Pictures tell it as well if not better than words, Right? My sister and I are in Firenze, Italy. We arrived on the 14th and will be here until the 22nd. So far, so much fun! I will post pictures on my blog between my regular posts. 

 We are a block from the Arno. That's the Ponte Vecchio in the background, right. So far the weather could not be more perfect.

I know folks are always saying that the food is good. I'm here to tell you, the food is DANG good! This was our first meal in Italy and it did not disappoint.

 Our slightly unconventional selfie with David, which statue is all it's cracked up to be. The entire presentation and impact cannot be captured in a photo, so why try? Going for the goofy instead.

 A Pick-Pocketing Waiting to Happen, or How My Luggage Was Stolen One Time. 

You're just walking along, taking in the beauty, when suddenly, situational awareness goes right out the window. I have no idea who this sistah-tourist is, but I feel her wonder.

 Trouble times 3. Our niece, Marta, joined us in Firenze. The wine did flow, the laughs were loud. Tomorrow we'll take a day trip to see her home in Bologna.

Meanwhile, back in San Diego, The World is Run by Those Who Show Up. Still is, always will be.

Friday, October 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM   Artistic Practice: Roxana Velásquez in Conversation with Artist Betsabeé Romero

Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art (Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater), 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA.

November 1, 4-9p.m. 31st Annual Día de Muertos Festival California Center for the Arts, Escondido FREE

Event Highlights Art & Remembrance Community Altars honoring loved ones throughout the festival. Altars are available on a first come, first serve basis

November 3^rd all day, ELECTION DAY---GET OUT THE VOTE

November 10th, 2026  6 pm to 8 pm  County District 2 Holiday Legislative Open House with Supervisor Joel Anderson  12584 Mapleview St, Lakeside, CA 92040

November 15, 2026, 08-1100 Del Dios Pancake Breakfast Del Dios Community Center (Old Firehouse) at 20155 Elm Lane, Escondido, CA 92029 near Lake Hodges. Funds support local fire prevention, community center upkeep, Lake Hodges and Mount Israel ecological efforts, and restoring a 1935 historic fire engine. Features an all-you-can-eat spread including pancakes, sausage, ham, and kielbasa, scrambled eggs, homemade sides, fruit, and beverages.

November 19, 2026 San Diego County Arts and Culture Commission meeting

Commission meetings are at 11:00 a.m, in the County Administration Building

Phone: +1 669 444 9171 
Webinar ID: 835 2052 5968

 

                           

Fall, 2024 at Niagara Falls. We got very wet. So worth it!

Good morning, Southern Cal! Land of weather extremes, eternal sun (when it’s not storming), earthquakes and ART! You know Fall is here when Julian is holding apple festivals. All these signs of the time embrace visual and performing arts. So why am I taking off on a plane tomorrow? To Firenze? Then Paris? Because I can! I don’t take that for granted anymore. Life has taught me not to. Since there’s Fall across the Big Pond, too, and Fall will still be here when I get back, I’m thinking some total immersion in Italian/French will click the artist side of my brain into re-creative gear. Will I be teaching? No way, pure play. I will post pictures. Of course I will.

The World is Run by Those Who Show Up                                                                                        

Saturday, October 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grand Opening Celebration Casa de Oro Library

Supervisor Montgomery Steppe and San Diego County Library invite us to join the ribbon cutting ceremony, library tours, and fun activities.
9610 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA 91977

Parking Information

Event parking is available at the CVS parking lot at 9655 Campo Road.

https://www.sdcl.org/newcasabranch/ for the list of artists

Sunday, November 1, 4-9p.m.  31st Annual Día de Muertos Festival California Center for the Arts, Escondido FREE

Tuesday, November 3^rd all day

ELECTION DAY---GET OUT THE VOTE

Vote is the Verb Daniel J. Evans Library, The Evergreen State College Olympia, Washington 

on display through December 12, 2026

November 10th, 2026  6 pm to 8 pm  County District 2 Holiday Legislative Open House with Supervisor Joel Anderson  12584 Mapleview St, Lakeside, CA 92040

November 19, 2026 San Diego County Arts and Culture Commission meeting 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101

  

 

 

Photo by MJo Harte

The heat is on!!! No power shut offs at Lake Hodges (yet). I hope you are staying safe where you are in San Diego County…or wherever you are.

