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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. Past Poet Laureates include: • Charlene Villella (1999 — 2001) • Jim Ott (2001 — 2003) • Kirk Ridgeway (2003 — 2005) • Cynthia Bryant (2005 — 2007) • Martha Meltzer (2007 — 2009) • Deborah Grossman (2009 — 2011) These individuals have established a wonderful tradition of Poetry readings at the Century House, while using their unique styles in developing new programs for the community. Some of these include television broadcasts, the establishment of the Poetry, Prose and Arts Festival, and the establishment of the Teen Poet Laureate Program. In 2001, the City's Poet Laureate Program also won an award from the National Conference of Mayors. In addition, the City's current Poet Laureate, Deborah Grossman, helped to expand public readings, stretching the boundaries of poetry, focusing on the ideas of faith and "The Hero" in poetry. Both of these programs were held at the Firehouse Arts Center and were well received and attended. In March 2011, with Deborah Grossman's two-year term coming to an end, staff began the process of advertising and recruiting for a new City Poet Laureate. As part of the process, a Poet Laureate Selection Committee was established to review potential applicants and recommend a new Poet Laureate to the Civic Arts Commission for their consideration. The Selection Committee was comprised of the following representatives: • Richard Dry, Las Positas Community College • Liz Fortini - Non-Academic Poet • Claudia Hess - Civic Arts Commission • Judy Wheeler - Community-At-Large, Pleasanton Downtown Association • David Wright - Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council Although no applications for the Poet Laureate position were received, City staff was informed that past Poet Laureate, Cynthia Bryant, was returning to Pleasanton and interested in resuming the post that she had held in 2005 - 2007. Staff met with Ms. Bryant and was pleased to discover that she has continued to be involved with the Literary Arts and is particularly interested in promoting poetry to the Pleasanton Page 2 of 3