Rocio robles

Freedom of the Flea

Written and Designed by Rocio Robles

” p o h s p o t s e n o a s “It’ - Jesus Robles

Acknowledgements Thank you all the CO workers, merchants, and family

members who have helped me with this project. Thank you for all the Support you have given me. I would like to acknowledge Mr. Detar for his wonderful support, and corporation.

Page 7: Foreword Page 9: Introduction Page 10: Chapter one Page 14: Chapter two Page 18: Chapter three Page 23: Conclusion Page 29: Works cited

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Forewo

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Introduction The flea market; sweet echoing laughter of merry children ring in your ears, your feet dance Passionately to the beat of the guitar rhythms, and the aroma of roasted peanuts and BBQ ribs tickles your nostrils. As you stroll down the farmer’s market you can hear passionate howls that repeat throughout the entire lane as the merchants draw you near. San Jose Flea Market located on the edge of the Silicon Valley, surrounded by industrial factories, and companies is where the flea can be found. Although during the early 60’s the flea market was originally surrounded by fields of grass, plants, and acres of land. As the year’s progressed towers of factory structures over crowded the view of the great flea market. In order to travel to the flea market you would have to locate the flea market on your map in order to find it through the companies and factories that surround the San Jose Flea Market.

Although many people still continue to frequent the flea market, even though it is a bit harder to spot right on the street, individuals have found multiple ways besides cars and learn about the flea. What brings thousands to the San Jose Flea Market? What makes this flea market so unique? What keeps this market alive? What draws so many individuals into a suburban area located near factories, and trailer parks, and old abandon buildings? The San Jose Flea Market embodies bustling marketplace, but personal freedom is its soul.

the flea market. That was the day, the day when one man’s dream came to life.

Mall Vs. Flea

Where did it all begin?

Gorge Bum Sr. worked at a solid waste, and business landfill. While working in the landfill, Mr. Bum noticed many individuals who stumble upon the landfill to find certain treasures that they may use.

This caused a ripple effect for Mr. Bum’s landfill; he noticed he could make a profit out this unwanted items and had an idea of creating a market where everyone could sell their items, but how? Where do you start? After Mr. Bum visited the swap meets in Los Angeles, for ideas and inspiration, Mr. Bum bought a 120 acre of an old meat processing plant, and established his market on 1590 Berryessa Road, San Jose, CA. At first Mr. Bum had his doubts about opening the flea market because he feared that no one would come. What if the market turned out to be a huge disaster? In March of 1960, 100 curious customers were present opening day of 10

The Great Mall first opened in 1994, thanks to an old Ford automobile assembly plant that was founded in the early 50’S. As you referenced earlier in the book the flea market originated from an old meat processing plant. Both locations take up more than a 100 acres, and both were increased in numbers rapidly throughout the years, but what makes the flea market so different and unique from the Great Mall?

Is it because the Great Mall receives an average of a 100,000 customers every year? It may be true that the flea market receives less money than the average shopping mall, but receives an average of 4 million visitors each year than the Great Mall. Although why is it that more people go to the mall then the flea market? Is it better to shop indoors, than out ?

Now I am not the one to talk, yet more people tend to go to the mall because they feel the need to shop in an environment where they can enjoy indoor activities that don’t require any effort to enjoy, even though there is a lack of entertainment. Malls are good for bad weather conditions, and gift shopping, but when it comes to family entertainment, the

mall is the last place to go on their list.

Take it from Mr. Robles “ No sunlight, it’s not natural... At the mall it’s a controlled environment.”

What does he mean by controlled? Do malls intend on controlling what we do in the mall, where should we shop, what not do at the mall. Yes, we need rules to keep the environment safe, but how do we know that the mall is not trying to change our ideals of entertainment? The flea market does have a set of rules that the majority of the customers follow, yet half of the customers ignore the rules.

There are post signs of no dogs allowed in the flea market, but I have seen many people bring a mixed breeds of, baby Pit bulls and Chihuahuas into the market.

I would walk past many owners holding pups in their hands, and every time I walk around I don’t see anyone on their tail about the rule, to me that shows that the customers rebel against rules.

So ask me this, why does the mall have to enforce the rules? Because they lack trust, trust is the problem in social media stores where people assume the good or bad from a certain ethnic culture. Yes there may be a times where the rules are enforced at the flea, but not as strictly like in a regular shopping mall. Merchants trust their customers, and the customer trust the merchant, people are welcome to taste the farmers market’s fruits and nuts that are left open on the stand for you to enjoy. The San Jose Flea Market entrusts you in a community where you are free.

The San Jose Flea Market holds a thread for everyone to connect to, where they can tie their knots to merchants they like to visit to, or discovered new threads that will lead them into an exploration of culture, and wonder. The market continues to hold this thread throughout the flea , and towards the community of San Jose.

