LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — In March of 2020, as the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic caused ever-widening shutdowns, Georgina Marie Guardado was quietly appointed to the role of Lake County Poet Laureate absent of the usual public fanfare, an inaugural celebration and reading.

It was tough timing for someone taking on the responsibility of promoting poetry in the public square, yet Guardado successfully nurtured the art locally thanks to the modern miracle of online interfacing.

Now with our moving from pandemic to endemic status, public events have become commonplace and Guardado is taking full advantage of this opportunity to execute her mission.

At age 34, Guardado is the youngest of Lake County’s Poets Laureate, the 11th in a line of local poets extending back to 1998.

Though typically a two-year appointment, Guardado’s term was extended through 2024 due to the pandemic’s hindrances, a first for the Lake County Poet Laureate program.

Navigating a challenging childhood

Guardado, the youngest of six, moved to Lake County from Calistoga with her mother and siblings at age 7. Other than a five-year stint in San Francisco as a young adult, she’s lived here ever since.

Always a nature lover, as a child she took pleasure in time spent swimming in Clear Lake, enjoying local parks, and frequenting the swing in a large field adjacent to their Lakeport home.

According to Guardado, it was a rough childhood, not always happy, and her avid interest in reading and writing helped her through.

Negative experiences in public school led to her being home-schooled from seventh grade onward. Some of her high school requirements were satisfied through classes at Mendocino College, and an English class there introduced her to a variety of women writers, including Sylvia Plath.

Plath’s work drew her into a deeper love of poetry. “Reading work by Sylvia Plath blew my mind in terms of how she could write about mental illness and depression and make it beautiful,” Guardado said.

As one who struggled with depression as a teen — as she openly admits now — she could relate and was thankful to find a way to creatively express what she was going through.

“I’m so glad I took that class,” Guardado said.

The path to poet laureate

Guardado, who began writing poetry at age 15, was initially, as she puts it, a “writer in solitude.”

Her poetry was private, very personal and not something she often shared. Even so, from that young age she had a passion to be a poet.

In 2017 she started becoming more involved in the Lake County literary community. Through this she met Casey Carney, one of Lake County’s former poets laureate. Carney encouraged her writing and urged her to become more involved in the county’s various literary offerings.

Through attending area events and workshops, Guardado experienced the richness of Lake County’s literary community. “There are so many poets and creative writers here,” Guardado said.

Being involved in the community caused her to blossom. “Something was shifting in my life that made me ready to start sharing my work. Pairing that with my involvement in the community made me grow immensely in just a few short years,” said Guardado.

In 2018 a couple of her sisters persuaded her to apply to be Lake County’s poet laureate. She didn’t receive the appointment at that time and the ensuing disappointment made her realize how much she wanted to be in that role.

From 2018 to 2020, Guardado kept working on her writing, focusing on craft elements with an eye to improvement.

At the same time, Guardado began implementing her ideas from the mission statement that she had honed for the 2018 application process. “I decided to just do it. I didn’t need the title to make all of it happen,” said Guardado.

Increasing her own level of poetry and building community impact worked in her favor when the role opened up again, leading to her appointment in 2020 to Poet Laureate by the Lake County Board of Supervisors.

The function of a Poet Laureate and Guardado’s mission

“A poet laureate promotes poetry in their community,” said Guardado. “That’s all it comes down to, so it’s very broad in terms of what you can do with it.”

While on the national and state level there are requirements to speak at certain events, typically poets laureate in counties and towns have more independence and flexibility.

According to Guardado, Lake County has a very autonomous program. It’s not tied to any organization or particular entity and there is no funding for the program. It’s all-volunteer and it’s up to each poet laureate to choose what they wish to do.

For example, Guardado says that some might do a reading series or others may focus on poetry in the schools. The options are vast.

Her mission is to elevate the awareness of poetry in the community and encourage involvement in the craft. Inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility are all very important to her.

“Sometimes the field of poetry can feel a little isolating and inaccessible academically. My goal is to make it accessible for any level of reader or writer,” Guardado said.

Typically, the demographics are varied at her events, from youth to older individuals, and from those who are new to poetry to well established poets.

“This role has meant so much to me in terms of having a leadership role in the community through poetry, promoting poetry, and encouraging other writers,” said Guardado. “At this time in the world we collectively have a lot of emotions and grief. To have any part of being a safe space for others to express their writing is a really important part of my life.”

Poetry during the pandemic

During the pandemic, Guardado did a lot of virtual and email networking with other poets laureate throughout the United States to brainstorm about what they could do for their communities at that time.

She scheduled virtual check-ins to see how writers in the community were feeling. She wondered how the emotions surrounding the pandemic influenced their writing. Were they even interested in writing or reading a poem?

To her surprise, everyone responded in the affirmative. The consensus was that the literary arts were needed to get them through COVID. She then scheduled virtual meetings, readings and writing workshops.

“I had a ton of ideas and wanted to make them all happen,” Guardado said.

She collaborated with Mary Wilson of Woodland Community College in Clearlake to do a 10-week virtual poetry open mic series on Zoom.

