By Maja Trochimczyk including material from two articles by Joe DeCenzo
FROM: Village Poets

On April 9, 2022, writer, teacher and musician Alice Pero will be inducted as Sunland-Tujunga’s new Poet Laureate. The ceremony known as the “Passing of the Laurels” honors a writer of distinguished class and distinct voice who has displayed love and admiration for their local area. The “laurels” refer to the honorary wreath awarded to ancient Greek poets and heroes for their achievements. The “Passing” will be conducted by 9th Poet Laureate Pamela Shea (2017-2020).  

The Sunland-Tujunga Poet Laureate program was established in 1999 to honor the legacy of John Steven McGroarty who served as California State poet laureate form 1933-44. He was a poet, playwright and author who, for 40 years penned a column for the Los Angeles Times titled “Seen From The Green Verdugo Hills.” His former home at 7570 McGroarty Terrace in Tujunga was donated to the City of Los Angeles and now serves as the local Arts Center. It is managed by the Department of Cultural Affairs and has been closed to the public since March of 2020 due to the pandemic and remains closed pending the lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions.

Ms. Pero was actually elected to her new post in 2020, but her official induction has been postponed on several occasions as a result of county health mandates. While the McGroarty Arts Center, the customary host of the “Passing of the Laurels” ceremony, is unavailable, the former home of late artist and sculptor Wendell Dayton will open its gates to the public for this prestigious event. It’s a recognizable and lovely location surrounded by an outdoor sculptor garden in the Shadow Hills section of Sunland.  

As a poet, Ms. Pero began giving public readings of her work in 1984. She has performed her work in dozens of venues in New York State, Austin and Los Angeles. For more than 15 years Alice Pero has called Sunland-Tujunga home. “I have absorbed the spirit of the desert wash, the plants, animals and birds and they have all become part of my poetry.” When further asked what she finds unique about the foothill surroundings, Ms. Pero said “Unlike the crowed rush of the cities I have lived in, there is space and a connection to living things here.” Not all are familiar with the title of Poet Laureate or what they do for a community. Ms. Pero explains, “A poet feels the pulse of the city, the people and all of nature. The program elevates the cultural level of the people it serves and honors the poet who has the traditional role of lifting hearts and soothing souls.” Read Rest of Article Here