Patch User Profile for Jacqueline Howard

Jacqueline Howard, Patch Staff
Hermosa Beach, CA

Basics:

E-mail: jacqueline@patch.com

Telephone: 310-403-5243

Welcome to Hermosa Beach Patch. Follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Birthday: September 21

Bio: I am a sunshine-loving multimedia journalist, photographer and videographer. With an eclectic background in media, I've produced work for various magazine publications, television networks and local newspapers, including USAToday.com, MTV and WCPO-TV. Most recently, I served as project associate for the forward-thinking Knight Digital Media Center. I received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, where I completed my last semester in Australia, and hold a master's degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Southern California. An interest in the arts, culture and social justice perpetuates my love for what I do.

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 and human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal certain key beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for our editors to inject these beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will force us to be ever mindful to write, report, and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you, the user, ever think you see evidence that we failed in this mission, we wholeheartedly invite you to let us know. Politics

How would you describe your political beliefs?

I would describe my political beliefs as leaning slightly left of center. Additionally, I strongly believe in people and not parties. Religion

How religious would you say you are? Casual, observant, devout, non-religious?

I would consider myself "observant" as I find comfort in the power of prayer. I believe in the Christian faith. Local Hot Button Issues

What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

There are three important issues currently facing Hermosa Beach:

1.) Many residents have been complaining about the city's "rowdy" nightlife scene and clashing with local restaurant owners who wish to cater to a younger demographic by staying open late hours.

2.) Some residents are excited for, and others are annoyed by, a recent Pier Avenue construction project. The project has turned Pier Avenue into a war zone of rubble and construction noise; however, once complete, the popular shopping area will have an improved landscape design with more vegetation and energy-saving city lights.

3.) Most residents in this beach city care deeply about the environment and the city has made tremendous efforts to "go green."

Where do you stand on each of these issues?

Hermosa Beach Patch has been covering all sides of the restaurant wars, Pier Avenue polemic and green initiatives. I can empathize with all of the various views presented by community members regarding Hermosa's late night party scene and Pier Avenue improvement plan. When it comes to living green, I wholeheartedly understand the community's effort to adopt eco-friendly services and practices. But, where should I stand? That's for the community to decide and Hermosa Beach Patch to discern.