Jim's first experience out of high school was two-fold – playing guitar in John Lee Hooker's band, and leading his own five-piece band, Colefeat. His first "day job" was as a copy boy at the Oakland Tribune in the mid and late 1970s, the last days of the old-school newspaper men and women. Cigarettes, coffee and alcohol were the fuels that drove those newsrooms, along with an unmitigated love of the business, and the integrity of the people's right to know.
In the 1980s, Jim was a reporter for the Martinez News Gazette, the Oakland Tribune, and other publications. After a brief stint at the Antioch Daily Ledger, Jim returned to the city of Martinez as public information officer, deputy city clerk, and assistant city manager. He went on to work in corporate communications for the Bayer Corp. and Kaiser Permanente before launching Martinez Patch.
My Beliefs: I believe that government needs everyone's participation to work correctly. I believe it is the media's job to inspire and inform that participation. I believe everyone has a fascinating story to tell. I believe that shouting your opinions makes you less likely to be understood. I believe that music is essential to happiness, and that auto-tune is detrimental to music. I believe that my responsibility as a journalist in your community is a sacred trust, one that I will do everything in my power to live up to and fulfill.
Politics: I am a social liberal, and a fiscal moderate. I believe the worst thing to happen in politics lately is the entrenched, dogmatic "us vs. them" attitude inspired by and fed by cable TV talking heads. The key to political success: listening.
Religion: I am a practicing Buddhist.
Local Hot-Button Issues: Should downtown strive for constant growth and renewal, or should it maintain a small-town feel? This seems to be the overriding question in terms of development. The balance between spending on cultural enhancement vs. police and public safety services also seems constantly at odds.
It appears the City Council is going to allow the lice removal salon to locate on the 500 block of Main Street. What do you think about that?
Summer is the time residential burglaries tend to rise along the temperatures. Here are some tips for keeping your home secure this summer.
The following information was taken from the Daily Police Log, April 28-30, and rewritten by Martinez Patch.
It can be fraught with guilt, panic or trouble if you don't plan ahead - hint: it's Sunday, May 13 this year.
When you need a trim or a cut, which barbershop do you use?
Mary Peinado comes from the Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce, and begins her new position in Martinez tomorrow.
The Chicago native spent his life helping others in need.
This Pleasant Hill start-up has seen eye-opening growth in its home and school delivery business.
Tell us what you think of downtown Pleasant Hill, which is 12 years old this year.
Martinez Patch bids a bittersweet farewell to the editor of the Martinez News Gazette, who toiled under the radar to do an exemplary, and thankless, job.
Allow me to introduce you to Pleasant Hill Patch, a place for community conversation.
Famed sculptor moved here in 1955 to be near family; he died here ten years later.
Two prominent restaurant owners propose a new eatery at or near the marina.
Item is continued while staff determines what the store's sign can and cannot say.
The great outdoor cooking debate. Is gas or charcoal your preference?
The great outdoor cooking debate - is gas or charcoal your preference?
Weekend weather in Hercules is ripe for grilling. So here comes the great outdoor cooking debate - is gas or charcoal your outdoor cooking choice?
The great outdoor cooking debate - is gas or charcoal your preference?
Share your memories of the iconic TV host who died Wednesday.
Share your memories of this iconic American figure, who hosted American Bandstand for many years.
