Akiko Oda, Patch Staff

Email: Akiko.Oda[at]Patch.com

Phone: 253-304-9254

Hometown: Tokyo, Japan/Houston, Texas

Birthday: July 15

Bio: I joined Patch in October 2010 after working as a television news producer at KVAL News, the CBS affiliate station, in Eugene, OR. There, I worked from three in the morning to help write, edit video and post stories online for the morning newscast. I also produced the 30-minute newscast which aired on FOX's KLSR. I spent the rest of the morning piecing together stories for the noon newscast. Before moving to Eugene, I served as a general assignment reporter and a producer at KOMU-TV, the NBC affiliate in Columbia, MO.

I was born in Tokyo, Japan and grew up in Houston, TX. I graduated from the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism and a minor in political science. I also spent the first half of my senior year in Seattle as an intern for the Problem Solvers and the creative services department at KOMO News.

Storytelling has always been my passion, and I love using pictures and sound to draw people into my stories. I'm also a strong believer in using social media tools to share information and connect with my community. In fact, I've already been to three Twestivals, which is a world-wide event where people on Twitter meet up in person. I moved to Gig Harbor in October and am quickly learning my way around town. When I'm not reporting, I like to spend time catching up on the latest issue of Vogue magazine, meeting new people and exploring the gorgeous town of Gig Harbor. I also help coach the Harbor Fire girls lacrosse team.

* * * At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable.

Politics: I am not affiliated with any political parties. I consider myself to be a moderate, and I make decisions based on what issues are at stake. As a journalist, I am a strong believer in our First Amendment rights. As long as our words and actions don't disrespect others, I believe that we should have right to voice our opinions. I also support equal rights for everyone regardless of his or her race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.

Religion: I'm a Buddhist. My family and I celebrate some traditional holidays and culture, but I don't consider myself religious. I am open to all religious beliefs and am interested in learning about how they affect people's lives.

Local Hot-Button Issues

Economic development. Even during tough economic times, I'm intrigued to see how the City of Gig Harbor and Pierce County will do to accommodate the growing community. We'll be covering the latest developments to the area and how they will affect you and your family.

Shoreline Master Program (SMP) is also another big issue for the residents and business owners on the waterfront. The SMP is adopted locally based on state regulations. The program regulates all uses and developments within 200 feet of the shoreline. Throughout 2011, we'll follow how the City of Gig Harbor will comply with the guidelines of the Department of Ecology.

Finally, traffic can be a big headache for many drivers around town. From the tolls on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to the slowdown at the Purdy Bridge, we'll report on what the local government is doing to help alleviate the stress.