”
Incoming search terms:
- WHY DOES LORI HERBEL NOT USE HER MARRIED NAME?
![[UNSET]](http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/UNSET-75x75.jpg "Local Smoke Shops Shut Down By Sheriff’s Department")
Dan just returned from a road trip, a lot of places that are business friendly towards street vending. One of the towns is what 29 tries to be but never will and that is crested butt co. simply amazing the commerce in that town, lines of customers at the brick and mortar food establishments and street vending doing a brisk business, smiles galore.
Gunnison on the other hand seems a lot like 29 with the same type of old boy network, no vending and restaurants with few patrons and marginal food at best. Beautiful place but lacked that good time feeling.
Ever notice how big chains will locate in the same area or off ramp? They know that competition is the key to success. Here at the drive in we have been told we were doomed when TV took hold, and then came the video revolution, point competition is good for business. Now we are face with the need to go digital ( $160,000) to stay in the game, however with that we will free ourselves from the Hollywood cartel with the added flexibility to participate in nationwide political rallies, show sporting events, concerts and such. oops I should keep quite you know how the city reacts when we here at smiths ranch drive in tries provide even free sevices, bet I get a letter telling me it is against the codes.
Bad man…. Bad lol
If memory serves me correctly the Commission just held their meeting on what is allowed in the commercial zones.
Were you there to offer your candid insights into what you would like to see changed to the commercial zones?
Swap meets? Concerts? Sporting events? Political rallies?
I would guess not. My Grand father would be telling you to put-up or shut-up.
All I’m going to say let you VOICE be heard, not the click clack of your keyboard.
Why do you hide behind a “fictitious” blog name if you’re so righteous?
Steve, that’s kind of ironic. Are we supposed to accept your righteousness based on your avatar? Just sayin……
PS, if ya did serve, thanks.
You’re welcome. 20 Years USMC, Master Sergeant. Always led from the front and led by example. Integrity unwavered. Had a business for a short time in 29, Ran for CC last time around, missed it by 74 votes. Appointed to the GPAC and PC and would run for CC again if I we’re eligible. (Residency). I understand the issues facing 29.
Vendors have been an integral component to our society throughout history. Once allowed in 29, they will fill the much needed services the brick & mortar businesses fail to provide.
Steve W., many of us served honorably in the Marine Corps. But with mega-tons of due respect to you — and I mean that– is it necessary to bring it up at every opportunity like being Knighted in the British Empire?
Was responding to Paprazzi’s “if ya did serve” comment Sir.
Now you are going to claim your “Marine service” Branson? Is that because you think it segues you into your less than respectful comment? Apparently you have forgotten the round and round we had about your “service” not too long ago.
Mr. Whitten, my family and I respectfully thank you for serving.
My oldest son is currently serving in the Navy.
Mark
Branson, I’m going to guess that there is some history with Steve behind your comment that is not connected with this thread. FWIW I was trying to politely point out the pot kettle black scenario Steve referred to regarding the Uppity Eclair dude. I regret that my comment was misconstrued in any way. It wasn’t worth mentioning in the first place, but you know me, I jumped in the pool and splashed someone else. Indeed it was me that did the splashin. Not Steve
Never claimed to be righteous. I have been at the planning commission and the city council meeting and I have spoke at each.
I have written and spoken to 3 of the commissioners in person along with 2 of the councilmen concerning the general plan as well as the development code.
Not one time have I seen mark clemons speak since the last election. And never about the general plan or the development code.
If I’m wrong, ok. But the point is it seems that some are more willing to bitch about things in cyber land rather than in the real world.
and some hide behind fictitious blog names and click clack on their key boards.
I just don’t understand. If you’re willing to stand up and speak at a Public Meeting as you claim you have, why you find it neccessary to hide behind a fictitious blog name.
I put my hat in the ring once in a while hope that counts as much as chatting with the PC commies.
Tell me do you think they read the blog? I am pretty sure they do, I find this medium the most efficient communication tool. Now if I was using a false name I might think as you.
your grandfather was a wise man, you should follow his advice.
