CALIFORNIA - News from March 4, 1986

Alpha Beta named Donald H. Kohler, 56, to replace Richard P. Gladden as president of the La Habra-based chain, a subsidiary of American Stores. Gladden announced his retirement.

Kohler has held several posts at Salt Lake City-based American Stores and its subsidiaries since 1945, when he started with the company as a part-time clerk.

He served most recently as executive vice president of Acme Markets in Philadelphia.