Anyone who still doesn’t believe that the Internet is the great equalizer ought to meet Patrick Sexton. A homeless man in Isla Vista, he has created one of the world's most definitive online guides for improving Web site rankings on the Google search engine.

At the start of National Poetry Month, Santa Barbara crowned its second poet laureate this week. Perie Longo, who has taught poetry for more than 25 years, will succeed Barry Spacks as the city's official poet for the next two years.

As a teacher, mentor, author and therapist, Longo has dedicated her life to helping others find their artistic voice through words. She will continue that work in an official capacity, crafting poems for city events such as the Old Spanish Days Fiesta party in August and serving as a symbol for a city that prides itself on the caliber of its artists.

“I’m thrilled,” said Longo, who was selected for the post by a committee of artists and city leaders.