Mark,
Good morning. Guess how many concerned citizens were engaged with the “PC commies” when we discussed swap meets within the General Commercial Zone?
Bill…
You guys are so into total control of commerce yet have no gonads do what’s right and fair. Basing your decisions on who shows up is absurd and a dereliction of duty. You my friend need to represent all the citizens not just the connected or the few that show up it is your duty. I am sure you in your military stint serve the country as a whole not just the flag waivers. The citizens of 29 deserve the same.
Mark, at least Bill has the gonads to step up and actually serve the community he loves and lives in.
Since you brought up gonads, where are yours when it comes to staying engaged in the issues you feel strongly about? Why aren’t you at City Hall, participating as Dan does, fighting for what you believe to be right and fair?
If you’re going to talk the talk, then walk the walk.
Anybody can throw their name into the hat during election season, and that is great. Then after the election most just disappear from the public view.
It takes more than that. If you want change, you have to work for it and that means staying engaged and having a good understanding of the issues and participate in the City Government process.
One person can make a difference. Ask Dan.
Blush………………
So I don’t see dan vending after how many months and meetings
I like Dan but he at this point so long after and so many meetings is still unable to participate in local commerce, at this point he has accomplished nothing nada.. You posted your business experience in 29 so I take it you are aware of the burden of delay and how fast start up funds are consumed.
I just can,t comprehend why the P C needs to hinder and or forbid every aspect of doing business in29. Yes I know good intentions but look around and see what those good intentions has done to our once fine town.
We need a PC with enough gonads to tell staff they are there to serve th P C not lead or heard the steers on the CC , P C
You didn’t just cross a line you jumped over it.
Bill, Steve, and I are proud of our service to our country. And we still serve, as we work on the base for the Marine Corps. If your are having an issue with that I’m sorry for you.
As far as the Planning Commission is concerned, we are doing our duty. It just doesn’t seem to fit your one-sided view of what our duty should be.
We look at the City as a whole and what was in the best interest of all now just you.
Do you know what was said about allowing swap meets in the General Commercial Zone??
Did you know that we are not even done talking about the Commercial Zones? We only looked at what is currently written.
We have had 3 meetings concerning the Development Code and so far only 4 people have come out. None have made comment. There have been no letters to be placed in the public record.
Reading the Cactus Thorns does not meet the requirement as “public record” as not every Commissioner reads Cactus Thorns. With that being said, Cactus Thorns is NOT the “most efficient communication tool”, as it does not reach all the intended audience.
It is my considered opinion you might want to think about what you say.
Semper Fi
I thank you in your service to our great nation, that said i am not so supportive of local county state federal government controlling every aspect of small business.
the fact that the city wants to tell me what events I may have in my commercial licensed drive in is absurd. I am sorry you can’t represent the citizen (s) without a commit or letter in record, that my friend would take gonades. Wish you guys could ditch the blinders and look at what the PC with their draconian views has done to our once beloved town. This is not about me or a swap meet it is about a broken system that has destroyed 29.
but again thanks for your service to the MC.
It’s called laws. I am bound to follow whether I agree with them or not.
What was allowed or followed yesterday can not be done today. I understand your stance and what I and the Commission are trying to do (within the legal limits) is allow more without over doing it.
We are looking at stream lining the code. There will be a list. A, B, C if your request meets that then you are a go.
If you do not meet A, B, C, then the Commission will have certain things we can look at.
But let’s be honest here.
The answer maybe “NO”.
Reading the Cactus Thorns does not meet the requirement as “public record” as not every Commissioner reads Cactus Thorns. With that being said, Cactus Thorns is NOT the “most efficient communication tool”, as it does not reach all the intended audience.
You cut me to the quick buddy…..
Oh by the way I am also proud of all you guys service…. (I would have been even more proud if your were Airmen….. Just kidding)
Bill — guess how many citizens and residents view planning commission meetings on the local cable channel. Why advantage would a working mother or father or anyone attend the many meetings on a regular basis they view them from their homes?
