NEW MAYA PITTSBURG CINEMAS-16 Opened 8/3/12

8/4/12/SAT

PITTSBURG'S BRAND NEW "MAYA CINEMAS -- Pittsburg 16"

OPENED THE WEEKEND OF AUGUST 3rd, AND WHAT A TREAT IT IS!

Click Here: For September Special 2012 Events and Monthly Brochure
Click Here: For Information about Maya's Special Sound System

If you haven't attended our "brand new" movie center, which opened on Friday, August 3rd, you're in for a delightful experience.  Here's their automated phone number for movie schedule: (925) 753-1788 (you might want to put this on your speed-dialers/cell phones).

Free popcorn and $2.00 Hot Dogs (for the opening weekend)

• Here's a Google link for a FAST LOOK at their movie offerings
• Here's a Google link for a fast look at movie REVIEWS
• Here's a link to their corporate website
• Here's an  8/3/12 feature story from the Contra Costa Times
• Here's an  8/3/12 feature story from the San Jose Mercury News
• Here's a little historical information about the transition from the old Brendan Cinema, which gave us such pleasure, leading to this new generation of local entertainment.

Side note:  I couldn't help but wonder how all of this came to pass.  There was surely much behind- the-scenes work to persuade the Maya Corporation to make a home at Pittsburg.  It might not have happened, had some committed souls not made a convincing case.  I don't yet know who these heroes are, but I am searching -- and when I find out, I'm going to make sure we all know, so we can give them our thanks, if so-moved.  I know our superb government is involved, for sure.  A good local government has such a direct bearing on a good quality of day-to-day life. 
8/6/12 UPDATE:  Wrote an inquiry to the City Manager concerning responsibility for bringing this all about.  His kind answer is at the bottom of this posting. THANK YOU, SIERRA PACIFIC PROPERTIES (and City Manager Sbranti)!!!

A personal eyewitness account

My wife and I just returned from a delightful experience, this evening.  On return home, I immediately sat down to write this.  When I discovered how thoroughly the above-referenced feature stories covered the subject, I decided to be briefer than I had planned:

• On arrival, there was no problem with parking -- but parking's always been good, in our experience.
• As we approached the beautifully refurbished and festive outside, we noticed that the ticket counter was right square in the middle of the approach -- straight in from the parking lot -- no support columns to navigate around -- easy access.
• The ticket counter had easy-to-read electronic monitors, at eye level, to make it easy to see shows and times listings.
• Prices:  Didn't examine them, but the senior discounted price was $6.50
• On entry, one crosses a wide open lobby and a very attractive presentation to the eye, with a large snack counter and the usual array of goodies for sale.
• The beautiful new floor had huge decorative medallions inlaid to great effect.
• There was a surprisingly large staff, ready to assist and guide -- extremely courteous, cheerful and helpful.  They really rolled out the welcome mat.
• We went to see the new Batman movie.  The auditorium was very, very comfortable with stadium seating, and swivel-arm cup-holders.  The sound was great and the screen and images are quite up to modern standards.
• On departure, we were surprised and sobered by the very visible presence of numerous armed guards -- a sad sign of the times, but an indication of the alertness of the management, who seemed to have thought of everything.
• We had a chance to talk with one of the House Managers, Amanda Daoud, and exchanged information  with her -- so we can try to keep you informed of developments there, over the coming months.
• She gave us a little peek at a very special and large auditorium which is being readied for us.  She informed us that this "surprise" is like no other.  They have done some very innovative things with the sound system -- plus it has a huge screen, of course (appears to be IMAX and 3D, but please don't quote me yet -- I had a lot to take in).
• She informed us that this is a weekend for testing their readiness, working out any "bugs," team-building, continuing to make for a grand time from start to finish.  (my words, based on hers)

THE UPSHOT IS

We were delighted.  It was worth the months-long wait.  Our great town and area deserve such a jewel.  It looks like we are in good hands and can look forward to many great times to come.  Welcome MAYA Cinema Pittsburg -- 16!

David Nelson,

Editor

8/6/12 ltr from City Manager

Hi David,

I am very pleased to hear you enjoyed your recent experience at the new MAYA Cinema here in Pittsburg.

I would love to take the credit, but it is not mine to claim. The refurbishing of the old Brenden Theater was orchestrated by Sierra Pacific Properties who owns and manages many of the commercial and retail buildings here in town.  They reached out to MAYA and made it happen with little if any assistance from the City of Pittsburg. Sierra Pacific is the commercial branch of the Albert Seeno family of companies. They have repeatedly invested and reinvested in Pittsburg and the MAYA Cinema is just another example.  I know they would appreciate your positive feedback and if you see fit to tell your readers about your favorable experience.

As usual, thanks again for your input.

Joe Sbranti

City Manager

City of Pittsburg

(925) 252-4923