What ties the flea market together? What brings these people so close into a market located at the edge of a highway? For Mr.Detar “.. it seems to me are strongest customer is someone who wants to come here is family.” What brings so many individuals close to the flea market are the people you connect to. When Mr.Robles would want to buy something from a particular merchant, he would haggle, yet he would try to play around the haggling by telling a joke and try to make the merchant laugh because he wants to see the smiles on their faces while he laughs along as well.

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Chapter 2 What would happen if the flea market were to close? How would this affect the Bum family? How would this affect the merchants? Not to mention, how would this affect every customer of the market? News of the new BART train system being built on the north side of the flea market leaves many to wonder, what will happen to the flea ? According to Sandra Caravalho, a two year frequenter, “No, no don’t want it to go, I would cry, I would protest, I would probably assign a protest. They can’t let it go, they can’t let it go away.” Mrs. Caravalho is right, after fifty long years of family, and fun why would there be any reason to close the flea market down.

In October 2006, project warm springs extension was accepted by the Federal Transit Administration to extend the BART train system to Fremont, allowing them access to begin purchasing right-ofway to begin construction. Between the years of 2006, and 2008, the flea market

was given a first year notice that they may have to shut down in order to make way for the new BART train system to Fermont. During my trips to the flea market I have noticed an odd number of vacant lots. I assumed that the merchant wasn’t there that day, which is true, yet I have noticed a small pattern of vacant lots during the trips I made. At times there were one or two vacant lots open at the main entrance of the flea market, other times it happened in the north and south parts of the market. This made me wonder, where did they all go?

Merchants were scared that news from the new BART train would be the end of the flea market .Most merchants have other options available for them if all ends fail in the flea market, but not for Mrs. Caravalho: “I don’t have a back up plan, maybe next year, but this year no.”

Maybe next year? Who knows if the market were to suddenly close because of the warm spring extension project. Mrs. Caravalho provides an example of how it affects, and might affect other merchants who have a similar situation. A Mexican merchant named Anna Gonzalez says she noticed a decline in merchants, and is afraid because “we don’t have any other career” (the California Report).

Many have asked why hasn’t the flea market shut down? “..We have no plans on closing the flea market, we plan on selling parts that we don’t need,” said Mr.Detar. News of potential households that are being built on the north side of the main entrance parking lot, there will be ten acres KB homes that will contain 242 residential units. About a quarter of the flea markets parking lot has been sold to the KB home market, which potentially may have solved most of the flea market financial issues but at what cost ? The more people who live closer to the market, the better the business will be right? Well the average homeowner does not always want to shop at a flea market, and the KB homes will mostly be sold to signal homeowners. Mr.Detar explained to me in a serious tone that he will not shut the flea down, which is a relief for the merchants and customers of the flea market, and will keep the market open during the construction of the BART, and KB homes.

He will possibly keep the flea market opened after the construction, but what Mr. Detar, and his CO workers will have to wait and see if these potential projects will help them involve the flea market. The members of the flea market are looking for potential locations that they can move from if the projects are to overcome their market, which is a positive sign, but as for the time being that market remains open for all merchants and families.

“Flea is free” -John Detar

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Chapter 3

Like needle, and thread “The economy was kind of getting bad. The show fee’s (Sandra Caravalho’s art show’s) were getting rather expensive, 600 to 700 dollars in the weekend, so you had to give half the money you made..” Said Sandra, a merchant who sells artwork at the flea market. It’s true in most cases for an average merchant, yet how does the economy affect other individuals? Does it hurt them the same way it does Mrs. Caravalho ? Or does it affect them at all? In 2007 more than 5.8% of an average household married families lived under poverty, an average of 15% steadily increased each year.

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By 2010 more than 15.1% of families, elderly, and different age groups

lived under poverty. Now most people would look for another way around to make an easy buck, right? In Mrs. Caravalho’s case she uses the flea market to make a living in order to survive.

Although Mrs. Caravalho didn’t force herself to work as a merchant in the flea market, she could have chosen to sell her art at other art stores, or companies maybe, but something drew Mrs. Caravalho to the market, something that we may not see? What about the other families who are Struggling, what do they have for dinner, what will they eat? What struggling families have are communities like the flea Market, who support and aid them in every way possible.

Mrs. Carvalho only charges roughly 10 dollars a piece depending on the size of her art work, and sometimes 5 dollars for her little buttons, as for other merchants they will sell between a range of 5 to 25 dollars, or a little more depending on the product they are selling. Which is a pretty good steal isn’t it? Unlike many stores, the farmers’ market in the San Jose Flea Market is where most of the struggling families go to buy food, or even other products that the whole family

can afford.

Now I will ask you again, what drew Mrs. Carvalho into the flea market?

To be honest I believe what really connected her to the flea market is that, she can sell people what they desire at affordable price as well as make a living. Her philosophy is “...you can get a little bit of money from everybody, you can do better than get a lot of money from a few.” She makes it equal for everybody to enjoy, and to be satisfied with what she can do, and what people can afford. This is just one of the many philosophy that every merchant holds.

