Our Next Antiques Faire is June 3rd!

The Alameda Point Antiques Faire is the largest antiques show in Northern California. Held on the 1st Sunday of every month, the Faire boasts over 800 Dealer booths.  All items are 20 years old or older.  The ultimate place to shop for vintage and antique home decorations, clothing, furniture, jewelry, art, pottery, books & collectibles. FREE parking & shuttles. Sorry, NO PETS per our Use Permit.

NO SMOKING AT THE FAIRE!  Beginning on January 2, 2012, smoking will be prohibited in the City of Alameda at various outdoor public places and places of employment to include public events, defined as farmers’ markets, fairs, concerts, etc.  For further information visit the City of Alameda website: http://www.cityofalamedaca.gov/Residents/Secondhand-Smoke-Policies.  

NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS: There is often active filming occurring at this event. By entering, you agree that your image may appear in print, TV, Internet or motion pictures.

GOOD NEWS ABOUT ASSEMBLY BILL 391!

Upon further review and analysis of existing law and the provisions of AB 391, we have come to the conclusion that the provisions of AB 391 do not apply to operators and vendors at antique fairs, swap meets, flea markets and open-air markets.  We are, therefore, removing our opposition.

We are also urging the Senate Public Safety Committee and the Legislature to not expand the provisions of AB 391 to cover operators and vendors at swap meets, flea markets and open-air markets in the future.  We will also testify before the Senate Public Safety Committee Tuesday morning to that effect.

Thank you all for your quick response to our plea and for your continued support.  We will continue to keep you apprised of future developments.

Please see a copy of my letter to Loni Hancock removing our opposition, below. 

Again, many thanks for your support and quick action.

Allen Michaan

May 7, 2012

 

The Honorable Loni Hancock

Chair

Senate Committee on Public Safety

Room 2082

State Capitol

Sacramento, CA  95814

 

            RE:   AB 391 (Pan) Secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers:  electronic reporting

            POSITION:    Removing Opposition

            HEARING:     Tuesday, May 8, 2012 

 

Dear Chairwoman Hancock:

 

Upon further review and analysis of existing law and the provisions of AB 391, we have come to the conclusion that the provisions of AB 391 do not apply to Antiques by the Bay or other operators and vendors at swap meets, flea markets and open-air markets.  We are, therefore, removing our opposition. 

 

That said, I would urge this Committee and the Legislature to not expand the provisions of

AB 391 to operators and vendors at swap meets, flea markets and open-air markets in the future.  The consequences of doing so would be disastrous. 

 

The provisions in AB 391 are designed primarily for fixed location pawn shops that are a full-time business and that have a considerable volume of business. 

 

However, most vendors at swap meets, flea markets and open-air markets do not offer their wares as a full-time business or as their primary source of income.  Most use it to supplement their primary or retirement income.  Further, they offer their wares at different locations each weekend. 

 

The provisions of AB 391 requires the Department of Justice to charge a vendor to obtain a license fee of up to $300 at each location a vendor sells their goods.  If the provisions of AB 391 were to apply vendors at swap meets, flea markets and open-air markets, that vendor would have to register and pay $300 for each and every antique show, fair and flea market at which they sell their goods. 

 

Many of these vendors would not be able to continue to stay in business.  This would not only deny them supplemental income, it would also result in closing down a substantial number of swap meets, flea markets and open-air markets. 

 

We want to thank the Committee’s attention to our concerns.

 

Sincerely,

 

Allen Michaan,

President/Co-Owner

Antiques By The Bay, Inc.

 

cc:      The Honorable Richard Pan

           The Honorable Darrell Steinberg, Senate President pro Tempore

           The Honorable Bob Huff, Senate Republican Leader

           Members, Senate Committee on Public Safety