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.
Help us celebrate the 75th birthday of the Golden Gate Bridge - dubbed "America's Parthenon" by author John Van Der Zee - with a selection of photos from ace local photographer Kirke Wrench. And upload your own!
For the second straight year, students head to San Francisco’s Ocean Beach to be part of the 19th annual Kids' Ocean Day Adopt-a-Beach Cleanup.
In the latest edition of our Readers' Choice series, we dive into summer with a look at who serves up the best burger in the 94941.
Public transportation is the way to go Sunday when the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary is celebrated.
Help us celebrate the 75th birthday of the Golden Gate Bridge — dubbed "America's Parthenon" by author John Van Der Zee — with a selection of photos from ace local photographer Kirke Wrench. And upload your own!
As City Hall ponders “formula” business regulations, apparent inconsistencies in recent decisions cause some to ask for a clearer idea of what is a chain and how far should the city go to protect locally owned businesses. What do you think?
Mill Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association’s annual Memorial Day kickstarter once again is set to serve up breakfast to thousands before a blockbuster day of community fun.
Coalition hopes convince voters to approve a new $196 parcel tax on top of the existing $731 tax, saying it will raise $1.9 million annually to maintain current educational quality and ensure local control.
Club's weekly meeting is dedicated to the memory of 61-year-old Mill Valley resident who died in a car crash near Petaluma last Friday.
I Love a Parade Committee extends application deadline to Friday for floats and participants in parade next Monday, May 28.
Thrills on wheels arrives in Mill Valley Tuesday afternoon, taking over the basketball courts at the Mill Valley Middle School in advance of Friday's kick-off to the blockbuster Kiddo!-themed weekend.
Local organization offers to help pay for the installation of a new public bathroom downtown. Where should it go?
Don't be alarmed by all the trucks and sirens Wednesday afternoon at around 5 p.m. It's a fundraiser for burn victims.
Opening day of iconic show on Mount Tam draws thousand to enjoy beautiful weather and the beginning of director Jim Dunn's last season.
Truck went off the road on northbound 101 south of the Seminary Drive exit, CHP says.
Longtime Mill Valley resident and noted horse enthusiast died when her car veered off a road for an unknown reason after an event Friday at the Riverside Equestrian Center near Petaluma. Her dogs Molly and Max also died in the crash.
We saw you out at Four Corners, in the Headlands and on hillsides all over town checking out the Annular Solar Eclipse Sunday afternoon. Sharon Salisbury took some great shots. Did you? Upload your best shots here!
Documentary filmmaker looks to raise money for nonprofit film project about his longtime friend Misak Pirinjian, owner of the renowned Tony’s Shoe Repair.
Our Readers' Choice series to date has focused on food, flowers, bikes, parties and destination spots. Now it's time to turn our attention to your favorite hotel in town?
The West Coast is the place to watch the moon partially block the sun on Sunday late afternoon, forming a thick black ring around it. So we're looking for good places to watch it. Where will you go to see it?
