But in an eleventh hour deal, life-long Altadena resident Steve Salinas, who owns Steve’s Bikes, purchased the store. Except for beefing up the gardening section, the hardware store will continue to operate as it has for the last 8 decades.  In addition, Steve plans on relocating his Lake Avenue bike shop next door to the hardware store.  

Don’s inventory will be reorganized slightly to allow room in the east storefront space for the bike shop.  Eleanor Montes, who has run the cashier for the last 14 years will stay on. Steve’s wife Kari will work there, too. Steve noted, “I’ve had so many people come in and shake my hand and say, ‘thank you.”

Steve, 38, grew up on New York Drive and attended Muir High School.  He delivered newspapers on his bike for ten years, beginning in 1982.  His first route was Sonoma, Morada and Boston. His Altadena roots go back to the 1800s. His mother was a Beckwith.  Her relatives started the Highlands Dairy, located near Lake.

Steve plans on having everything running smoothly at the new location by December 1.  Best of luck to the Salinas family -thank you for keeping the hardware store open!