She hosts a bimonthly virtual writers’ circle through the Lake County Arts Council, which is open to any level of writing in any genre. It continues to be ongoing.

In 2020, during the first year of her laureateship, Guardado had been particularly impacted by a book she read: “Dreaming America: Voices of Undocumented Youth in Maximum-Security Detentions,” a collection of poems by children ages 13 to 17 who landed in maximum-security detention for crossing the U.S. border.

She reached out to the book’s editor, Seth Michelson, who had led the weekly writing sessions where the poems were composed, and they put together a virtual poetry reading that included Michelson, the publishing house, and a diverse gathering of Lake County poets, writers, and business owners of color. There were about 50 community members that took part in the virtual meeting.

“We did a reading of the children’s poems and some local poets of color read their original work,” said Guardado. “It was an incredibly powerful community gathering, as well as poetry reading.”

Current poetry and literary events

Guardado feels there is still some hesitation about getting together in person, so she’s easing slowly into in-person events.

On Valentine’s Day of this year, she began doing a once-a-month “Tea and Poetry” workshop in collaboration with Studio 127, a Lakeport yoga studio. The meeting is on the third Saturday of each month.

Tea from the studio’s loose-leaf collection is enjoyed while poems are read and written. Guardado provides writing prompts.

The gathering — now still small — is open to the public, and those with any level of experience, from beginning to advanced, are welcome.

Dropping in is possible, but an RSVP is preferred. There is a suggested donation of $10 but no one is turned away for lack of funds.

In June, Guardado began the Lake County Poetry Tour, a series of outdoor and indoor poetry workshops and readings at various venues throughout the county. These continue in July, including at Upper Lake’s Tallman Hotel (July 8), the Middletown Library (July 9), and Clear Lake Campground (July 10).

All Poetry Tour events are free to attend and there is no advance registration.

The Virtual Writers Circle hosted by Guardado meets on the first and third Wednesday evening of each month.

To find out more about the events mentioned (and any in the future), visit Guardado’s website, www.GeorginaMariePoet.com.

Academy of American Poets fellowship

Guardado applied for a fellowship through the Academy of American Poets after being appointed as Lake County’s Poet Laureate. She was one of only 23 fellowship recipients throughout the U.S. in 2021.

Guardado acknowledges that artists and writers tend not to make much money, if at all — it’s done out of passion for the craft. It’s very tough to make a living as a poet, and the fellowship has allowed her to pursue her writing in a way that was impossible before.

She’s been able to work part-time and spend most of her non-work hours writing. The fellowship has been an incredible support in her efforts to write what is going to be her first full-length poetry manuscript, which she anticipates being done by the end of the year. “At that point,” said Guardado, “I’ll begin sending it to some of my dream publishers.”

Since being the Lake County Poet Laureate is completely volunteer, the fellowship has helped her have time for those projects, as well. In addition, Guardado is grateful for the networking and relationships that have developed within the supportive cohort of the 22 other fellowship recipients.

Poetry displays and libraries

In addition to funding her writing, the Academy of American Poets fellowship includes funding a community project. She chose one that makes poetry visible and accessible throughout the county.

Someone who lives in Clearlake or Upper Lake may not be able to get to Lakeport for a poetry reading, but if a poetry display is installed in their community, they can have access to reading a poem.

“I felt that our communities have been through so much in the last few years that it would be nice to beautify them with poetry all across the county,” said Guardado.

She partnered with craftsman Gary Maes — whose work Guardado describes as “incredible” — to build 15 display boxes for poetry in seven communities throughout the county.

Poetry in the boxes is switched out occasionally. Maes does this in Kelseyville every week to 10 days and the other locations are managed by volunteers or the location host. Guardado says this helps ensure that the project will live on beyond her tenure as poet laureate.

A second fellowship project was installing the little poetry free libraries that have been popping up around the county since last July. The libraries bring visual representation of poetry to communities around the lake. Patrons can donate, take or borrow a book of poetry.

To find poetry boxes and free poetry libraries, go to Guardado’s website and click on “fellowship” to access a Google map showing locations.

Lake County Youth Poet Laureate Program

Guardado, in conjunction with the Lake County Arts Council, has launched a Youth Poet Laureate program, a first for the county. Applicant interest forms are currently being received — there are three so far — and the deadline for this has been extended to July 15.

Once interest is established, a three-month application process will begin, with Guardado mentoring interested youths throughout the undertaking via workshops and assistance with the needed submissions.

Duties will be the same as the adult poet laureate — the youth poet laureate will be promoting poetry and literacy within their community, which in this case will be the county’s adolescents. The focus will be on poetry reading with youth, which they can take in any direction they want.

The local program will partner with Urban Word NYC, which hosts the National Youth Poet Laureate Program. This was done so the student serving in the position will have the opportunity to be involved with other youth poets laureate throughout the U.S. They’ll also have access to leadership development and other seminars and be in the running to become the Regional Youth Poet Laureate.

Those interested should visit the Lake County Arts Council at Lake County Youth Poet Laureate Program — Lake County Arts Council by July 15.

Animal lover and dog fosterer

Guardado has been an animal lover since she was very young. “Separate from my career goals, my main dream as a child was to be a dog mom,” joked Guardado.

