More Starbucks Less Problems

Sabrina Picou, Editor-In-Chief
February 23, 2016

The city of Downey is currently home to six Starbucks coffee shops; the newest addition to these is inside of the Ralph’s grocery store on Firestone Blvd., and it opened on Jan. 11. Just a few months ago there was a Wells Fargo bank inside of the grocery store, but due to a contractual agreement between Wells Fargo bank and Ralph’s they decided to replace it with something most people cannot resist – coffee.

The Ralph’s employees went through a two-week hands-on training in order to be baristas at the Starbucks stand. At the end of the two weeks the employees have to take a certification test in order to represent the Starbucks brand.

“The manager that runs it is actually a brew master which means he has passed the Starbucks 12 week course, so he can tell you everything you want to know about coffee,” Ralph’s Store Manager, Pastor Valdez said.

Although the Starbucks is inside of Ralphs grocery store, they still must adhere to the Starbucks guidelines. Once a month a Starbucks District Manager and checks in on the operation and the back stock. The Starbucks Corporation does not allow just any company to have a Starbucks stand within another store.

Rosa Ayala, a former courtesy clerk turned barista compares the different benefits she receives as a Ralph’s employee to being a Starbucks employee.

“They have a lot of health benefits and they have a union and not a lot of markets have union, that gives you a lot of benefits there,” Ayala said. “I used to do bagging and combo cashier as well; this is definitely something different than cashier and bagging but I like it.”

Due to Starbucks’ store hours being 5 A.M.- 9 P.M. and Ralph’s hours being 6 A.M.- 1 A.M. the whole grocery store had to change its hours and open an hour earlier. The biggest coffee rushes are in the mornings before school and after school because it is right across the street from Downey High School.

Students enjoy going to the coffee shop after school to hang with friends, wait for their rides, or do homework. It is a place to enjoy a cup of coffee, tea, or pastry and decompress after school.

“I like Starbucks because it’s next to the school and the drinks are really refreshing,” Itzel Olivares, 12, said. “I like coming with my friends because after school you don’t have to go home, when you’re with your friends you can just relax and enjoy it with your friends.”

Whether you are going to get a coffee after a long day or coming to hang with friends, there are now more Starbucks locations for Downey students and the community to enjoy.

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About the Contributors

Sabrina Picou, Editor-In-Chief

When Sabrina Picou joined newspaper she was quiet, nervous and knew only one person. She did not know how to format and structure a story and self-taught herself how to write a story. Now she is one of two editors-in-chief for the Downey Legend.

“I wanted the untold stories to be told,” Picou said. “That was my goal for Newspaper.”

People in and out of Newspaper have recognized Picou’s passion.

“In my opinion, Sabrina is a responsible student and has a big future in writing ahead of her,” Jarred Aldaco said, 12.

Since joining Newspaper doors have opened for Picou, which allows her to express herself through her writing for a bigger audience. After writing an article on an exhibit at the Stay Gallery titled This Normal Life, Sabrina was offered an internship at the gallery. She now writes a blog for the Stay Gallery.

“My advice would be that life is always about risk,” Picou said.“If you never leap you’ll never know how far you’ll go.”

With the support of her friends and fellow students Picou hopes to inspire with her stories and tell the untold stories.

Fernando Mandujano, Co-Editor-In-Chief

Wanting to stay out of trouble, senior, Fernando Mandujano, took a liking to photography, his sophomore year, and joined Downey High School’s Yearbook, which opened many doors for him. He is now co editor-in-chief for Yearbook and editor-in-chief for Newspaper.

“I learned how to become a leader,” Mandujano said, “through photography I learned not to be afraid.”

His passion for photography influenced him to take three extra curricular activities: ASB, Yearbook, and Newspaper. For these classes, he is required to shoot pictures of events. While shooting a swim meet at Downey High School, Mandujano captured one of the Santa Fe High swimmers during the 50-meter butterfly event. He entered the photo to the Stay Gallery Stay Young competition and placed second.

“It felt pretty cool to win second,” Mandujano said. “I didn’t expect to win that night.”

He is not the only one that had doors open his way.

Joaquin Oropeza,12, is able to connect with his emotional side better. He is taking AP Lit and Yearbook. With these classes, he is developing skills that he will pursue in writing.

“It helps me express myself in a way I couldn’t do so before,” Oropeza said. “It also allows me to be creative and to tell a story.”

Downey High School’s Yearbook adviser, Mr. Nunley, enjoys having Mandujano as a student and understands him well because they both have a lot on their plate.

“I’m inspired by how involved he is with this school and how he’s willing to help not just Yearbook, but dedicate his time anywhere he can to make Downey High School a better place,” Nunley said.

Mandujano’s long-term goals include continuing his photographic journey into University of California, Santa Barbara and major in communications. Once he majors in communications he will go into journalism and broadcasting. He stays positive through his work, so he hopes that more doors will keep opening his way.

The Downey Legend

The Downey Legend

The Downey Legend

More Starbucks Less Problems

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