Jose Garcia Martin is no stranger to the City of Lathrop.

He’s been involved in various functions around town, including Juneteenth and Veterans Day events.

Martin, who “blends social, religious, and political themes with gritty realism and vivid detail,” according to one social media website, was announced at the Feb. 10 City Council meeting as Lathrop’s first-ever poet laureate.

He along with Emil Guillermo (Ripon) and Tara Rico (Manteca), locally, are part of the inaugural program of the Library and Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin County that’s intended to promote a lifelong love literature and poetry. With it comes a renewable three-year grant for $1,500 for each poet laureate at $5,000 per year.

Martin’s selection was made possible by a local ad hoc committee consisting of two members each from the Lathrop Senior Advisory Commission, the Lathrop Youth Advisory Commission, and the Lathrop Parks & Recreation Commission.

“I am thrilled to announce my appointment as Lathrop’s very first poet laureate. This marks a historic moment for our city as we celebrate the power of words, storytelling, and artistic expression,” he said Feb. 9 on Instagram.

Martin added: “I am excited for this incredible honor. Stay tuned for upcoming poetry events and opportunity to engage with our city’s literacy arts.”

Besides Juneteenth and Veterans Day, he’ll also be featured at the July 1 Incorporation of the City of Lathrop celebration, Christmas Tree Lighting, Memorial Day, and other events coupled with various workshops, to name a few.