SALINAS, Calif.- In your Central Coast economy, the economy is forcing a family owned business to close, after decades of serving Salinas.
"I've been here since 1955," and since then Andy Southard has been coming to Star Care Pharmacy in south Salinas.
"I get all my prescriptions here, I do all my mailing here, I buy different accessories, books and things they have. I've been doing it for years and years."
But in a couple of weeks doors will shut for good. Owners were too emotional to talk on camera, but said even though business is stable at both Star and Sherwood Care, it's getting harder and harder to survive with cuts to Medi-caid and Medi-cal.
When those doors finally close on March 6th all of your prescription information will have already been transferred to the CVS either here in north Salinas or to the one in south Salinas.
Prescriptions will automatically be transferred to the chain pharmacy and it will be up to the customer whether you want to stay at CVS or find another pharmacy.
"I hate to leave that's the thing...There's a lot of people in this area that are elderly it's easy for them to come here."
Employees at both pharmacies some of whom worked there for decades will have the opportunity to interview at the current CVS stores, but jobs aren't guaranteed.
Monday, store owners released a statement saying "This was one of the most difficult decisions that we have to make...However, it was time to retire, and we feel that this decision provides the best solution for both our customers and employees."
"I was surprised, I was shocked...I hate to see them go...I've known them for years and years," said Southard.
