Newark Patch Turns 1 Today — Cheers To You!

Newark Patch is officially 1 today!

And a huge thank you goes out to all of you.

Newark Patch strives to be your go-to source for everything. It’s not just a news website. It's a community forum where you can connect with your neighbors and share your ideas, thoughts on news around town and post events and announcements.

And while I hold the title as your “editor,” Newark Patch could never have been what it is without each and every one of you.

You have helped us be the first ones on the scene by sending us tips. You have told us your biggest concerns, so we could investigate them further. And you’ve talked with one another.

Every day I am amazed at how involved each of you are – whether you blog for, comment on or just read Newark Patch.

So again, thank you for your support.

Since our launch, Newark Patch has published 2,173 articles. That averages to 5.9 local news stories per day about things that matter to you.

We’ve taken pride in covering everything Newark, from crime reports to the first mayoral change in 33 years.

You’ve even been part of the news with your comments on what should replace vacant buildings and we’ve even had fun playing guessing games on places and food.

But we’ve also been there for the most hard-hitting news, including the last murder of 2010 and the first murder of 2011.

It’s too difficult to remember every single story our amazing team of contributors has produced, but here are a few of our biggest stories in the past 365 days.

Justice Afoa

Newark Patch had a dramatic launch on Dec. 15 after police found a 17-year-old near a bus stop on Cedar Boulevard near Birch Street around 3:40 p.m. The teenager was later identified as Justice Afoa, a former student of . Newark Patch was there in the weeks following his death as friends and family mourned the former Newark Memorial High School student and the Afoa family was kind enough to open up to former Patch Editor Kris Vera-Phillips as they and for Justice Afoa.

Oil Refinery Fire Injures One

When tips rolled in that a fire was blazing at the Evergreen Oil refinery plant off Smith Avenue on March 28, former Newark Patch Editor Kris Vera-Phillips rushed over and was first on the scene. The and shut off the plant’s re-refinery sections for several months. Evergreen just recently and officials said they hope to re-open the second in the next few weeks.

First Murder of 2011

Two days after my first day as Newark Patch editor, police responded to the 36000 block of Cherry Street where . The woman was later identified as 25-year-old Evangeline Supena Contillo. Police arrested the father of her children, Jason Otis Monroe, 33, of Newark. I was thankful for the openness of the Contillo family who shared their . And Patch has continued to follow the court proceedings of Monroe, who recently .

Pot Clubs Get Raided

Months of coverage of medical marijuana dispensaries on Newark Patch all started with one phone call in June from a Newark resident who informed me that several police were at 7180 Thornton Ave., which has since . Yesterday, authorities raided Happy Wellness Center on Jarvis Avenue – a cannabis collective that opened in August. In November, the Newark City Council .

First New Mayor in 33 Years

In November, Newark residents elected a new mayor. on Dec. 8 becoming the first new mayor of Newark since 1978. Newark Patch was first to report when former Mayor David Smith and talked with numerous city leaders and community members about what .

There’s Good News, Too

There are also dozens of positive local stories that we share on Newark Patch, from and cancer awareness events to .

Here are just some of the popular stories we’ve run in the past year that come to mind:

Again, a big thank you to all of you! Cheers and here's to more years of Newark Patch!