13 Ways to Get the Most Out of Sierra Madre Patch

Simply put, Sierra Madre Patch is about you.

We've built Patch so that you have plenty of opportunities to comment on stories, share your opinions, post photos and announcements and add events to the community calendar. We hope that our site will strengthen the community, but we can't do it without you. So get to it! 

1. Comment on an Article

We subscribe to the idea that "news is a conversation." Some of our reporting will emanate from what readers tell us in emails, comments on our sites, and in conversations around town. Share your thoughts and reactions to our articles by posting a comment directly below each story.  

2. Post an Event 

Do you know of a book signing at the library, a celebrity chef appearing at a cooking store or an art exhibit at a local gallery? Is there a special bake sale or graduation ceremony coming up? If it's not on our Patch calendar, it should be. Feel free to add events to the site at http://sierramadre.patch.com/events/new. Make sure you are logged in first. Here's a quick How to Post an Event on Patch for Free video if you need it.

3. Become a Patch Blogger

Bloggers can be found under the Local Voices section of Sierra Madre Patch and include local business owners, professionals or people who are passionate about a certain topic--parenting, beauty, health, college advising, politics and more. Bloggers can submit posts as often as they like and there are no deadlines or assignments. Bloggers get more exposure on Patch and can also submit posts from their personal blog on Patch too to reach more readers. Start blogging on Patch here.

4. Download the free mobile Patch App

Check out the latest Patch news and events and upload photos from your phone to Sierra Madre Patch on our free Patch iPhone app or check out Patch places on our Android app.

5. Send a News Tip

At the bottom of the homepage, there's a link that says, "Send Us News Tips." Tell us about stories we should cover. Your tip will be sent straight to Jessica Hamlin, Sierra Madre Patch's (incredibly grateful) editor.

6. Post an Announcement

Post births, engagements and wedding announcements. Tell us who made the honor roll or share school awards, social notes and thank you shout outs. If you're looking for volunteers or searching for your lost dog, we welcome you to call on your community for help. Just remember, our Terms of Service say announcements should be for personal use and not for advertising. 

7. Sign Up for Free Newsletters

The free daily Sierra Madre Patch newsletter brings you all articles, announcements and blog entries that have been posted in the last 24 hours. It is delivered to your e-mail every morning. You can also sign up for the weekly newsletter, which shows a subset of the content created and featured on the site over the last few days. It is delivered every Thursday at 10 a.m. You can also sign up to receive breaking news alerts when a big story hits. Click on the Newsletters link here or at the bottom of this and almost every page. *We don't share your email with anyone and will not spam you so you have nothing to lose!

8. Claim Your Directory Listing 

The Directory--our collection of business and organization listings--isn't skimpy. Our team hit the streets and visited businesses, schools, parks, libraries and more so we can provide photos as well as detailed information such as products sold and hours of operation. To contact us about the listing for your business or organization, email us at directorysupport@patch.com.

If you own or manage a business or organization in our directory, claim it FREE at http://sierramadre.patch.com/directory and start reaping the benefits. Here's a brief video on How to Claim Your Patch Listing.

9. Upload Your Photos and Video 

Upload videos of high school football touchdowns or your little leaguer's first home run. Post photos from local festivals or restaurants or send in a snapshot of your best holiday recipes. We invite you to share with the rest of the community the memories you've caught on camera. Once you are logged in to Patch with your free account, just go to an article you want to add photos to and click on "Upload Photos." Or add a photo or a few to our Pics & Clips neighborhood gallery.

Here's how to upload photos from your smart phone to Patch using our free app.

10. Advertise With Us 

For all advertising queries, please send an email to Regional Publisher David Peck at: davidp@patch.com

11. Review Businesses

Do you want to be the first to tell your friends whether the new restaurant or store in town gets a thumbs-up? You can post a review of your favorite (or not-so favorite) businesses here. Or, search to find information on local businesses and spots like schools or places of worship.

12. Social Media

You can "like" us on Facebook here and follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SierraMPatch. Immerse yourself and actively contribute and engage via social media. Let's start a conversation. You can also get the

13. Send a Letter to the Editor

Patch welcomes every member of the Sierra Madre community to submit a letter to the editor. Express your thoughts or concerns about anything that might be stirring up conversation around town, and we'll post it. Make sure it's not longer than 300 words and email it to Editor Jessica Hamlin at jessica.hamlin@patch.com.

The more Sierra Madre Patch serves as on online space for community dialogue, the more useful the site will be. So next time you have something to share with your neighbors, consider taking a moment to send a letter to Patch. Chances are, you're not the only one who feels that way.

What is your favorite way to interact on Patch? Do you have any questions about how to join the conversation?