Reading in Los Padres to Remember Poet

A public poetry reading in the Los Padres National Forest will honor the life and work of William Stafford, former U.S. poet laureate. The gathering will be Saturday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m. in the First Crossing Day Use Area on Paradise Road off of Highway 154 in Santa Barbara County.

The reading will feature Perie Longo, who teaches psychology and poetry therapy at Antioch University, Santa Barbara, and Jackson Wheeler, poet and author of “Swimming Past Iceland.” Members of the community are invited to share their favorite Stafford poems as well.

The reading is one of dozens taking place across the country this month in honor of Stafford, who was born in January 1914. He died in 1993, having published 57 volumes of poetry.

“Stafford was a uniquely humble man, a reconciling presence, a mentor and encourager to many of the present generation of American poets,” says Paul Willis, Westmont professor of English, who is hosting the event.

Stafford, a conscientious objector during World War II, performed alternative work in civilian public service camps, spending much of that time in the Los Padres National Forest, where he built trails and fought fires.

“When I discovered that one of Stafford’s formative life experiences took place at the Los Prietos Camp in Santa Barbara’s back yard,” says Willis, “I knew I wanted to host a reading there in his memory for the community to enjoy.”

The Paradise Ranger Station has also set up an exhibit about Stafford and the time he spent at the camp.

This event is supported by Poets & Writers Inc. through a grant it has received from the James Irvine Foundation.

For more information or more precise directions, please e-mail Paul Willis at willis@westmont.edu.