City of San Diego outlines next steps for development of citywide cultural plan

Effort will guide arts and culture investments

SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego is creating its first-ever comprehensive cultural plan to guide investments in arts and culture in neighborhoods across the city. Recently, staff published a framework that will help facilitate the development of the cultural plan, Creative City, which will advance arts and culture in every community, and foster greater opportunity and sustainability for all San Diegans.

The Creative City cultural planning process will result in a seven to 10-year plan aligning art and culture with the priorities of the city with a focus on goals outlined in the framework. Residents are encouraged to get involved in the planning process and share insights to capture San Diego cultural traditions and creative assets. Ultimately, the plan aims to propel San Diego and the entire San Diego-Baja megaregion forward as a more equitable place of inspiration and prosperity.

“This is an important milestone in our work toward the cultural plan,” said Jonathon Glus, Executive

Director, Arts and Culture.

“Developing the plan involves listening to individuals and communities, gathering and analyzing information and building consensus on a shared vision for arts and culture. The framework outlines our phases to build an ambitious and achievable cultural plan to serve our entire city and the creative communities for years to come.”

San Diego’s arts and cultural ecosystems are vital in their vision and impact. Yet, they face ongoing challenges related to the pandemic and the rising cost of living and doing business. With the right plan, the San Diego creative economy will power growth and success led by creatives in every industry and by artists from visual and performing arts to film and music.

The framework and project website – sdcreativecity. com – provide information and an overview of the planning process. Starting with preplanning and research, which began last winter, the process moves into listening and engaging sessions with

San Diegans. The final plan is expected to be completed by March 2025.

“The cultural planning process is an unprecedented opportunity for residents to get involved and plan San Diego’s creative future together, charting a course for how our city can continue to grow as a cultural capital,” said Christine E. Jones, Chief of Civic Art Strategies, Arts and Culture. “This Creative City cultural plan will help us align arts and culture with city priorities, and San Diegans will have multiple opportunities to inform the aspirations and objectives for the plan, from participating in Creative City forums to hosting their community conversations with our toolkits.”

The City of San Diego is leading this effort in collaboration with an industryleading consulting firm based in San Diego and serving the fields of arts and culture, Cultural Planning Group, LLC. Topic areas for the citywide cultural planning effort include analyzing existing conditions and identifying opportunities for city programs and initiatives, creative economy investments, city-owned cultural facilities, cultural equity and tourism.

Starting in June, the engagement process will include two Creative City public forums. Public discussion pop-ups will be held in nine City Council districts through July, along with the launch of a public survey. Visit the project website, follow the city on social media and sign up for ongoing updates to learn more.

The City of San Diego 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/ arts-culture.

(City of San Diego Release)

A concert to remember:

‘The Champions’ with Joel Sebag live at Pechanga Resort Casino, May 21

IT’S a night to remember!

Three seasonal top Filipino singers dubbed as ‘The Champions’ along with Joel Sebag, a renowned singer cum pianist, will perform on stage live at Pechanga Resort Casino on May 21, Sunday at 6 p.m. Pechanga Resort Casino, conveniently located off Highway I-15 in Temecula Valley, Southern California wine county, is well-known for hosting only the best and the brightest Filipino entertainers and performers aimed to provide the ultimate experience, especially to its FilipinoAmerican patrons. Mark your calendars as wholesome live entertainment will come straight from multifaceted artists and singers in the likes of Klarisse De Guzman, Marcelito Pomoy, Mitoy Yonting, and Sebag.

Klarisse, a composer, host and judge of “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” a local (Philippine) show, also rose to prominence when she capped first place during the initial season of the famed Voice of the Philippines in 2013. She later on placed third in another reality singing competition, “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” in 2021.

Internationally recognized Marcelito Pomoy, known for his ability to sing in tenor and soprano, was the grand winner in the second season of “Pilipinas Got Talent.” He took part later on in “America’s Got Talent: The Champions,” finishing fourth overall.

Popularly named ‘Mitoy’, Michael Yonting carved his career in various capacities as a singer, comedian, actor, and lead vocalist for his band, “The Draybers,” where he rose to fame after bagging the title in the first season of “The Voice of the Philippines” in 2013. This catapulted his career and he became part of the Philippine Ballet Theatre’s two-night concert.

Inspired by the ‘transforming power of God’s grace that continues to manifest in his life and gospel songs, Joel Sebag, a physical therapist who graduated from Boston University, has been a wellknown pianist since the age of

7, and his passion for music exemplifies his love as a true believer of the Lord. He went as far as Eureka Springs, Arizona and Kimberting City, Missouri to perform live with other inspirational piano concert bands.

What are you waiting for?

This event only happens once in a lifetime! Get your tickets now from the Pechanga Box Office, or by calling 888-810-8871, or visit www.pechnga.com.

Pechanga Summit features a 40,000-square foot area for entertainers, concerts, live sporting events, trade shows, weddings, or any large groups to book. In total, Pechanga now offers 274,500 square feet of indoor/outdoor contemporary meeting and event space, which significantly enhanced the amenities, space and visibility of Pechanga’s event offerings. Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the number one casino in the country by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering 5,400 of the hottest slots, 152 table games, a 1,100 room and suite hotel, dining, luxury spa, and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @ PechangaCasino. (Advertising Supplement)