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A mourner lights a candle at the site of a car accident at the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market

The Santa Monica Farmers’ Market has been an ongoing tradition with its fresh goods and bustling crowds, but for over a year, new emotions have taken hold of market regulars.

Last week marked the one-year anniversary of an unexpected accident on July 16, 2003 when George Russell Weller drove through the Santa Monica market, killing 10 people and injuring 63.

Weller now faces 10 charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. Several victims have filed lawsuits against Weller and the City of Santa Monica. Defense attorneys say a heart condition caused him to lose control of the vehicle before the accident. Weller has pleaded not guilty.

Directly after the tragedy, a victim relief fund was set up by the Chamber of Commerce, and groups such as the Red Cross and Los Angeles County’s mental health department came together to support victims and their families.

“All these efforts are a testament to the spirit and fortitude of this community and to our ability to work together in hard times,” Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom said in a July 16 press release.

The community came together again at the First Presbyterian Church for a remembrance service, marking the one-year anniversary of the accident, on July 16.

For over 20 years, the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market has drawn vendors and customers together in a “unique” setting, which it still continues to do, says the market’s supervisor.

Safety precautions that were enforced in the aftermath of the accident remain implemented.

“Trucks are parked at the four street entrances to the market, but they can be quickly moved,” said Laura Avery, Farmers’ Market Supervisor, “It is a street, it must stay open for traffic, and must maintain access for emergency vehicles.”

Vendors and customers have not let the incident stop them from coming together every week. Sales are even up this year compared to last year, Avery said.

The community was jolted by the accident, but they say by uniting they are able to move forward. On July 14, an interfaith service was held where they prayed for the victims.

“Our congregants go (to the market) quite often. People in our community now look at that space in a different way,” said David Shukiar, a singer at Temple Beth Shir Sholom in Santa Monica. “People go there more to support the vendors who are earning a living.”

Vendors are still eager to sell their goods at the marketplace, and a waiting list for vendor space continues to be filled, Avery said.

“All the vendors came back the week after the accident ... they were anxious to come back and see each other and their customers,” Avery said.

Despite the changed atmosphere of the farmers’ market, it still holds a permanent place in the traditional landscape of Santa Monica.

“The events that occurred here a year ago affected people from all walks of life ... I am awestruck at the resiliency all have shown in the face of such great tragedy,” Bloom said in the press release. “In our sadness, we have learned much about the strength of the human spirit.”

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