by Timothy Rutt
The Walmart Neighborhood Market opened its doors today to an enthusiasic crowd in an all-American way: color guard, national anthem, prayers, speeches by local dignitaries, and a ribbon-cutting -- followed by shopping.
The early morning Friday opening of the market was greeted by representatives of the Altadena Town Council, the Chamber of Commerce, and Rita Hadjimanoukian of County Supervisor Michael Antonovich's office.
At the opening, there was no sign of either of the local groups that have formed to oppose the market, who are now turning their attention to the vacant lot on Lake Avenue and Calavaras Street, which has the same owners as the Walmart property and have announced plans to develop it as a retail store, without specifying who will move in.
Altadena store manager Jennifer Gonzales pronounced herself "very excited," even after the long hours of work leading up to the opening and a workday that started at 4:45 AM.
The opening ceremony started off with a color guard from John Muir High School, the national anthem sung in harmony by three market employees (or 'associates" in Walmart parlance), and an opening prayer by Pastor Tyrone Skinner of Metropolitan Baptist Church.
It was followed with a welcome by Town Council Chair Bernardean Broadus, Chamber of Commerce President Ed Meyers, and a certificate from Antonovich presented by Hadjimanoukian.
Walmart also held a "big prop check" ceremony, where they distributed grants to community organizations: Jackson Elementary School received $1,500, with $1000 grants awarded to John Muir High School, Mentoring and Partnership for Youth Development, Metropolitan Baptist Church, Neighbors Acting Together Helping All, and the Altadena Senior Center.
More pictures after the jump.
1. Store manager Jennifer Gonzales welcomes the crowd.
2. Pastor Tyrone Skinner of Metropolitan Baptist Church leads prayer.
3. An enthusiastic Town Council Chair Bernardean Broadus welcomes the market to town.
4. Chamber President Ed Meyers says about half of the 65 associates who work at the market are Altadena residents.
5. Three Walmart associates harmonize on the national anthem.
1. A large crowd gathered for the market opening
2. Rita Hadjimanoukian of Supv. Michael D. Antonovich's office, left, presents a certificate to market manager Michael Atchison and Gonzales.
3. Community organizations take the podium to receive the giant checks, representing grants from Walmart.
4. Store manager Gonzales, center, flanked by town councilmembers (from left) Brent Musson, Ed Meyers, Bernardean Broadus, and Sandra Thomas, cut the ribbon to officially open the store.
5. Racks of goods, untouched by customers.
6. The market also features a pharmacy and other services.
Well, now it's here -- what do you think of the Walmart Neighborhood Market?