When I viewed the Planning Commission on cable last week, I was impressed. Good for you folks for reviewing the vendors and hawking ordinance — but it continues to be too restrictive and draconian. It is a boot in the face to local free enterprise (though not the fault of the PC).
Is the 29 chamber of commerce silent on this issue in public, but vocal privately?
As far as the City Council and staff is concerned, if it’s an issue they are behind and pushing for the ones they serve, the public be damned. And now they Staff is hiding the ball by manipulating the agenda. Does this really encourage resident to attend CC meetings? The CC is desperately out-of-touch with reality and the general public they were elected to serve.
Upton, this is the digital age. Marks’s voice is being heard loud and clear. The council, however, has made it clear Mark’s voice is persona non grata at city hall. If you are not with them or stand with their coterie, you too are also persona non grata.
I thought one of the jobs of our city council was to work with our local vendors. ALL vendors not just certain vendors i.e. the local Farmers market. This Incorporation “thing” has lost the home Town feeling so to speak, our little Town is getting like big time politics. So to the city council do whats right for the good of the community not YOUR special interest.
correction don’t want to offend any locals that are haveing to struggle in this backward city.
and restaurants as a whole with few patrons
Sorry, but at least three of the vendors at the Twentynine Palms Farmer’s Market live in Twentynine Palms or on the base. I know because I’m one of them. The name of my business is Treasures Bymelanie and I live in the Smoketree area.
I stand corrected …. so what kind of veggies do you sell? I mean it is a “Farmers Market.”
Having grown up on farms and ranches prior to my marriage to a Marine, I realized years ago that “farm fresh” didn’t just apply to fruits and vegetables. I learned at an early age how to sew (especially if I wanted new clothes to wear to school)and make different hand-crafted items that I could use. These skills have resulted in my current business. All of the items that I sell have been hand-crafted by me, whether it is a necklace or a piece of child’s clothing.
Cool… I linked your site and facebook to your comments and the article… hope the best for your business.
So… As a peddler at the farmers Market have you thought about opening a Brick and Mortar business?
If so when?
If not, why not?
Are you satisfied with one day a week?
Would you like the chance to expand to your own venue?
Would you like to be able to be able to conduct business in a more independent manner?
Thank you very much for the linking. For me, the farmer’s markets are the way to go right now. I am not in a position to open a brick and mortar, either financially or “inventory”. The items that I make are “a labor of love” and I want to be able to assure my customers that I personally have created each and every item, not some person in a small dark room in a foreign country. There have also been numerous items that I have made specifically for individual customers and this is something that I want to continue…..oh, and I sell at the Twentynine Palms and the Joshua Tree markets. I have my own booth in Twentynine and share with a friend in Joshua Tree.
Your question about conducting business in a more independent manner has left me in a quandary (hope that spelling is correct) as I already feel that is what I’m doing. My preference at this time is to work on my website and sell for a short period of time as I work towards increasing and expanding my inventory with some new items that I have been working on. One of my greatest fears has always been that I would not have the time to “run with” a new design or idea so I made the decision to stay small.
Thanks for sharing… Best of luck to you. If there is anything I can do to help you peddle your wares let me know.
I am at your leave
Thank you!
Small business as they say is the backbone of the American economy, you are one of the lucky ones and I admire you for your venture.
I do have to ask how do you feel about the “farmers market “ being subsidized by the city while picking and choosing who has access to sell at the market?
In the thousands and thousands of words in the codes I would bet there is not many that addresses fairness or equal access, sad when you think about what America is supposedly all about.
Mark, necessity is the mother of invention. I, as you, do what we have to do in order to try and better our personal situation.
As to being subsidized by the city, that is something that I do not know about, other than the fact that permission has been given to block off a small portion of a public street for the market. This is what you are referring about, I assume?
Yes public street and yet selective on who can participate, I wonder if that is even legal the city giving a private person with personal issues the powers to determin who can sell on public property.
