Both CityBeat and the LA Weekly (bottom of column) today run appreciations to the creator of the Golden Apple Comics store at 7711 Melrose Avenue. From Don Waller in CityBeat:

Exiting a successful career in commercial real estate to pursue his passions for comic books, yo-yos, doo-wop, and erotica, Golden Apple Comics founder/owner Bill Liebowitz – who died Wednesday, October 27, at age 63 – was everything a local retailer should be: a tireless promoter, a champion of independent artists and publishers, and a member of various organizations devoted to local business, comic art, vocal groups, “adult entertainment,” and anti-censorship efforts.

Beginning in 1979, Liebowitz turned his Melrose Avenue outlet (a second branch is located in Northridge) into not just a comic-book store, but a pop cultural showcase that became a destination location for fans across the city and, indeed, the world. The Apple’s in-stores were legendary, often drawing upward of 1,000 people.

A memorial tribute will be held in the store on Sunday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m.