“ I still come here because my art is very popular, and I really feel like I shopping.” So does this mean it’s the Tying Knots can’t leave without abandoning my customers’ fault that lead Mr.Detar’s plan to a downfall? No its the connec- fans...I feel as though I am a fan base Most people assume that the flea is over here.” Its not about the money just a plain old market selling nothing tions that keep this market in place. but farmer produce and old junk. Be- Although Facebook has helped spread you spend on, its about who sells it fore the flea market opened in the ear- the news of many famous companies. that makes it worthwhile. When you place your mark on a lot, you are ly 60’s, it once started as an old garage Yet in the beginning of the San Jose given one choice, to sell or not to sell, sale, filled with 20 vendors, now it has Flea Market career there weren’t that Although you are given the freedom, many fancy gadgets, or cell phones we expanded to more than 6000 vendors could use to locate the flea market, the the freedom to sell what your customover the course of time. What does only main sources were the radio, and ers desire, in Sandra’s case, she has a the flea market have to offer for the passion for creativity, and wants to word of mouth. Meaning it was the public, at an affordable price? share it with others. most accessible information that the merchants, and the flea market had Earlier I’ve talked about the financial that brought many people back to the ways this market supports family San Jose Flea Market. members, but how does this benefit everyone? How does this system of As for many regular customers, selling and buying really affect the how do the merchants excel in the flea community? According to marketing market? What has driven them into director, John Detar, “ Well I think the first is to be real aware of what are selling so many products at affordthe customer bases, who they are and able prices? Many people believe that it is an easy buck to make a living why they want to be here, things that working at the flea market, while only are related to their shopping experipaying for an average space between ence, and so we have found over the the weekdays, 15 to 25 dollars, and years we set up a big Mexican band, but it won’t necessarily help our sellers through the weekends, average of 30 because they’ll (customers) come out to 75 dollars. It’s a pretty good deal, here to see the band and are (the mer- although Sandra Caravalho; who sells artwork; believes that the customer is chants) appreciative that we brought always first. a lot of people out here, but we still need to find ways into looking forward to spending the money Cody looking at toys.

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In distinction merchants see the market as place where they can call home, an environment where they can share their goods with other’s who enjoy the sweet sour taste of a lemon or the spicy flavor of hot jalapenos. Merchants, and families work hand in hand to create a market where everyone is welcomed, a community where each and everyone race, color, and sex can feel the freedom of the flea.

n o i s u l c Con Can you imagine it : the sounds of roaring merchants drawing you near for a good deal ? Can you imagine feeling that sweet summer breeze on your skin? It has been more than 50 years since the San Jose Flea Market has opened, carving memories onto the black pavements and providing resources that families cannot afford in society.

Although there is a lack of commercialized advertisements for the flea market, individuals figure out how to learn about the flea market.

One method is word of mouth because it is considered the most important tool for the flea because for the customer who learns about the flea pass it on to other individuals who may want to come as well.

Though the market is located near a highway and is crowned by dozens of buildings, individuals always figure a way to reach the flea.

Individuals who have yet to visit the flea may argue that the market has nothing to offer besides old junk to the public, but in the customers eyes they see a world of treasure, and wonder.

Frist photo, Marachi Band, second photo BBQ shop.

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Works Cited “A City Within the City: Exploring the San Jose Flea Market.” SPUR. N.p., N.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.

Caravalho, Sandra. Personal Interview. 4 Mar. 2014.

Detar, John. Personal Interview. 9 Feb. 2014.

“Expansion of the Bay Area Rapid Transit.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Mar. 2014. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.

Facts About the San Jose Flea Market, History - San Jose Flea Market.” Facts About the San Jose Flea Market, History - San Jose Flea Market. N.p., N.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.

“Great Mall of the Bay Area.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Mar. 2014. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.

“Poverty in the United States.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Mar. 2014. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.

Report.” The California Report. N.p., N.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.

Robles, Jesus. Personal Interview. 12 Feb. 2014 “San Jose’s Famous Flea Market Faces Uncertain Future: The California Report | The California Report.” The California Report. N.p., N.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.

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Freedom of the Flea

Freedom of the Flea

Rocio Robles is driven to find the possible out of in any impossible situation. Born in San Jose California, Rocio has had a passion for the arts since a young age. Before entering in her first year as a Junior in Freestyle Academy, Rocio was experimenting her imaginative creativity which sparked many of her peer’s interest. At just 12 years-old Rocio taught herself how to draw, and with that she wanted to inspire others with her artwork.

By Rocio Robles

For over two months Rocio has been working on her documentary project about the San Jose Flea Market. Her goals for her book are to let her readers know that there is more than meets the eye at the San Jose Flea Market. Rocio wanted to document a location where no one suspects the Imaginable in that one location. She plans to continue attending Freestyle Academy in her Senior year, and will dedicate her time pursuing a lifetime of passionate work.

Written and Design by Rocio Robles