I think the marquee is gone. The building is located on 4th and B.
On the back side there is a tall wall with no windows, there is an announcement about horse racing at the Caliente track down "in ole Mexico" (Tijuana).
It's fortunate that the CALIFORNIA was located where people cared. Where I've lived for 50 years, I've seen landmark buidings like the STATE, CAMPUS, MICHIGAN and GLADMER theaters all demolished. Nearby communities saved theirs and Lansing, Michigan didn't. Two Video Suggestions: 1: snack bar oddity AND 2: weird drive in moment........I tried to save the Lansing Civic Center to no avail. We take things for granted 'til they're gone.
I saw many a movie there in the 70s. I loved that theater. And the Foxand the Spreckles, two other great theaters that were downtown. Spreckles is still in use for events
I never been in the California Theater, the movie palace will be a great landmark of San Diego, California. I could always see the big screen in the top seats.
I saw a lecture by Baba Ram Dass back in the mid-80's here...I got here early and was just sitting close to the stage and he came out and looked all around the interior and then came over and greeting all us early birds...got his signature in my copy of "Grist for the Mill"...kinda ironic now that this lost theatre is in danger...
I know the lady with the keys to this place and im going to try to get in and film a Phantom of the Opera video init!
ManBig4 2 months ago
I think the marquee is gone. The building is located on 4th and B.
On the back side there is a tall wall with no windows, there is an announcement about horse racing at the Caliente track down "in ole Mexico" (Tijuana).
Very cool rustic old building.
malcorub 4 months ago
Saw Maha Vishnu there about 1985/ A palace.
anandanaga999 7 months ago
It's fortunate that the CALIFORNIA was located where people cared. Where I've lived for 50 years, I've seen landmark buidings like the STATE, CAMPUS, MICHIGAN and GLADMER theaters all demolished. Nearby communities saved theirs and Lansing, Michigan didn't. Two Video Suggestions: 1: snack bar oddity AND 2: weird drive in moment........I tried to save the Lansing Civic Center to no avail. We take things for granted 'til they're gone.
RQVOutdoorMoovies 9 months ago
I love old buildings what shame old buildings should be protected and preserved.
burntvalve86 11 months ago
I saw many a movie there in the 70s. I loved that theater. And the Foxand the Spreckles, two other great theaters that were downtown. Spreckles is still in use for events
esper999 1 year ago
I never been in the California Theater, the movie palace will be a great landmark of San Diego, California. I could always see the big screen in the top seats.
42whatelse 1 year ago
I saw a lecture by Baba Ram Dass back in the mid-80's here...I got here early and was just sitting close to the stage and he came out and looked all around the interior and then came over and greeting all us early birds...got his signature in my copy of "Grist for the Mill"...kinda ironic now that this lost theatre is in danger...
SolarTiger 1 year ago
YES! The glory days CAN come back again! THIS BUILDING IS GOING TO SHINE AGAIN!
gregoryagogo 1 year ago
Very sad. Let's hope that somehow it may be saved.
Fergophone 1 year ago
If they can do it with the Fox and Balboa Theatres, why can they not do the same treatment for the California before it is too late.
rto340century 2 years ago
Thanks for posting. I love old movie theaters. It's too bad many are gone.
adelgado75 2 years ago