Meet Cesar A Reyes | Publisher/Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cesar A Reyes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cesar A, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The WORD San Diego is my life/business partner JP Emerson and my (Cesar A Reyes) creation. Our successful work history and partnership has led us to develop and launch our own publication, The WORD San Diego! We stand diligent in the fact that there is always a need for reliable and informative news outlets especially in the LGBTQ+ community, where true representation matters.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Drawing from a rich pool of creative and literary talent, THE WORD defines and articulates the contribution of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ Community. THE WORD inspires readers to recognize and celebrate our community’s accomplishments. Readers can expect a uniquely diverse perspective on the community, entertainment, the arts, current events, politics and travel. In print, online, and across social, that’s THE WORD.

We stand for the true democracy of our community and behind any progress and growth there is a story, and it begins in the “grassroots.” There is always the need for additional news coverage especially in our resilient yet underserved community. We wish to inspire the community to be aware and get involved.

Cesar A Reyes: I have 20+ years in publishing. I was instrumental in the startup and evolvement of three local LGBTQ+ publications and continue to serve as Creative Director for Metrosource Magazine and their three national publications and GED Magazine SoCal publication. I am well known in San Diego for creative design, and community involvement and have been recognized by several awards over the years.

JP Emerson: His adventurous and elaborate career has led him to work in many different arenas such as accounting, business management, real estate, and land use and development, but his most defining experiences were in Los Angeles working on local city council and judicial campaigns, as well as working with the U.S. Secret Service while serving as Advance White House Staff for the Clinton-Gore administration’s visits to California, Press Lead for the Gore 2000 campaign, and the Hillary for New York Senate campaign. He has done speech writing for elected officials and has experience in political and non-profit fundraising.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We have so much to see in San Diego. But being a LGBTQ+ business, I can describe an itinerary that has to do with my community and San Diego’s fun neighborhood Hillcrest. Lets see a perfect breakfast spot I love to take out of town folks is Great Maple on Washington street, followed by some vintage shopping down 5th avenue specially at Luigi Veras One of a Kind Boutique were you never know what fashion treasure awaits you. For some culture I would venture to Balboa Park specially for free Tuesday where every Tuesday there is a selections of museums with no cover. For Lunch one of my favorite spots is Tavola Nostra on university, it is delicious Italian food made from family recipes, the penne all’Arrabbiata is chefs kiss. after lunch I would check the current art exhibit at The Studio Door on 4th avenue our LGBTQ+ art gallery that always has some great exhibits and who happens to be celebrating 10 years of opening its doors. The evening is where things get interesting because there is so much to do after the sun goes down in Hillcrest. A spot I love to grab a drink and a nibble is Barrel & Board on university you can share a delicious cheese or meat board and taste some delectable wines to start any evening right. Now for dinner that is not just about the food but the atmosphere I would take my guests to InsideOut currently showcasing their spring oasis experience with cheery blossoms decorating the outdoor section of the venue, oh and on the food part I always recommend the braised beef. To finish off the night and because we never want to go home early I would have us venture to one of the local watering holes like The Loft and if its the weekend and we are feeling like enjoying a fabulous drag show before hitting the dance floor the spot would be the Brass Rail on fifth avenue our oldest Gay bar/club in town. I know we have other things to do around town like our beautiful beaches and hiking trails and there’s plenty of that to do aside from enjoying the Hillcrest neighborhood.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people to give a shoutout to, but a very important person who has always been there not only as a friend, mentor, and collaborator is San Diego Photographer Dennis Covey. He has always been so supportive in this venture and a valuable piece of the puzzle.

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