CPITS COLLEAGUES

CPITS is an alliance of practicing poets who exchange writing techniques and pedagogy and all that the love of poetry includes.

 Since January 1999, the San Diego Chapter of California Poets in the Schools has held a poetry festival to celebrate the writing process in the New Year. Originally, the festival was held among the boulders and oaks at Jim Milner's home in Barona. Poet-teachers would try out new lesson plans and draft new poems. Unfortunately, Jim lost his home and his wonderful wife Galen in The Cedar Fire of October 2003. In 2004, we have honored Jim and Galen by carrying on the tradition they nurtured at Raven's Ledge in Valley Center.

Georgette James organized a benefit for Jim at Gallery 101 in Encinitas. The evening brought together many poets including many CPITS poet-teachers.

CPITS poet-teachers left to right: Jim, Brandon Cesmat, Veronica Cunningham, Joe Milosch, Steve Garber, Georgette, Jill Moses, Gabriela Anaya Valdapeña and Andres Monreal.

Below are links to some of those works in progress created at the first poetry fest  in January 2000.

Admittedly, some of the work here is fresh and raw and was only wrenched from the poets' hands by the cajolery, threats and lies of the CPITS area coordinator. Pray for our revisions.