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.
On the heels of the success of Food Truck Crush, rapidly growing Bay Area food truck company expands to Marin, kicking off a weekly mobile food event at Marin Country Mart starting Sunday.
Debuting a pair of short films at MVFF34, Mill Valley filmmaker is targeting agricultural and environmental problems.
New Orleans natives’ film serves up equal portions of comedy and family drama in front of a packed house at the Sequoia in Mill Valley.
Glenn Close, Robin Williams, Mort Sahl and the Duplass brothers were among the guests at VIP gathering at the Outdoor Art Club Thursday evening.
'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.
This photo from 27 years ago is certainly a head-scratcher. Austin, Texas-based photographer Larry Golyzniak says it was taken near Village Music downtown. Submit a caption for it in the Comments section!
Opening begins 11 days of movies in Mill Valley and San Rafael.
Double-barreled opening night begins 11 days of movie madness in Mill Valley and San Rafael.
By diving in front of an SUV that was about to hit a student, San Anselmo resident has garnered the gratitude of the Tam Valley Elementary School community. They're hoping to raise money to help him with his back pain as a result of the incident.
Fresh off her election as the school's DJ, eighth grader is already getting plenty of requests.
After lengthy debate, a 3-2 vote approves a tweaked version of the Main Street section of the project, with two members objecting to the loss of parking.
Former Village Music owner promises to dig into vocalists, legends and oddities for his annual night of musical video clips.
Longtime local business, which had been in downtown Mill Valley since 1947, closed in late July, citing lack of sales. Halloween pop-up store is set to occupy nearly 3,600-square-foot space until Nov. 1.
Company CEO says he's committed to keeping longtime restaurant in Mill Valley and plans to implement a menu overhaul and coffee upgrade in two weeks; landlord "exploring options."
As campaign season kicks off, debate in Petaluma provides candidates a chance to set themselves apart from the pack in a crowded field.
As locals continue efforts to seize momentum on emergency preparedness campaign, CERT classes are set for Oct. 8 and 15. Get Ready class set for Oct. 13
Auberge Resorts is assuming the management of Hotel Jerome, adding to its stable of resort properties.
Take a look back at the most popular stories from the past week in each category on Mill Valley Patch.
Groundbreaking ceremony set for Wednesday for long-delayed attempted to improve safety and access between the Sausalito-Mill Valley Bike Path and Tam Valley.
Editorial from the regional USPS chief includes details of all the fiscal challenges facing the post office. How have those challenges affected service here in Mill Valley?
