2024-2025 Monterey County Poet Laureate
Rachelle Escamilla
The Poet Laureate celebrates Monterey County’s cultural heritage and promotes literacy and literature among county residents. Escamilla is the second to hold the title.
As a Chicana poet from the Central Coast of California, with an impressive literary journey. Rachelle is the author of three poetry books, including “Imaginary Animal,” winner of the Willow Books Prize in Literature for Poetry.
Escamilla has made her mark in poetry, founded organizations, hosted a long-running poetry radio show, and conducted research at the Library of Congress. Among her many honors, Rachelle has received awards such as the Virginia de Arujo Academy of American Poets Prize and the Philanthropist of the Year for her contributions. Rachelle’s impact extends globally, with her nonfiction writing published in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
2022-2023 Monterey County Poet Laureate
Daniel B. Summerhill
Daniel B. Summerhill is a Poet, Professor and Performer. He is an assistant professor of poetry/social action and composition studies at California State University Monterey Bay. Daniel has performed in over thirty states, the UK, and was invited by the US Embassy to guest lecture and perform in South Africa. He earned a Sharon Olds fellowship as well as a fellowship from the Watering Hole.
His work has appeared in Columbia Journal, Rust & Moth, Button Poetry, Anti-Heroin Chic, The Hellebore, and elsewhere. His work has earned him two Pushcart nominations as well as a best of the net nomination. His debut collection Divine, Divine, Divine is available now from Oakland- based Nomadic Press. His sophomore collection, Mausoleum of Flowers will be published by Cavankerry Press in April 2022. Summerhill holds an MFA in creative writing from Pine Manor College in Boston, MA.