The Bay Area has historically had a very active music scene. San Francisco is famous for the music of the 60s, but even into the 70s and 80s the surrounding area was churning out countless more talented artists. Some eventually became internationally famous, but before that happened they and others were plying their craft in the various clubs dotting the landscape. Marin County had a particularly vibrant scene, yet today there are but few of those legendary establishments left that had nourished all those legendary artists.
The last one may well be the Sweetwater Saloon in Marin, and it may well be on its way out too. Every few years circumstances crop up to threaten its existence, and every few years its loyal backers rally around to save it. But this time the wound looks fatal: the landlords have served it a 30 day notice to evict it. By September the Sweetwater may be no more.
Once again its loyal friends have rallied around, but it's unclear whether anything can be done. The landlord wants to do a lot of work to the building, and then ultimately repurpose the space. It may well be true that the place could use a lot of work - the Sweetwater apparently offered to move out temporarily, with the understanding it could come back in, but the landlords seem disinterested in that proposal.
Many in the community are upset about this. Another seminal musical institution, Village Music, is also slated to close in September. The owner John Goddard may be a bit burnt out from his decades of running his terrific used record shop, but the ever-rising rents squashed whatever enthusiasm he might have mustered. Thus the last vestiges of a very deep local music scene will together pass into history.
Perhaps change is inevitable. But with the loss of these places people are wondering what is the point of change if it doesn't change for the better. Oh, sure, both buildings will be modernized and some chic shop or restaurant will open. But the culture of the community will be lessened. Mill Valley will be a village of expensive eateries, and nothing else.