Sacred Grounds, a San Pedro Coffee House Mainstay, Faces Move-out in 60 Days
Cozy Coffee House and Hangout Faces Uncertain Future in Downtown San Pedro
David Lynch, owner of Sacred Grounds, a beloved coffee house in downtown San Pedro, received news that he would have to move his 30-year-old business from its current location on Sixth Street by April 11 to make way for the renovation of the historic Warner Grand Theatre. The coffee house and theater are located in the same building, which is owned by the city.
A Sudden Move-out Notice
Lynch was told that the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs would need access to the building in 60 days to perform extensive plumbing work, requiring the walls between the theater and coffee house to be opened up. This sudden move-out notice has left Lynch with a daunting task: finding a new location for his business, which has a "great brand name and is well known" in the community.
A Community Asset
Sacred Grounds is more than just a coffee house; it’s a gathering place for the community. It’s a spot where locals and visitors alike can come together to socialize, work, or simply enjoy a cup of fresh-ground coffee. Eric Eisenberg, a property owner in downtown San Pedro and member of the Property Owners Business Improvement District, believes that Sacred Grounds is "beyond a hangout" and should not be lost. "It’s a community asset," he said, "from the morning coffee club that gathers at 6:30 a.m. to folks who stay late when it’s the only thing open on Sixth Street."
Finding a Solution
Eisenberg and Elise Swanson, CEO of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, have offered to help find a solution to keep Sacred Grounds in the community. An online petition has gathered over 3,000 signatures asking that the business stay in its current location. Swanson said, "We’d like to do everything we can to help Sacred Grounds locate to a new location that meets their needs. They’re a part of this community."
The Future of Sacred Grounds
Lynch is working to find a new location and is considering possibilities such as an existing building or a mobile coffee cart. The city has also offered to help relocate the business with a "rapid response team." McOsker, the Los Angeles Councilmember, is urging Lynch to put in a bid once the location is ready for permanent occupancy again.
Conclusion
Sacred Grounds is a beloved part of the downtown San Pedro community, and its sudden move-out notice has left many concerned about its future. However, with the support of the community and the city, it’s possible that the business can find a new location and continue to serve as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Sacred Grounds being forced to move?
A: The city’s Department of Cultural Affairs needs access to the building in 60 days to perform extensive plumbing work, requiring the walls between the theater and coffee house to be opened up.
Q: What is the deadline for Sacred Grounds to move out?
A: April 11
Q: What is the plan for Sacred Grounds’ relocation?
A: The city has offered to help relocate the business with a "rapid response team," and Lynch is considering possibilities such as an existing building or a mobile coffee cart.
Q: What is the significance of Sacred Grounds in the community?
A: It’s a gathering place for locals and visitors, serving as a spot for socializing, working, or simply enjoying a cup of fresh-ground coffee. It also hosts a free Christmas dinner every year and has received support from film crews and local businesses.
