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Latest Farmers Market Manager Fired After 5 Weeks

Bret Nighman is given notice on Thursday evening.

Bret Nighman, the latest Studio City Farmers Market manager, was let go as the market manager after five weeks.

A member of the Farmers Market Board of Directors and executive director of the Studio City Chamber of Commerce Esther Walker, said late Thursday that she could not comment on the specifics of the change, but said, "There is no replacement at this time, and nothing will change" as far as the Farmers Market goes. "The vendors are happy and fine," she added.

This is the third manager at the popular market since March 2011 when the longtime manager Carole Gallegos was axed for one of the board members and lawyer Melody Dosch, whose family owns the local restaurant Artisan Cheese Gallery.

This farmers market is a non-profit corporation co-run by the Studio City Residents Association and the Studio City Chamber of Commerce. In the 2010 tax statements of the Studio City Farmers Market, the unpaid board consisted of Melody Dosch, Beth Dymond and Art Howard. The Farmers Market revenues totaled $271,946 and total expenses totaled $280,806. Those were the latest filings on GuideStar.

Walker said she ran the market during the interim when Dosch left and Nighman was hired.

Nighman said, "I was shockingly fired today" by Walker and the board and he added, "They refused to give me any reason. I asked them what I had done wrong and they replied, 'It's just not working out for us.'" 

The new manager said he was not told about any performance issues, and said, "I loved this position, thought I was doing a great job."

He said he had worked long hours and always received positive feedback.

Walker said there would be no further comment from the board.

