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.
We all tend to have a "favorite" burrito place. La Mesa area residents voted in the Readers' Choice poll and said the Parkway Drive taco shop is best.
Brother-in-law of La Mesan Russell Cilibraise calls man charged in case “a great father.”
During the fundraising campaign, Cali Comfort Restaurant and Sports Bar donated 50 percent of its food sales to the local youth organization.
The dinner is one of the biggest revenue sources for the music department each year, which is primarily funded by donations and fundraisers. The department has a proud tradition at the school, and has been in existence for about 60 years.
Trial of La Mesan Russell Charles Cilibraise III continues in June 2011 incident involving his son.
![‘Baby Was Playing With [Dad’s] Thing, Like a Joystick,’ Vons Molest Trial Told](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/56305/2012/04/raw/ef4db1db36045e722cafda47e5bd6489.jpg)
Deidria Nicholson was 50 in April 2010 when she was arrested at her apartment in La Mesa in connection with a string of burglaries in San Marcos and the Lake Murray area. She spent four days in jail.
San Miguel Fire District responded to the fully engulfed house fire located on the 1800 block of Vista Grande on Monday afternoon. The fire was knocked down in 30 minutes.
McWherter brings more than 20 years corporate law experience to PenChecks.
Miriam Rafferty: "According to all credible studies the overwhelming majority of readers today now get more news online than in print."
These stories and more as we take a look at the Week in Review on La Mesa-Mount Helix Patch.
Burritos come in all kinds, from carne to pollo to veggies. And perhaps even the breakfast variety. Where does your favorite call home?
Contest was a classic as North edges South by one point at Horizon Christian High School.
Contest was a squeaker as North edges South by one point at Horizon Christian High School.
The shooting was was reported at 9:42 a.m. in the 9000 block of Harness Street, near Sweetwater Lane.
Contest was a classic as North edges South by one point at Horizon Christian High School.
Contest was a classic as North edges South by one point at Horizon Christian High School.
Contest was a classic as North edges South by one point at Horizon Christian High School.
Grossmont's Robbie Nesovic, Helix's Brian Valadez and Mt. Miguel's Thomas Butler helped the South keep it close.
Wilma Groh gained national attention for herself and the group when she was named the Huffington Post "Greatest Person of the Day" on January 9, 2012, for their innovative and eco-friendly homeless service project.
Readers Choice poll names shop as the La Mesa place to pick up bats and balls, sticks and mitts.
