Introducing Local Voices, Dixon Bloggers

Tomorrow will be an exciting day on Dixon Patch as we prepare to unveil our Local Voices blog platform on the site. One of the coolest aspects of this new feature is the integration of local bloggers and it’s my pleasure to introduce to you the Dixonites who will be blogging on the Patch when the platform launches.

Berry Van Der Linden is a computer guru and web designer who has a passion for his hometown and is an avid photographer. Berry has contributed to the Patch by taking photos for some of our stories, commenting on several of them and along with his wife, Marcy, being named Dixon’s Cutest Couple 2011.

Berry will be writing a tech blog on the Patch that will help readers with everything from avoiding computer viruses to the latest web innovations.

Dasha Byers is a self-described “OCD Mom” who is passionate about her family and community. She is a community organizer, volunteer and is an advocate for home schooling children. Dasha is an avid writer who loves to blog about music, education and of course, her family.

Gary Erwin is a familiar name on the Patch, frequently commenting on our articles, with both praise and criticism. Gary has strong roots in Dixon – his mother’s family arrived in Silveyville 150 years ago – and cares deeply for Dixon and for the farmers who grow crops here.

Currently working in San Francisco, managing theatrical events, Gary makes time whenever he can to attend meetings of the Dixon City Council, where he takes the opportunity to address the council on several issues concerning the city. Gary’s blog will touch upon many different aspects of Dixon.

Finally, Angie Hummel’s travels as a member of the U.S. Air Force has taken her to places such as  Germany, Florida, Texas, New Mexico and back to Travis Air Force Base, where she first started out and where she currently works. Angie is a relative newcomer to Dixon, arriving in town in January 2009, but is passionate about Dixon history, veterans’ issues and fun activities like gardening. Angie’s blog will be an open canvas on the Patch as Angie opens up about finding her niche in Dixon and the California countryside and her experiences of being a transplant in this not-so-sleepy town.

I am very proud to introduce to you these community bloggers and welcome you, dear readers, to start a blog on our site as well. Please contact me at carlos.villatoro@patch.com for some further details about how to start your own blog on the Patch.