I have an outdoor studio space and an indoor one. Since the 3-digit readings on our patio make working outside kind of a no way, that means no fused glass, ceramics, or wet work, like paper-making. Does that shut me down? Not even maybe: book-making, sewing and plenty of dry prep work continue with the aid of our solar-powered A/C. So long as we have power, of course. Should the power go off, I expect that we will turn to experiencing art and culture at our nearest pet-friendly cool zone in one of our County Libraries. Oh, wait, service animals only? Do our anti-anxiety dogs count?

The World is Run by Those Who Show  Up                                                  

10/06/2026 and 10/07/2026 County of San Diego Board of Supervisors

Art and Culture fans, this needs to be on our radar

Agenda item 14 on the 6^th: Receive Presentation and Provide Direction on the San Diego County Film Initiative Implementation Plan

View Agendas: www.sandiegocounty.gov/cob/ Request to Speak: PublicComment.sandiegocounty.gov Submit a Comment: www.sandiegocounty.gov/ecomment/

 October 13-18  San Diego International Film Festival

The Festival brings together the best in cinematic storytelling, creativity, and human connection.

https://sdfilmfest.com/

Saturday, October 17 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grand Opening Celebration

Supervisor Montgomery Steppe and San Diego County Library invite you to the Casa de Oro Library Grand Opening. Join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony, library tours, and fun activities.
9610 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA 91977

Parking Information

Event parking is available at the CVS parking lot at 9655 Campo Road.

https://www.sdcl.org/newcasabranch/ for the list of artists

Saturday, October 17, 4-8pm Opening reception  

https://bonitahistoricalsociety.org/la-ruta-de-nuestros-ancestros-the-path-of-our-ancestors

November 3^rd all day, ELECTION DAY---GET OUT THE VOTE

November 10th, 2026  6 pm to 8 pm  County District 2 Holiday Legislative Open House with Supervisor Joel Anderson 

12584 Mapleview St, Lakeside, CA 92040

 

We are officially into San Diego Fall, also known as “Fire Season”, “Hot as Hades” and “Big Winds off the Desert”. Add to that this year’s daily warnings about the potentials of El Nino, we might miss that we are also entering a major time of art and culture openings. Amazing work is coming our way all over the County.

On the County funding front, now, Fall, is time for my artist friends to wrap their heads around the question “How might some unrestricted funding push my creativity and my career along?” Dream of it, because it’s gonna happen. The County has approved a budget that includes unrestricted grant money to be distributed next year. The key eligibility requirements are that (1) You apply. Seriously. Remember that part, (2) You live in San Diego County. The rest of the details, dates, amounts, etc. will be announced in November. When they are, I’ll be posting them here. Count on it.

The World is Run by Those Who Show Up     

October 17 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grand Opening Celebration

Supervisor Montgomery Steppe and San Diego County Library invite you to the Casa de Oro Library Grand Opening. Join them for a ribbon cutting ceremony, library tours, Q&A about the County Public Art Program
9610 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA 9197

Event parking is available at the CVS parking lot at 9655 Campo Road.           https://www.sdcl.org/newcasabranch/ 

 November 10th, 2026  6 pm -8 pm County District 2 Holiday Legislative Open House with Supervisor Joel Anderson. 2026 legislative update and an opportunity to share ideas on improving county government. 

12584 Mapleview St, Lakeside, CA 92040

RSVP required: https://public-district2.sandiegocounty.gov/forms/form/?ID=118

Where I'll Be Teaching

October 9, 2026, 1130-1330

Tunnel Books: From Flat to Three Dimensions

Front Porch Gallery https://www.frontporchgallery.org

FREE, but you must pre-register at the Front Porch Gallery website. Link is above.

