Sunday Mornings in Malibu

The Farmers Market Still Stands Strong

By Deb Bianco

Rain or shine, the Malibu Farmers Market, which has served the community since 2000, is open every Sunday, year-round, from 9 AM to 2 PM—but we’ve faced many challenges.

On a windy afternoon in November 2018, the Woolsey fire broke out, and no one was aware of the devastation it would inflict upon many of our lives. The fire spread rapidly, and was quickly out-of-control, fueled by terrible weather conditions. In the blink of an eye, our Malibu community was left threatened and devastated. This horrific fire changed the course of Malibu’s history; so many lost their homes, local businesses suffered, and vendors lost their livelihoods.

The smoke and ash lingered in the air for weeks, serving as a reminder of all that our community lost. Within weeks of the fires, torrential rains resulted in erosion and dangerous conditions. Once a sign of nature’s beauty and glory, the Malibu cliffs became a threat to the lives of those remaining. Rocks and other debris fell, causing mudslides, roadblocks and damaging property.

When people least expected it on a Sunday morning, farmers, bakers, florists and artisans drove in and pitched their white tents despite the smoke and ash surrounding them. They sacrificed their time and energy, and risked their lives to come and support our community in its time of need, ready to help people feel some sense of normalcy. The Market gave Malibu an avenue to reunite, replenish and revitalize their souls.

Then in early 2021, COVID-19 brought the entire world to a halting stop and disrupted our way of life as we know it. When the pandemic hit, all other farmers markets in California were closed. People were unsure of how to navigate our new world of safety regulations, yet the Malibu Farmers Market overcame these obstacles, adopting safety mandates and was still standing. The Market immediately implemented protocols including handwashing stations, social distance markers, disposable gloves and more. TMZ, the Los Angeles County Health Department, and many other figures lauded The Malibu Farmers Market for “Getting Social Distancing Right.”

The Malibu Farmers Market remains standing and stronger than ever. Our commitment to serving our community has never wavered; we have adapted, changed and grown, but we stand tall as a beacon of hope during these turbulent times every Sunday. We are ready and committed to giving our Malibu community a place to restock, refresh, rebuild and reflect. ▪