The Closing of Our Flea Market Marks the Defeat of San Jose to Big Business
Story by David Madrid // Photo by Chris Lepe

The Berryessa flea market is part of a long-standing history and tradition for the people of San Jose. Back in the day, before the dot-com boom and the affluent illusion of all things Silicon Valley, “San Jo” was known for three major things that drew people to our city from throughout Northern and Central California -- rich agricultural land, the cruising scene of King and Story Road, and its massive out door flea market.

And these three defining aspects of San Jose have either faded away, are currently being stomped on, or are at risk of being lost forever.   The growth of our city and housing developments has erased the agricultural identity. The cruising scene has been under attack for years now, by the city over policing and deeming King and Story Road as well as other major streets “No Cruising Zones.” And now, the Berryessa flea market is being torn down, for the sake of big business and re-development.   The owners, after 35 years, have decided to close it down, or move it, to build upscale housing, where they can earn hundreds of millions of dollars. This end of the Berryessa flea market marks the death of one of San Jose's most beloved cultural hang-outs and local land marks, and perhaps San Jose as we know it. Although the vendors are organizing to get the flea market moved, the ending of the Berryessa site looks final.

Now the Berryessa flea market is more then just a past time and a place to waste Sunday afternoons munching on corn dogs. It's a place where dreams are born and livelihoods are maintained through small business. The closing of the flea market will not only have a huge impact on the tradition and culture of all those who have ever walked through those gates, but literally thousands of people will be forced out of work and lose everything they have. This was not even taken under consideration by the city council, who knew about the proposed development plans for the past two years and did not even make sure that the vendors or the greater public was properly notified. This delay in notice to the vendors and the people of San Jose basically gave the green light to the big developers, and no fighting chance for all those who would of fought to keep the flea market open.

The city of San Jose, or should I say Silicon Valley, seems to have no respect for the traditions of the everyday people and true organic culture of our city. This is shown by their desperate attempts to create new gimmicks and traditions, such as the Grand Prix, to attract a new, higher income crowd, to our downtown area and show total disregard for already existing culture. I'm all for new traditions, but lets at least put a couple of dollars into preserving some of the old traditional spots like the flea market or even the Capitol Drive Inns, before we shove millions into hosting some car race for a weekend or two. The truth is when it comes down to it, the city don't care about traditions or culture, it is all about the relationship of politics and big business, a combination that equals big money.

When bringing up the topic of the flea market closing to family and friends, it tends to spark a reaction. It seems that everyone I know or have come across has a deep connection to the flea market, even if it has been years since they have gone.   It is a place where family and friends have gathered for generations and everyone has their own story to tell. My wife tells the story of her grandparents who are native to San Jose who sold junkyard gems and collectables throughout the 60's and 90's to make ends meet. For me growing up, the flea was a place where I would spend time with my family walking the cluttered streets, begging for things I didn't need, while eating fries out of a cup. It's those stories of hardships and simpler times that make the flea market more then a swap meet.   It's sad to think that the Berryessa flea market will be closing and soon become a distant memory that will be nothing more then a tale of how San Jose use to be. The closing will mark the end of an era for those from the South Bay, but will live in our hearts forever.    

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