PCC’s Board Meetings
Persian Cultural Center’s board of directors holds its virtual meetings every second Thursday of the month. The last two meetings took place on March 12 and April 9, 2026.
Iranian School of San Diego’s 38th Nowruz Celebration – March 15, 2026
In preparation for Nowruz, the Iranian School of San Diego held a “sabzeh kari” and egg coloring event on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the school. The Nowruz celebration was held at the Lewis Middle School auditorium on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Students performed several dances, a play, music, and songs for over 400 family members, friends, and staff. During the program, awards for Person of the Year, honors students, and winners of the “Reading Olympics” were presented. As a tradition for the past 37 years, the ISSD Nowruz program is dedicated to a person or a group of people who have played a significant role in promoting the Persian language and Iranian culture. The 37th Nowruz event was presented to Ms. Hajar Hassanzadeh, another dedicated ISSD teacher.
Persian Cultural Center’s Nowruz Open House – March 27, 2026
Due to the situation in Iran, this year the annual PCC’s Nowruz gala was cancelled. However, to honor our traditions with dignity, the Persian Cultural Center hosted an open house on Friday, March 27, at 7:00 PM at IAC. This event was open to the public free of charge. Many members of the community joined for a traditional did o bazdid gathering dedicated to reflection, remembrance, and solidarity. At first, Farshad Babakhani of PCC’s Nowruz committee welcomed the audience and recited several poems. Atoosa Emami and Kimia Jalali, the instructors at the Persian Dance Academy, performed three beautiful dances. Attendees then enjoyed tea, sweets, and light dinner.
Chaharshanbehsoori and Sizdahbedar
For over 25 years PCC, in collaboration with AIAP and the House of Iran, have organized these gatherings. Due to the war and the situation in Iran, the three organizations decided to cancel these events.
City of San Diego Library Branches Celebrating Nowruz – March 2026
For the entire month of March, PCC set up haft-seen and Iranian artifacts at the following City Library branches: Carmel Valley, College-Rolando, La Jolla-Riford, Linda Vista, North University Community, Rancho Penasquitos, Pacific Beach-Taylor, and Rancho Bernardo.
San Diego Spring Asian Film Festival and Film and Discussion Series – April 2026
The 15th San Diego Spring Asian Film Festival was held from April 24-26, 2026, featuring films from various countries across the Asian continent. In collaboration with the Film and Discussion Group, the film “Bashu, the Little Stranger,” directed by Bahram Beyzaei, was screened on Sunday, April 26, at 5PM, followed by a panel discussion. For more information about the festival and these films, visit sdaff.org/spring2026
PCC Youth Committee Report – March/April 2026
The PCC Youth Committee had several meaningful contributions during March and April. Several members visited a nursing home, where they performed music and spent quality time with Persian residents. It was a warm and memorable experience for everyone involved.
The committee members also supported the Iranian School of San Diego’s Nowruz event by helping with student performances, seating arrangements, brochure distribution, and managing refreshments. Several members showcased their talents in helping the stage manager to make sure the program sailed smoothly. This event further strengthened the connection between ISSD and the PCC Youth Committee, fostering greater student involvement in future youth-led activities.
