Citizen's Alert! Starbucks is Closing!

Well at least for a few hours.

Many a Mayor Sam post has been written at a local Starbucks either by Zuma Dogg or myself. But all Starbucks stores will close for a few hours this evening for special training.

Starbucks is closing its company-owned stores across the country for several hours today so it can bring its employees back up to speed on creating a perfect shot and steaming milk and pulling it all together for a great drink. The barista re-education is a "renewed focus on espresso standards," say Starbucks honchos.

I have to say it seems as if the usually perky, usually with it baristas have been somewhat lacking lately. Hopefully this program will get them on course.

I do have to commend however the singing baristas at the Starbucks at Camarillo and Tujunga in North Hollywood. But the rest of them don't seem to know how to get your order right. And have you ever ordered an ice tea at Starbucks? Though the tea is prepared and in pitchers, the baristas like to put them in shaker tumblers like they're making a martini.