The front-page article by Tim Willert regarding the Starbucks on
Burchett and Pacific gives a very distorted picture of what I have
observed. Tim takes a number of quotes from two neighbors who allege the
coffee shop has created a negative effect on their neighborhood. Nothing
could be further from the truth.
First, the building previously housed a hair salon and day spa with 16
employees. Now, compare that to the parking required for individuals who
drop in and grab a cup of java or some exotic mixture, then head out on
the freeway. Parking has always been a problem in that area, but then,
that is what would be expected in a commercial area. It is across the
street from a restaurant and cocktail lounge and a commercial building.
Across the other street is a gas station and mini-market, and directly to
the north is Jack in the Box and array of other traffic-heavy
establishments.
Second, I have found Starbucks to be a very positive influence in the
area. Customers from this very diversified neighborhood meet in the
coffee shop, if some for only a few moments. It is a valuable melting
pot, where individuals of all manner of ethnic and religious backgrounds
can co-mingle and exchange views. I find everyone to be very courteous
and pleasant. It is the kind of business that our City Council should be
encouraging. You can see the same uplifting atmosphere at the coffee shop
in Kenneth Village.
Third, Starbucks provides excellent employment opportunities and is
listed by Fortune Magazine in the "100 Best Companies to Work For." For
example, when major companies have been putting full-time employees on
part-time to avoid paying for employee benefits, Starbucks has been noted
for providing medical, dental and vision coverage for all employees,
including part-timers. Its recruiting policies buoyed by good pay and
benefits insure an outstanding staff. Always responsive, highly trained
and extremely friendly.
Finally, Starbucks runs a tight ship as far as cleanliness. The
premises and surrounding area are regularly monitored for any trash. I
have yet to see a straw, a cup or a napkin on the sidewalks or gutters.
The couple of neighbors fomenting this controversy would be better
served if they worked on reducing the constant gridlock on Pacific Avenue
between Stocker and the 134 Freeway. That would be a real public service.
HOWARD JACOBSON
Glendale
