Days of Books: September 2026

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.