Storm damages historic Fremont Theater’s marquee in SLO
By Joan Lynch and
Joe Tarica
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One of downtown San Luis Obispo’s most recognizable landmarks was damaged in the winter storm that barreled through the county on Tuesday.
Monterey Street in front of the Fremont Theater was closed after a chunk of the 83-year-old theater’s vertical marquee fell off.
The street was closed from the Katcho Achadjian County Government Center to Osos Street, marked off signs and by caution tape.
A seagull perches on the top of the Fremont Theater marquee just above the spot where a chunk of the sign fell off, leading to the closure of Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Joe Tarica jtarica@thetribunenews.com
Red caution tape also closed off the area directly under the sign.
No one was injured by the falling debris, which was caused by wear and tear from the storm, San Luis Obispo Police Department public information officer Christine Wallace told The Tribune.
The street was clear of debris at 11:30 a.m., as workers used a bucket crane to inspect the facade for further damage.
Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo was closed on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, after a chunk of the Fremont Theater’s vertical marquee fell off. Sadie Dittenber sdittenber@thetribunenews.com
Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo was closed on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, after a chunk of the Fremont Theater’s vertical marquee fell off. Joe Tarica jtarica@thetribunenews.com
Joan Lynch is a housing reporter at the San Luis Obispo Tribune. Originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin, Joan studied journalism and telecommunications at Ball State University, graduating in 2022.
