The Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market is canceled tonight due to an emergency gas leak at Mission Mall, according to Farmers’ Market Manager Zach Simopoulos.
The San Luis Obispo Police Department issued an evacuation order for the area of Higuera Street between Chorro Street and Broad Street and for Garden Street between Marsh Street and Higuera Street. Police are currently in the area and urging people to stay away.
The City of San Luis Obispo posted a traffic alert, advising community members to “take detours and avoid the area if at all possible until further notice.”
Some Farmers’ Market vendors are offering discounts to customers to make up for the cancellation, like the Rib Line BBQ & Grill, which is offering $5 tri-tip sandwiches. Capuno’s Luntong Bahay will also stay open until 7 p.m.
Businesses within the evacuation zone include Frog & Peach, Feral Kitchen and Lounge, The Library and The Carrisa. The Carrisa reposted the Farmers’ Market closure on Instagram but said they will be open tomorrow.
A gas leak occurred at 10 a.m., where construction crews were called in immediately to fix the issue. They are currently drilling directly into Higuera Street, are expecting to work until 3 a.m and will need access to the road the entire time, according to Simopouls.
Simpopouls said they will miss seeing everyone at the Farmers’ Market tonight. The construction should not affect next week’s Farmers’ Market.