March 20 and 21, 2027

Woven Spines

Art and Soul Mixed Media retreat in Portland, OR

A book’s spine is usually designed to hold everything together. But what happens when the spine itself becomes a beautiful and visible part of the artwork?

https://www.artandsoulretreat.com/portland-spring-2027/workshops/7325

 

Joining D2 Taxpayer Advocate Andrew Hayes 

I am so convinced that the world is run by those who show up that I dedicate a section of this blog to "show up" suggestions. This past week The office of District 2 County Supervisor Joel Anderson held an artists' discussion round-table, hosted by the East County Arts Association https://eastcountyart.org. And folks "showed up". I was astounded by the exchange of ideas, commitment and collaboration. I know a few cynics who think that a room of people sitting around talking about change are not creating change. I beg to disagree. At the heart of activism are people who talk, and who listen to each other. I hope to experience more events like this one. I encourage everyone to show up and be the change.

The World is Run by Those Who Show Up                                                                                        

September 23, 4-6p.m. In Community District 5, Oceanside Public Library (Civic Center/Pacific Coast Highway branch)

The 2 candidates running for the open D5 Supervisor seat will be there to take questions about arts and culture funding in San Diego County. Yee-ha!!!

Address: 330 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
Room: Community Room FREE  RSVP today:     https://bit.ly/InCommunity_District5_Sept23_RSVP

• September 24, 6:00-8:00 pm

• RISE Arts Talks: The Arts in South Bay Bonita Museum & Cultural Center 4355 Bonita Rd Bonita, CA 91902

• 

  
  Oct 20, 2026 -Oct 22, 2026 Arts Schools Network 2026 Conference ~ San Diego, California

  presented by The Arts Schools Network  Connect with arts education leaders from across the country at the Arts Schools Network Conference, the premier national gathering dedicated to innovation, excellence, and leadership in arts learning. 

• https://www.asnconference.org/

Where I'll Be Teaching

October 9, 2026, 1130-1330

Tunnel Books: From Flat to Three Dimensions

Front Porch Gallery https://www.frontporchgallery.org/

FREE, but you must pre-register at the Front Porch Gallery website. Link is above.

March 20 and 21, 2027

Woven Spines

Art and Soul Mixed Media retreat in Portland, OR

A book’s spine is usually designed to hold everything together. But what happens when the spine itself becomes a beautiful and visible part of the artwork?

https://www.artandsoulretreat.com/portland-spring-2027/workshops/7325

 

The GFOA: Geriatric Fans of Asayo https://asayomusic.com/ 

Today will be a short one. I had an incredible visit last week with my besties from Altadena’s John Muir High School, class of 1972. Woke up this morning with a fever and aches. Uh, oh.

Lots to show up for in the coming weeks. Please try to help us arts advocates be the change. Also, I have a new section at the end of my blog now for dates and places where I’ll be teaching in the coming months.

Another beautiful day in paradise, aka Lake Tahoe

The World is Run by Those Who Show Up, Speak Up                                                                                         

September 15, 1230-3p.m San Diego County District 2 Community Roundtable hosted by East County Arts Association and the office of Supervisor Joel Anderson. FREE

Location: 124 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020

September 17, 11-1300 Meeting of the full County Arts and Culture Commission at 1600 Pacific Highway, room 402. Or via Zoom.

https://sdcounty-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/83520525968?pwd=dOQdjF1DZoeUor5C1GMysgx7P9BOuL.1#success

Webinar ID: 835 2052 5968

September 23, 4-6p.m. In Community District 5, Oceanside Public Library (Civic Center/Pacific Coast Highway branch)

Address: 330 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
Room: Community Room FREE  RSVP today:     https://bit.ly/InCommunity_District5_Sept23_RSVP

Where I'll Be Teaching

October 9, 2026, 1130-1330

Tunnel Books: From Flat to Three Dimensions

Front Porch Gallery https://www.frontporchgallery.org/

FREE, but you must pre-register at the Front Porch Gallery website. Link is above.

March 20 and 21, 2027

Woven Spines

Art and Soul Mixed Media retreat in Portland, OR

A book’s spine is usually designed to hold everything together. But what happens when the spine itself becomes a beautiful and visible part of the artwork?

https://www.artandsoulretreat.com/portland-spring-2027/workshops/7325

 

Last week I wrote a little about new San Diego County money budgeted for Arts and Culture. I want to get way more specific for a while, and I want to move the information I’m posting from my “The World is Run By…” section, to what I call the “In your face” top section.