Mark, isn’t this something like walking into Burger King and demanding that they sell you a Big Mac or Jalapeno Poppers?
Huh ?
Mark, The city does not choose who sells at the farmer’s market. The CUP holder does. As I said here before, there is a mobile hot dog vendor at the Wednesday farmer’s market in YV. Lori just doesn’t want Dan as part of her group.
Larry, this is a conflict that I am aware of from previous postings here on Cactus Thorns. Unfortunately, conflict will always exist and someone will always be left out. I had to restrict myself on what I offer through the Farmer’s Markets that I participate in because there were vendors offering similar items that were already in place. This was something that I was (and still am) willing to do. I also feel comforted that the business that I am renting a space from (Lori Herbel’s Farmer’s Market) is willing to place restrictions on new vendors that permit me to sell with less competition. These are also the same restrictions that were placed on me.
Good product and respect for your customers hard earned dollars and you don,t have to worry about competition
You welcome it as it will make you shine
Melanie, agree with you. Mark,How about an air conditioned indoor movie theatre at the Phoenix?
The city has been doing all they can to stifle business at the drive in as I said, treat your customers with respect and give them value and they will be loyal and thankful. Even when they the city waste eight million tax dollars competing with the drive in a honest man that creates value can survive. You know that I bet you get great reviews from your renters. I will post my reviews if you post yours.
a quote i am not sure who
“I am too positive to be doubtful. Too optimistic to be fearful. And too determined to be defeated”.
Competition is always good for the consumer. Collusion and government restriction are bad for the consumer and public governance. I am sorry to hear that Lori Herbal restricts who can sell what and I am even sorrier that people are ok with that. I am not ok with that and it will be something that I take a personal interest in.
I need to get a clarification here. Are you saying that a private business person does not have the right to make the decision as to what they are going to sell? Do you not agree that a person holding a business license has the right to conduct business as they see fit, provided they are abiding by the laws that govern such?
@Melanie,
No, I think you have the right to sell what you want to, providing it’s legal, and so does anyone else. I don’t think the Farmer’s Market should be limiting how many homemade stalls or produce types or peddlers allowed at the market, why would you want to restrict giving everyone a chance to make a living? The market at COD college is huge and so it the street fair in Palm Springs. Westfield Mall has many of the same type of stores,all examples of like businesses competing and thriving and all of this is good for the consumer. Why does anyone think they are entitled to have the only store or stall of its kind? We need all the business we can get in this town.
So THAT’S that reason why Twentynine Palms has all those tattoo and massage parlors…..and smoke shops!
If you mean the free market economy..then yeah.
Melanie,
If you are going to jump on that bandwagon,then don’t forget the barbershops and nail salons in your diatribe.
I have to agree with you there so please add barber shops and nail salons to the list.
I guess the only way to solve the problem, if there is one, is for someone else to open up another Farmer’s Market. Would that not work?
No offense to Mark, who cares what he thinks about a movie theater coming to town? If someone wants to open one, then they should. That will force any other business in the movie industry to think of ways to appeal to the consumer, thereby making it a great deal for me the consumer. P.S. I think Mark will agree with me.
most definately I agree it can’t do anything but highlight or affordable entertainment for one. Most likly incourge me to put one in outside of the city limits. JT
https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000159351418
One note here we had plans drawn and engineering completed for a indoor theater here at smiths ranch, the city with all their restrictions made it unfeasible to proceed, as they have done to so many, this was way back when Liz Myers was Mayor. She was very supportive however it turned out it was my dads funds but they wanted to dictate the design the color the building type and so forth. To this day I occasionally pull them out then the reality sets in and they go back in the desk.
Mark, Your Comment to Carey about “the federal government controlling every aspect of small business”. In reality that control must must be OK with you what with your government contracts. As a member of the “military industrial complex” it seems you are biting the hand that feeds you.
