Our Next Antiques Faire is March 4th!

ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT ASSEMBLY BILL 391

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0351-0400/ab_391_bill_20120123_amended_sen_v96.pdf 

The collecting and trading of antiques and used items is the best form of recycling.  Attendees at antiques shows, fairs and flea markets enjoy their hobby and for many it is their occupation.

The very existence of these activities are threatened by California Assembly Bill No. 391 introduced by Assembly Member Pan with coauthors Senators Cannella, Strickland, Walters and Yee.  This bill would require all licensed secondhand dealers to pay a $300 biennial fee to create and maintain a statewide electronic database into which each dealer would be required to report:  “many categories of tangible personal property” within 24 hours of their acquisition.  It would also require that the dealer provide the identification of the seller of the property along with a fingerprint of the seller.  Secondhand dealers are required to hold all acquired reportable tangible personal property for 30 days before reselling it.  While these reporting requirements are already on the books, they are enforced at the discretion of local jurisdictions.  Cities such as Alameda, who recognize the value of events such as our Antique Faire, do not enforce these rules.  If this bill passes it will force many of you to obtain secondhand dealer licenses and could lead to the end for the entire activity of buying and selling antiques, collectibles and used merchandise as the regulation would force a majority of those small independent business persons (such as you see in every booth at our Antique Faire) out of business.

PLEASE TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO SAVE OUR HOBBY & BUSINESS! 

Call Attorney General Kamala Harris at: (916) 322-3360 or (800) 952-5225 and ask her to withdraw support of AB391 and to repeal all secondhand reporting regulations for any businesses other than Pawnbrokers.  Email her using this contact form: http://ag.ca.gov/contact/complaint_form.php?cmplt=PL. 

Also call and write the coauthors of the bill:

Assemblyman Richard Pan 916-319-2005, http://asmdc.org/members/a05/

Senator Tom Berryhill 916-651-4014, http://cssrc.us/web/14/contact_me.aspx

Senator Anthony Cannella 916-651-4012, http://cssrc.us/web/12/contact_me.aspx

Senator Tony Strickland 916-651-4019, http://cssrc.us/web/19/contact_me.aspx

Senator Mimi Walters 916-651-4033, http://cssrc.us/web/33/contact_me.aspx 

Senator Leland Yee 916-651-4008, http://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.php?district=SD08

Ask them to support the collecting of antiques and the basic recycling concept of reusing existing property.

Please visit our website at http://www.AlamedaPointAntiquesFaire.com to get updates to this situation.

This legislation, if passed would destroy our event and many others statewide resulting in significant economic losses to the municipalities where they are located.  It would also destroy the self-employment of tens of thousands of our fellow Californians who make their living in this area.

Please help.

Allen Michaan, President

Antiques By The Bay, Inc.

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 smoking and no pets. 

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Notice To Customers: