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ATTACHMENT 1 Deborah Grossman 4562 Lin Gate Street Pleasanton, CA 94566 p 925.484.4113 April 21, 2009 Andy Jorgensen, Civic Arts Manager Department of Parks Community Services, City of Pleasanton Pleasanton, CA Dear Andy, At this year's Pleasanton Poetry, Prose Arts Festival, Al Young, former Poet Laureate of Calif said, "The pen is like a flashlight. You discover something you didn't know exists." I share Young's philosophy. Poetry helps us learn about ourselves, our community, our county and the world. Pleasanton residents —as well as people around the country —live with poetry every day, whether it's a toddler's nursery rhyme, a teenager's hip -hop lyrics, a love poem read at a wedding or a verse recited at a 4 of July celebration. As a proponent of poetry as a special language of expression, I apply for the position of Poet Laureate of Pleasanton. I would be honored to contribute in the tradition of Poets Laureate Martha Meltzer. Cynthia Bryant, Kirk Ridgeway, Jim Ott and Charlene Villella. These fine poets have flamed my passion for poetry and expanded my horizons as a poet. As Poet Laureate, my mission would be to inform others about the joy of reading and writing poetry, and most importantly, to mentor people of all ages, races, and backgrounds to touch poetry in a way that is unique and rewarding for them. With my career as ajournalist and background in management and volunteerism, 1 would bring a varied set of skills to the position, from leading seminars, event planning and public speaking to mentoring. In 2006 I published a book of poetry, Goldie aria' Me, co- authored by my 89 -year -old mother. I've shared my experience as a poet by reading from the book and holding poetry workshops to diverse groups around the Tri- Valley and beyond. I continue to learn about poetry by participating in various poetry groups and events. I welcome the opportunity to serve as a volunteer partner with the Civic Arts team to showcase poetry As the Firehouse Arts Center nears completion, this is an exciting time to contribute to the city's growth as a center for the arts. S incerely, D oti Deborah Grossman