There’s a conversation happening about the LACC Swap Meet on social media right now—on TikTok, Instagram, and in the comments everywhere in between. Many of you have already shown incredible support, and it truly means the world to us. But there are also some misunderstandings and flat-out misinformation being spread about booth fees, ownership, and what’s happening to our community market. So this post is our chance to share the truth, in our own words, and to ask for your honest support.
First, let’s clear up one of the biggest myths: I did not raise the fees above what vendors were paying before. In fact, under Newport’s old system, vendors used to bid for booths, and those booth prices could climb into the hundreds of dollars—especially for high-traffic spots. Many long-time sellers remember what it was like trying to compete just to secure a space. What we’ve done is move away from that bidding model and focus on more stability, more fairness, and more predictability for vendors. That means no more sky-high bids just to have a chance to sell for the weekend.
Another rumor popping up online is that I “bought the swap meet and gentrified it.” Let’s be real about this: the LACC Swap Meet is still a community-focused, grassroots marketplace. Our goal is not to push anyone out or turn this into something unrecognizable. We are working to keep it accessible for small businesses, families, longtime vendors, and new entrepreneurs who are just starting with a single table and a dream. If you’ve walked through the aisles recently, you know the spirit is still the same: food, music, secondhand treasures, low prices, handmade goods, and neighbors saying hi to neighbors.
Are we trying to improve things? Absolutely. We want cleaner aisles, clearer communication, better organization, and a safe, welcoming space where vendors can actually make money and shoppers want to come back every weekend. That’s not gentrification—that’s basic respect for the people who build this market every Saturday and Sunday. Any changes we make are with one goal in mind: a stronger, more sustainable swap meet that can last for years to come, instead of disappearing like so many other markets in the city.
Right now, the fight has moved onto social media, and this is where we need you. If you’ve ever found a great deal here, made a living here, built friendships here, or simply enjoyed walking through the aisles with your family, your voice matters. Here’s how you can help set the record straight:
Visit our TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@laccswap) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/laccswap/) and check out the recent posts about the swap meet.
Leave a comment sharing your real experience as a vendor, shopper, student, neighbor, or staff member.
Correct misinformation respectfully when you see it—especially about fees, bidding, and who we serve.
Share our posts so more people see the truth from the people who actually come here.
We’re not asking anyone to attack back. That’s not who we are. What we’re asking for is honest support from the people who know this place best: our vendors, our attendees, our LACC community, and our neighbors. If you believe the swap meet is worth protecting—just as a diverse, affordable, family-friendly marketplace—then please take a minute to speak up online. Your comments help drown out the rumors with real stories, real history, and real community.
This swap meet has survived changes, challenges, and even a pandemic because of you. It was built by everyday people hustling on weekends, families out treasure-hunting, kids buying their first sneakers, and elders finding a place to walk, talk, and remember “how it used to be.” That spirit has not changed. With your help—both in person and on social media—we can make sure everyone knows that the LACC Swap Meet is still exactly what it’s always been at its core: our community’s marketplace, and a place where everyone is welcome.