North Park Resident Chosen as San Diego’s New Poet Laureate

The city of San Diego has a new cultural ambassador.

North Park resident Paola Capó-García, an educator and teaching mentor originally from Puerto Rico, has been selected by the city as its third Poet Laureate from 2025 through 2027.

The City’s Poet Laureate is an ambassador for poetry, spoken word and literary arts, the City of San Diego said in a release.

Capó-García succeeds Jason Magabo Perez, who served from 2022 to 2024.

“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.”

During her term, Capó-García says she hopes to create original and inclusive works intended to engage San Diegans through poetry, inspire critical thinking, and foster deeper community connections. She will also lead poetry projects. 

Capó-García is the author of “Clap for Me That’s Not Me,” which won the 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. She lives in North Park with her partner and their dogs.  

“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 in a statement.

“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.”

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

More information about the process and San Diego’s Department of Cultural Affairs can be found here.