Her first dog, which she got at age 10, was with her for 13 years. “We grew up together,” said Guardado.

When living in San Francisco, she felt ready to welcome another dog into her home and knew she wanted to adopt a rescue dog in need. She did this through Family Dog Rescue, which mainly serves the Bay Area (though they also rescue from abroad, particularly Tijuana).

When she learned about the work the organization was doing, she began volunteering with them, doing intakes, mobile adoption events, and cleaning and stocking supplies in the shelter.

Her rescue dog, Kenya, a German shepherd-lab mix, had been severely abused and neglected but thrived under Guardado’s care.

“Through that,” said Guardado, “I became aware of the number of animals in need and what a great thing it is to foster and give a home to an animal who may not know what it’s like to receive love.”

In addition to fostering dogs, she did some foster work for cats through Give Me Shelter, another Bay Area rescue.

Now that she’s back in Lake County, she tries to foster when she has the energy and time. She adopted a dog through Lake County Animal Care and Control last year, Micco, a pit bull mix. “He’s my pandemic puppy,” said Guardado.

Thankfully, both dogs adapt very well when she brings other animals into their space, which has allowed her to foster a number of other dogs. She’s currently fostering a German shepherd mix which she named Bohdan, which means “gift from God” in Ukrainian.

“Bohdan found me when the Ukrainian war started, and the social media posts I was seeing about owners fleeing with their dogs were just heartbreaking,” Guardado recalled. “Images of these animals flashed through my mind daily, and when the opportunity to foster came up, I settled on that name.

According to Guardado, Bohdan is in good health and very vocal. “He’s such a great dog. He’s house trained and has learned some new tricks while here. He’d be a great companion for just about anyone,” Guardado said.

Those interested in the possibility of adopting him should contact the Ripple Effect Animal Project in Napa.

Promoting literacy through the Lake County Library

Guardado was appointed the Adult Literacy Coordinator for the Lake County Library in December of last year. She’s enthusiastic about the position — it fits right in with her passion for literacy.

“There is a great need for this program in Lake County,” said Guardado. “While this county has many different challenges — wildfires and poverty, for example — there is also a great need to improve literacy. There are low literacy rates throughout the county, and a lot of adults need our services to improve their reading and writing skills, to feel confident in being a reader, and to be supported as a lifelong learner. This program does that for them through one-on-one tutoring with matched tutor-learner pairs.”

COVID-19 impacted literacy programs throughout California as tutors and learners were unable to meet in person. Much of what she’s doing now is rebuilding and revitalizing the program after the pandemic drop-off.

This involves community outreach, forming relationships with various organizations throughout the county, and partnering with other adult education resources to bring in more learners and tutors.

There are currently 12 active tutor-learner pairs and 13 learners waiting to be matched. Thanks to Guardado’s active outreach, six new tutors were trained last week and a few more have indicated interest in the next training.

The program’s biggest need is for tutors willing to meet learners in the Clearlake and Middletown area, and for word to be spread so that potential learners are aware of the services offered.

According to Guardado, no experience is needed to be a tutor. Tutors are trained and there is ongoing support as needed. Tutors must be above the age of 16 and have a good understanding of the English language and with reading and writing.

To be a learner, one must be over 16 and know enough English to be able to communicate with their tutor. Guardado has applied for a grant that would make an ESL program possible in the future.

The program is flexible with a one-hour-per-week commitment and is based on the learner’s goals. For those who are hesitant to meet in person, the library can provide Chromebooks and wi-fi hot spots for remote tutoring.

Anyone interested in being a tutor or learner can contact Guardado at 707-263-7633.

The Big Read

To further promote literacy, the Lake County Library received an NEA grant for a Big Read program which is slated to begin in February of 2023.

Guardado has been part of prior Big Read programs three times as a library patron and is excited to be leading this one. She’ll work with library staff members Amy Patton and Barbara Green to coordinate the programs for children and adults.

So far there are 15 confirmed community partners throughout Lake County (among them are the two local colleges, Lake County Museums, Lake County Farmers’ Finest, and the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians), who will hold events in conjunction with the Big Read, such as writing workshops, book discussions, and educational programs involving themes in the book.

The chosen book is “Postcolonial Love Poem,” a collection of poems by Arizona Poet Laureate Natalie Diaz. Diaz, who is Mojave, was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for the work.

Guardado has reached out to Diaz, who will do a virtual public event in March of 2023 to include a keynote address and question and answer session.

And finally, a twist of fate

In an interesting twist of fate, the woman who preceded Guardado as adult literacy coordinator was Ginny DeVries, who taught the Mendocino College English class that introduced Guardado to Sylvia Plath and influenced her path toward poetry.

Though they reconnected some years later and remained connected through poetry and letter writing, Guardado was unaware of her work with the literacy program and only found out through a Lake County News article at the time of her retirement.

“When I saw that,” said Guardado, “I felt it was fate.”

Esther Oertel is a freelance writer in Middletown who's contributed to Lake County News since 2010. She especially enjoys writing about the people and places that make Lake County unique. For comments, questions and story suggestions, she may be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..