Closures include the pharmacy on Solano Avenue in Berkeley as well as the branch in Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood.
Solano Avenue
Posted inBusiness
Shop Talk: Beloved Berkeley pet food store loses dogged battle to internet retailers; Modena Salon is moving
Animal Farm Discount Pet Foods was a mainstay on the corner of San Pablo Avenue and Cedar Street for 35 years. Even the owner’s parrot felt it was time to go.
Posted inCity
Berkeley approves housing plan, with pledge to upzone wealthy neighborhoods
College, Solano and North Shattuck would be zoned for greater density under the eight-year housing plan adopted by the Berkeley City Council.
Posted inCity
Here’s where the next round of ‘smart kiosks’ could go in Berkeley
Supporters say the devices help people navigate popular Berkeley neighborhoods, while critics say bringing ads into public spaces isn’t worth the revenue the city gains.
Posted inBusiness
Shop Talk: Activist who helped free Willy is stepping down at Berkeley’s Earth Island Institute after 40 years; new studio raises eyebrows
David Phillips did more than save whales. He helped spread environmental activism around the world. Catch up on this and other Berkeley retail and small business news.
Posted inBusiness
Shop Talk: Pamana Plantas, family-run plant shop, opens on Solano; Myth & Scissors is dispelled
At Dom Morales’ plant shop, mom and pop help with the displays — and almost everything else. Catch up on this and other Berkeley retail and small business news.
Posted inCity
Residents return to North Berkeley apartments after local land trust buys back building
The 13-unit Solano Avenue building was subject to an Ellis Act eviction nearly three years ago.
Posted inCity
Helpful resource or tacky billboard? Plan for more ‘Smart City’ kiosks sparks debate
Nine touch-screen kiosks from IKE Smart City can be found in Berkeley today. The company wants to roll out another 17 starting next year.
Posted inBusiness
Shop Talk: Westbrae Nursery turns into worker co-op; no rivalry for lamp sellers on Solano
Westbrae Nursery, in existence since the 1930s, now has seven worker-owners. Catch up on this and other Berkeley retail and small business news.
Posted inBusiness
Henry Accornero made Berkeley’s Oaks Jewelers a gem of a family business
For decades, the jewelers — whose founder helped start the Solano Stroll — has been an intimate part of many Berkeley residents’ lives.
Posted inBusiness
Loyal customers have kept this 70-year-old Berkeley stationery store going
Sonny Han, owner of Payn’s Stationery on Solano Avenue, talks about survival and his fortuitous decision to install mailboxes before the pandemic lockdown.
Posted inNosh
Berkeley’s Corso has closed as owners leave the restaurant industry
Roscoe Skipper and Wendy Brucker have closed 12-year-old Tuscan trattoria Corso and sold their 26-year-old restaurant Rivoli, which will remain open.