• 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|

New API Scores Released for Local Schools

The latest Academic Performance Index scores – released Thursday by state education officials – showed four schools in El Cerrito and Kensington improving from last year and two schools with lower scores. Portola posted the biggest increase.

New API Scores Released for Local Schools
El Cerrito, CA|News|

Richmond's 'Home Front Festival' This Weekend

Richmond is hosting its free 6th annual Home Front Festival, which celebrates the city's large role in the World War II "home front." The main activities will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, following a 1940s USO dance Friday night.

Richmond's 'Home Front Festival' This Weekend
El Cerrito, CA|News|

Rapid Rise in Sudden Oak Death, "Epidemic" in Some Parts

UC Berkeley scientists report an alarming and dramatic increase in sudden oak death, saying it has reached epidemic proportions in some parts of the East Bay and Peninsula. Urgent preventative action is urged since infections can't be cured.

Rapid Rise in Sudden Oak Death, "Epidemic" in Some Parts
Berkeley|News|

Call to End 72-Hour Parking Limit for Residential Parking Permit Holders

Berkeley City Councilman Jesse Arreguín wants to end the city's 72-hour limit on parking for Residential Parking Permit holders. He asked the City Council on Oct. 16 to refer the idea to the City Manager and Traffic Commission to draw up an ordinan

Call to End 72-Hour Parking Limit for Residential Parking Permit Holders
Half Moon Bay, CA|News|

Investing Tips from Squirrels?

A UC Berkeley study of the nut-hiding habits of campus squirrels may offer lessons for human investing, such as diversification and how to remember where you put your savings, campus officials say.

El Cerrito, CA|News|

Berkeley to Host Really Big Block Party Sunday

Berkeley is gearing up for its first "Sunday Streets" block party on Oct. 14, when 16 blocks of four-lane Shattuck Avenue will be closed from downtown to the Gourmet Ghetto for music, strolling, skating, dancing and other street-party fun.

Berkeley to Host Really Big Block Party Sunday
Berkeley|News|

Berkeley to Host Really Big Block Party Sunday

Berkeley is gearing up for its first "Sunday Streets" block party on Oct. 14, when 16 blocks of four-lane Shattuck Avenue will be closed from downtown to the Gourmet Ghetto for music, strolling, skating, dancing and other street-party fun.

Berkeley to Host Really Big Block Party Sunday
San Mateo, CA|News|

Peanut Butter Recall List Expands

The recall of products containing peanut butter and other nut butters sold by many retailers under many labels has more than doubled to 240 products, with the FDA reporting a "fast-moving outbreak" of salmonella-induced sickness in 19 states.

Peanut Butter Recall List Expands
Bronxville-Eastchester, NY|News|

Peanut Butter Recall Expands To More Brands

The recall of products containing peanut butter and other nut butters sold by many retailers under many labels has more than doubled to 240 products, with the FDA reporting a "fast-moving outbreak" of salmonella-induced sickness in 19 states.

Peanut Butter Recall Expands To More Brands
Menlo Park-Atherton, CA|News|

Investing Tips from Squirrels?

A UC Berkeley study of the nut-hiding habits of campus squirrels may offer lessons for human investing, such as diversification and how to remember where you put your savings, campus officials say.

Pearl River, NY|News|

Peanut Butter Recall Expands To More Brands

The recall of products containing peanut butter and other nut butters sold by many retailers under many labels has more than doubled to 240 products, with the FDA reporting a "fast-moving outbreak" of salmonella-induced sickness in 19 states.

Peanut Butter Recall Expands To More Brands