Save Stacey’s Bookstore!

Yet another great independent bookstore is shutting its doors. The SF Chronicle reported yesterday that Stacey’s Books — which has been on Market Street for 85 years, including a half-century at its current address — is closing down in March. If you’ve never been there, this is a beautiful, airy, multi-level bright spot in the Financial District. They’re good about supporting local authors and they are very responsive to the clientele, who help them stock a “local favorites” shelf. The Chronicle reports that Stacey’s, like other independents, has been harmed by the “the rise of national chains…and Web-based booksellers,” compounded by the lousy economy. Still, the story gave me a small glimmer of hope when it mentioned the campaign to save Kepler’s Books in Menlo Park. These independents are more than just booksellers. They are also salons, meeting places and entertainment venues, with free readings by local and national authors….

Chew on this (cactus, desert and Joshua tree photos from the California hinterlands), plus a day hike recommendation…..

Here are some of the spiny monsters that I admired (but did not eat) during my recent trip into the California outback. Also –if you’re out in the Joshua Tree area, I recommend the hike up to the top of Ryan Mountain, which is beautiful and windswept. Compared to the tallest peaks of the Sierra Nevada, this 5,461-foot crag is a bit of an anthill. However, the view from the top is magnificent. Bring shoes with decent arch support, and, of course, lots of water. http://cactuseaters.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default