UPDATE -- December 21, 2025...

As of March 10, 2025, The Summerfield Cinemas is no more. See Press Democrat article here - "Final credits roll: Summerfield Cinemas closes, ending a moviegoing era in Santa Rosa"

It's last showings of films were free to the public on March 9th and included Alfred Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt" which I saw. See link to article posted by KRCB / Northern California Public Media sharing the news about the closure "Summerfield Cinemas closes with free screenings of movies shot in Santa Rosa"

I had been going to this theater when it became Summerfield Cinemas since the Rialto exited in the early 2000s, also previously during the time of the Rialto and back to the 1980s when it was Parkside, then Lakeside. This theater was a very special place - the local team that staffed the box office, concessions, ran the films and cleaned the theaters are so warm and friendly. This was a true community! Cinema is so important to our lives - movies/film allow us to connect with the shared human experience in a meaningful way giving us the opportunity to see humanity in all forms. This allows us to understand one another in a positive way.

Summerfield Cinemas was not just any movie theater; it was a neighborhood gem showing revivals, art house films, documentaries, mainstream movies, and special features. It had been an integral part of Santa Rosa's cultural landscape for years. See this great instagram post by Robby Dearth detailing the history and closure.

In June 2024 our Citizen Committee to Save Summerfield Cinemas formed to prevent a Planet Fitness health club from replacing this theater; that goal was achieved. As of February 2025 we had confirmation from Planet Fitness corporate headquarters that there is no interest from their franchisee at that point in the 551 Summerfield Road site. 

As of February 14, 2025 our committee has learned from reliable sources that the long-time cinema operator, Santa Rosa Entertainment Group (Tocchini family & partners), would close the theater by end of March. Our new goal was to preserve this site as a theater for all to enjoy. I would like to thank all of those who signed this petition, donated funds to Change.org to keep sharing the petition via its programming and sharing this petition out to potential signers. We were fortunate to hold 2 rallies in front of the theater which was supported by many local community members and the staff of the theater as well. 

Unfortunately, despite our outreach and efforts, we did not receive any interest from potential angel investors or others who might have supported saving the cinemas with monetary support. What our committee did receive was expert advice from stakeholders within the film industry as well as local non-profits and business owners who gave us their time, advice and encouragement as we attempted to save the beloved Summerfield Cinemas. For that I will be forever grateful and for my co-chair Paul Seif who started the movement to "Save the Summerfield" by placing a flyer on the community bulletin board at the theater, and to all of those who joined our community discussions, our appearances at the Santa Rosa City Council, rallied on the street, and joined our small but active committee - THANK YOU!

As 2026 dawns, we know that the leasing company is working on leasing the space at 551 Summerfield Road to a business; we do not have the details at this time, but will keep you informed once we do.

Happy Holidays to all of you and yours! And go support the movies where you can... including The Rialto in Sebastopol and True West Film Center Cinema in Healdsburg  and the Santa Rosa Cinemas two locations The Airport and Roxy 

🎥🎬🎞️🎭⭐️🍿

THANK YOU and Happy Holidays! 

With Gratitude and Appreciation,

Derek Stefan - member, SAG-AFTRA 

Co-founder of Citizens Committe to Save Summerfield Cinemas