• 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|

Council OKs Boost in Garbage Rates

El Cerrito bills for curbside pick-up of trash, green waste and recycling materials will increase under new rates approved by the City Council Tuesday night. The council also applauded the LEED Platinum rating for the Recycling Center.

Council OKs Boost in Garbage Rates
El Cerrito, CA|News|

Real Dedication from ECHS Club for Toy Drive

Helping out with the El Cerrito and Richmond firefighters' annual toy drive is one of the most popular activities of the year for the El Cerrito High School Interact Club, one of school's main student service organizations.

Real Dedication from ECHS Club for Toy Drive
El Cerrito, CA|News|

Albany Vigil for Victims of Gun Violence

Zaki Kabob House in Albany tonight, Tuesday, will hold a candlelight vigil for those killed in the school massacre in Newtown, CT, and other victims of gun violence across the nation, including Asama Ayyad, 20, of the family that runs Zaki.

Albany Vigil for Victims of Gun Violence
Novato, CA|News|

Coping with 'Holiday Gimmees' From Kids

Dealing with a child's desires for certain presents during the holidays isn't easy. But helping them understand the marketing manipulation that increases the cravings can foster deep rewards, says Christine Carter of UC Berkeley.

Coping with 'Holiday Gimmees' From Kids
El Cerrito, CA|News|

Contra Costa Seeks Volunteers for Homeless Count

If you'd like to help Contra Costa County provide services for homeless adults and children, the county's Health Services Homeless Program wants you. Volunteer drivers and counters are sought for the 2013 homeless count.

Contra Costa Seeks Volunteers for Homeless Count
Ledyard, CT|News|

Coping with Kids' "Holiday Gimmees" - What's Your Strategy?

Dealing with kids' insistent desires for certain presents during the holidays isn't easy, but helping children understand the marketing manipulation that increases the cravings can foster deep rewards, says Christine Carter of UC Berkeley.

Coping with Kids' "Holiday Gimmees" - What's Your Strategy?
Napa Valley, CA|News|

Is It Time for More Gun Control?

Friday's massacre of 20 first-graders and six adults by a heavily armed gunman in Newtown, Conn., has revived the debate over gun control. We'd like to hear from readers if you think more controls are needed and, if so, what kind.

Is It Time for More Gun Control?
Cupertino, CA|News|

UC Dumps Controversial New Logo

Deluged by a tsunami of criticism and ridicule of its new logo, the University of California announced Friday that it is suspending use of the symbol, which features a thick blue "U" and an emerging/disappearing "C."

UC Dumps Controversial New Logo
Healdsburg, CA|News|

Guns – Time for More Controls? A Ban?

Friday's massacre of 20 first-graders and six adults by a heavily armed gunman in Newtown, Conn., has revived the debate over gun control. We'd like to hear from readers if you think more controls are needed and, if so, what kind.

Guns – Time for More Controls? A Ban?
Los Altos, CA|News|

UC Dumps Controversial New Logo

Deluged by a tsunami of criticism and ridicule of its new logo, the University of California announced Friday that it is suspending use of the symbol, which features a thick blue "U" and an emerging/disappearing "C."

UC Dumps Controversial New Logo
El Cerrito, CA|News|

El Cerrito Garbage Rates Going Up?

On the City Council agenda Tuesday night are rate increases effective Jan. 1 for the curbside pick-up service for garbage, green waste and recycling. The contractor, East Bay Sanitary, hasn't had an increase in two years, city staff says.

El Cerrito Garbage Rates Going Up?