Grocery Outlet Action Alert!
Today, Monday, July 9, the Grocery Outlet will petition the City Council to overturn the zoning board's decision to deny Grocery Outlet's appeal to classify itself as a "neighborhood grocery store" rather than a supermarket and allow it to occupy the vacant Albertsons building at East 14th Street and Juana Avenue.
What You Can Do
The vote is today! Please call or email your city council member about this important issue immediately. http://www.ci.san-leandro.ca.us/slcitycouncil.html
We'd like to know what what you think, too. Copy us on your emails or send us your thoughts at elist@slcan.org.
The following letter is SLCAN's position:
Dear Members of the City Council,
While we would welcome a Grocery Outlet in some other location in San Leandro, we oppose it at the old Albertson's site. Grocery Outlet—a chain without any community links to San Leandro—cannot be considered a neighborhood grocery store. According to their website (http://www.groceryoutlets.com): "Today Grocery Outlet is recognized as the nation’s largest grocery extreme-value retailer, with annual revenues exceeding $600 million."
Our opposition to Grocery Outlet is directly related to our support for the downtown transit-oriented development plan, which prioiritizes neighborhood shopping and dining, public transportation, walkability, and envisions a vibrant downtown. This location is critical to the plan's success and its development needs to be considered carefully, so that downtown revitalization efforts will improve the quality of life for all San Leandro residents.
Grocery Outlet is a large supermarket selling items at a discount. We predict that people who shop there will buy in quantities inconvenient to carry home on foot or by public transportation. A customer comment is highlighted at groceryoutlets.com: "We wish we had a truck sometimes to stock up on Grocery Outlet stuff." Grocery Outlet shoppers will drive to the store, increasing traffic and reducing walkability. These shoppers, their cars full of perishables and parked in a lot specifically for use while at Grocery Outlet, are not likely to stay and patronize nearby businesses.
We hope that you will find that Grocery Outlet is not a neighborhood grocery store and will not permit this store to come to downtown San Leandro.
Sincerely,
SLCAN
In the News
July 7, 2007—Grocery Outlet still wants San Leandro location: Grocery still targeting San Leandro Low-cost chain will ask City Council to overrule zoning board
http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_6327131
July 7, 2007—Let us build now
Letter by Eric A. Nelson of Red Mountain Retail Group, responsible for the oversight and approval of any required governmental approval necessary for the development of the former Albertsons location.
http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_6321415
July 1, 2007—Downtown San Leandro: Where does it go from here?
http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_6275843
June 11, 2007—Debate continues over empty storefront: Efforts to open Grocery Outlet in San Leandro have been foiled numerous times
http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_6112980
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Connect with community,
participate in stimulating discussion, and learn more
about important social and political issues at SLCAN’s
monthly film series.
Thursday, August 2
Daddy & Papa and Both My Moms' Names Are Judy
 PLEASE NOTE FILM CHANGE
Daddy & Papa explores the growing phenomenon of gay fatherhood and its impact on American culture. Through the stories of four different families, the film delves into some of the particular challenges facing gay men who decide to become dads.
Both My Moms' Names Are Judy features children with gay parents in candid interviews. They share stories about being teased about their parents and how classroom silence about homosexuality affects them.
see entire film
schedule • download
the flyer
Coffee and location generously donated by Zocalo Coffeehouse.
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SLCAN is also co-sponsoring with Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker and iPride a free screening of
My People Are…
Saturday, August 4
1–2:30 PM
San Leandro Main Library
My People Are... promotes positive racial and ethnic identity in all children, highlighting the multiracial experience. Young performers share pride in cultures, history and ethnic roots through theater, spoken word, interview, dance, rap and song.
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Screening of Making Whiteness Visible in the News
 Read the July 8, 2007, Daily Review article, San Leandro film screening prompts look at racism.
TAKE ACTION!
Please download and read our handouts, pass them along, and start a discussion with your friends and family about privilege and race. Email us stories about your experience thinking about and discussing this important issue.
Special thanks to Dr. Shakti Butler and World Trust Educational Services, Inc. for bringing this important conversation to San Leandro without charge.
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