Current Poet Laureate
Term: 1/1/23- 12/31/24
Jorge Argueta of Daly City is San Mateo County’s 2023-2024 Poet Laureate and their first poet laureate of Hispanic descent. He cites his ability to use poetry to create bridges among diverse communities. Argueta’s work reflects his heritage as a native of El Salvador with a number of bilingual books and poems. He teaches creative writing at elementary schools, high schools and colleges and works with young people in homeless shelters, hospitals and other challenging environments.
Argueta’s works include children’s books such as the bilingual “The Fiesta of the Tortillas/La Fiesta De Las Tortillas” and “A Movie in My Pillow/Una Pelicula en mi Almohada,” about a child with two homelands.
Argueta is the fourth poet laureate, following Aileen Cassinetto, Lisa Rosenberg and Caroline Goodwin.
Congratulations: Tetl Argueta Pérez Papers Acquired
The Benson Latin American Collection announced the acquisition of the San Mateo County Poet Laureate, Jorge Tetl Argueta Pérez Papers. This collection captures the personal history of Argueta’s work as an award-winning children’s book author, poet, activist, organizer, cultural worker, teacher, and publisher. It includes manuscripts, books, journals, original artwork, correspondence, photographs, posters, and newspapers. Read more
Manyula International Children's Poetry Festival
Join us for this exciting day of creativity at the Manyula International Children's Poetry Festival.
The event will take place at the Half Moon Bay Library on Saturday, August 5th from 11 am to 4 pm and is free and open to all.
Questions? Contact poetlaureate@smcgov.org
Appointment of Mr. Argueta
Daly City Council honors the appointment of Mr. Argueta as County Poet Laureate at its February 27 Council meeting
