• 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

Berkeley|News|

2 Students Robbed at Gunpoint at UC Housing Complex

UC Berkeley police are seeking two men who wore bandanas over their faces and robbed a pair of students at gunpoint early this morning, Tuesday, on steps of a building at the Clark Kerr housing complex.

2 Students Robbed at Gunpoint at UC Housing Complex
Berkeley|News|

Berkeley Acrobat to Stand Trial for Naked BART Escapade

Yeiner Garizabalo, 24, who performed with the Berkeley-based circus troupe ClownSnotBombs, has been ordered to stand trial for alleged assaults while cavorting naked and doing acrobatic moves at the Powell Street BART station in May.

Berkeley Acrobat to Stand Trial for Naked BART Escapade
Berkeley|News|

When Does School Start in Berkeley?

If you're wondering when Berkeley youngsters will be summoned back to public school this year, the answer is Aug. 28, though Berkeley High has earlier registration days for each of its four grades.

When Does School Start in Berkeley?
Berkeley|News|

Did You Get An Amber Alert On Your Cell Phone Monday Night?

Many cell phone users may automatically receive Amber Alerts accompanied by a high-pitched tone unless they opt out. The alerts appears as text messages. The system is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Did You Get An Amber Alert On Your Cell Phone Monday Night?
Berkeley|News|

Boost for Home Solar: East Bay Cities Adopt Standardized Permitting

Berkeley and the eight other cities in the East Bay Green Corridor have realized their three-year goal of developing a standardized permitting process for residential solar energy. They plan a press conference Tuesday, Aug. 6, to describe it.

Boost for Home Solar: East Bay Cities Adopt Standardized Permitting
Albany, CA|News|

Uh Oh – Now AC Transit Workers May Strike Wednesday

The day after Gov. Jerry Brown blocked a possible BART strike for a week, AC Transit workers gave notice today, Monday, that they could go on strike at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, potentially stranding 100,000 East Bay riders.

Uh Oh – Now AC Transit Workers May Strike Wednesday
Berkeley|News|

Uh Oh – Now AC Transit Workers May Strike Wednesday

The day after Gov. Jerry Brown blocked a possible BART strike for a week, AC Transit workers gave notice today, Monday, that they could go on strike at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, potentially stranding 100,000 East Bay riders.

Uh Oh – Now AC Transit Workers May Strike Wednesday
Albany, CA|News|

'Beth Pollard Day' Fete for Departing Albany City Manager

The City of Albany announced today, Monday, that it will host a community celebration to honor retiring City Manager Beth Pollard on Aug. 29, "Beth Pollard Day." Those who wish to attend the $20 event are asked to RSVP by Aug. 22.

'Beth Pollard Day' Fete for Departing Albany City Manager
Berkeley|News|

Berkeley Homicide Victim Identified by Police

Berkeley police on Monday released the identity of the man fatally shot Thursday night near the Albatross Pub on San Pablo Avenue. He was Berkeley resident Dustin Bynum, 24. The killing remains unsolved.

Berkeley Homicide Victim Identified by Police
Albany, CA|News|

Update: I-80 Lanes Still Closed Due to Big Rig Fire

All westbound lanes of I-80 approaching the Bay Bridge have reopened this afternoon, Monday, nine hours after this morning's fire in a big rig that created a huge, daylong traffic backup on the freeway.

Update: I-80 Lanes Still Closed Due to Big Rig Fire
Berkeley|News|

Update: I-80 Fully Open Again, 9 Hours after Big Rig Fire

All westbound lanes of I-80 approaching the Bay Bridge have reopened this afternoon, Monday, nine hours after this morning's fire in a big rig that created a huge traffic backup on the freeway.

Update: I-80 Fully Open Again, 9 Hours after Big Rig Fire
Albany, CA|News|

When Does School Start in Albany?

If you're wondering when Albany's youngsters will be summoned back to school this year, the answer is Aug. 27, though Albany High has earlier "new student orientation" and "opening" days.

When Does School Start in Albany?