A Community Group Takes Legal Action to Keep South LA Ralphs From Closing

A Los Angeles coalition of community leaders plan to file an injunction to block the mega grocery store chain Kroger from closing a South LA Ralphs store. In March, the chain announced the underperforming Hyde Park location — along with two other stores in Hollywood and West LA — will close May 15. The store closures also coincide with a temporary $5 per hour “hero pay” increase passed by the LA City Council and Board of Supervisors in February.

The Ralphs is stationed on the corner of West Slauson and Crenshaw, and the closure could lead to a negative impact to the surrounding Hyde Park community. There’s a lack of other robust grocery operations in the immediate area.

Since January, city councils throughout California have passed temporary “hero pay” ordinances, including LA, Montebello, and Long Beach. The mandated pay increases are designed to compensate grocery workers for essential work during the pandemic, and range from $4 to $5 per hour over a 120 day period. Since these pay increases passed in 2021, labor leaders, grocery chains, community groups, and workers have wondered whether “hero pay” is to blame for the dual shutters, or is Kroger using the ordinance as a scapegoat for planned closures in a crowded market — while keeping worker pay low.

KNX News reports the protesting group includes a coalition of civil rights, community, and labor groups, including the Harriet Tubman Center for Social Justice, Southern Christian Leadership Conference of SoCal, and Baptist Ministers Conference of SoCal.

In other news:

• NBC News looked at Mexican restaurants throughout the country on Cinco de Mayo, including the USC-adjacent and family-owned La Chuperia.
• Everson Royce Bar is selling bottles of tequila for a cause. Buy a bottle of El Tesoro single barrel reposado, and the proceeds will not only go towards the LA-based non-profit No Us Without You, but also feed a family of four for an entire week.
• Someone broke into Venice’s Sinners & Saints desserts on Thursday. On Instagram, the owners report the thief left only with a cash box, but are open for business today.

• Manhattan Beach officials adjusted its mask wearing guidelines this week by aligning with LA County. Up until a month ago, Manhattan Beach was still citing individuals anywhere from $100 to $300 for not wearing face coverings in busy areas, such as Downtown Manhattan Beach, the Strand, parks, and the beach. Get the full report over at the Daily Breeze.
• Venice’s Ospi dives into brunch this weekend. Get there anytime from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday or Sunday.

• Civil rights, community, labor groups seeking injunction to keep a South LA Kroger open [KNX]