I’m starting a new category — Businesses that need to WAKE UP!
I’m just appalled by how some of the stores and businesses are being run in Altadena. The first on the list is the filthy pit called the am/pm Arco station on Lake at New York. I’ve gone in to complain about the filth and it’s not being addressed. There was a time when proprietors of “service stations” were proud of their business, and displayed their name in a prominent location for the community to see and know.
That is not the case at am/pm. Does anyone know who owns this station? I’m going to check it out, but if you know, I’d appreciate it. The grounds are covered in spilled gasoline and other schmutz, the station signs, pay stations, and gas pumps are dirty, dented and show no signs of being cared for in any way. I can’t stand to even touch the handles on the gas hoses. How hard is it to rent a steam cleaner once a month and give the place a bath? It’s disgusting and a blight on Altadena. What can be done to instill some pride in these “operators?” I will not be spending my money here until something is done.
Second on the list is the Ralph’s on North Lake. Why on earth has that store been allowed to deteriorate into the blight that it is? This neighborhood deserves better. In fact, why don’t we have a Trader Joe’s? Or an upscale Fresh Fair Ralphs instead of this remnant of the mid-20th century? The parking lot, like the one at the Rite-Aid on Altadena Drive, is a huge black, heat generating ugly blight. Why does Ralphs allow their image to be tainted this way? I’ve asked the staff when it’s going to be redone and they said never. The changing “marketplace” demands quality, cleanliness, variety and innovation with services. There’s a Food4Less down the street, so why do we have to put up with a crappy, neglected Ralph’s? Who’s going to this store? It’s Vons on Allen, Whole Foods, TJ’s or La Canada for me. Even the new Ranch Market on Lincoln is waaaaay up the ladder from this Ralphs. I know the strike a couple of years ago hurt the markets, but they have to have some respect for their customers. And customers should be demanding a better environment.
Appreciate your thoughts and suggestions on how to force some changes here!
Altadena Above It All 
September 6, 2007 at 8:34 pm
You answered your own question! You said “The changing “marketplace” demands quality, cleanliness, variety and innovation with services.” If that’s true, then the stores you mention will go out of business because the marketplace does not support them. If they stay in business it’s because people are willing to put up with the stuff that annoys you. Bottom line: DON’T GO THERE if you don’t like it.
Also, careful what you ask for. If a really nice, appealing store went a la Trader Joe’s instead of that Ralph’s then there would be tons of people clamoring to get in, and you would be complaining about the traffic. Can’t have it both ways, I guess.
September 6, 2007 at 9:08 pm
Thanks for the comments, but do you think I’m going to complain because we have a great store to go to? I don’t think so. There are way too many junky places in upper Altadena because the neighborhood was in decline in certain sections for a long time. It’s time for the crappy businesses in Altadena to clean themselves up for the good of the neighborhood. We need to elevate our environment. Just because people have put up with mediocrity until now, doesn’t mean it should continue. It’s time to do something — to let these businesses know we’re sick of it. WAMU was smart enough to build a new facility. Unfortunately, they left a blight in their old location. All businesses have a responsibility to be good community members. I welcome the enlightened and aesthetically pleasing businesses, like Amy’s Place.
September 18, 2007 at 2:18 am
Boy, you’ve hit on my most sensitive hot button about life in Altadena.
I boycott both of the businesses you mention. I used to be a regular of the Arco, until I had a bit of a run-in with the manager. I paid the obligatory 45 cents for the privilege of using a debit card to pump my gas. After I’d pumped less than 50 cents worth of gas, the nozzle stopped working. I went in to pay and asked that I not be charged another 45 cents. He refused and told me that it was MY fault. I walked out and now frequent the station on Altadena and New York.
The Ralph’s Market is a disaster. Dirty floors. Rusty carts. Poor selection of items. No deli. Long wait times. I occasionally go in for just one emergency item and always find myself muttering like a crazy woman while waiting in the never-ending lines.
April 8, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Our nickname for that Ralphs is “Gross Ralphs.” I’ll never forget the time I pulled out a shopping cart, and the ends of a black garbage bag were still knotted around the bars . . . as if they just ripped out a homeless person’s life possessions and put the cart back into circulation.
June 1, 2008 at 6:51 am
Since this is an older topic, I don’t know if anyone will read my post…however, I agree with all that’s posted so far. I wonder what residents will support? Meaning, why isn’t there a decent (not fast food) place for dinner? People go down the hill to Pas or La Canada or Sierra Madre (why can’t we be more like that place!). Oh yeah, big thumbs up to the new check cashing place! Like we need another business like that, or the “smoke” shop next to Rancho bar or the 3 liquor store (EZ stop, Lindsey’s,websters on the same corner or that “retraining school”, w/ the blacked out windows (across from Rancho) that LAUSD rents.
We live in a community far from a frwy, that prevents out of towners from partaking in our businesses, which in turn, doesn’t bode well to attract new, dynamic businesses that would better serve the community. Lincoln Crossing is a nice start but upper lake needs some work. Most of the business owners don’t own the buildings so bldg improvements are rare. Longterm business owners means you don’t have to improve the bldg to attract new businesses. On top of that, 1/2 of Altadena probably isn’t fond of change (1/2 moved up here 40 yrs ago it seems) and clash with younger people who are looking for more support services. There are 42K people up here….
December 21, 2008 at 4:44 pm
I read your post, MyTwoCents, so maybe others will see it, too.
I’d like to say that I totally and completely agree with all on this post. Something really needs to be done about the state of retail and service establishments on upper north Lake Avenue. In fact, the entire streetscape needs improvement….wouldn’t it be nice to be able to shop, walk around or eat in an establishment that had the ambience outside to match the interior? We, as residents and business owners in Altadena need to get more vocal on this subject and let our County supervisors, et al, know we’re not satisfied with the current condition of north Lake.
I’d like everyone to know that Scott and I are endeavoring to make this a priority in the coming new year. God willing, we’ll be able to start making the outside of our little shop look better, too, just as we’ve done and continue to do on the inside.