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 2026, Hanan Masri was appointed poet laureate of Berkeley, California, through 2027.
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 Mateo County
Antonio López was appointed the 2025-2027 poet laureate of San Mateo County.
Santa Barbara
George Yatchisin serves as poet laureate of Santa Barbara from 2025 to 2027.
Santa Clara County
Yosimar Reyes was appointed the poet laureate of Santa Clara County, California, through December 31, 2026.
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 2025, Sarai Bordeaux was appointed poet laureate of Eureka.
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 2026, Brian Sonia-Wallace was appointed the poet laureate of Los Angeles and will serve a two-year term.
Malibu
In 2025, Charlotte Ward was appointed poet laurate of Malibu.
Monterey County
In 2025, Marie Boucher was appointed poet laurate of Monterey County.
Pacifica
In 2025, Erin Noel Christ 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
In 2025, Paola Capó-García was appointed the poet laureate of San Diego.
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.