So, today, $$$ facts, and do I, as a commissioner, have a role to play (please note that in all aspects, I have a role to play in getting out the facts to San Diego County residents). A quick breakdown:

The money                        Do I have a role to play?

• $1 million — artist grants            Yes. advising on how the County will create sustainable policies and procedures for distribution of grants. Advising on the question of How is this money actually going to be distributed, and how much of it is actually going to artists? I DO NOT help select who receives $$$.
• $500,000 — artist space                            Yes, same as above                      
• $250,000 — County Artist-in-Residence  Yes, as above
• $250,000 — binational                              No, not much, hardly any

          = $2 million

Then there's up to $250,000 for administration/staffing, bringing the ongoing authorization to $2.25 million. The $500,000 one-time Black Arts & Culture District allocation is separate.

The timeline is fast, first distribution of artist grants, for example, must occur by June, 2027. I am one busy gal. The process is giving me so much hope for your/our future.

Public art with a bit of humor, Paris, last October

The World is Run by Those Who Show Up, Speak Up                                                                                         

September 15, 1-3p.m San Diego County District 2 Community Roundtable hosted by East County Arts Association FREE

Location: 124 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020

September 17, 11-1300 Meeting of the full County Arts and Culture Commission at 1600 Pacific Highway, room 402. Or via Zoom.

https://sdcounty-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/83520525968?pwd=dOQdjF1DZoeUor5C1GMysgx7P9BOuL.1#success

Webinar ID: 835 2052 5968

September 23, 4-6p.m. In Community District 5, Oceanside Public Library (Civic Center/Pacific Coast Highway branch)

Address: 330 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

Room: Community Room

FREE  RSVP today:     https://bit.ly/InCommunity_District5_Sept23_RSVP

G

               Give me a mike at your own risk. Photo by Bruce Tall, 2026

 

                                                                                                                               

 

 

 

           Trying to beat the heat as best I could last summer at the opening of another County Health      facility in D2 were I helped select the public art now on display.

Blame it on the heat. Might as well. Heat + humidity=a grumpy me.

I am also a thrilled me. So much new money for arts and culture is coming down the pike at the San Diego County level that my head is spinning! I want every creative reading this to be informed, yet I know I don’t have the bandwidth to do it for you personally. And grumpy me feels, well, grumpy about that. What I can do is this: tell you that money is coming. Tell you that the goal for its distribution is magnificent. Encourage you to be ready: get your images, videos, writing samples, artist statements, and a project statement ready to go NOW, so that you will be in a good position to apply for funding once the County process is announced.

                              When Dance Becomes Prayer, inspired by The Delight Makers, 2025

The World Is Run by Those Who Show Up, Speak Up, Act Up

September 3, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. Third meeting of the County Arts Initiative Subcommittee. This subcommittee is charged with creating the policy and procedural infrastructure for the County’s budgeted ($2.17 million/year) support of artists and programming. Your input is important. Join the meeting. Speak up.

Meeting location: 1600 Pacific Hwy, Room 402A, San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: +1 669 444 9171 
Webinar ID: 834 2915 3638

September 15, 1-3p.m San Diego County District 2 Community Roundtable hosted by East County Arts Association, produced by the office of Supervisor Joel Anderson FREE  Location: East County Arts Association, 124 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020

September 17, 11-1300 Meeting of the full County Arts and Culture Commission at 1600 Pacific Highway, room 402. Or via Zoom.

https://sdcounty-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/83520525968?pwd=dOQdjF1DZoeUor5C1GMysgx7P9BOuL.1#success

Webinar ID: 835 2052 5968

September 23, 4-6pm  Community District 5 Sponsored by San Diego Art Matters and organized by the County Arts and Culture Commission, this will be the last In Community gathering for the year

Location: Oceanside Public Library, Mission Branch (Community Room)

Cost: Free and open to the public RSVP is a must https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-community-sd-county-district-5-gathering-tickets-1998293365248?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Highlights: A chance to meet District 5 County Supervisor candidates Rebecca Jones and Kyle Krahel to discuss arts and culture funding, followed by project updates.

Until next Sunday, be the change you want in the world,

Renée