Smard Ast….lol
Yeah Larry I am a little concerned it bothers me that once the economy reaches a point where it is dependant on the government contractors, their employees, government and their employees, grants and such it is doomed as it survives by the citizens approval of printing fiat currency. At the same time I think I bring value to the contracts I perform. You think we are heading for another round of 08 more printing?
Cora, in regards to the COD market, the PS street fair and our farmer’s market, it is all a matter of business plan. If Lori wants to keep it small that’s her perogstive.
Poppycock.. In her desire to use the public street she has a legal responsibility to conduct her business in a manner that not only accommodates consumers but is a fair accommodation of all potential vendors.
To suggest that she has some kind of exclusive right to discriminate by government caveat is absolute wrongheaded.
She is using public accommodation, She is permitted 26 or so stalls. Because she uses public accommodation and public property she is compelled by law to rent out those stalls to the public in a unbiased and non-discriminatory way in a first come first serve manner to all those who have legal products for sale.
Now if she does not like the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution and all the State and Federal laws and regulations concerning public accommodation, she and her “Sideshow Bob” manager can take her little “Ten-in-One” and put it on private property. There she can pick and choose. But let me tell you something, as long as she uses our city streets she better conduct herself in a fair and non-discriminatory manner.
But then what do I know.
Dan, as a private business who has paid for the proper permits and the insurance that is required to go with those permits, should she not be allowed to conduct her business in the manner that she wishes? I thought that a private business person was allowed to do that (conduct business in the manner that they see fit, as long as they are not breaking any laws) in this country.
On private property… not when she is on The Taxpayers Dime. The Public street is the Public’s Property.
Is there something I said in my previous post that was vague or not specific to the violation of the Equal Rights and Accommodation Laws?????
Do you understand that she is using a public street to conduct her business? Do you understand she is not using a private lot or area but a P U B L I C taxpayer provided location in the middle of a Street? A Street not a parking lot…. but a street.. You know rummm rummm cars drive on street?
Would that not be something that should be taken up with the city, as they were the ones to issue the CUP?
The city is not the one discriminating it is the Franchisee.
I certainly do not believe it was the intent of the city to have a discriminatory use of public property.
No I think it is more the Franchisee.
I stand by my question above. Is that not something that should be taken up with the city, as they were the ones to issue the CUP?
Seriously dear? Are we having a problem with reading comprehension?
Let me break it down Barney Style (The purple dinosaur)
I don’t have an issue with the city. It is with the discriminatory activities of the Franchisee that is the problem.
If I was going to go to someone about it, it would be to the US Department of Justice or the State.
California’s Unruh Act, which provides that “all persons within the jurisdiction of this state are free and equal, and no matter what their sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, or medical condition are entitled to the full and equal accommodations, advantages facilities, privileges, or services in all business establishments of every kind whatsoever.” The California courts have held that the protected classes delineated by the Act are not exclusive; the Act also protects arbitrary discrimination by a business establishment based on similar characteristics to the above.
Of course she has to obey the law.
Dan, I think that everyone is very well aware of the fact that you have a problem with Lori and therefore the prevailing thread here seems to be that a private business person does not have the right to do business in the manner that they see fit. Is this correct?
The Barney remark was totally uncalled for and bordering on……….I won’t say.
Look juxtaposed to Lori, I do not want her to go out of business or not make a living with her farmers market.
1. Welcome to California. We have a thing called the Unruh Act, The California Civil Code Section 51 if you need to look it up. …..
2. She is conducting business on a Public Right of way… Not Private property. She is held to an even higher standard as to not discriminate because of this.
No one is arguing If she was on private property she could deny vendors the right to vend with her sideshow. That was never an argument. If she wanted to move north say 100 feet and put her 10 in 1 in the dirt lot that is private property, she could require that each of her vendors dress in green spandex and 6 inch heels, but that again is not the issue.
One more time… she has a ethical, moral, and legal responsibility in this state to allow for “the full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, or services” for every protected group. Which in this case includes as she is well aware a disabled veteran. That is the Law. I didn’t write it. But it is on the books. Deal with it.
