South Pas Patch Turns A Year Old

South Pas Patch reached a milestone Tuesday—we turned a year old.

On Oct. 11, 2010, former editor Sonia Narang launched the site with regional editor Patrick Lee. It was the second of what would eventually grow into a cluster of 11 sites in the San Gabriel Valley and Northeast Los Angeles.

Today, more than 850 communities throughout the nation turn to their Patch for all things local.

Over the last year, South Pas Patch has worked to provide users with content that makes their lives easier.

From controversial to sad to funny, here are some highlights:

• Former editor Sonia Narang captures the excitement of a local tradition: Volunteers Make South Pas Tournament of Roses Float a Reality.
• As residents became frustrated and confused with construction along Fair Oaks, Patch was there every step of the way. Here's an article about the controversial bulb-outs that generated 35 comments: Fair Oaks Construction: Future of Bulb-Outs.
• When I first got to town in April, I kept hearing stories about peacock sightings. Thanks to those of you who sent in photos, I was able to create a great photo album: Peacocks in South Pas.
• Patch blogger touches our hearts with a series of posts on the highs and lows of raising a daughter with Down Syndrome: My life with Katie, the Aftermath.
• Two young students make a big impact on the culture of our schools: Students Start 'Peace Team' to Combat Bullying. 
• Patch columnist Laurie Allee has helped inspire and inform the community on the status of the Rialto. She captures great memories in this video: The Rialto: Where do we go From Here?
• Many were shocked to hear that a local Farmers Market vendor was charged on criminal conspiracy charges stemming from the alleged illegal production and sale of unpasteurized goat milk, goat cheese and other products. Patch had the scoop: Healthy Family Farms to Stay at Farmers Market.
• Margaret Finnegan entertains us with a new City Walk every month. Our favorite? Shady and Cool Monterey Hills. 
• Last but not least, our single moms of South Pas explore the myths of working smarter when there aren’t enough hours in the day: The Myths of Time Management.

Not only has South Pas Patch grown and improved, but we've also established ourselves as the source where the community goes for all things local.

Still, the most rewarding thing about our first year has nothing to do with a story or blog. It’s the countless residents I've met—who have emailed, allowed me to speak to their group or chatted with me at an event.

Thanks to you—and here's to another year! And please let us know what you'd like to see on Patch in the coming year!

For some of our favorite photos, take a look at those attached to your right.