YORBA LINDA

Friday may be the end of 1999, but it might not be the end of Yorba Linda Hardware.

Leo Reilly, the owner of the historic hardware store on Main Street, had set the end of the year as his deadline for trying to sell the business. He was ready to start a liquidation sale in January if he couldn’t find a buyer.

But a potential buyer may save Yorba Linda Hardware, Reilly said. He said he is in negotiations with someone who wants to continue running the store.

The hardware store, established in 1927, is possibly the city’s oldest remaining business and continues to be an anchor in the Old Towne shopping district. Many loyal and longtime customers have said they want to see it remain open.