jimw@patch.com
415.948.8919
San Francisco, CA
Bio: Born and raised in Philadelphia. Went to journalism school at Syracuse University, where I met the love of my life and learned the craft. Moved to the Bay Area nearly 15 years ago with several high school friends with open-ended plans to start careers and dig deeply into the incredible beauty and culture of the Bay Area. Not leaving. I love where I grew up and am always thrilled to go back, but my roots are here now, and they are deep. I love music, basketball, food, travel, and laughing as often as possible. We had a daughter this year, and I am over the moon.
Professionally, it's been a little bit of everything over the years, from doe-eyed sports reporter to music editor to newspaper and online reporter of many stripes. It's simple, really: whether it's the high school phenom or the 85-year-old who can still throw verbal haymakers with the best of them, I love telling people's stories.
Politics
I'm a registered Democrat who believes in fiscal conservatism unless you're dealt a ridiculously bad hand and have to spend your way out. I believe we're all created equal and should be treated as such. Pragmatic empathy is possible, and government is a much-needed, if often mismanaged, force for good in the world.
Religion
I was raised Roman Catholic in a comically large Irish Catholic family. I've drifted from the church quite a bit since then for a number of reasons, but I still hold dear the people and values that were a part of that upbringing.
Local Hot-Button Issues
After a rough economic stretch for downtown business, Mill Valley is in the midst of a push to stimulate downtown business. That effort must be willing to innovate but also strike a balance between promoting downtown business and retaining the town's inimitable character.
The city must remain vigilant on issues of emergency preparedness, vegetation management and evacuation planning. Despite an improving real estate market, the city should strive for a more affordable housing market.
With its Miller Avenue Streetscape plan and all of its road projects, the city should try to promote alternative forms of transit throughout town.
Driver's silver Volkswagen Passat allegedly struck a 40-year-old woman as she was crossing street in a crosswalk Saturday night; victim sustained a life-threatening skull fracture, police said.
Research firm presents results from a phone survey of local voters, indicating solid support for helping the school district but some underlying concerns.
After screenings of 'The Artist,' Dakah Hip Hop Orchestra brings its thunderous sound to the San Rafael Community Center for the closing night party.
Diverse array of musicians join tribute show to the late Indian classical musician Ali Akbar Khan, including his sons Alam and Manik as well as Bob Weir and Rob Wasserman.
Take a look back at the top stories of the past week in each category on Mill Valley Patch.
Officers suspect a dog owner is allowing his or her pet to chew on the swing sets for small children at the park - four have been destroyed in less than two weeks.
Kickstarter online fundraising campaign lands 31-piece group enough funding to make journey from LA on the heels of a festival screening of the film “Hip Hop Maestro.”
City Manager Jim McCann hires 27-year-old assistant planner from Belvedere to take over reins from Kimberly Wilson, who heads to the fire department.
Latest Marin Theatre Company production, which runs through Oct. 30, features humor, potent acting and a chilling sound design.
Former longtime Mill Valley shop owner and Fairfax resident had tried to open the personnel files of the narcotics agents who arrested him after an undercover operation in March.
Kickstarter online fundraising campaign lands 31-piece group enough funding to make journey from LA on the heels of a festival screening of the film “Hip Hop Maestro.”
Best known for his role as the unrepentant serial killer in Wes Craven's classic slasher film ‘Last House on the Left,’ artist had success as both an actor and musician. Memorial set for Ralston White retreat in Mill Valley tonight at 6 p.m.
Baskin-Robbins closed its downtown Mill Valley shop three months ago after more than four decades at its Miller Ave. location in the small center that includes Henry's Toyshop and BooKoo. What do you hope goes into the space?
Marin County Sheriff’s Office is looking for suspects after a library door was pried open and $26,000 in computers were stolen.
Former longtime Mill Valley shop owner had tried to open the personnel files of the narcotics agents who arrested him after an undercover operation in March.
Three students are set to participate in the Southern Marin spelling bee in Sausalito Saturday in the hopes of advancing to the Marin County Spelling Bee Championship in November.
Quartet of Mill Valley Middle School students garner a spot in the 2011 edition of the California Poets in the Schools anthology.
'Play Like a Lion’ tells the story of the remarkable career of Ali Akbar Khan and his son’s dedication to continuing his father’s legacy.
Owners of Proof Lab and Alpha Dog connect to launch a community art and garden center behind an array of classes, with pumpkin sales and a raffle to benefit Kiddo through the end of October.
Glenn Close and the Duplass brothers highlighted a night of two screenings with a party at the Outdoor Art Club and a gala at the Community Center serving as bookends. Check out some video from the events.
