State Poet Laureate
In 2001, California established a state poet laureate position, most recently held by Lee Herrick, who was appointed to a two-year term in 2022.
City and County Poets Laureate
Berkeley
In 2024, Aya de León was named the poet laureate of Berkeley. Aya will serve a two-year term from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025.
Sonoma County
In 2024, Dave Seter was named the poet laureate of Sonoma County.
Orange County
In 2024, Gustavo Hernandez was appointed the poet laureate of Orange County, California. He will serve through 2026.
Nevada County
In 2025, Karen Terrey was appointed the poet laureate of Nevada County, California.
San Matteo County
In 2019, Jorge Argueta became the poet laureate of San Mateo County, California. Argueta will serve through December 31, 2024.
Santa Barbara
Melinda Palacio serves as poet laureate of Santa Barbara from 2023 to 2025.
Santa Clara County
Yosimar Reyes was appointed the poet laureate of Santa Clara County, California, through December 31, 2025.
Altadena
In 2022, Peter J. Harris and Carla Sameth were chosen as co-poets laureate of Altadena. They will serve a two year term.
Davis
In 2024, Mercedes Ibáñez was appointed the poet laureate of Davis, California, through September 2027.
Eureka
In 2021, Wil Gibson was appointed poet laureate of Eureka. Gibson will serve a one-year term.
Fresno
In 2023, Joseph Rios was named poet laureate of Fresno, California. Rios will serve through 2025.
Fairfield
In 2025, Michael Wyly was appointed the poet laureate of Fairfield, California, for a two-year term.
Glendale
In 2023, Raffi Joe Wartanian was appointed the inaugural poet laureate of Glendale.
Los Angeles
In 2021, Lynne Thompson was appointed the poet laureate of Los Angeles and will serve a two-year term.
Malibu
In 2023, Nathan Hassall became the poet laureate of Malibu, California. Hassall will serve a two-year term from 2023-2025.
Monterey County
In 2024, Rachelle Escamilla was named the poet of Monterey County. Escamilla will serve through 2025.
Pacifica
In 2022, Toni Mirosevich was named the poet laureate of Pacifica.
Sacramento
In 2020, Andru Defeye was named poet laureate of Sacramento, California. Defeye will serve a two-year term.
San Diego
Dr. Jason Magabo Perez was appointed the second poet laureate of San Diego. Perez will serve through 2024.
San Francisco
In 2025, Genny Lim was appointed poet laureate of San Francisco and will serve a three-year term.
Watsonville
In 2025, Dr. Victoria Bañales was appointed the poet laureate of Watsonville and will serve a two-year term.
West Hollywood
Jen Cheng will serve as poet laureate of West Hollywood from 2023-2026.
Mendocino County
In 2024, Devreaux Baker was appointed poet laureate of Mendocino County.
Santa Monica
In 2024, Anne Carmack was appointed the inaugural poet laureate of Santa Monica.
Modesto
In 2024, Angela Drew was appointed the poet laureate of Modesto.
Ventura County
In 2025, Mary Ann McFadden was appointed poet laureate of Ventura County.
