In researching ideas to write about for this edition of Urban Addict, I discovered (with the help of my handy Internet friend, Wikipedia) there was a plethora of holidays and events in April that peak my interest.

Now, we all know that April Fool’s Day is coming up on April, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store. Once, a friend of mine had everything in her apartment turned upside down; nothing was left untouched. Items as large as a couch to as small as condiments in her refrigerator were subject to the hands of the April Fool’s culprit. She had a hell of a time returning the apartment back to normal and explaining the mess to her less-than-amused roommate.

However, there are a few other holidays and items of interest in April worth mentioning, and some events around town being held in conjunction with them.

For all of the spoken-word fans, the San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA), the Museum of the Living Artist and The San Diego Poetry Slam are hosting a competition of spoken-word artists on Monday, April 6. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is being held at the Copley Auditorium (not to be confused with the Symphony Hall – which I did once). Admission is $5.

During the event, artists will feature ideas contemplated in SDMA’s current exhibition Black Womanhood, “an in-depth look at how images of the black female body have been created and used differently in Africa and the West. The exhibition explores themes such as ideals of beauty, fertility and sexuality, maternity and motherhood, and women’s identities and social roles.”

The winner of the poetry slam contest will join the 2009 San Diego Poetry Slam team and help represent San Diego in a national competition in 2010.

In other SDMA news, don’t miss out on the next Culture & Cocktails event being held on Thursday, April 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is $12 (free for museum members). If you haven’t been before, it’s a fabulous evening of music, food, and two of my favorite things in this world – art and booze!

In my last column, I mentioned one thing I learned recently about living in Hillcrest was that since 2000, the number of syphilis cases among gay men and men who have sex with men in the city has increased 1100 percent. In response, the county has been planning a community-wide screening effort in April.

Well, the month of April is upon us and the syphilis screening blitz is about to commence! If you would like to find out more about this curable, sexually-transmitted infection, when and where screening events will be held and other pertinent information, visit www.sdsoreloser.com.

Although I tend to joke a lot in this column, we all know sexual assault is no laughing matter. According to the Rape, Incest and Abuse National Network, one in six women and one in 33 men will be the victim of an attempted or completed sexual assault in their lifetime. This is why the MMA Academy is offering a rape prevention seminar on Saturday, April 18 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. The three hour session is $25, and all proceeds will benefit the Center for Community Solutions. Check out www.ccssd.org for more information.

Unfortunately, this seminar is only being offered for the ladies. However, if you’re one of my male readers, be sure to spread the word to all of your female friends so they can learn to better protect themselves!

Registration is required by calling 858-755-7665. The MMA Academy is located at 11777 Sorrento Valley Road.

Even though the gents can’t attend this seminar, it doesn’t mean they are without assistance. If you have personal questions or need resources regarding sexual assault, organizations like the Center for Community Solutions and the Women’s Resource Center (www.womensresourcecenter-wrc.org/index.htm) offer services to both men and women.

Earth Day is celebrating its 40th birthday this year, and there are many things we can do to recognize this momentous event and keep in the spirit of being green.

On Sunday, April 19, EarthFair is being held in Balboa Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also celebrating a birthday (20-year anniversary), this year’s EarthFair will provide a day full of entertainment and education. More than 200 exhibitors will address causes and services for the environment and quality of life. Five different entertainment stages will feature a variety of contemporary and folk music by local artists. One entertainment highlight will be the “Wizard of Water” show, displaying magic, music and dance all connected to water education. The eHome exhibit area will showcase products and technologies that can make your home more environmentally sustainable, while the eARth Gallery will feature works using recycled materials or depicting “endangered species” in San Diego County. For more information on EarthFair, check out www.earthdayweb.org/EarthFair.html.

If you can’t make it to EarthFair to learn more about what you can do to help the environment, there are still changes you can make at home to reduce your carbon footprint. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, home energy accounts for 21 percent of America’s global warming pollution, so download a simple consumer’s guide to help fight global warming at www.fightglobalwarming.com/documents/5119_LowCarbonguide.pdf.

After watching poets duke it out on stage, getting tested for syphilis, attending a rape prevention seminar and becoming SuperEnviroMan, you’ll probably need some R&R. So stop by Babycakes on 3766 Fifth Ave. to give those tired feet a rest and relax in their comfy lounge or garden patio and indulge in one of their delicious gourmet cupcakes and other desserts. If a cupcake won’t suffice, Babycakes also offers a tasty selection of sandwiches, quiches, chicken pie, and stuffed croissants.

Every month, Babycakes also supports the art community by featuring the works of a local artist. Currently on display is the series “Puzzlement” by John Brooks. Take in the art with a cup of coffee, or choose a libation from their new wine and beer selection. Look for a new artist to be unveiled on the second Saturday of each month.