Fresh website answers Farmers Market critics

The criteria for vendors, who’s on the waiting list and how to lodge a complaint – topics long obscured to the point of city council complaint – are among the fresh content on the revamped Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market website.
“All the old concerns are addressed,” said Bill Dardon, board chairman. “We’re doing everything we can to make the website as informative as possible.”
Dardon assumed the top spot after the resignation of Jim Cahoon in May.
Cahoon’s announcement came after a formal review of the market by the Sonoma City Council. During that session, he and Market Manager Hilda Swartz were criticized for not showing progress on policies mandated by the council, including developing a clear application and appeal process, and demonstrating overall transparency.
Cahoon called for fellow board members to resign in solidarity. “None did,” said Dardon, who now finds himself on a panel of young, progressive members eager to work with the community.
“All the previous complaints have been resolved,” Dardon reported. “There are no new complaints.”
The web site, www.svcfm.com, is maintained by volunteer Liz MacDonald and updated with recipes, photos and other information.
The heart of the site is complete transparency on all market policies. “The application process, rules, regulations, fees, complaint procedure, the waiting list – its all there for you to see,” said Dardon.
A recent report to the Community Services and Environment Council, the Market’s overseeing body, showed the SVCFM in complete compliance with the city’s call for openness and accountability. “We passed with flying colors,” Dardon said.
Dardon and the SVCFM will be subject to a formal review by the city council on August 18.