I grew up in the rural green belt of London, England where I fell in love with literature and literary history. During my undergraduate degree at the University of Kent in Canterbury, and namely an exchange year abroad at UCLA, that love for literature transitioned into a passion for journalism and California sunshine. I moved to Los Angeles in 2007 to pursue an MA degree in journalism at USC and continue a freelance career in multimedia storytelling. And I have never looked back.
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My experience includes local, national and international reporting for news outlets such as the LA Weekly, Southern California Public Radio and the New Zealand Herald Tribune. My fascination with hyper-local journalism spawned a thesis about the future of the industry (titled, Can Grassroots Journalism Help Underserved Communities?) and, in 2008, led me to help found a hyper-local website covering South Los Angeles. I was managing editor until early 2011, when Patch became my next adventure.
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Now I live in Concord with my husband, reading, writing, exploring the Bay Area and continuing to drink my tea with milk.
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Beliefs:
1. Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. - Plato.
2. Never discuss religion or politics at the dinner table.
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Politics: I am a registered Democrat with an open mind to all opinions and factual arguments. I believe that the mind should be a thoroughfare for all thoughts and not a select party.
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Religion: Non-denominational Christian, with an almost pantheistic love for the outdoors and a strong appreciation for being still (Psalm 46:10.)
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Local Hot-Button Issues: Social justice issues that affect quality of life or access to opportunities, including education, immigration, health care and social welfare.
A press release from the Berkeley Police Department claims that police investigated seven cases of youth prostitution in 2010 and four cases so far this year. Five cases since 2010 have involved Berkeley High School students.
As the encampment at Civic Center Park has grown, so has concern about public safety and blight. Should the city shut it down?
There's nothing like a steaming pile of buttery pancakes on a cold winter morning. Where do you get yours? Vote in the poll. If you don't see your favorite, let us know in the comments.
Collecting plastic bottles and jars for a "future project" is all well and good, but how can you turn trash into treasure in time for the holidays? Leave your ideas in the comments.
Get out the lights and holly. Your holiday decorations could win a $100,000 gift to Berkeley Public Schools.
With little more than some fabric and ribbon, you can turn an old plastic headband into a dainty new hair accessory. Do you have a thrifty craft to share?
Feeling as prickly as your Christmas tree? Berkeley Yoga teacher John Rettger offers five stress management tips for the holiday season.
Responding to reports of Berkeley teenagers involved in prostitution, the Commission on the Status of Women will meet Wednesday evening to discuss how to tackle the problem.
Berkeley Unified School District Superintendent William Huyett will retire on June 30, 2012, stating that it is "time to pass the torch" and spend more time with his family.
A number of restaurants have tried and failed to be successful at 2826 Telegraph Avenue. Now, Origen is taking a chance. What restaurants do you remember from this black spot?
Decorate a simple knitted headband by creating a flower out of fabric scraps and an old button. Simple sewing required.
In response to public requests, the school district is seeking ways to improve its communication skills.
Dollar and discount stores are all the rage. How do you plan to save money on holiday gifts this year? Share your ideas in the comments.
More married fathers in America are primary caregivers, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Is Berkeley already ahead of the trend? Take the poll and let us know in the comments.
More married fathers in America are primary caregivers, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Is Hercules already ahead of the trend? Take the poll and let us know in the comments.
These Occupy Wall Street signs were displayed in the top windows of a building on Telegraph Avenue, above Peet's.
These two boarded-up storefronts on Telegraph Avenue are covered with graffiti and signs. What kind of business do you wish were here? Let us know in the comments.
The building destroyed by the Nov. 18 fire is being torn down. Telegraph Avenue at Haste Street is closed to the public during the process.
PIO Sgt. Mary C. Kusmiss explains a number of tasks the Berkeley Police Department undertakes that the community may not be aware of.
Share your favorite lots and spots for fresh trees in Berkeley. Going fake this year? Let us know where you found your artificial tree too.
