San Diego has a fresh voice to amplify its poetic spirit as resident Paola Capó-García takes on the mantle of the City's new Poet Laureate. She's set to infuse the role with her unique blend of passion and purpose over the next two years, according to an announcement from the City's Department of Cultural Affairs. Capó-García, who hails from North Park and boasts Puerto Rican roots, is stepping into the shoes of predecessor Jason Magabo Perez and is tasked with articulating the pulse of San Diego through her literary craft from 2025 to 2027.

Jonathon Glus, Department of Cultural Affairs Director, praised Capó-García's appointment, noting, "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," as the City of San Diego reported. Her tenure promises the creation of original poetry aimed at sparking engagement and nurturing community bonds while spearheading a project to boost the city’s cultural vibrancy.

Not just a figurehead, Capó-García has already made her mark on the literary world with works like “Clap for Me That’s Not Me,” a winner of Rescue Press' Black Box Poetry Prize. More of her poetry has surfaced in literary outposts, including The Volta, The Texas Review, and poets.org, to name a few. Beyond her published accomplishments, Capó-García has harnessed poetry's transformative power as a high school educator. "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," she told the City of San Diego.