[Editor’s Note: Dr. Hoult’s topic is the City Council’s ongoing search for a poet laureate for Culver City, via the advisory Cultural Affairs Commission.]
I just received a copy from Thomas Small of the Los Angeles description and procedure for selecting a Poet Laureate that Marla Koosed had forwarded to him.
I had included Los Angeles as one of the six cities in California that I researched. But was concerned about the $10,000 contract each year for duties that can be done with no fee.
This evening at 7 o’clock at the Cultural Affairs Commission meeting, I hope to be able to get the commission to focus on what a city the size of Culver City needs in a Poet Laureate
I have attached the documents I provided for the CAC that were looked over by the Ad Hoc Committee.
Mr. Small, a CAC member, and I met to go over the research I provided them. He and John Williams, who form the Ad Hoc Committee set up by the CAC, worked to put something together. Thomas told me that he had also been in touch with Frederik Sisa, who indicated he is willing to help us get things going.
Thomas had the discussion put on tonight’s CAC agenda so public comment could be invited. That is imperative prior to taking a final document to the City Council.
You may want to remind those who are interested that they are welcome to provide comments to assist the Ad Hoc committee in coming up with a solid document and procedure.
Also, more voices would help make the case to the CAC about the following:
- The CAC needs to ensure that the City Council understands how important it is to establish the Poet Laureate position and the procedure for naming Poets Laureate in the future. The timing is right since the Centennial is in 2017….just around the corner…!
- Adding “Literary Arts” to the mission of the CAC… they are not represented and they should be. Poetry would be included within the Literary Arts. It would become the responsibility of the CAC to sponsor events such as poetry contests and readings as well as select a Poet Laureate every two years.
Here is a poem I read at last evening’s City Council meeting.
National Night Out
By Dr. Janet Hoult
Did I see you at Lindberg Park
Learning about what gives a spark
To Culver City ?
Did you know about the partnership
Between the police and the community
Of Culver City ?
Did you learn when we work as a team
Police and citizens are on the beam
To stop crime in Culver City ?
Did you enjoy the food and drink
Meeting neighbors and pausing to think
About Culver City?
Charley said he was glad we went
And participated in this terrific event
National Night Out in Culver City.
We are proud to be citizens in the U.S.
And which city do we think is the best
Why, Culver City..!!
So let’s say thanks and give a big shout out
To our police for the National Night Out
And for their work in Culver City
Dr. Hoult may be contacted at HOULTight@aol.com
