For the Shore, By the Shore

It's been quite a ride, this past six months, launching a news site in my own neighborhood. Today marks the half year mark since http://belmontshore.patch.com went live. Sadly, our team did so with a tragedy at our doorstep. While our coverage on Facebook before the site was live drew praise, the Doug Zerby shooting Dec. 12 never fails to carry an inseparable melancholy for any of us involved.

In that time, Patch has posted 1,090 articles or columns, an average of 180 news items a month, about six a day. We aim to cover the stories that are missed by larger media but which matter most to our daily living. That may be schools--the fun stuff, the inventive ways we are delivering learning experiences for kids in the face of devastating budget cuts--and it may be traffic, parking, or alcohol licenses. Traffic only matters if you are sitting in it, but then it is costing your life time. We will be eyeing that topic each day. Our features also may be your worst holiday gifts and seasonal fun. Come Halloween, you'll need to tolerate my pumpkin carving photo contest. Also my call for YouTubes of best diabolical laughs, screams, etcetera. You've been warned.

My goal as the editor is to inform the community, arm folks with what they need to know to make choices to truly have a government for the people, by the people. I know it may sound naive, but it remains my ambition for our community news site. We at Patch want to be a place for readers to ask questions, talk  about the news and--dare we hope?--find something to laugh or feel good about.

Thank you for embracing Patch and spreading the word to friends, because it shows in our rapid growth. Thank you, also, to our online colleagues in the local media, in particular to LBReport.com's Bill Pearl and GreaterLongBeach.com's Dave Wielenga, who's work we admire and most often link to for citywide news. And we would not be here today without a tireless and devoted team of contributors who bring stories from our neighborhoods daily. For the Shore, by the Shore.

Here are a few voices from readers, and contributors who choose to have their work appear on Belmont Shore Patch.com. We welcome all ideas and comments. 

When you live in the city the size of Long Beach, California, it's sometimes hard to form a community bond.  But that's what Belmont Shore Patch has done for our little enclave on the east side of town.  Residents now know what is happening within our neighborhood, whether it's a local family event or a major issue brewing within the corridors of City Hall.   I also enjoy writing for Belmont Shore Patch because it allows me to share my knowledge of the neighborhood with those who live around me.  As Patch's restaurant reviewer, I'm taken out of my culinary comfort zone as I venture into restaurants typically not on my radar.  Most of all, I love it when our local Patch scoops the mainstream media as it did last December as it was making its debut.

-- Elizabeth Borsting, public relations specialist and travel writer

It was apparent during my two year presidency of the Belmont Shore Residents Association (BSRA) that our community lacked unbiased news reporting from the Grunion Gazette and Press Telegram.  All too frequently, neighborhood issues impacting Belmont Shore went unreported or were slanted in a direction most favorable to the politically well connected creating the issue.  With the demise of the District Weekly, accurate news reporting and investigative reporting became a farce.

 Thankfully, the Patch fills a media niche that was needed and missing.  The Zerby killing, Gateway sign, Second & PCH and Long Beach Firemen who run over bicyclists would never have been reported if not for the Patch.  Unbiased reporting by the Patch keeps other media sources honest and provides a framework for the community to comment on their issues.  All hail the Patch.

 --Mike Ruehle, former Shore resident and BSRA president.

 Every day, I look forward to opening up my Patch email newsletter because I know it will tell me something important about my neighborhood.  I especially appreciate the commitment to covering news that might not be a big deal in other parts of the city but matters a lot to those of us in this community.  Reporting news about a controversial massive hotel project or the effects of late night bar activity not only keeps residents informed but holds city officials accountable.  I'm so grateful to havePatch in Belmont Shore and to have a community-minded editor like Nancy Wride at the helm.

--Mary Lou Fulton, longtime Shore and Peninsula resident, comtributor

“I love seeing people in the community and having them tell me they really enjoyed a sports or fitness class that they wouldn't have done if they didn’t learn about it in my article. I am especially touched when someone says they took a more insightful look at some negative sports or workout habits and tried to make changes for themselves or their children.” 

--Andrea Metzker, Patch fitness columnist, longtime Shore resident.

Not to reflect badly on our beautiful and bonded community, but if I hear sirens or a police chopper, I check Patch Belmont Shore to see if I can find out what’s going on. I appreciate that it’s not just lifestyle but news and issues and controversy. I also appreciate the forward-thinking columns such as “Sustaining the City,” Holland Brown’s thoughts on trying—a lot of us are trying—to be green. Plus, the daily bulletins and news alerts help. I don’t always remember to check Patch, but if something’s happening, I know I’ll get a heads-up.

 I’ve written for Patch because I care about our community and issues in our community in a way you don’t feel when you write for one of the mega-papers. As much as that is a privilege and a professional accomplishment, you sometimes feel you’re writing for your peers or for yourself. When you write for Patch, you feel as if you’re writing for the people you pass each day, whether you know them or not.

--Robyn Norwood, Patch contributor, national sports writer,  Shore resident.

"I enjoy keeping up to date on all the local news and events in my Long Beach neighborhood via Patch.com. Nancy Wride is a tenacious reporter and passionate editor who knows how to get the stories that are important to the community. I am looking forward to sending many of my aspiring journalism students from the University of California, Irvine, literary journalism program her way, as Patch summer interns and freelancers. I know they will learn the ropes of how local news should be covered from Nancy. Keep up the great work!" 

-- Erika Hayasaki, national journalist and assistant professor (www.erikahayasaki.com)

Patch.com is the perfect blend of important local news stories and intriguing community profiles.  I write for Patch to help highlight all the great work local folks are doing right here in our neighborhood to reduce their impact on the environment.  I have met so many extraordinary neighbors and local business owners and am grateful to have a wonderful website through which to share their wisdom and resources.  Patch.com does more than keep us informed – it lets us inspire each other.

--Holland Brown, Sustaining the City columnist, co-owner of an environmental consulting company