Deborah Grossman is the Poet Laureate Emerita of the City of Pleasanton (2009-2011). She is the author of Goldie and Me, a book about family, friendship and freedom through the lens of poetry. Deborah has won several regional poetry awards and is a board member of the Ina Coolbrith Circle, a group named for California’s first Poet Laureate which nurtures the poetry and history of the Golden State. Deborah is also an independent food, drink and travel journalist who writes for publications such as Wine Enthusiast and National Culinary Review. She is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the North American Travel Journalists Association.