Facebook Site Rallies Save The CineArts Domers

Art-film raconteurs hoping to "save the dome" have a Facebook site with a petition to save their beloved Pleasant Hill landmark.

The site — titled "Save Independent Film and the CineArts Dome in Pleasant Hill" — includes a link to a petition on Change.org urging SyWest Development and the Pleasant Hill Planning Commission to preserve the dome.

In December, SyWest Development of San Rafael disclosed plans to refurbish half of the Crossroads Shopping Center alongside Interstate 680. The plans including destruction of the geodesic dome theater compex and replacement with a two-story Dick's Sporting Goods store. CineArts is operated by Cinemark Theatres.

The Facebook site has 152 likes. The site is reeling with nostalgia about CineArts. One Pleasant Hill native, transplanted to San Diego, says, "The list of Pleasant Hill memories goes on; but it would never be complete without mentioning my experiences at the Dome. Jurassic Park, Gladiator, Star Wars, and my first kiss were all under that green-tinted hut."

Another respondent says, "People from everywhere can know our City off the Highway by its remarkable presence right across from the Soldiers Monument Memorial on the other side of Highway 680 … I think Pleasant Hill will lose a part of its soul if it is torn down. Please hold onto it!"