Pittsburg’s California Theatre to expand renovations just after infusion of condition monies

PITTSBURG — Though numerous amusement venues sat empty and idle through a prolonged stretch of the pandemic, Pittsburg’s historic California Theatre has been undergoing a key renovation.

The job got a $400,000 funding increase when the 2021-22 condition funds was accepted a handful of months back.

The money, which condition Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Orinda, states he involved in the budget, will be utilised to update the theater’s marquee and establish dressing rooms under the stage, in accordance to town officials. When the renovation is done, the theater’s balcony will have added extra than 100 seats.

Mayor Merl Craft reported the more dollars is especially welcome just after the pandemic compelled the theater and other downtown venues this kind of as dining places to near for so lots of months.

“The California Theatre is a landmark in this group, and this guidance will assist us make it even greater,” she reported. “We truly appreciate Sen. Glazer stepping up for us when the opportunity was there. This will make a variation.”

Janis Glover of the Pittsburg Arts and Group Basis had spearheaded attempts to locate grants and maintain fundraisers for the to start with period of the growth, which is to be financed by a $1 million John H. and Regina K. Scully Foundation grant. That revenue will be utilised to add 150 seats, increasing the theater’s capability to nearly 500. It also will shell out to enhance the balcony, update the lighting, seem and electrical techniques, increase new floors and railings and improve accessibility with a vertical platform raise.