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The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) announces "The Dean Collection Presents: Hometown Heroes," a new exhibition opening April 18, 2026, alongside "Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys." To celebrate San Diego’s creative community, Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys approached MCASD with the idea of spotlighting local artists from the Dean Collection to accompany the run of "Giants." MCASD collaborated with the Deans to organize "Hometown Heroes," which will feature photographers MJ Pimentel, Oscar Cruz, and Chata, drawn from the Dean Collection, in dialogue with selected works from the museum’s permanent collection by regional artists Andrea Chung, Esteban Cabeza de Baca, and Fox Maxy. Works by Pimentel, Cruz and Chata capture facets of life in San Diego with images that speak to the encroachment of gentrification, a longstanding history of Chicana/o/e activism, lowrider car culture, and community pride. With an eye towards the natural environment, Chung’s cyanotypes of lionfish shed light on the enduring effects of colonialism, while Cabeza de Baca’s layered painting and Maxy’s sculptural video installation point to the cultural and ecologic forces that have shaped the U.S. /Mexico border region. This exhibition celebrates San Diego’s artists and histories born from a recent acquisition made by The Dean Collection. "Neighborhood Visualz," an exhibition showcasing film photographs by Cruz and Pimentel, was on view at Por Vida, a coffee shop and gallery in Barrio Logan, when Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean) paid a visit and decided to purchase the entire show. This is in line with the Deans’ unique approach to collecting that centers on forming personal relationships with artists and amplifying voices that have been historically underrepresented. This MCASD exclusive exhibition centers Black, Brown, and Indigenous experiences at a critical time. As the first "Giants" venue incorporating both English and Spanish labels, MCASD continues to further their commitment to highlighting the work of Latino/a/e artists in the broader San Diego community and beyond. Local traditions will also be incorporated into the run of "Giants," starting with a performance and blessing by Danza Mexi’cayotl—one of the oldest and most respected Chichimeca-Azteca dance groups in San Diego County—to kick off the exhibition’s opening celebration. "Hometown Heroes" is curated by MCASD Associate Curator, Amy Crum, and will be on view April 18 through Nov. 8, 2026.

Step into a world of hands-on exploration and discovery during a special evening packed with interactive activity booths, live science demos, and fun for the whole family! Through hands-on activity booths and an endless amount of fun, children will learn about: - Automotive mechanics with Girlie Garage - Coding with League of Amazing Programmers - Robotics with Magikids Robotics - Chemistry with Escondido Public Library - Fire safety with Escondido Fire Department - Evolution of technology with San Diego History Center - Brain eye coordination with Fleet Science Center - Microchips with ASML - Engineering a catapult - Aerodynamics - Science of our senses + more! Plus, you won’t want to miss mixing potions, coding spells, and working on optical illusions with LKW STEM Foundation! Fill up with a quick bite from Epic Eatz food truck. Tickets: Non-Members: $20 Museum Members: $17 Military: $13 EBT/WIC/SNAP: $7 Children’s Museum of Discovery on Facebook / Instagram

Poets Underground Presents CV Slam Fest ’26: A Powerful Fusion of Poetry, Hip-Hop, and Community in Chula Vista CHULA VISTA, CA — April 25, 2026 | 12 p.m. | Memorial Park Bowl Amphitheater Poets Underground will present CV Slam Fest ’26, a dynamic, free, all-ages cultural event uniting spoken word, hip-hop, youth expression, and community storytelling. Taking place at the Memorial Park Bowl Amphitheater, the festival highlights the region’s creative voice through a multigenerational lineup of performers, educators, and artists. Headlining the event are renowned hip-hop artists Eligh and Scarub of the influential collective Living Legends. The duo will open the festival with a live performance, setting the tone for a full day of competition and artistic showcase. Central to the event is a high-stakes poetry slam competition featuring 12 poets competing for a $1,000 cash prize. Participants represent three divisions—Rookies (first-time competitors), Veterans (previous slam champions), and CV Locals—ensuring a diverse range of voices and perspectives. Competing Poets Merrell • Soul Stuf • Lou • Deal Profits • Jozer G • Faith Marie Kearns • The Ramblr • Alex Nuno • Monarch the Poet • Demetri Manabat • Espi Love • Robbie Hammel In addition to the competition, CV Slam Fest ’26 will showcase the impact of Poets Underground’s Poetry Heals Program, an initiative focused on youth development through creative expression. The 9th grade class of High Tech High Chula Vista will perform selected works from their published student anthology, developed through a 10-week curriculum centered on emotional processing, storytelling, and community engagement. The program will also include a multidisciplinary performance by a student from Maraya Performing Arts Studio, highlighting the integration of poetry with theater and dance as a form of expressive storytelling. Further expanding the event’s artistic scope, Poets Underground co-owner Anthony Azzarito will debut a track from an upcoming collaborative spoken-word EP with Eligh, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s continued evolution in cross-genre performance. Event Highlights • Live opening performance by Eligh & Scarub • $1,000 Poetry Slam Competition • Youth performances from Poetry Heals Program participants • Multidisciplinary theater and dance showcase • Food vendors and local merchants • Free admission for all attendees CV Slam Fest ’26 serves as both a cultural gathering and a platform for authentic storytelling—demonstrating the power of poetry as a tool for connection, expression, and community building. Event Details Date: April 25, 2026 Time: 12 p.m. Location: Memorial Park Bowl Amphitheater, Chula Vista, CA Admission: Free ⸻ Media Contact Poets Underground Poetsundergroundsubmissions@gmail.com PoetsUndergroundPress.com ⸻ About Poets Underground Poets Underground is a San Diego based arts organization dedicated to amplifying voices through poetry, performance, and education. Owned and operated by married creative partners Sunny Rey Azzarito and Anthony Azzarito, the organization leads community-centered initiatives such as Poetry Heals, providing youth and community members with tools for creative expression, emotional development, and public storytelling. Its events and workshops create accessible platforms for emerging and established artists to connect and perform. ⸻ Funding Acknowledgment This event is funded in part by the City of Chula Vista through the Performing and Visual Arts Grant (PVAG) program. Poets Underground on Instagram

