Santo Tomas Swap Meet closes for good, vendors blame the city

City of Calexico officials said the permanent closure of local swap meet Santo Tomas is not their fault. It was the swap meet’s decision.

Council Member Bill Hodge said, ” They were officially closing and that communication took place on June 30 th . So, we have been notified officially, sadly that Santo Tomas is closing. ”

The management’s decision left over 300 vendors and workers out of work.

“Substandard conditions had been mounting for at least 30 years or more,” Hodge said.

After a fire ravaged part of the business last year, the city gave swap meet management a long list of safety requirements and the need for a $5 million bond, later brought down to 42 million.

“The city, in a lawful manner bent backwards to help Santo Tomas. We offered to compromise on the list of requirements as far as regulations and standards,” Hodge said.

The swap meet business has been part of Calexico culture for the past 54 years. Supporters said the closure is partly the city’s fault for not enforcing safety.

Ben Horton, Calexico Economic Commissioner, said, ” The city asked the vendors to play for business licenses. Part of the business license are certain inspections which were never done. When the vendors asked about this, the city said you have to request for the inspection. In my book, if you pay for a service that means you’re requesting the service. ”

Hodge said they feel for the vendors and workers, but there’s nothing they can do; it’s out of their hands.

“It’s not an easy situation to be unemployed and not have the means to provide for your family,” Hodge said.