City of Alameda appoints Kimi Sugioka as Poet Laureate

Published on October 07, 2020

At its October 6, 2020 regular meeting, the Alameda City Council appointed Kimi Sugioka as Alameda’s next Poet Laureate. The Poet Laureate’s term is for three years, during which they will raise the profile of poetry and creative writing in general within Alameda through public events and community service activities, and provide mentorship to the City's youth.

"I’m thrilled Mayor Ezzy-Ashcraft selected Kimi Sugioka as Alameda’s Poet Laureate," remarked Alameda Library Director Jane Chisaki. "Ms. Sugioka’s poetry is thoughtful, hopeful, and beautiful. She will be a wonderful representative of the arts to our community and beyond."

In 2002, the City Council created the position of Alameda Poet Laureate. The Poet Laureate is an honorary title given to a person who has exhibited excellence in the literary arts. We are grateful to Mary Rudge, Julia Park Tracey, Cathy Dana, and Gene Kahane who have all served as Poet Laureates representing the City of Alameda.

A call for nominations and applications began in June 2020. All applications were reviewed by a selection committee comprised of representatives from the Alameda Island Poets, the Friends of the Alameda Free Library, Library Staff, and the Library Director. The committee individually ranked all submissions, authorship unknown. All rankings were assigned a point value and the final ratings and finalists were established. The Mayor conducted interviews with the finalists and selected Kimi Sugioka as Alameda’s Poet Laureate. For more information, including a sample of Poet Laureate Kimi Sugioka’s poetry, please visit www.alamedaca.gov/library.