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Our reporters guide you through the most important news, features and recommendations of the day.<\/p>\n
By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service<\/a> and our Privacy Policy<\/a>. <\/p>\n What\u2019s the latest<\/p>\n Dome Center LLC, the company that owns the property along Sunset Boulevard near Vine Street, filed an application<\/a> Oct. 28 for a conditional-use permit to sell alcohol for on-site consumption at the Cinerama Dome Theater and adjoining multiplex. The application doesn\u2019t mention an reopening date or any details about movie screenings returning to the dome but suggests that a reopening may be in the works.<\/p>\n Elizabeth Peterson-Gower of Place Weavers Inc., said Dome Center is seeking a new permit that would \u201callow for the continued sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption in conjunction with the existing Cinerama Dome Theater, 14 auditoriums within the Arclight Cinemas Theater Complex, and restaurant\/cafe with two outdoor dining terraces from 7:00 am – 4:00 am, daily,\u201d according to the application filed by the company\u2019s representative.<\/p>\n This would would be a renewal of the current 10-year permit, which expires Nov. 5.<\/p>\n The findings document<\/a> filed with the City Planning Department<\/a> also mentions that \u201cwhen the theater reopens, it will bring additional jobs to Hollywood and reactivate the adjacent streets, increasing safety and once again bringing vibrancy to the surrounding area.\u201d<\/p>\n A representative for Dome Center LLC did not respond immediately Friday to a request for comment.<\/p>\n What happened to the Dome?<\/p>\n The Cinerama Dome opened in 1963 and had been closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.<\/p>\n Since the closing, the news about the future of the theater has been ambiguous.<\/p>\n In April, 2021, the owner of Pacific Theatres and ArcLight Cinemas<\/a> announced they would not reopen the beloved theater<\/a> even after the pandemic ended. But then, in December, sources told The Times<\/a> that plans were in the works to reopen the Cinerama Dome and the attached theater complex.<\/p>\n In 2022, news that the property owners obtained a liquor license for the renamed \u201cCinerama Hollywood\u201d<\/a> fueled hope among the L.A. film-loving community\u2019s that the venue was still on track to return. <\/p>\n But the Cinerama Dome\u2019s doors have remained closed.<\/p>\n Signs of life<\/p>\n At a public hearing regarding the adjacent Blue Note Jazz Club in June, Peterson-Gower reportedly<\/a> indicated that although there were not yet any definitive plans, the property owners had reached out to her to next discuss the future of the Cinerama Dome.<\/p>\n Perhaps this new permit application is a sign plans are finally coming together.<\/p>\n After the kind of year Los Angeles has endured \u2014 with devastating fires and demoralizing immigration raids \u2014 it would certainly bolster the spirits of all Angelenos to have another local landmark reopen its doors to welcome movie-loving patrons like me. <\/p>\n Today\u2019s top stories California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks as he stands with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom during an election night news conference at a Democratic Party office in Sacramento on Nov. 4, 2025.<\/p>\n (Godofredo A. V\u00e1squez \/ Associated Press)<\/p>\n Voters approve Prop. 50After World Series celebration, ICE and Border Patrol gather at Dodger Stadium once again<\/p>\n Sen. Alex Padilla says he won\u2019t run for California governor<\/p>\n What else is going onCommentary and opinionsThis morning\u2019s must-readFor your downtime A view of landscaping at the home of Susan Gottleib and her Gottleib Native Garden in Beverly Hills.<\/p>\n (Allen J. Schaben \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n Going outStaying inA question for you: What\u2019s the best hiking trail in SoCal?<\/p>\n Alexandra<\/b> writes: \u201cSullivan Canyon, for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n Rochelle<\/b> writes: \u201cCan\u2019t ever go wrong in Griffith Park, but for overall exercise, killer views, artifacts, and entertainment without wearing yourself out, my hiking partner and I like the Solstice Canyon Loop in Malibu, 3.4 miles. The most popular hike in the canyon, for good reason!\u201d<\/p>\n Email us at essentialcalifornia@latimes.com<\/a>, and your response might appear in the newsletter this week.<\/p>\n And finally … your photo of the day Joe Rinaudo hopes to host tours and educational opportunities at his home theater and museum through a nonprofit group dedicated to preserving photoplayers.<\/p>\n (Jason Armond \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n Today\u2019s great photo is from Times photographer Jason Armond<\/b> at the home of Joe Rinaudo, the foremost expert on photoplayers, who is preserving the soundtrack to a bygone movie era<\/a>.<\/p>\n Have a great day, from the Essential California team<\/p>\n Jim Rainey, staff reporter How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to essentialcalifornia@latimes.com<\/a>. Check our top stories<\/a>, topics<\/a> and the latest articles<\/a> on latimes.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n
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Hugo Mart\u00edn, assistant editor, fast break desk
Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor
Andrew Campa, Sunday writer
Karim Doumar, head of newsletters<\/p>\n