Jim Welte, Patch Staff
- Mill Valley, CA
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.
Posting Activity
Mill Valley|News|
Cactus Cafe Closes After 17 Years
The Mexican restaurant next to the Marin Theater Company shut its doors in early May. Another restaurant may soon open in the space.
Mill Valley|News|
Need to Get Ready for Fire Season? Mill Valley's Got an App for That
Collaboration between fire department and the library results on a web-based application that allows residents to calculate the necessary defensible space around a home.
Mill Valley|News|
Tennessee Valley Rd. Traffic Light Delayed Until July
Novato, CA|News|
Police Blotter: Reported Loose Cow on Redwood Was No Bull
The following information from May 12-15, 2013 was supplied by the Novato Police Department. Arrests do not indicate a conviction.
Mill Valley|News|
Marin Home Sales Rise in April as Median Price Nears $800K
The number of homes sold jumped more than 18 percent in April, the highest increase in the Bay Area, while the media price spiked nearly 30 percent.
Novato, CA|News|
Theater Row Comes to Nave Drive
Novato Theater Company and Marin Dancewear and Theatrical Supply find a new home at 5420 Nave Drive.
Mill Valley|News|
BB Gun Vandalism, $12,000 in Stolen Glassware and a 'Floral Dress and a Sad Face'
This week's roundup of police activities includes an array of thefts and complaints about the construction at Edna Maguire Elementary School.
Mill Valley|News|
Today on Mill Valley Patch: New Boards and a New Look
Welcome to the new Mill Valley Patch.
Novato, CA|News|
Wednesday's Ride of Silence Remembers Hailey Ratliff, Others Killed in Bike Accidents
Friends and fellow parents who have lost family members to tragic bike accidents gather in Tiburon for 10-mile jaunt.
San Rafael, CA|News|
Oscar-Winning Marin Director 'Appalled' at Disney's Sexy Revamp of 'Brave' Heroine
Online petition against Barbie-like revamp of Pixar's headstrong tomboy garners more than 134,000 signatures – and the Mill Valley resident who directed the film is among them.
San Rafael, CA|News|
Former Marin Home of Metallica's Hetfield Hits the Market for $3.4M
Gated 4-bed, 3-bath, 3-half bath house that rocker sold in 2003 sits on five acres in Novato and features a timber outdoor kitchen and saltwater pool.
Mill Valley|News|
America's Cup Officials to Meet About Possible Changes After Sailor's Death
Last week's capsizing was the second major incident involving the 72-foot catamarans, which are being used in the races that start July 4
Novato, CA|News|
Driver Injured in Single-Car Crash on Hwy. 101 Near Atherton Ave.
Car containing two children and two adults drifted onto the shoulder of the highway, then driver over-compensated and careened over to hit the median, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Novato, CA|News|
San Ramon Elementary School Unveils New Multipurpose Room Friday
Ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:30 a.m. for new 6,400-square-foot facility caps a nearly 11-year process to build 45-year-old school's first-ever multipurpose room.
San Anselmo-Fairfax, CA|News|
Fairfax Sued Over Sewage Spill Outside Mine Art Gallery Downtown
Property owner claims that roots from trees on the sidewalk in front of the gallery penetrated the sewer lateral and caused the 200-gallon spill in February.
