In addition to its publicity problems related to its chief counsel telling what some think was a sexist and inappropriate joke at the company's annual meeting, Safeway also is dealing with another contretemps related to its decision to suspend for one month an employee who hit a customer.

The customer, in question, was kicking his pregnant girlfriend, and the employee - Ryan Young - is described by as some as a hero who stepped into prevent domestic violence.

According to the story, "Safeway spokeswoman Teena Massingill said Young was not suspended without pay for coming to the woman's aid, but for other unspecific actions during the confrontation that were caught on a store surveillance video. The company is reviewing the footage as part of an investigation, and the union that represents Safeway workers said it is working to resolve Young's case."

Local police have praised Young's actions, and the Safeway store is being picketed by some outraged shoppers. The customer in question, Quyen Van Tran, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery and has been sentenced to three years' probation and ordered to attend a 52-week domestic violence class.

KC's View: I want to be really clear about this. Really, really clear. I can only wish that if I saw such a thing happening that I would have the courage to step in. That takes guts and character.

I suppose that there are some ways in which Ryan's reactions could have been excessive. Though the police don't seem to think so.

Bottom line - any person who commits that kind of domestic violence deserves to have his ass kicked.

That clear enough?