The fate of the 108-year-old art deco movie palace  has been uncertain since it closed last fall as a result of the pandemic. Former theater manager Dale Sophiea co-founded Friends of the California Theatre to advocate for the building’s preservation as an arts venue amid fears it will be gutted and redeveloped as housing.

<p>The fate of the 108-year-old art deco movie palace&nbsp; has been uncertain since it closed last fall as a result of the pandemic. Former theater manager Dale Sophiea co-founded Friends of the California Theatre to advocate for the building&rsquo;s preservation as an arts venue amid fears it will be gutted and redeveloped as housing.</p>

KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories.

<p>KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories.</p>

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