The Village Lane is approaching full occupancy as Taryn Scanlon makes the final push to open her art gallery and tavern, Taryn’s Place, there. The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has signed off (pending a period to allow public protest) and environmental health has also given the go ahead, according to Scanlon. The last hurdle is the county planning department, and she hopes to resolve that soon.

In support of her efforts she has started a change.org petition, which she told the Crier has more than 300 signatures, and has obtained a letter of support from 4th District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, which she intends to present to the county supervisors this week.

The unit did formerly host a bar, the Backroom, that “communicated” to the kitchen of what was then the Bake and Brew, and is now Atomic Cow. “Years ago, I was a bartender there and everyone loved going there,” said Scanlon. But when a building changes configuration, the planning department must weigh in again.

Scanlon’s petition tells us she has been “working hard for months to create a unique place where friends and visitors alike can relax, socialize and feel welcome.” Talking to the Crier, she added, “I’ve lived her over 10 years and built a following, a customer base, managing bars for other people. This opportunity came up. It’s my only chance to do it for myself.”

One of those whom Scanlon has worked for is Leanna Lee, of Leanna’s Idyll Awhile Bistro. She employed Scanlon as a bartender and vouches for her. “I approve of her opening up her space, her art gallery with beer and wine served. This town needs a little more night life. The locals need more places to go. Taryn is a wonderful person, she enjoys her art, she’ll make a wonderful entrepreneur. I wish her all the success.”

With Atomic Cow out in front, the only vacancies in the lane are Taryn’s Place and the shop at the very end, which is being readied to open as an annex to the record shop. This Saturday, most of the shops were open, and all the merchants present emphatically approved of their new neighbor.

Matthew Douglas, of Douglas Craft Handmade Leather Goods, noted the improving occupancy, and the benefit of having a functioning restaurant in front: “I love it how all the stores are open. It’s awesome how Atomic Cow is great for us.”

“Taryn and Rick [Caughman] seem to be very responsible people, I can’t imagine they would let anything bad happen,” said John Marin of Ajaba Naturals Artisan Bath and Body Boutique.

Cheryl Rice of Haven Decor and Gallery said she thought Taryn’s place will complement the European charm of the other businesses in the lane. “They’re wonderful people; they have put a lot of energy into it. You saw that door? Taryn made it. Everyone I know who has a shop here wants them.”