Disputed Palm Springs bookstore to hold Grand Closing event

The owners of a disputed Palm Springs book store planned to hold a Grand closing event Thursday evening downtown.

Luciano and Tonia Ramirez said in an email they wanted to hold the event to give thanks to their friends, and customers who had become friends, over their ten years in business.

The business, Latino Books Y Mas bookstore, was ordered to vacate it’s lease location at 123 N. Palm Canyon Drive inside the mostly long-vacant Desert Fashion Plaza in August.

Wessman Development and the city of Palm Springs are moving forward on plans to raise the mall and revitalize the blighted, yet prime downtown real estate. Plans call for new stores, restaurants and a six-story hotel on the newly developed property.

Luciano Ramirez fought the landlord order to vacate the property, but lost an appeal in court earlier this month and decided to give up and close the business.

Ramirez called Thursday’s event in downtown Palm Springs a “Grand Closing.” It was set for 6:00 p.m., and featuring ballet folklorico dancers from Palm Springs High School, Aztec dancers and Mariachi music.

Ramirez said the Palm Springs High School Spanish Club would also be on hand selling food and drink as part of a fundraiser.

More information is available at http://www.facebook/luciano.ramirez.142.