New Information
In an onsite inspection on February 22, 2008, The Contra Costa Health Services lifted the cease and desist order on the sale of all the items. We our now back to selling all of our products.
In a meeting on February 21, 2008 with Contra Costa Health Services Director and senior inspectors, we were informed that we have not been taken out of the "Grandfather" stature. They also stated the would come and do an onsite inspection to determine the cease and desist order.
On February 19, 2008 Contra Costa Health Service (CCHS) has issued a cease and desist order regarding products that we have sold since 1974. (Alfa Sprouts, Bean Sprouts, Dairy Product, Deli Items, Cut Melons, and Walnuts in the shell) Copy of that order
On February 13, 2008 in a meeting with Contra Costa Health Services. We were told that the "grandfather" statute no longer applies due to the changes CCHS imposed on us. When is was clearly stated in a letter dated
November 14, 2007 by Dr. Walker Director of CCHS any change the we would have to do effect the "Grandfather" statute. More information to be posted at later time.
What is Windmill Farms vs Contra Costa Health Services?
We here at Windmill Farms have been faced with a devastating problem. After almost 34 years servicing the San Ramon Valley, The Contra Costa Environmental Health Services, will financially force us to go out of business if something is not done. Contra Costa Health Services wants us to remove products that have been sold here since Windmill Farms first opened its doors in 1974. These products include all bulk food items (grains, nuts, dried fruits, etc.) and the cut produce (i.e. watermelons, pineapples, etc.). On top of these demands, we have been told to build a fully enclosed structure by August 2008 or be forced with legal actions.
Windmill Farms has never had any health
related issues that would be a cause for any concern. We have always put the
safety of our customers and employees first.
Windmill Farms has tried numerous times to solve this matter
quietly through meetings with both the City of San Ramon and Contra Costa
Environmental Health Services. All our attempts have failed. Now it is time
for us to speak up and defend our way of life. An administrative hearing
conducted by Contra Costa Health Services on July 17, 2007 lead to a ruling
to discontinue the sale of our various products and fully enclose our
business. We question their logic or fairness for our business to bide by
there ruling when farmers markets are permitted to operate throughout the
area, selling cut produce and other prepared foods in an open-air
environment. It is our belief, that the Contra Costa Health Services has
made it their mission since 1997 to shut us down. Now they are in the
position to do just that. We believe that the time has come for everyone to
be made aware of this situation we are in, which threatens to force us out
of business after almost 34 years.
We have also tried to get the City of San Ramon to help us
out in this matter but we feel they have turned their backs on us now that
there are plans to redevelop this entire area north of Crow Canyon Rd. with
a specific plan that is limited to a mixed-use only environment (housing,
retail mix). It is our belief that by Windmill Farms being gone it will be a
starting point for implementation of their specific plan.
For those of you that are new to the Windmill Farms family,
we are one of the last open air markets in the area. We have been in this
community since long before there was even a City of San Ramon. We are
family owned and operated and have been since 1974. We have always tried our
best to bring the freshest, tastiest, and local products around. We have
employed hundreds of employees over our almost 34 years in business as well
as supported numerous local farmers.
- The mix of foods we sell emphasize fresh fruits and vegetables and promote good health. Our healthy environment helps people who want to follow the United States federal government's guidelines for a healthy diet - http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/
- Children in the community enjoy the large open-air pumpkin patch we provide in October along with the free open-air petting zoo.
- We support local farmers
- We are also farmers ourselves and sell the product that we grow (almond and walnuts).
Now we are forced to ask for the help of our customers,
friends, and community. We are asking for you to send letters, make phone
calls, and voice your opinions to everyone. Get everyone involved, including
News Media, local and state Government. Please help us preserve our small
business that has been a part of the community for decades. If we are to go
who will be next?
What items does the CCHS what Windmill Farms to remove?
The Contra Costa Health Service wants Windmill Farms to remove all bulk food items (grains, nuts, dried fruits, candies, etc) and all cut produce (melons, pineapples, papayas, etc.). Items that have been sold since 1974.
What can I do to help Windmill Farms?
There are a number of thing you can do to help fight for Windmill Farms. We have a petition that you may come in to the store and sign or you may download a copy of our petition and collect signatures. We also have flyer than you can pass out to friends or neighbors. PDF link to flyer. Also we have put together a list of people you can contact to voice your opinion. Contact List.
