Laurel Neighborhood News

by John Frando and Kathleen Rolinson

Albertsons in the Laurel for How Much Longer? When several Oakland Albertsons stores closed last year, residents grew concerned over the future of the struggling grocery chain's Laurel-district store. Recent announcements that former Albertsons stores in the Lakeshore and Rockridge districts would become Trader Joe's markets added uncertainty over the future of the 4055 MacArthur Blvd. store. In February Save Mart Supermarkets of Modesto announced that it had finalized its purchase of the Northern California division of Albertsons. We contacted Alicia Rockwell, the corporation's communications manager, for clarification on the future of the Laurel store. She replied, "At this time, we still have not finalized under which banner all the new Albertsons will operate. We have only nine short months to convert all 130 stores over to our systems, signage, marketing strategies, etc." Laurel residents might not know much about Save Mart Supermarkets. Cofounded in 1952 by Mark Piccinini of Modesto, the market is now headed by his son Bob Piccinini. It operates 75 stores, primarily in the Central Valley, but also owns 44 Food Maxx warehouse-style stores, including one in Oakland on International Blvd. With 130 new stores, the corporation has 254 stores throughout northern California. Early last month Maxwell Park resident and store patron Krista Gulbransen wrote on her neighborhood Yahoo listserv group that there was a "change of ownership notice across the front of the door that states it will revert to ownership by Lucky's." Years ago the Laurel store was a Lucky's before Albertsons acquired the brand name. Yet, the final outcome of Save Mart's acquisition of the Laurel store is still unknown. We contacted store manager Greg Ross, who replied, "Hopefully, our new banner will be Lucky. At any rate, we'll probably continue to maintain our current format." Earth Day Activities Saturday, April 21, the Laurel will celebrate Earth Day as many communities do, by tending to Mother Nature. Three main events are planned for the Laurel to accommodate all types, skills, ages, and interests. Peralta Creek As part of continuing efforts to restore Peralta Creek at Rettig and Wisconsin Avenues the PCNewt crew will out in force. Activities will include weeding, restoration work, and general cleanup along the creek. A kid-friendly and educational environment, working on the creek is a great way to restore this neighborhood gem while teaching children the value of nature and community service. Activities begin at 9 a.m. and go through the early afternoon. For more information, contact Bob at baysidebob\@sbcglobal.net. Freeway Ramps Neighbors planted daffodils and many native plants along the 580 on/off ramps in November. Continued attention is needed to mulch, weed, and pick up garbage. Spend a few hours on a Saturday morning beautifying this entrance to our neighborhood. For more information, contact Renais at winterstone\@mindspring.com. Graffiti Removal Workshop and Teams Learn how to remove graffiti using tried-and-true methods. A workshop on graffiti removal will take place on Earth Day, location and time to be determined. Types of materials, solvents, and techniques will be demonstrated. For more information, contact Kathleen at krolinson\@gmail.com.