Erik Manuel Soto

Erik Manuel Soto is a Mexican-American poet. In 2026 he was named poet laureate of Vallejo, California.^[2][3] He holds a Master of Arts from Sonoma State University^[4] and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Nevada at Reno.^[5]

Several literary journals have all featured his poetry, including Antiphony,^[2] Volt, the Nelligan, River and South Review, Huizache, Zaum, The Dewdrop, and Sonora Review .^[6][5] What Books Press published his first poetry collection, Inside the Umber Iris, in October 2025.^[5] Prior to being selected as Vallejo's poet laureate, Soto performed at Sonoma State University,^[4] The Village Well in Culver City,^[5] Medicine for Nightmares Bookstore and Gallery,^[7] Beyond Baroque,^[8] Los Angeles Public Library,^[9] and Napa Bookmine.^[10] As poet laureate Soto has performed at the No Kings Day 3 rally in Vallejo,^[11] Fiestas Primavera in Benicia,^[12] Voices at the Table,^[13] Red Man's Hall,^[14] and the Vacaville Museum.^[15]