[1] In 1949, Norris released a book called Golden Empire to celebrate the centennial of California.
[3] Due to his publication of Golden Empire,[4] Norris was appointed California Poet Laureate on 9 June, 1953.
[6] Norris was arrested in April 1959 on drugs charges, after being found in possession of a large numbers of pills while driving.
He stated that the pills were the result of a heart attack he suffered after visiting the Grand Canyon, but was released with a $500 bail for driving under the influence of drugs.
[6] The poet laureate position remained empty for several years after his death.