Cornucopia Granted Market Permit

• Planning Commission Votes 3-to-1 for Local Group

BY SUZANNE GULDIMANN

The Cornucopia Foundation received a long-sought Conditional Use Permit to operate a farmers market at the end of a lengthy, loud and unruly planning commission meeting. The four commissioners (Regan Schaar was absent) opted to hear permit applications from both Cornucopia and Raw Inspirations, a nonprofit company that runs 15 farmers markets throughout the Southland, at the same meeting.
After hearing nearly three hours of public comment, frequently punctuated with reminders to the audience to remain quiet and be respectful, the commission voted 3 to 1 to endorse Cornucopia as Malibu’s sole farmers market. Commissioner Jeff Jennings cast the lone dissenting vote. “There is no doubt in my mind that Raw Inspiration would produce a better market,” Jennings said.
“I believe the voice of Malibu has been heard,” Commission Chair Ed Gillespie said, indicating the packed chamber. I think Cornucopia will do a fine job.”
“Cornucopia has proven in the past that they can convert a market into a public benefit, Vice Chair John Mazza said, making the motion to approve the CUP.
Staff will return with a resolution at the next commission meeting. Cornucopia must still navigate one last hurdle, a permit from Los Angeles County, which owns the Civic Center property.
Cornucopia is proposing a Sunday market that will operate between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. with a 65- to 35-percent ratio of produce booths to food vendors, arts and crafts.
Cornucopia applicants Remy O’Neill and Debra Bianco stated that the market will include space for Malibu businesses and residents who wish to sell backyard crops of fruits or vegetables.
If the Los Angeles County permit is approved, a starting date for the market will be announced.