• Charles BurressPatch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • Berkeley, CA

Email: (See my email address at the bottom of the Albany Patch or Berkeley Patch homepage.)

Phone: 510-435-4127

Now in my fourth year with Patch.com, I'm the editor of and Albany Patch and Berkeley Patch.

I worked many years as a staff writer and editor at the San Francisco Chronicle until April of 2009, when I switched to freelancing. I then wrote for the Los Angeles Times and other publications, and I also took on editing assignments for UC Berkeley and the United Nations.

Being an East Bay reporter for Patch brings my career full circle in the East Bay. My first bylines appeared in the East Bay Review of the Performing Arts. I next worked as a reporter and editor at the Daily Californian while studying at UC Berkeley, where I obtained a master's in journalism. I was a reporter at the Contra Costa Independent, Berkeley Gazette and San Francisco Examiner before moving to the Chronicle, where I worked several years in the Berkeley bureau and in the main East Bay bureau in Oakland.

Posting Activity

El Cerrito, CA|News|

Why Do We Call It 'Black Friday'?

According to one popular belief, the reason we call today "Black Friday" is because it's the big shopping day when the ink in business ledgers turns from red to black. That's not the real origin, according to experts.

Why Do We Call It 'Black Friday'?
El Cerrito, CA|News|

Honor Tonight for ECHS Grad Who Lost Legs in Afghan War

A halftime celebration will be held at the El Cerrito High football game tonight, Nov. 23, for Tyson Quink, who played football at ECHS and West Point and whose story was featured in national media after he lost both legs in the Afghan war.

Honor Tonight for ECHS Grad Who Lost Legs in Afghan War
El Cerrito, CA|News|

Awards, Awards, Awards – at El Cerrito City Hall

The El Cerrito City Council meeting Tuesday featured big smiles and three award presentations: a four-plaque award for the city and three staffers, a city proclamation for Tehiyah Day School, and an award for the city's Recycling Center.

Awards, Awards, Awards – at El Cerrito City Hall
El Cerrito, CA|News|

Free Thanksgiving Meals from Richmond Restaurant

An Italian restaurant in Richmond, Salute E Vita Ristorante, will serve 600 free turkey dinners on Thanksgiving for the less fortunate, double the number served in its first year last year. The owner and manager were inspired by a hunger walk.

Free Thanksgiving Meals from Richmond Restaurant
El Cerrito, CA|News|

What Are You Thankful For on Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is not only bustling preparations and festive feasting but also an occasion to give thanks. As editor of El Cerrito Patch, I want to thank our readers for your support and contributions, and to invite you to name something you're than

What Are You Thankful For on Thanksgiving?
El Cerrito, CA|News|

7 Tips to Prevent Thanksgiving Food Poisoning

You don't want to be one of the millions of Americans who get sick every year from food poisoning, right? Contra Costa County health officials remind those cooking — and eating — this Thanksgiving that cleanliness is the best defense.

7 Tips to Prevent Thanksgiving Food Poisoning
El Cerrito, CA|News|

Council OKs Conduct Rules at Recycling Center

The El Cerrito City Council voted 3-1 Tuesday night to tighten rules of conduct at the Recycling Center. Some patrons have been reaching or climbing into bins and taking valuable recycled materials that the city sells as an income source.

Council OKs Conduct Rules at Recycling Center
El Cerrito, CA|News|

Full Steam Ahead for ECHS Debate & Speech Team

Did you know that being on the El Cerrito High Speech and Debate team can not only improve public speaking skills but also be a lot of fun? We thank the school paper El Cabellero and student Elia Chuaqui for her article about the team.

Full Steam Ahead for ECHS Debate & Speech Team
El Cerrito, CA|News|

Council Asked to Extend Waste-Hauler Contract to 2025

El Cerrito city staff recommends that the City Council tonight, Tuesday, revise and extend the city's long-standing garbage and green waste hauling contract with East Bay Sanitary. New rates are not part of the proposed agreement.

Council Asked to Extend Waste-Hauler Contract to 2025
El Cerrito, CA|News|

Emergency Responders Offer Tips, Kits at Expo

El Cerrito police officers and firefighters were among the emergency response personnel who offered materials and advice to the public Saturday at an Emergency Preparedness Expo in Richmond. Chevron provided free disaster kits.

Emergency Responders Offer Tips, Kits at Expo
El Cerrito, CA|News|

Murder Victim's Family Sues City of Berkeley

The family of Berkeley resident Peter Cukor, who was murdered in February with a flower pot outside his home in after a call to police for assistance, filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging that Berkeley police were negligent.

Murder Victim's Family Sues City of Berkeley