The Castro Theatre Conservancy is committed to ensuring that the Castro Theatre remains a venue that the community can continue to visit and utilize almost every day of the year. Along with our partners (including the Friends of the Castro Theatre Coalition, the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District, SF Heritage, the Art Deco Society of California, and more), the Conservancy wants to see the theater restored and renovated so that it can continue to thrive for another 100 years. However, we remain steadfast in our commitment that the Castro Theatre is a venue that should remain a resource that serves the community, rather than benefit a single privately-held company.

• “Save the Seats” means we want to see the Castro Theatre remain a theater, and its seating configuration remains as it has for the last 100 years. 
• If the Supervisors update the Draft Landmark Designation Ordinance for the Castro Theatre to include “fixed theatrical seating configured in movie-palace style,” that means the Castro can continue to benefit the community, not a single privately-held company
• The Castro Theatre is an important cultural institution, just as are Davies Symphony Hall and the War Memorial Opera House. The Castro is special because it is home to the City’s LGBTQ+ and film programming, and we hope to keep it that way. No one would suggest tearing out the seats from Davies or the Opera House (or the pews from Grace Cathedral).

We still need you!

1. ATTEND: The Land Use & Transportation Committee Meeting 

• WHEN: Monday, April 17 at 1:30 p.m.; arrive early for seating
• WHERE: City Hall in Room 250
  • Dial-in information will be available for those who cannot attend in person.
• WHAT: President Peskin, Supervisor Melgar, and Supervisor Preston will consider updating the Draft Landmark Designation Ordinance for the Castro Theatre. We want to see the text updated, so that it accurately reflects the findings in the Landmark Designation Fact Sheet, which the Historic Preservation Commission approved on February 1, 2023. 
  • By updating “presence of seating” to the more accurate “fixed theatrical seating configured in movie-palace style,” community needs will be served, rather than APE’s potential profits.
• HOW TO HELP: Attend Monday’s meeting and let your voice be heard! See here for suggested talking points. 

2. ATTEND: Historic Preservation Commission & Planning and Transportation Commission Joint Meeting

• WHEN: Thursday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m.: arrive early for seating;
• WHERE: City Hall in Room 400
  • Dial-in information will be available for those who cannot attend in person.
• WHAT: This meeting will include approval of the landmark designation change and reviewing APE's Certificate of Appropriateness and Conditional Use Permit. In essence: they'll be discussing APE's plans for the Castro Theater. Showing up and having your voice heard will keep APE accountable.
• HOW TO HELP: Save the date! We will send suggested talking points closer to the date of the meeting.  

3. SEND: Emails to City Supervisors and the Historic Preservation Commission here.

• WHAT: Whether you can attend in person or not, it is still important to send letters to the City. You can send the template as-is, or personalize it!