Vendors from the Berryessa Flea Market sold colorful fruits, snacks and clothing to people outside of City Hall at noon on Tuesday.
The Berryessa Flea Market Vendors Association is a union of small business owners and employees formed to represent the needs of merchants while recognizing flea markets as an economic and cultural resource, according to its website.
Roberto Gonzalez, president of the Berryessa Flea Market Vendors Association, said he contacted vendors and members of the association to set up shop at City Hall.
“It’s kind of a 360 moment,” he said. “Almost three years ago now, we were here protesting against the displacement of vendors at the Berryessa Flea Market.”
A 2021 San Jose City Council vote allowed market operators to move forward in developing the Berryessa BART Urban Village on flea market land, causing many vendors to find work elsewhere.
“We are able to work, luckily, through the Office of Economic Development who the vendors have created a good relationship with,” Roberto Gonzalez said. “They put up some money through the budget process to host these small events.”
He said Councilmembers Dev Davis and Omar Torres helped organize permits and event services.
The market is set to take place every Tuesday in front of City Hall from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. until Nov. 14.
Roberto Gonzalez said he is working toward extending vendor hours until 6 p.m.
“Every vendor you see here today has been part of the Vendor Association since then, and all of them are vendors at the Berryessa Flea Market,” he said.
Roberto Gonzalez said the opportunity of using the City Hall Plaza as a selling space helps vendors reach new customers.
SJSU alum Diego Martinez is a community relations director for Torres.
Martinez said he noticed vendors in front of the building last week and made time during his break to visit the tents.
Martinez said he appreciates the vendors accepting payments through apps such as Zelle, Venmo and Cash App because he does not carry cash on a daily basis.
Berryessa Flea Market vendor Ulises Sedano runs a table with his father, selling crystallized minerals to promote mental health and spiritual practices.
“It's good energy and everyone is positive right now,” he said. “There haven't been any issues with customers or city officials either.”
Undeclared freshman Jaykenneth Veth said he drove by City Hall, noticed colorful tents and pulled over out of curiosity.
“The atmosphere is unique and it gives City Hall a more friendlier tone to it,” he said. “You can come, grab fruits, hang out with people ... it’s more of a community vibe.”
Antonio Gonzalez, a street vendor who has sold at the Berryessa Flea Market for nearly 30 years, sold whole fruits and vegetables next to the City Hall front entrance.
“This is our chance to come to the city and do it right here,” he said. “It’s also a good chance to make extra money.”
Antonio Gonzalez said his produce sells faster tabling in front of City Hall than at a flea market.
“I never expected them to let us sell over here in front of City Hall, but we are going to take this opportunity and do it,” Antonio Gonzalez said. “When it’s done, it’s done.”
