The state’s ongoing economic challenges are now hitting a critical resource: grocery stores. Seven more locations across California have recently shut their doors, further limiting access to affordable, fresh food for local communities.
The closures include both independent markets and well-known chains:
- Carla’s Fresh Market in Highland Park, Los Angeles
- Draeger’s Market in downtown San Mateo
- Safeway on Webster Street in San Francisco’s Fillmore District
- Safeway at Tara Hills Drive in Pinole
- Safeway at Admiral Callaghan Lane in Vallejo
- Amazon Fresh in Thousand Oaks
- Amazon Go in Woodland Hills
The shutdowns follow a year marked by business departures, industry contraction, and widespread layoffs across the state. Experts warn that the loss of grocery stores not only signals deeper economic strain but also increases the risk of “food deserts” in vulnerable neighborhoods…