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 building that was formerly Piper's Pub was tagged with graffiti earlier this month. It was painted back over after only a couple days.
The handball courts at the Spring Valley-East Communities Center had become a magnet for graffiti and a transient drinking hangout.
Here is a roundup of crimes reported in the last week.
R&L Farms offers a wide variety of fresh fruits to help you get your daily dose.
These stories and more as we look at the week in review on Mount Helix Patch.
Here is a roundup of the crimes reported last week.
Gangs and the evil they bring to neighborhoods are blighting our community and the cost is loss of life, peace, safety and liberty.
These stories and more as we look at the week in review on Mount Helix Patch.
Reni Williams (aka Lulu's Mom) bakes all natural dog biscuits by hand, for a more healthy alternative.
This week's edition of the Burrito Blotter returns to a Casa de Oro favorite.
Stephanie Bilyeu: "We are a class of amazing athletes, brilliant academic students, and kind-hearted loving individuals."
About 375 seniors were awarded their diplomas during the school's 54th commencement ceremony on Thursday night.
The social host ordinance was adopted in San Diego County in 2003.
Dennis McCreight, 69, hauled in a 14-pound, 32-inch rainbow trout on May 28.
The newly formed council will include law enforcement agencies, victim services organizations, the education community, and volunteer and community groups.
A 13-year-old girl awoke just after 3 a.m., after remembering a book she needed for school, to find her house filling with smoke. She awoke the rest of her family and led them to safety.
Here is a roundup of crimes reported last week.
Jonathan Lee Brown was shot in the head on April 21 and died later in the hospital.
The newly formed council will include law enforcement agencies, victim services organizations, the education community, and volunteer and community groups.
The newly-formed council will include law enforcement agencies, victim services organizations, the education community, and volunteer and community groups.