Petition updateSave Summerfield Cinemas from Demolition -- Updated 12/21/25Update on Summerfield Closure on March 9. Our Next Steps NOW!
Derek StefanSanta Rosa, CA, United States
Mar 3, 2025

Hello everyone,

We now know the Tocchini family, operators of the Summerfield Theater, will cease their 15+ year involvement with the space. They will step away on March 9, 2025. We are so very grateful for the many years of great movies they’ve provided us to enjoy.

  • The theater will close.

Now we must create our vision and plan to reopen and save Santa Rosa’s great theater.

We know this for certain: communities all over the country have faced this same scenario and have revived beloved, local cinemas. We can do the same. There are steps to take.

The thousands of supporters and patrons of The Summerfield in Sonoma County and beyond must come forward, sharing our ideas, organizational skills, intelligence, connections, financial knowledge and resources and explore every avenue available to not only reopen the theater but reinvent it as a new, exciting, innovative cultural gem.

This is not beyond us. There are many examples, in our midst in Sonoma, San Francisco, all of California, and the U.S. of citizens reinventing theaters as viable, wonderful places showing great films, fostering educational programs and local culture. (Links below show theaters in other communities)

We are in conversations with creative people who have revitalized theaters. They have formed non-profit entities with varied programming drawing supportive audiences.
Imagine “Summerfield For The Arts” – a beautiful blend of films, education, social events, festivals, live performances. Imagine a cherished space for all ages. Imagine our great pride.

We need your creativity and energy. We need our collective belief. Belief sparks success.

Here are actions we are pursuing. We need your help and input – how can you assist?

  • We are researching and contacting non-profits for advice, knowledge and potential partnership in owning the Summerfield. We have spoken with parties involved in successful theater revitalization in San Francisco, and
    Sonoma Co. We will extend our outreach to all of California, all of the United States. Can you help?
  • We have relationships with the Tocchini family and a prospective buyer of the Lakeside Center as well as prospective cinema operators who may want to re-open the Summerfield after it goes dark. We are in communication with all parties.

We are in contact with Santa Rosa government officials emphasizing the public’s will and desire to keep options open for the theater. They need to hear us. Here is how to contact them:

  • Mark Stapp, Mayor/District 2 Council Member,  Phone: (707) 328-7024 - Email: mstapp@srcity.org
  • Maraskeshia Smith. City Manager, Phone: (707)-543-3010 - Email: Cmoffice@srcity.org
  • Other City Officials contacts are here:
    https://www.srcity.org/Directory.aspx?did=112

We are continuing efforts to keep all supporters informed, provide accurate updates, interface with local press and encourage everyone to participate – share your optimism and skills for success. 

“Summerfield For The Arts” – We begin. It’s in our hands now.

We honor all of you. Email us! Thank you!

Citizen Committee to Save the Summerfield

Let us hear you! SaveSummerfield@gmail.com

See what other communities are doing!

And of course theaters in Sonoma – The Rialto, Sebastopol; Cameo, St Helena; True West, Healdsburg

Support now
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