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Web posted January 19, 1997

Editor, The Chronicle

A new trend seems to have developed at many of our local grocery stores. Or, perhaps I should say, in their parking lots. Several stores have begun putting up signs that say ``Parking for pregnant women and new mothers only.'' At the Kroger where I do most of my shopping there are eight spaces set aside with these signs. This, of course, is in addition to the many spaces set aside for handicapped patrons.

Most of the time, all eight spaces are empty.

Please tell me that this ridiculous new trend will end soon. Or will the stores decide to add spaces for people with pets in their vehicles, and vehicles with out-of-state plates and people with freckles? The stores may think they are pleasing pregnant women, but they certainly are alienating a much larger group of shoppers. One space is fine; eight is too much. ...

Norma J. Roscow, Martinez