Six leading candidates for California governor are jostling for advantage in a chaotic race with no clear leader. Four Democrats and two Republicans took the stage Wednesday for a televised debate.

Even as anti-Muslim rhetoric rises in Texas, Muslim pitmasters are winning over diners and reshaping one of the state's most iconic culinary traditions.

The Irish author said her books can no longer be sold in the UK after she pledged the royalties to a banned pro-Palestinian group.

A 7-year-old girl was injured riding her new bike. A stranger came to her rescue and gifted her an origami crane with a hidden message she would only discover years later.

The fourth annual Punches in the Piazza returns to Little Italy San Diego on Friday, September 11, 2026, bringing together amateur boxing, philanthropy and a powerful tribute to those affected by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Taking place at 6 p.m. in the Piazza della Famiglia, the beloved charitable event honors the legacy of Hall of Fame boxing promoter Bobby DePhilippis and raises funds for the Washington Elementary School Foundation and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Held on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, this year's event carries special significance as attendees gather to recognize first responders, remember those whose lives were forever changed by the tragedy and support organizations dedicated to serving children, families and communities in need. Punches in the Piazza combines USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur bouts, community engagement and philanthropic giving in a unique outdoor setting in the heart of Little Italy. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy nine amateur boxing matches featuring local athletes, special ceremonial tributes, silent auction opportunities, raffle prizes, VIP experiences and commemorative merchandise. The event has become an annual tradition bringing together boxing enthusiasts, first responders and residents for an evening centered on remembrance, unity and giving back. Founded in honor of Bobby DePhilippis, the event celebrates the lasting impact of one of San Diego's most influential boxing figures. During his career, DePhilippis promoted more than 60 boxing events at the El Cortez Convention Center and was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012. Today, the Bobby D. Foundation, established by his daughter Michelle DePhilippis, carries on his legacy by supporting community programs with a focus on providing opportunities and resources for underprivileged children throughout San Diego. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Washington Elementary School Foundation and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit that honors the sacrifice of military service members, veterans and first responders while supporting their families through housing assistance programs. Organizers aim to raise $50,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships, donations and fundraising activities throughout the evening. As one of the few public events in San Diego commemorating the anniversary of 9/11, Punches in the Piazza offers a uniquely meaningful experience that blends remembrance, community connection and charitable impact. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect, connect and contribute while enjoying an exciting evening of amateur boxing and entertainment. Visit: https://www.bobbyde.org/ Bobby D. Foundation on Facebook

Join us for Craft & Cultured: Beer & Cheese Pairing with Chef Dave. Event includes: - 1 10oz welcome beer - Beer and Cheese Pairing Education - 5 beer samples - 5 artisan cheeses selected to pair with these beers - Accouterments and surprising delights. VIP / FAQ: Participants must be 21+. As for the beer and cheese selections, those are a well-curated secret. Trust Chef Dave. He has excellent taste. This class is: Whether you're coming as a couple, a girls' night crew, adults with their parents, work besties, or a group of 2, 4, 8 or 12, this class was made for you. Request seating together and let the fun begin. Allergen Considerations: Our classes include common allergens or potential for cross-contamination with common allergens: Gluten and Wheat Dairy and Eggs Nuts and Legumes While this is not an exhaustive list, we do our best to support those with allergies. Please reach out to us with any needs, requests, or questions. Grainbakers on Facebook / Instagram

Join us for Craft & Cultured: Beer & Cheese Pairing with Chef Dave. Event includes: - 1 10oz welcome beer - Beer and Cheese Pairing Education - 5 samples of Lost Abbey Beer - 5 artisan cheeses selected to pair with these beers - Accouterments and surprising delights. VIP / FAQ: Participants must be 21+. As for the beer and cheese selections, those are a well-curated secret. Trust Chef Dave. He has excellent taste. This class is: Whether you're coming as a couple, a girls' night crew, adults with their parents, work besties or a group of 2, 4, 8 or 12, this class was made for you, so request seating together and let the fun begin. Allergen Considerations: Our classes include common allergens or potential for cross-contamination with common allergens: Gluten and Wheat Dairy and Eggs Nuts and Legumes While this is not an exhaustive list, we do our best to support those with allergies. Please reach out to us with any needs, requests, or questions. Grainbakers on Facebook / Instagram