Going, Going, Sold!
Local bookstore chain, Cody's Books has just announced that it is selling itself to a Japanese chain. Current owner, Andy Ross, will stay on as President of Cody's. Meanwhile, the former flagship Cody's store on Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley that closed recently, prompting much hand-wringing, 60s nostalgia, and debate amongst armchair urban planners is now one of those temporary Halloween superstores. We are holding our breath for the ironic next phase of vacant large storefronts - the discount and overstock book emporium featuring Szechuan cookbooks for $5.99 and calendars of corgis and tropical golf resorts.
Long-standing live music venue, The Ivy Room, in Albany is also closing "as we know it." The current ownership relinquishes the premises in two weeks. Kimberly Chun and the Guardian have the details, scooping the East Bay Express on a story in its own hood. Snarky old us, we're waiting for the New Times/Village Voice Media owned Express's version in which we're told that The Ivy Room's closure is actually good for the Bay Area ... or is really all the fault of the invading white hipsters. White hipsters are the new terrorists.
Downtown Berkeley's Capoiera Arts Cafe is also in danger of closing. Its building is owned by non-profit traditional music organization, the Freight & Salvage which is planning on renovating the building and moving there from its current location on Addison Street, just off San Pablo and University Ave.
This just in and not published anywhere as of yet, Oakland's Auto3321 Gallery, one of the participants in the hipster invasion promoting Oakland Art Murmur, is also closing. They are being evicted by their landlord and prohibited from having public events from now until their move out date. They are on the look out for a new location.
Moving from closings to openings and other new beginnings after the jump!
SFist Sarah L, contributing.
Say hello to new online local news publication, the Grand Lake Guardian, (no affiliation with Bruce Brugmann's paper) covering stories and issues of interest to Lake Merritt area denizens. The Grand Lake Guardian reports that the Serenader night club, which has shifted ownership quite a bit as of late gets to keep its cabaret license, (pdf warning) but can't have live entertainment late nights on Thursdays. There is still the possibility that the current owners will proceed with their initial plan to turn the property into condos.
We've received a couple of comments complaining about our consistently snarky tone. Well, Jeez, we will try to oblige. But due to our advanced condition, we have to do this in baby steps. We will begin with the snark-free paragraph:
We are relieved to report that the female victim of that horrific burning alive incident last week is making medical progress and has supportive friends and family. Many Oakland residents are showing their support as well, and the OPD are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.