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 fatality occurred off northbound state Route 125, just south of state Route 54, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Robert Navarro Jr., 23, will serve 15 years to life for his role in the April 14, 2009, death of 32-year-old Charles Schoeneman.
Owner Ruben González has transitioned seamlessly from software sales to tasty tamales.
These stories and more as we look at the week in review on Mount Helix Patch.
Sharlotte Hydorn, 91, sells kits designed to help people with terminal illnesses end their lives.
Alfredo Pimienta, 44, his wife, Georgina, 36, and their daughters, Priscilla, 17, and Emily, 9, were found dead at their Skyline home on Tuesday morning.
The La Jolla schools were two of 14 in the San Diego Unified School District that made the national list.
More than 200 parents and children stopped by the Rancho San Diego Library to learn about the program, as part of National Missing Children's Day.
Here is a roundup of the crimes reported last week.
For the second year in a row, military and their family will be able to explore many of the nation's museums for free this summer.
Coronado High School is one of 1,900 schools across the country that made the list.
The Spring Valley school was one of 1,900 schools across the country that made the list.
The rankings, from The Washington Post, gauge how well high schools prepare their students for college.
These stories and more as we take a look at the week in review on Mount Helix Patch.
Nancy's offers burrito trappings that are usually reserved for street tacos: and for good reason.
Josue Rodriquez, 32, a documented gang member, and Michele Salas, 34, surrendered peacefully to sheriff's deputies on Tuesday afternoon.
Oscar Leyva Gonzales, 85, walked away from Presidio Health Care on Lamar Street at some point on Saturday, May 14.
Is May 21 really the end of the world, or wild claims from “false prophets”?
The social host ordinance was adopted in San Diego County in 2003.
Here is a roundup of the crimes reported last week.