Today’s newsletter is presented by Garnet Tattoo.
Hello, Uptown!
Today I drove down Adams Avenue and saw that the zine-centric print shop and store Burn All Books, which had been just barely hanging on, is gone. The storefront is now festooned with “For Lease” signs.
I got very bummed out for a moment, but then I remembered that our Roberto Camacho just wrote an excellent story that was, in part, about their fate. They haven’t vanished — they’re just relocating.
They will reportedly be housed at The Woo, a creative space in Barrio Logan. However, they’re closed for just a little bit longer per their Instagram, and they continue to fundraise to cover the cost of the move. (If you’re so inclined, you can find the link to donate here.)
I am a bit sad to see them leave for another neighborhood, although of course I am happy they are still around and aren’t going too far. I feel as though having independent literary and other creative endeavors in any neighborhood really sets the tone for the place, and as someone who literally grew up in a San Diego newsroom — the Lemon Grove Review was the family business throughout my childhood, for example — I always feel better when I am close to a print shop.
But there are other places up and down Adams that exist to feed all sorts of creativity. Just the other day, I finally discovered the delights of Art FORM San Diego’s Creative Reuse Store, which sells used and surplus arts and crafts supplies at extremely deep discounts. It’s tiny, but it’s dangerous if you’re a certain type, which I am.
Back From Tomboctou has also offered folk-art and crafting classes in the past. Their store is always worth a visit, packed to the gills as it is with wonderful bright art. But if your creativity runs more toward the fabrics and fibers side of things, there’s always Fringe Fabrics down on El Cajon Boulevard, if you don’t mind leaving Adams Avenue for a little while.
As you can see, I’ve been in a bit of a creative mood lately, so I’ve been haunting the places that bring me the most joy.
I don’t know what sort of business is going to fill the spaces left behind on Adams Avenue by the departure of Burn All Books, but I hope it’s something for people like me. Perhaps this is selfish, but I would love to see more creative spaces pop up in my neighborhood, because I love making things and showing them off — but I also love discovering all the cool creations from others.
That’s what makes this part of town truly unique and special.
Brooke Binkowski
Uptown News newsletter host
Uptown story spotlight
San Diego’s DIY community reflects on resurgence of zines amid federal activism crackdown
By Roberto Camacho • Special to Times of San Diego
Zine-making is a tradition shared by activists, marginalized communities, and counterculture creators alike.
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