Safeway ruins California neighborhoods, writes Gloria Sams who witnessed the expansion of Safeway in Sebastopol, CA.
Now Safeway plans to expand in the Rancho del Mar shopping center in Aptos, CA. If their plans are approved, Safeway will remove many of the small businesses including Le Chef (cooking tools), the movie theater and a number of other small businesses.
Gloria Sams Letter is published below.
“I can attest to Safeway ruining neighborhoods all the way back to the ’70s in Sonoma County where they and Bank of America, under false names, bought up an entire block in Sebastopol.
“They [Safeway] took the art deco theater, a large, family-run nursery, numerous small businesses on that block, plus caused the demise of every business with a two-block radius. They touted “lower prices” because they bought in volume, and then their prices went up.
“The businesses they brought in were no asset to the community. They continued these practices throughout that county [Sebastopol, CA] and just kept going.
“Now, here they are in Santa Cruz. I hope our citizens will be very careful in any plans involving this conglomerate. Letter to Editor, Santa Cruz Sentinel, 4-17, 2012, written by Gloria Sams, Santa Cruz
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In my view, Aptos does not need a bigger Safeway. There is currently plenty of parking and a variety of local businesses. It is my understanding that the Planning Commission must approve Safeway’s plans so it’s time that Santa Cruz residents speak up. Use YELP to publicize that we like what we have for small businesses.
Monterey Bay Forum is willing and happy to assist people to connect in opposition to Safeway expansion in Aptos, CA. DrCameronJackson@gmail.com
Send snail mail to: Monterey Bay Forum, P.O. Box 1972, Aptos, CA 95001-1972
