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San Francisco’s renovated Castro Theatre set to reopen this month

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San Francisco’s renovated Castro Theatre set to reopen this month


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After a $41 million renovation, San Francisco’s iconic Castro Theatre will officially reopen this month with an entertainment lineup that’ll once again shine the spotlight on the storied California movie palace.

The Castro District’s designated historic landmark — a longtime LGBTQ+ cultural epicenter known for its community events and queer film screenings — will reopen on Saturday, Feb. 6, with a sold-out fundraiser for the Castro Community Benefit District.

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Marking the first time the theater has opened its doors since 2024, the “Community Opening” will feature a 35MM screening of the cult classic, “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” plus a drag queen costume contest in which the audience is encouraged to “serve the best looks and embody the spirit of Priscilla.”

According to the theater, its highly-anticipated reopening will herald “a new era for this cherished San Francisco landmark.”

Other events coming soon to Castro Theatre

The theater will host a second sold-out “Community Opening” on Sunday, Feb. 7, dubbed “D’Arcy’s Drag & Disco.” The celebration — considered the “soft launch” of the Castro — will feature live DJs, go-go dancers, and pop-up drag performances from Bay Area entertainers.

After that event, Grammy Award-winning singer Sam Smith will launch his 20-night “To Be Free: San Francisco Residency” at the Castro beginning Feb. 10. His performances wrap up on March 14 and are all sold out.

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On Feb. 12, A24’s sold-out San Francisco premiere of the studio’s upcoming film, “PILLION,” will fill the Castro as the venue’s first official post-restoration premiere.

The BDSM romance film stars Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling, both of whom will attend the San Francisco premiere. The film is directed by London-based writer-director Harry Lighton.

Check out the Castro’s full lineup for more events currently scheduled through November 2026, including an April screening of “The Princess Bride” as a tribute to the legacy of Rob Reiner and a two-night stint from the Indigo Girls in May.

The history of the Castro Theatre

The Castro Theatre was built in 1922. Its interior was designed by prominent San Francisco architect Timothy Pfleuger, with architectural influences from Spanish, Asian, Italian, and Art Deco styles.

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On its 100th anniversary in 2022, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the Castro was the oldest continuously operating single-screen theatre in San Francisco.

In 2022, Another Planet Entertainment entered into a partnership with the venue, which led to its $41 million rehabilitation. The theater closed for renovations in March 2024.

While seating remains for screenings and comedy shows, the Castro’s overhaul includes new standing-room space for live music — a first for the venue — as it looks to expand its entertainment offerings in its glow-up era.

Other upgrades patrons will discover at the Castro include:

  • NeonWorks’ restoration of the iconic vertical neon blade sign and the theater’s marquee.
  • A new movie screen — the old one was upcycled into art by ART by Queer AF.
  • Revitalization of the ceiling’s original artwork and historic lighting fixtures by Evergreen Architectural Arts.
  • Modernization of the orchestra-level chandelier that has been around since 1937.
  • The installation of a digital organ designed by longtime Castro organist David Hegarty.
  • A new HVAC system, new additional restrooms, and improved ADA access throughout the orchestra and backstage.

According to a press release, the Castro’s renovations were designed to “ensure this cultural gem will continue to serve as an inclusive global beacon for cultural expression to be enjoyed for generations to come.”



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San Francisco, CA

San Francisco bar hosts immersive

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San Francisco bar hosts immersive


Each week at Last Rites, a Duboce Triangle establishment known for its immersive atmosphere, fans gather for a watch party of the long-running reality television series “Survivor.”

San Francisco resident Kiram Maledi has been a regular since discovering the event with friends.

“We live really close by,” Maledi said. “And my good friend Emily, who turned us on to ‘Survivor,’ found out that Last Rites hosts ‘Survivor’ night. We got super into watching ‘Survivor’ in the past couple years, and the thought of an outing in our neighborhood where we get to participate in community while also indulging in this awesome season is pretty fun.”

“Survivor,” one of the longest-running reality shows in television history, is now in its 50th season on CBS.

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For Maledi, appreciation for the series came later in life.

