7-Eleven supermarket owners jointly invest millions to support Proposition 36

On October 10, the California 7-Eleven Owners Alliance announced a significant investment of $1 million to support Proposition 36, with a resolute vow to combat Proposition 47 in the upcoming November election. The initiative was spearheaded by 7-Eleven store owners in the Los Angeles area, who swiftly garnered backing from 7-Eleven owners across the state.

Gathering at a 7-Eleven in Hollywood on the morning of October 10, the local store owners shared that they raised $500,000 in just two days, matched by an equal contribution of $500,000 from the 7-Eleven corporate headquarters. Industry representatives expressed their frustration over the years of suffering caused by Proposition 47, which has led to a surge in smash-and-grab robberies that have left many in the industry reeling. Numerous employees have been attacked or even killed during these robberies.

The owners pointed out that Proposition 47 effectively ties the hands of law enforcement, resulting in a lack of legal action. As small business owners, they felt compelled to unite and fight against this harmful legislation, using their hard-earned funds to defend their interests.

Nachhatar Bhullar, Vice President of the 7-Eleven National Alliance, emphasized that 7-Eleven stores are predominantly small businesses, often owned by couples who work long hours to make a living. He lamented that a single robbery can wipe out months of hard work. He humorously remarked that many 7-Eleven owners are of Indian descent, stating, “They are even stingier than you Chinese folks,” but emphasized that there comes a point where enough is enough, driving everyone to band together and invest in their own protection.

Los Angeles Police Commission member Maria Lou Calanche and Arcadia Mayor Tom Chen also attended the press conference. Calanche, representing nearly 9,000 law enforcement officers in the city, addressed the criticism of police inaction over the years. She explained that officers themselves feel frustrated and constrained by the limitations imposed by Proposition 47.

According to statistics from the Los Angeles Police Department, there have been 14 smash-and-grab incidents targeting 7-Eleven stores in the Hollywood area since July 2023, resulting in thousands of dollars in losses for the businesses. One alarming incident on October 8 saw over 20 robbers flood into a 7-Eleven at the intersection of Hollywood and Wilcox, stealing items off the shelves. Security footage revealed that two employees attempted to intervene but were met with violence from the robbers, who also began destroying store property. Following the chaos, one employee ended up in the hospital with injuries. Police later reported that most of the robbers were aged between 16 and 20.

One of the employees recounted his experience during the October 8 robbery, saying he tried to stop the thieves but was threatened with death. “They told me, ‘We will kill you,'” he recalled, describing it as the darkest day of his life.

Just two days earlier, another 7-Eleven on Knott Avenue in Anaheim was raided by over 40 people, who violently forced their way inside and assaulted the store owner while stealing food, supplies, and lottery tickets, leaving the owner with a bleeding nose.

Another store owner who spoke at the press conference mentioned that his store had been robbed twice in the past month.

As reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce, California is home to the highest number of 7-Eleven stores in the nation, with over 1,900 locations, accounting for approximately 20% of the total. In Los Angeles County alone, there are 128 stores, followed by 71 in Orange County. While each store may be small, they collectively serve around 20,000 residents on average.

Blake Chow, Assistant Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, recently reported during a police commission meeting that smash-and-grab incidents have become rampant in the area. Disturbingly, three parents brought their children to the police station after recognizing them in news footage of a robbery. Although the police detained the youths, the case was not prosecuted, and they were released due to the DA’s decision.