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Suzanne Browning November 30, 2012 at 01:44 am
I am extremely upset by this turn of events. I know Bret, have known him for years and he is perfect for this job. I recommended him for this job! His passion in life is all about creating a healthy world. He is a wonderful 'people person'. Bret is a terrific communicator. He sent out daily messages about what is new and exciting at our Farmer's Market. I am a long time resident of Studio City and I expect an explanation as to how this happened. I plan to take this up with both the Studio City Residents Association and the Studio City Chamber of Commerce!
beth hilton November 30, 2012 at 02:24 am
Why does a non-profit board who represents Studio City residents think they have free range to fire people without cause or comment? "It's just not working out for us" is vague and unacceptable....and, frankly, makes it sound like they have a friend who needs a new job. SCRA and SCCC needs to step up and be professional about such things if they want to be respected in business and this community.
Keith Johnson November 30, 2012 at 02:56 am
How do you fire someone and just say it isn't working out without giving some sort of reason? Talk about poor management skills.
Nora Doyle November 30, 2012 at 11:16 am
After reading the previous Patch articles about the new Farmers' Market manager, I was actually excited about trying it out again. The changes Bret Nighman made sounded exciting, so this article was disappointing and not a little mysterious. By the way, "the ventura blvd" could benefit from the use of a dictionary -- the word you meant to use is "rhetoric". It's kind of funny and ironic to see you accuse someone else of using "poorly written rederick".
Sheri Haas November 30, 2012 at 11:56 am
I had no idea what "rederick" was although I am very familiar with rhetoric. Thanks for clarifying. (But still have no clue what Ventura is talking about regarding sad sailors lost at sea.)
Bret Nighman November 30, 2012 at 12:29 pm
I believe "the ventura blvd" is calling me "a sad sad sailor lost at sea". "the ventura blvd" doesn't know me too well!
Keith Johnson November 30, 2012 at 12:33 pm
No, I think it was referring to the writer of the piece. But regardless, it was a pretty bitchy comment and then to have it come from an anonymous source takes very little courage.
george November 30, 2012 at 05:08 pm
Create a new SC Chamber of Commerce and Residents Association, challenge the current ones by getting petitions signed, and also, non-profits and any form of gov't are supposed to have complete transparency, while that may be far from what's happening now, we can start to demanding it locally...don't settle for "It's just not working out for us," as financial supporters of this market and these public forums, we have a right to know what is behind their decisions. So attend their next meetings and get answers.
Laura November 30, 2012 at 05:10 pm
This whole thing is nuts and unfortunate. There sure has been drama with this farmers market. But of course Patch should cover it - it's community news. And at first glance I thought someone was being called a "redneck."
Bret Nighman December 1, 2012 at 03:50 pm
I pride myself on being professional and ethical. If there was just cause for my firing I would take complete responsibility for that, although this remains unclear to me. In the wake of my dismissal I want it to be known that I have no ill feelings toward the Farmers Market, Esther Walker or the Board of Directors. I will continue to support the market and encourage others to do so.
Maria Foley December 1, 2012 at 04:58 pm
That's big of you Mr. Nighman. I don't know you or what happened but obviously you are a class act. I was born and raised here and I've seen so much change. Still wish I could see a movie where they put a book store. I hope you don't feel too bad. Life is funny. When we think it could be denying us something, it usually turns out to be protecting us from something. Onward and upward.You're still the man in the mirror. Best to you and yours....Maria www.mariamfoley.com
Jeff December 6, 2012 at 08:06 pm
I am appalled at the actions of the unpaid board and executive director of the Studio City Chamber of Commerce Esther Walker. The real travesty is that the entire board should be fired because they cannot manage a budget. The Farmers Market revenues totaled $271,946 and total expenses totaled $280,806. Those were the latest filings on GuideStar. Losing money is not acceptable. How much have they lost these past two years since they have not reported it. Firing people without declaring the cause is worse. No board member who was responsible for that loss should still be serving this City in any capacity nor should they have been allowed to run The Farmer's Market. Too many people doing overlapping jobs and requesting studies / focus groups/ questionaires (which cost money) on common sense business behavior and principles is wrong. If the residents and businesses are using their tax dollars to fund these group I suggest they fund the local public schools instead.
Mark C. Daly December 8, 2012 at 12:23 am
I know Bret to be a man of great integrity and has served many companies and educational intitutions (like UCLA) with distinction. This action is a red flag that something is very very very wrong in the governance of this organization - farmer's markets are of increasing importance to urban environments and must be managed with care and vision.
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Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Mike Szymanski (Editor) June 18, 2013 at 09:54 am
Hey Beth! You may want to consider posting photos in a gallery by using the START BLOGGING buttonRead More on the front page for more visibility on the site! thanks!
at the wheel
Mike Szymanski (Editor) June 18, 2013 at 09:57 am
My sister just did a first-time experience...stay tuned to her post of what she did with her friendsRead More going there a few weeks ago...she loved it! Post your thoughts here, or consider clicking the START BLOGGING button on the bottom left of the front page to tell us more and start a conversation!
Stepping back into the light. Thanks Jaqueline Huang.
E.M. Fredric June 16, 2013 at 08:56 pm
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rumradio-org/2013/06/17/rumradio-interview-with-eva-marie-fredric-1
E.M. Fredric June 16, 2013 at 08:56 pm
Thanks Mike, you are always such a positive and supportive friend!
E.M. Fredric June 17, 2013 at 10:00 am
The re-airs tonight and Sunday on the radio but you can listen at the link above any time.
Rich Addams June 15, 2013 at 07:43 am
Who ARE you and what's the number? What kind of informational specialist are you, you leave noRead More number, no email, and you expect us to care? BLOG something lady! Tells us about it!!!!
Kalil Stimpson June 17, 2013 at 07:32 pm
Dear tbs, Deon Coles black box is the worst tv show ever. Though it is hosted by a black man, it'sRead More a show based on pointing fun and rude Racist jokes directed toward black people. If there was a white host it would be considered racist but because a black man was appointed to be host , you might have figured we wouldn't be offended but we are and I can't speak for all but I feel like resist jokes aren't ok regardless of who is telling them and I would like tbs to take down this show or atleast change the points in the show ! -signed, Kalil Stimpson
Miki Henderson June 12, 2013 at 11:29 am
How fun! I can't wait! What a great place to do it, too! Llove the cheeses!
Miki Henderson June 12, 2013 at 11:30 am
This is the last piece of open area along this river, if we're ever going to have it look like aRead More real river again, we MUST preserve this seciton, which is about a quarter way down! PLease help!! Thank you for your volunteerism, I know you ladies have done so much!
SCNC Movies In The Park
Richard Niederberg June 10, 2013 at 07:44 am
It was a quality event and a good time was had by all. Parking was NOT a problem. Just bring yourRead More blanket, carpet fragment or your lawn chair and you are good to go.
Miki Henderson June 10, 2013 at 08:03 pm
I found the crowd rather rude and noisy, guess I shouldn't expect quiet in a park, I left early
John Walker June 10, 2013 at 08:14 pm
I am so very sorry to hear of your experience. I received many, many emails from the community,Read More all speaking of a very fun and positive experience. I do hope this does not prevent you from coming to our next Free Movie event on Saturday, June 22nd.