EBMUD leases former Cal Shakes amphitheater property to new nonprofit - Local News Matters

The East Bay Municipal Utility District Board approved a 15-year lease for the former California Shakespeare Theater amphitheater to the nonprofit Siesta Valley Foundation. The 9-acre property at 100 Gateway Blvd. near Orinda will be renamed Siesta Valley Bowl and is scheduled to reopen in April 2026. The foundation aims to host 40 to 50 events annually, expanding programming to include diverse genres such as music, film, dance, and education. EBMUD will collect both rent and a portion of ticket revenue from the lease agreement.

Board President Marguerite Young highlighted the agreement's potential to preserve the watershed and revive a regional arts landmark. Tom Romary, founder of the Siesta Valley Foundation, noted their commitment to sustainable venue operations that benefit local audiences and artists. The previous theater company, Cal Shakes, operated the venue as the Bruns Amphitheater until its dissolution last year due to financial challenges. The new initiative reflects a broader trend of repurposing cultural spaces to support community engagement and economic growth.