Senator Smallwood-Cuevas Releases Statement on Governor Signing Reparations Bill SB 1089 to Protect Vulnerable Communities from Store Closures
Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) has expressed gratitude to Governor Gavin Newsom for signing her bill SB 1089, landmark legislation that mandates grocery stores and pharmacies to give advance notice to their workers and communities to plan for the potential impact of closures. SB 1089, a priority bill of the Reparations legislative package, aims to protect communities that rely on local stores for employment and access to healthy food and pharmaceutical services.
Senator Smallwood-Cuevas has released the following statement about yesterday’s signing of her bill:
“With SB 1089 signed into law, California can better protect vulnerable communities from being blindsided by sudden store closures, particularly in neighborhoods of color where access to fresh food and pharmacies is already limited. This legislation is more than about requiring a notice – it’s about safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our residents.
“The longstanding history of redlining and disinvestment in Black communities have left a diminished presence of grocery stores and pharmacies, resulting in a proliferation of food deserts. My community of South Los Angeles has easier access to liquor stores and fast food restaurants than grocery stores. This has contributed to our residents struggling with the highest rates of illnesses, like heart disease and diabetes. SB 1089 will ensure that communities and workers who rely on these stores get information on essential services during closures, like affordable food locations, prescription transfers, and employment resources.
“The signing of SB 1089 is a victory for transparency and community resilience, and it would not have been possible without the support of our social justice partners who recognize the importance of food security and economic stability that enable our communities to thrive.”
Senator Lola Smallwood Cuevas represents the 28th Senate District, which includes the communities of South Los Angeles, Culver City, West Los Angeles, Century City and Downtown Los Angeles. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas spent more than two decades serving as a labor organizer, civil rights activist and community advocate before her election to the State Senate. She resides in the View Park community of South Los Angeles with her family.
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