Family Dollar Forced to clock out but must stay on premises and be available during meal period Lemoore Nationwide

 I am a current employee (assistant manager) for Family Dollar in California. California has strict labor laws when concerning meal break periods. I was informed recently that despite the law stating I must be relieved of all duty to during my 30 minute meal period, I would still need to clock out. We are short staffed at my store. With two permanent ASMs and one being borrowed...no current store manager. Due to Family Dollars policy of a manager always needing to be on duty, we are not allowed to leave the building during our lunch and we must me available to answer the phone or perform a manager related task for a cashier if needed. California meal period law states "an employee must be relieved of all working duties during their 30 minute meal period". If that is not possible then it is considered an on-duty meal period and we are to be paid for the 30 minutes plus and additional premium of 1 hour at our normal rate of pay. I was told yesterday that the company likes to see that we are at least trying to take our breaks and I am to begin clocking out for 30 minutes, still not able to leave if I choose, must remain available. And at the end of my shift I then take the premium. Which is supposed to be an additional hour but turns into 30 minutes because we clocked out. I have tried to explain my position but nobody seems to care. I am at a point now that if I am clocked out I feel I am able to leave to get lunch if I choose, however doing this and being the only manager is grounds for termination.