Here is more LAW on this subject Melanie: California Civil Code Section 51.5
Boom
So Dan I hope you make a claim against the city for bestowing on her Lori an unlawful authority to discriminate. Seems the PC not only dropped the ball when permitting the FM but also gave affirmation to deny your right to participate in commerce by their recent actions.
Looks like your beef from here on out will not be with Lori, but with city government for permitting a private citizen the authority to brake the law under their oversight. Where was rutan and tucker? Oh yeah the were milking the CC, no wonder they are having all info request reviewed they know they are on thin ice.
Dan, I believe, in an earlier post when the Farmer’s Market began, agreed that Lori, as the CUP holder, had the right to say who could or couldn’t be a part of her group. I think what Dan is saying is that Lori can’t tell Melanie what she can and can’t sell once she’s part of the group.
Well I spent the time to study the subject. I am glad we are in a free society that allows one to evolve ones ideas based upon time, experience and knowledge. I believe the law is quite clear on this subject. I don’t see how it can be argued further.
Because Herbel uses a public Street to put on her event, I believe that Herbel is bound by Law to accomodate, that is brightline.
It is Cora’s argument that Herbel should not dictate what her vendors can sell.
What say if two fellows both grew tomatoes in their respective gardens and they had a bumper crop. In Herbels world only one would be able to sell his tomatoes. (the one who sucked up to her bony ass)
Forget that in a real world both Tomato Farmers could sell their product and compete in both quality and price. Bottom line the consumer wins.
As it is now the fix is in and the Consumer is the loser.
Actually, at no time was I ever told that I could not sell something. I was asked to voluntarily refrain from selling items that other vendors (ones who were there before I signed up) were already selling. I was not told that I could not sell these items at the Farmer’s Markets!!!! Remember, a request is just that, a request. It is not an order, it is a request and I have the FREE WILL to accept or deny that request. In a civilized world I understand that there are times that it is beneficial to me to make a personal decision that, while not immediately in my best interest, will benefit me in the long run and that is what I prefer to do. I also view the other people who are selling in the same venue that I am selling in, as my friends and acquaintances and I want what is best for them also.
Should I desire to sell something that I have voluntarily decided against selling at the Farmer’s Markets, then I shall do so. I am not restricted to selling only in the Farmer’s Market arena. I have other venues available and I will choose to use the ones that are in MY best interest. Lori has given me the opportunity to participate and I very graciously accepted. At no time was I coerced, threatened or talked down at, unlike other places that come to mind.
Melanie on June 14, 2012 at 11:09 am you posted:
I had to restrict myself on what I offer through the Farmer’s Markets that I participate in because there were vendors offering similar items that were already in place. This was something that I was (and still am) willing to do. I also feel comforted that the business that I am renting a space from (Lori Herbel’s Farmer’s Market) is willing to place restrictions on new vendors that permit me to sell with less competition. These are also the same restrictions that were placed on me.
Now either you are completely honest with what you said on June 14th or you were not completely honest with us now. From what you wrote then it sounded as if it was compulsorily not voluntarily. I got to know, which is it?
She either placed restrictions on you or didn’t she place restrictions on you, which is it?
You either felt it is good about not having to compete or not… Which is it?
Which posting was the truth? June 14th or this one above?
(Bad thing about blogging, everything is logged, and what you say sometimes comes back to haunt you.)
Both are the truth. I was very graciously asked and I very willingly agreed. It was not demanded of me. I did not have to comply. I chose to comply. I do not have to sell. I choose to sell. Both posts are the truth.
(Bad thing about blogging, the reader interpets based on their own thoughts and feelings and not always based upon the thoughts and feelings of the blogger. Makes for some very interesting misunderstandings, don’t you think!)
You are a trip
Thanks for coming by
Since Lori has a contract with the city, she is under the umbrella of the Unruh Civil Rights Act.
Dan, good to see you can admit you were wrong. And you don’t have to get potty mouthed to make your point.