After the passing of longtime market manager Jean Thompson earlier this year, the future of the El Cerrito Farmers Market at El Cerrito Plaza was uncertain. But that is no longer the case, according to the El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce.
As of May 17, Regional Farmers’ Market Association took over operations of the market to make sure it “remained open without interruption,” the Chamber stated. The association will be led by Greg Pursley, along with Jorge Vega and Paolo Obillo.
The new leadership comes in the wake of a community coalition seeking to save the farmers market that had lost a pivotal leader in Thompson.
Thompson began managing the market in 1999 and ran it for nearly 26 years—right up until days before her death in January at the age of 83. With her husband Don Inferrera by her side, Thompson helped grow the market into a local institution, drawing shoppers twice a week for fresh produce, local goods, and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere.
After Thompson’s death, vendors, farmers and community members, including 90-year-old Inferrera, rallied to keep operations going. A transition team was formed that included representatives of the market, El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce, city officials, and local leaders.
The group explored various options for new market operators while ensuring compliance with health regulations and state agriculture department requirements, according to the Chamber.
The market continues to operate twice weekly at El Cerrito Plaza, with a full lineup of vendors—including new additions—available online. For a complete vendor list, visit elcerritochamber.org/farmers-market.
