Going back, the original Harvest Co-op losing its space (now H-Mart) and moving across the street (now Yamba) to become a shadow of its former self was a blow. It's hard to convey what a hub that place was, not to mention an awesome store.

Other hubs were Rodneys Books, Hollywood Express (now Life Alive). Probably more but I'm forgetting now.

The nature of the city is dynamic change, but yes, we're losing what made/makes Central great. I feel like the designation of cultural district was capturing the end of an era here in a way. Green Street Studios, the EMF music rehersal/arts space, Out of the Blue Gallery. All gone now. The Middle East is soon to follow. I know there's a lot going on with Starlight Square and other initiatives, but it really seems like the influx of banks and high rent storefronts are killing what made this place so great.