Monique Marvez joins Comedy in the Plaza lineup in San Leandro

Monique Marvez has joined Brian Copeland Presents Comedy in the Plaza on July 18 at the San Leandro Tech Campus. The free, family-minded event will also support local children through a backpack and school-shoe drive with the Davis Street Family Resource Center.

Why it matters: - Comedy in the Plaza is one of San Leandro’s recurring community events, now in its fifth year. - The free show is also tied to a local donation effort for children in need, adding a service component to the entertainment lineup. - The event continues to honor the local arts scene while drawing hundreds of attendees each year.

What happened: - Monique Marvez joined the lineup for Brian Copeland Presents Comedy in the Plaza, set for Saturday, July 18, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the San Leandro Tech Campus. - Brian Copeland will produce and host the event. - The show is free and open to ages 14 and up. - Seating is first come, first served. - Attendees are asked to bring a low-back chair or blanket.

The details: - The lineup also includes Greg Proops, Laurie Kilmartin and Tom Rhodes. - Marvez is described as having the No. 1 Dry Bar Comedy special of 2024, with more than 70 million views. - Additional performers will be announced. - The event will take place in front of the Truth is Beauty sculpture at the San Leandro Tech Campus. - The setting is promoted as one of the Bay Area’s more unique entertainment venues. - Comedy in the Plaza draws about 500 to 700 attendees each year. - This year’s event is dedicated to former San Leandro Mayor Stephen Cassidy. - Organizers said Cassidy was a steady supporter of the event from its earliest days. - The tribute recognizes Cassidy’s support for community, the arts and bringing people together. - The event is partnering with the Davis Street Family Resource Center to provide 100 backpacks and 100 pairs of school shoes for local children in need. - Sponsors include Fremont Bank, Sons of Liberty Alehouse, Slice House by Tony Gemignani, Westlake Realty Group and The Wild Olive Napa Valley. - Additional sponsors are expected in the coming weeks.

Between the lines: - The combination of a comedy show, a memorial tribute and a school supply drive suggests Comedy in the Plaza is designed as both an entertainment event and a neighborhood gathering. - The growing sponsor list points to continued local business support for the event.

What's next: - Additional performers are still to be announced. - More sponsors will be added in the coming weeks. - Organizers will likely release more event details as July 18 gets closer.

The bottom line: - Comedy in the Plaza is returning as a free, five-year San Leandro tradition, with Monique Marvez adding star power to a lineup built around local community impact.