Erik Manuel Soto is a Mexican-American poet. In 2026 he was named poet laureate of Vallejo, California. He holds a Master of Arts from Sonoma State University and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Nevada at Reno.
Several literary journals have all featured his poetry, including Antiphony, Volt, the Nelligan, River and South Review, Huizache, Zaum, The Dewdrop, and Sonora Review . What Books Press published his first poetry collection, Inside the Umber Iris, in October 2025. Prior to being selected as Vallejo's poet laureate, Soto performed at Sonoma State University, The Village Well in Culver City, Medicine for Nightmares Bookstore and Gallery, Beyond Baroque, Los Angeles Public Library, and Napa Bookmine. As poet laureate Soto has performed at the No Kings Day 3 rally in Vallejo, Fiestas Primavera in Benicia, Voices at the Table, and the Vacaville Museum.