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BACKGROUND On November 17, 1998, the City Council approved the Civic Arts Commission's recommendation to create the position of Pleasanton Poet Laureate. The primary role of the Poet Laureate is to provide appropriate poetry at civic events, and promote the appreciation of the literary arts in the community. The first Poet Laureate, Charlene Villella (1999 2001), provided poetry for many City events and started the tradition of the Century House Poetry readings that continue today. Jim Ott (2001 2003) expanded the Poet Laureate program to include regular television broadcasts, and Kirk Ridgeway (2003 2005) played a key role in creation of the very successful Pleasanton Poetry, Prose and Arts Festival. Poet Laureate Cynthia Bryant (2005 -2007) has added programs and workshops, and gained national recognition for her Poetry for the Iraqi People program. Current Poet Laureate Martha Meltzer has focused on poetry for youth, established the Teen Poet Laureate Program, and expanded public readings. The Poet Laureate Program also won an award from the National Conference of Mayors in 2001. The Poet Laureate serves for a two -year period, and Martha Meltzer's term is about to expire. The Civic Arts Commission established a Poet Laureate Selection Committee, which met on May 14, 2009 to review potential applicants and recommend a new Poet Laureate to the City Council. Members of the Committee included: John Loll Civic Arts Commission David Wright Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council Judy Wheeler Citizen -At- Large, Pleasanton Downtown Association Athena Lathos Non Academic Poet Toby Bielawski Las Positas College Julie Farnsworth Pleasanton Library Kathy Cordova Community -At -Large Emily West Media Dr. Charles Young Pleasanton Unified School District Current Poet Laureate Martha Meltzer also attended the meeting, providing expertise and input, but did not participate in the final selection. Susan Groshans, co- producer of the Pleasanton Poetry, Prose and Arts Festival, also provided the Committee with her impressions and thoughts regarding the role of the Poet Laureate. Two (2) Pleasanton poets submitted application materials for the Committee's consideration and each applicant was required to submit four (4) original poems, a one page letter of interest, and a resume documenting their training, background and affiliations, as well as indications of active participation in promoting the literary arts in the community. Based on its review process, the selection committee unanimously selected Deborah Grossman as the recommended Poet Laureate for 2009 -2011. The Civic Arts Commission, at its June 1, 2009 meeting, expressed its unanimous satisfaction with Ms. Grossman. Background material regarding Ms. Grossman is attached for the Council's review. Page 2 of 3