Email: eric.yates@patch.com
Phone: (619) 204-2985
Hometowns: Born in Roanoke, VA. Took a 15-year detour to Colorado Springs, CO, and returned to Roanoke when he was 16. Came to San Diego to attend Point Loma Nazarene University and has been here ever since.
Birthday: Dec. 12
Bio: Eric has been a working San Diego journalist for the past 11 years, for media outlets like the San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego News Network, San Diego Magazine, and the San Diego Community Newspaper Group. He began work as editor of Mount Helix Patch in August 2010 and became editor of the combined La Mesa-Mount Helix Patch in March 2012. He succeeded Ken Stone as editor of La Mesa Patch. Ken became associate regional editor for south San Diego County, overseeing six Patch sites.
Eric love sports - both as a participant and an observer, and enjoys playing basketball, golf, tennis and football. He is married and loves cooking with his beautiful wife (how's that for brownie points?) He has got a deadly jump shot, and a quick wit, and enjoys telling stories. He prays to the altar of Dean Edwards Smith and the North Carolina Tar Heels, and cried the day George Harrison died.
Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable.
This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
How would you describe your political beliefs?
I am a moderate conservative, and believe in a free market, family values, conservation, and trying to help those who can't (not won't) help themselves. Also, if that makes me a libertarian, so be it!
Are you registered with a certain party?
Registered Republican, but rarely vote along party lines. I try to vote for whomever I believe can make the most impact in office in a given time frame.
Religion
How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious)
I am a devout Christian and believe that the love of Jesus Christ changed the world. I also believe it is the responsibility of his followers to try and show that same love. I'm no radical, and believe that there are appropriate and responsible ways to share His truth, outside of Bible thumping.
Local Hot-Button Issues
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?
Rising water rates, fire service and protection, challenges in public schools.
Where do you stand on each of these issues?
I'm for families, safety, and well-being, not necessarily issues. I support any measure that will imporve people's livelihood, whether it be financially, socially, physically, or security-wise.
The outage occurred just after 2 a.m. and lasted until around 5 a.m., according to the utility's website. The cause was under investigation.
They are seeking to identify the unknown male who robbed a U.S. Bank branch in Rancho San Diego, on Friday, September 21.
The Spring Valley church known for helping feed the community, held it's 5th Annual "Seasons of Love Community Block Party" on Saturday.
Running back Michael Adkins rushed for 253 yards and three scores in the Scotties 48-21 win over the Cougars.
Fletcher Parkway fast-food outlet plans "grand reopening" Saturday with live music, free samples
The club was founded in 1949 and the only remaining charter member was in attendance. Paul Engstrand, who is now in his nineties, reminisced about his early memories of the club's beginnings.
Steven Relyea: "Spring Valley continues to get better and now is not the time to disband a great group that is fighting for a better community. If you can spare the time and energy, please help us fight for Spring Valley."
Gerardo Chavez, 42, faces up to 29 years in prison and a $1.25 million fine, if the charges are run consecutively.
Young Actors’ Theatre, a California not-for-profit, announces upcoming four performances, Nov. 15-18, to entertain East County families.
The event is taking place Saturday, Dec. 1 from 12:15 to 3:30 p.m. and will feature separate events for kids, teens and adults. The celebration is free and cake will be served
The council chose not to enact a law regulating dispensaries and collectives immediately, but will let the people decide in November 2014.
The annual "Seasons of Love" event returns to New Seasons Church, expected to serve nearly 2,000 local families.
The deputy suffered an "obvious dislocation of his left ankle" and was later taken to Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa for treatment.
City Council to review ballot measure request, quarterly police report and other issues Tuesday.
These stories and more as we take a look at the Week in Review on La Mesa-Mount Helix Patch.
Vera Oliphant, a junior at Chaparral High School, was recently sent home after spending several days at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa.
Senior Pastor Larry Manley shares his experiences in the Navy.
Many local entities will honor veterans by closing on Monday, Nov. 12.
The restaurant, at the corner of Baltimore Drive and El Cajon Boulevard, occupies the building where La Salsa once operated.
Brian Marshall: "With the reelection of Board members (Emma) Turner and (Bill) Baber the community has voiced their approval of the current district path."
