This April marks the 20th anniversary of National Poetry Month!
I wanted to highlight some resources, local contests and upcoming events:
April 21st is Poem in Your Pocket Day
Call for submissions: Santa Clara County Public Library’s Teen Poetry Contest. One winner from each library will be chosen in the following categories: Grades 6-8 (Middle School), Grades 9-12 (High School). Last day to submit your entry is April 30, 2016. Click here for details. 
UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
7th Annual Poetry Invitational at San Jose Museum of Art
Thursday, April 21, 2016 7–8 PM Admission is $5 after 5 PM (free to members) 
Art inspires art at the annual Poetry Invitational sponsored by SJMA and Poetry Center San Jose. Every year, SJMA invites Bay Area poets to visit the Museum and create new poems inspired by the artworks on view. Hear them read their rhythmic words in the galleries and gain new perspectives on the visual arts as you listen. Poetry readings begin at 7 PM. The galleries are open 5–8:30 PM
So happy to invite these poets to join me in sharing new work inspired by the current exhibitions at SJMA: Lorenz Dumuk, Asha Sudra Finkel, Mighty Mike McGee, David C. Perez, Nils Peterson, Janice Sapigao, Ann Sherman, and Amanda Williamsen.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016 7 PM
The Center for Literary Arts presents Andre Dubus III Reading
Tuesday, April 12, 2016 7–9 PM
Well-RED at Works/San Jose presents Media Poetry Studio Poetry Center San Jose and Works/San Jose present student work from Media Poetry Studio.
New Date: Thursday, May 12, 2016, 7pm
ImagineSJ Showcase #8: Poetry at Anno Domini. Join me and other poets at this event moderated by Mighty Mike McGee.
Saturday, April 16, 2016
The Burning Tale One Year Anniversary at Studio Bongiorno 
Thursday, April 21, 2016 7pm
The Willow Glen Poetry Project Third Thursday Poetry Reading
ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES
March POETree Pop Up
POETree Pop Up at Mountain View Farmers’ Market on March 27th was hopping with kids and adults contributing verse and drawings for the POETree! (Of course I had to include a bunny reference, it was Easter and there was an egg hunt!) I will include the collaborative poem in the next blogpost. 
San Jose City Council Invocation on Tuesday, April 5 at 1:30pm, City Hall’s Council Chambers. I will perform the invocation at the San Jose City Council Meeting.
Silicon Valley Creates Artist Laureate Awards on Monday, April 11 at 6:30pm, School of Arts and Culture at MHP. Honored to open the celebration with a poem! The SVLaureate Awards recognize exceptional achievement in the arts and contribution to the cultural life of Silicon Valley.
Kuwentuhan (Talk Story): A project of The Poetry Center and Barbara Jane Reyes, April 21-23 (at various locations) 
Introducing New Poets Laureate!
Please join me in welcoming Stan Garber, Los Gatos Poet Laureate and Amanda Williamsen, Cupertino Poet Laureate. Coming soon: Inaugural Poet Laureate of Mountain View (yet to be appointed).
I look forward to collaborative projects with former and current laureates, including a summertime reception. Stay tuned!
Santa Clara County Poet Laureate Blog 