August 24, 2005     Willow Glen, California Since 1992
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Farmers market move OK'd, but school fears loss of funds
By Mayra Flores De Marcotte
The relocation of the farmers market to downtown Willow Glen was approved at the San Jose planning directors' hearing on Aug. 16.

The new venue will be located behind Aqui's Cal-Mex Grill and Blockbuster parking lot, 1147-1155 Lincoln Ave. The market will take up 9,600 square feet.

The change in location will affect the Willow Glen Elementary Parent Teacher Association fundraising efforts.

"We held a few book fairs and silent auctions throughout the year at the farmers market," Alexandra Hoppe, PTA president, said. "We also received $1,300 as a yearly fee from the market."

Hoppe is talking to Willow Glen Business and Professional Association executive director Norma Ruiz about the problem. The main concern is a $3,000 to $5,000 loss in revenue.

She said the PTA also used the market to advertise coming events, sell sweatshirts and allow school groups such as the school marching band to have booths for fundraising.

The Willow Glen Business and Professional Association has expressed a strong interest in supporting the PTA.

"We've talked for a few weeks and they want to help out the schools, maybe even get the businesses involved," Hoppe said.

The association has suggested the book fairs continue but the PTA isn't sure that will work because books can not be dropped off each week. The fair is not mobile, Hoppe said.

The association has suggested creating a place for the PTA and is looking at various options.

"Let me have a shot at it," Ruiz said. "I'll find a solution, a location that's right, a place where they can store the book fair."

Hoppe is hopeful.

"We're kind of scrambling," she said. "The PTA has a deficit of $8,000. We need the funds from the book fairs to buy books for the library and software for our computer labs.

The PTA has in the past received its yearly fee at the end of the farmers market season. This year, that will change due to the relocation of the market. Hoppe is unsure of the amount.

"We will be holding a pledge drive from now until November so the businesses and community can help with this deficit," Hoppe said. Letters will be sent out to the community and businesses.

People who are interested in making a donation to help fund school programs can contact Hoppe at alexandra_hoppe@ yahoo.com.

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