A resident of North Park, originally from Puerto Rico, has been selected as the City of San Diego’s new Poet Laureate. Paola Capó-García will take on the role of great civic significance as the City’s third Poet Laureate for a two-year term from 2025 to 2027.  

Capó-García succeeds Jason Magabo Perez, who served from 2022 to 2024. The City’s Poet Laureate is an ambassador for poetry, spoken word and literary arts.    

“Paola Capó-García’s talent and vision exemplifies the vibrant, diverse culture that makes San Diego so special,” said Department of Cultural Affairs Director Jonathon Glus. “Her work as Poet Laureate will bring people together through the power of spoken word, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the communities, cultures and stories that make San Diego our home.”  

During her term, Capó-García will create original, thought-provoking and inclusive works designed to engage San Diegans through poetry, inspire critical thinking and foster deeper community connections. She will also lead a poetry project to enhance San Diego’s cultural vibrancy.   

Capó-García is the author of “Clap for Me That’s Not Me,” which won Rescue Press' 2017 Black Box Poetry Prize. Her work has been featured in The Volta, The Texas Review, Puerto Rico en mi corazón, Latino Book Review, jubilat, Poetry Society of America, poets.org and more. Raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she has lived in San Diego for over a decade and resides in North Park with her partner and dogs.  

"I’ve dedicated my life to poetry and poetry education, so serving San Diego, the city I love so much, as Poet Laureate is a dream come true,” said Capó-García. “As a high school educator, I’ve seen firsthand how poetry helps young people embrace their identities and draw this big world in a little closer. When we read and write poetry, we cultivate empathy, ambition, critical thinking and collaboration. I look forward to building on the work of past Poet Laureates and celebrating the transformative power of language."  

Capó-García was selected through a rigorous competitive process that began in October 2024. Applicants were evaluated on artistic excellence, literary achievements, educational contributions and community engagement in past poetry projects.   

The Poet Laureate selection committee included: 

• Anthony Blacksher, poet, San Diego Poetry Annual publisher and San Bernardino Valley College professor.
• Karla Cordero, poet.
• Stephen Hill, resiliency and economic recovery senior advisor for the Office of Mayor Todd Gloria.
• Robt O'Sullivan, poet.
• Jason Magabo Perez, San Diego Poet Laureate (2022-2024).  

The City of San Diego Department of Cultural Affairs advances and drives an equitable and inclusive creative economy and cultural ecosystem by investing in the work of artists and creatives and the institutions and systems that amplify creative work and experiences. To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/cultural-affairs.