The 7-Eleven convenience store on the corner of Rowland and Barranca has been located there for several years, and I use to frequent the place for the usual nonsense that places like these are good for selling (coffee, cigarettes, lotto tickets, summertime Slurpee). The area and store were clean, and you could go there pretty much anytime of the day or night without a problem.
That isn't the case anymore, and it hasn't been in a long time, and I don't think that the owners of this particular franchised 7-Eleven even care. If you are looking for Ghetto in Covina, this is a good place to start.
This particular 7-Eleven is one of the more dirtier ones. Garbage is usally around the small parking lot in front of the store, and the trash can was overflowing more than once, spilling its filth on the sidewalk. Going inside, you notice that the floors seem not have been cleaned in ages, or if they have, it was with some old mop and water. Both the coffee counter and the fountain drink/Slurpee areas are a complete sticky mess, accompanied with a few friendly flies that are ready to pluck down into the goop to suckle the spoiled sweetness.
As far as the Slurpee dispenser goes, it is only functioning correctly half the time. Many times I have turned the handle on the dispenser expecting to see the frothy, flavored ice squirt out, but instead saw nothing but a wet colored goo spit out (and no, there was no sign or light on warning that it wasn't ready). Whenever this has happened, I simply put the plastic cup that hold this vile liquid down and walk out of the place.
And leaving (and entering) the 7-Eleven on Rowland and Barranca is always a special treat. It is always wonderful when I have a panhandler or tweeker coming up to me, pestering me and everyone else within their eyesight for spare change (or a cigarette). And if you think I am kidding you on this, I am not. Every time you go to this particular 7-Eleven, there are people hanging outside of it. I am not referring to the people taking a moment to stretch before getting back in their car. I am referring to the outcasts that sit on the sidewalk in front of the store for hours. They will size you up, and then approach you coming or going.
"Hey man, you gotta buck?"
"Hey brah, can I get a cigarette off you?"
"Hey mister, I need some money for the bus."
"Hey buddy, can you help me, I need to get a cab to my mom's house."
"Hey man, can you give me some money for a newspaper so I can look for a job?" (This one is my personal favorite, since it was original, and when I offered to buy the paper and give it to him, he said "No thanks").
You want to call me insensitive, then by all means do so, but I really don't care what their plight is, or what they are going through, or that they might be homeless. I do not care. I had my share of problems, too. I went without before, and wonder I was going to make good on my debts and keep the water and lights on, and worked two jobs to pay the rent, all while sucking down Top Ramen Noodle every day for months and months. I do care if you're having it rough. Stop asking me for my money and stay away from me.
What the owners/managers of this 7-Eleven need to do is call the Covina Police each time you have these people loitering about. But they won't because they still are getting enough business and really don't give a rat's behind about what is going on outside their front door.
Now, in all fairness, this particular 7-Eleven is located in a strip mall, so there are a few other businesses that are there, so they also responsible for the activities that occur outside of their businesses, but it does seem that the main problem is centrally located in front of the 7-Eleven.
I don't think anything will be done regarding these issues. Most people use 7-Elevens in quick, five minute stints. Run in, grab cigarettes, soda, and lotto tickets, and run out. They keep their blinders on and their heads low. Therefore, a lot of the stuff that may be going on around there goes unnoticed, at least at the 7-Eleven on the corner of Rowland and Barranca.
That's a shame. Covina isn't a ghetto, and as such, it shouldn't tolerate a ghetto atmosphere.
Go to another 7-Eleven or liquor store to get your stuff until they clean up this place. read more