PCC’s Board of Directors Meetings
The meetings of the Board of Directors were held on May 8 and June 11 to discuss and plan the activities of the Center.
Annual Gathering and Elections of the Persian Cultural Center – May 17, 2026
The annual gathering of the San Diego Persian Cultural Center was held on May 17, 2026, at the Iranian School of San Diego (ISSD). The meeting started with Mr. Mahmoud Reza Pirouzian, the president of the Board of Directors, who presented a report on the activities of the past year. Following that, Ms. Fariba Babakhani-Ghazi presented the financial report, Mr. Ali Sadr reported on the activities of ISSD, and a report on Peyk magazine was also given. Candidates then introduced themselves. At the end of the meeting, elections were held for new board members, and Ali Sadr, Mercedeh Hashemi, Mohammad Ayari, Masoud Azmoodeh, and Parnian Badii were elected as voting members, while Tayebeh Bahmani, Farideh Rasouli Fazel, and Sara Alavi were chosen as alternate members. A detailed report of this gathering is included in the following pages.
One Poet, One Poem – May 20, 2026
The 45th session of the “One Poet, One Poem” series was held virtually on May 20. This virtual session featured the biography and poems of Ghavami Razi, and was presented by members of the Poetry and Literature group of San Diego—Farshad Babakhani, Fariba Babakhani, and Sepideh Shamloufard—along with group of ISSD alumni (Hajar Sattarzadeh, Mana Ajideh).
Last Seen A Long Time Ago – May 30, 2026
On the evening of Saturday. May 30, the packed auditorium of IAC witnessed an incredible solo performance by Adib Ghorbani in Last Seen A Long Time Ago. The play, which was written and directed by Ghorbani, is set around the time when the internet was shut down in Iran and consisted of letters and patriotic songs composed by Ghorbani.
Film and Discussion Program – May 31, 2026
The May Film and Discussion was dedicated to the film Abji (2015), directed by Marjan Ashrafizadeh from Iran. The guest of the session was Ms. Tania Ahmadi, a researcher and film critic, who spoke about the film and answered questions from the program’s host, Mahmoud Reza Pirouzian, and the attendees.
Sound Healing for Iran – June 5, 2026
On Friday, June 5, 2026, Sara Alavi guided a gentle Kundalini Yoga practice at IAC, focusing on grounding and breath, followed by channeling positive energy and healing toward Iran. Then Naghmeh Taefi, a sound healer practitioner and Reiki Master, facilitated a sound healing session. This practice relies on acoustic resonance, a process where the brain’s electrical activity naturally synchronizes with the steady, rhythmic frequencies of instruments like singing bowls, gong, chimes, etc. Scientifically, this shifts brainwaves from alert Beta states into deeply relaxed Alpha and Theta frequencies, triggering the parasympathetic nervous system to lower cortisol and blood pressure, and reducing cellular-level stress. Together, these practices offered a restorative evening, blending mindful focus with the measurable therapeutic power of sound.
Maestro Dariush Talai in Concert – June 7, 2026
For the first time ever, the Persian music enthusiasts in San Diego witnessed a live concert by Maestro Dariush Talai. The concert was organized by the UC San Diego Music Department as part of the Chehre-Azad event series. The program was in cooperation with PCC and AIAP. The maestro played Iranian classical radif in setar and tar. Many music lovers travelled from LA and Orange County to attend this unique concert.
One Poet, One Poem – June 17, 2026
The 46th session of “A Poet and a Poem” took place on June 17. This virtual session featured the biography and poems of Najm al-Din Razi, presented by the Poetry and Literature Group of San Diego, featuring Farshad Babakhani, Fariba Babakhani, Sepideh Shamloufard, and a young group of ISSD alumni. Other poems were also recited by the attendees, enriching the event with diverse voices and perspectives.
Film and Discussion Program – June 28, 2026
In honor of Marjan Satrapi’s passing, the June Film and Discussion series was dedicated to the film Persepolis, directed by Marjan Satrapi and Vincent Peronade, produced in 2007 from France. This animated movie was based on Satrapi’s graphic novel about her life in pre- and post-revolutionary Iran and then in Europe. Stars include Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Gena Rowlands, Sean Penn, Amethyste Frezignac, and Iggy Pop.
Youth Committee
The PCC Youth Committee successfully held its 10th annual food drive for the San Diego Food Bank. The drive took place over two days, May 10 and May 17, at the Iranian School of San Diego. Thanks to the efforts of our youth members and community supporters, we collected 346 pounds of food, all of which was donated to the San Diego Food Bank. These donations will help provide meals for families in need throughout our community.
In addition, the youth members volunteered their time and energy to help with the end of the celebration of Iranian School of San Diego (ISSD). Their support contributed to a successful and enjoyable event for students, families, and staff.
