• California Theatre: Share Your Story, Imagine What's Next

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    Every place has a story. What's yours?

    For nearly a century, the California Theatre has been part of San Diego's story. From performances and special occasions to everyday memories of downtown, this historic landmark has meant different things to different people.

    After decades of vacancy and deterioration, the building is no longer safe and cannot be preserved. While the theatre itself must come down, its history and the memories it holds deserve to live on.

    As we honor the past and imagine a new future for this downtown space, we want to hear from you.

    Whether you have a memory to share, an idea for the future, or both, we'd love to hear from you.

    Want to celebrate the California Theatre with us? Join us on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, for a special evening honoring the memories, music and moments.

    Learn more and RSVP.

  • About You

  • May we contact you to learn more about your story or ideas? *
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  • 🎭 Share Your Moments. Share Your Memories.
    The unforgettable, the unexpected, the funny, the bittersweet, and everything in between. Whatever your experience at the California Theatre, we want to hear your story. Photos, video links, written stories, audio stories, we welcome it. Help us celebrate the moments that made this place special.

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  • ✨ Imagine What's Next

    What would you love to see in this space? Big ideas, practical ideas, creative possibilities — we welcome them all.

    Prebys Foundation is listening. We'll share your ideas with our Board of Directors as we explore what the future of this site could look like and how it might contribute to a more vibrant downtown and a thriving San Diego.

  • What would you most like this space to bring to downtown San Diego? (Select all that apply)

  • Sharing Your Story

    We may want to share community memories and ideas through the California Theatre project website, future events, or other Prebys Foundation communications.

  • May we share your story publicly?*

  • 📬 Stay Connected

    Want to follow what's next for the California Theatre space? Sign up for the Prebys Foundation newsletter to stay up to date on this project, community stories, and more of what's happening across San Diego.

    Sign Up for Our Newsletter.

  • Thank you for being part of the California Theatre's story.
    Your memories and ideas will help us honor the past and explore possibilities for the future. We'll share what we hear from the community as this work continues.

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