“I’m a fan of the show because I never thought I’d be into reality TV, and I’m pleasantly surprised,” he said. “It’s a good practice of self to challenge myself for what I think I like. The challenges are super fun to watch. It’s cool to watch and be like, ‘How bad would I be at that?’ And for me to watch the social game and be like, ‘Oh, I would be crushed by that, I would really struggle.’ So to kind of role play like, how would these people do it, how would I do it, and oftentimes just get surprised and into it.”

The bar’s carefully crafted environment adds to the experience. With jungle-inspired decor, layered sound design and even scent elements, the space is designed to evoke a tropical destination, echoing the setting of the show itself.

Screens positioned throughout the bar ensure the episode is visible from nearly every angle.

“This is such a well-crafted space,” Maledi said. “The decorations, sound design — it even smells like what I think a tropical destination bar would smell like. I guess it is that. Drinks are super fantastic. I didn’t even know there was a second side of the menu.”

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At Last Rites, the weekly gathering goes beyond simply watching a television show. For fans, it’s an immersive experience, one that brings them closer to the world of “Survivor,” and to each other.



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San Francisco thieves targeting seniors who wear jewelry, police say

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San Francisco thieves targeting seniors who wear jewelry, police say


SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The San Francisco Police Department is warning the public to be aware of recent jewelry robbery schemes targeting senior citizens around the city.

The perpetrators often operate as part of a larger criminal enterprise that targets victims who wear visible jewelry.

Thieves approach unsuspecting victims, engage them in conversation, and sometimes offer a “gift,” investigators said.

SFPD wrote, “If a stranger approaches you and attempts to make physical contact or offer a gift, step away and alert them that you are calling the police.”

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One incident occurred on March 20, when officers were conducting an undercover robbery abatement operation.

“A plainclothes officer observed the occupants of a white BMW SUV approaching multiple individuals wearing jewelry, attempting to engage in conversation. Officers believed the occupants were casing for potential victims,” the police department wrote. “They observed the vehicle approach a victim near the corner of 17th Avenue and Cabrillo Street. The suspects engaged the victim in conversation and during the interaction, the suspect passenger appeared to place a necklace on the victim and then forcibly steal the victim’s jewelry.”

The BMW fled from officers until officers “disabled the vehicle” on Frederick Street, SFPD wrote. Officers arrested 37-year-old Ludovic-Iustinian Ceausu and 41- year-old Claudia Voinescu on suspicion of robbery, grand theft, elder abuse, conspiracy, and possession of stolen property.

Anyone who suspects they have been targeted in the jewelry scheme should contact police. “All victims are urged to contact the SFPD as quickly as possible if they become a victim. The SFPD will diligently investigate these cases,” the police department wrote.

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New cell tower being built in San Francisco neighborhood despite pushback

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New cell tower being built in San Francisco neighborhood despite pushback



A controversial AT&T cell tower is coming to the San Francisco Diamond Heights neighborhood, despite community pushback. 

Daniel Shereck, a resident and member of the Diamond Heights Community Association, helped lead the charge against its construction. 

 “Their proposal says they’ve got a large brown tower just about 10 stories tall,” Shereck said. 

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AT&T will install a 104-foot macro cell tower in the heart of the neighborhood, next to the San Francisco police academy, a local playground and nearby homes.

“It’s going to be enormous,” Shereck said. 

The city approved the tower, despite opposition from Shereck and members of the Diamond Heights Community Association, who told CBS News Bay Area the tower is an unnecessary eyesore that poses wildfire and pollution risks. 

“We’re really just asking AT&T to follow the alternatives that they have done elsewhere,” Shereck said.

But in a tense hearing before the Board of Supervisors, Cami Blackstone, director of external affairs for AT&T, argued there’s a significant need for the tower. She also says there is no evidence of wildfire or health risks, despite residents’ claims. 

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“I was very dispirited. I’m really concerned about the future of San Francisco,” Shereck said. 

Shereck says the neighborhood will try to find some middle ground.

“Given what we can suggest at this point would probably be considering the color of the tower, covering up exposed wires, trying to make the antenna somewhat less obvious in the community,” Shereck said. 



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