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Valley Drive-in Theatre (Closed)
Lompoc, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The Valley Drive-in Theatre of Lompoc is no longer open. Located next to a new recycling center, are the Valley's days numbered? Only time will tell.

Near the recycling center in back of the drive-in is one of the dustiest areas around.

Porterville Drive-in Theatre (Closed)
Porterville, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

If you travel up Route 99 to Porterville, stop by the Porterville Drive-in Theatre. This place is worth a visit, especially for a look see at the strange marquee. A second screen was added here in 1990.

UPDATE 01/09 : According to the Porterville Drive-in website, the theatre showed its first movie on May 18, 1950. The theatre remained open for the most part through the end of the 2004 season. The drive-in is now closed. 01-09

(Left) The screen tower still up and displaying movies

(Far left) Odd-looking marquee that looks somewhat like a brochure holder.

UPDATE 05/09 : A fire burned a storage building that was located just below the west screen of the old Porterville Drive-in Theatre. According to the article in the Porterville Recorder, the small fire destroyed half the storage area and the case is under investigation for suspicious behavior. Flames had risen up the movie screen at one point before the fire was put out.

Madera Drive-in Theatre
Madera, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Just 20 minutes or so above Fresno is Madera County and the Madera Drive-in Theatre. No marquee for the drive-in other the then one on back of the screen could be found and the screen tower was relatively nondescript. At least a classic water tank was nearby. Check out the ticket booth and the entranceway to the drive-in theatre that was originally named the Park Vu.

Skyview Drive-in Theatre (Closed)
Santa Cruz, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The Skyview Drive-in Theatre near Santa Cruz, California features a nicely kept marquee. Like the Madera, a small billboard is located on back of the screen tower. This theatre is still open. First run movies were showing at this drive-in.

UPDATE 01/09 : The Skyview Drive-in Theatre closed on December 2, 2007 after originally opening up in 1949. The drive-in was demolished in May 2008. The new owners Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF)/Sutter Health has plans to develop the site into medical office and other health care related uses. See more information at metrosantacruz.com. 01-09

Skyview Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Salinas, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Yes, Virginia, this is a nice ticket booth. Although the guard inside was slightly... let's say... red in the face (doubt it was the sun), the Skyview Drive-in Theatre of Salinas appeared in decent shape. Just don't go in while clean-up crews are picking up after the swapmeet. Or when fog is covering the screen tower.

UPDATE 07/06 : The Skyview was demolished on July 9th, 2001 to make way for construction of a school building. This update was found at http://www.driveinmovie.com/CA.htm. 07-07

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