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.
Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit announced that it successfully sold $199,172,032 million in bonds to fund construction of a train and pathway linking Marin and Sonoma counties.
Next Saturday, leave a bag of non-perishable food for your USPS carrier to pick up as part of a regional food drive.
Sixth annual drill won’t involve neighborhood evacuations as in year’s past, but first responders will be deployed to check on residents and learn how to assess damaged homes in the event a severe weather event.
Brutal December 2010 stabbing in tunnel connecting Sausalito and Marin City saw 22-year-old man sustain 68 stab wounds, but panel decides that the killing was not premeditated.
Here's a rundown of what's on the Board of Supervisors agenda for Tuesday.
City Council considers an appeal by a franchisee for sandwich giant to open a deli in downtown space formerly occupied by Baskin-Robbins.
Bike to Work Day and a month-long Team Bike Challenge are part of National Bike Month to "celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride."
Worries over how a drive-by shooting could occur here are eased with word that it was apparently an isolated incident involving a social media dispute and a girl.
Talking on your cell phone in public isn't not a big deal if done with a tinge of self-awareness. A recent encounter with a person who lacked that quality, but did possess an ear bleed-inducing voice, sparked this rant.
For this week's edition of our Readers' Choice contest, we ask for your favorite locations you'd either show off to out-of-town visitors or check out on your own during a staycation.
Holy cow. From a drive-by shooting that led to the recovery of Guy Fieri's Lamborghini and a host of other crimes to a half-naked burglar, it was a crazy week at Mill Valley Patch. Take a look back at the most popular stories from the past week.
Resident says a man walked up to her as she exited her silver BMW X5 SUV in her driveway, pointed a gun at her and told her to hand over the keys. He then drove off in the SUV, police say.
A NorCal championship race in Novato, Bike to Work Day and a month-long Team Bike Challenge are all part of National Bike Month to "celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride."
Police say they’re searching for two suspects after a pair of employees of Miller Ave. spa were forced to hand over cash, two cars and other items Friday night.
Mill Valley School District officials say estimates for this summer’s five construction projects are coming in millions of dollars over budget.
Thirty-eight years after it first opened its doors, Mama's Royal Cafe on Miller Ave. continues to pack 'em in with its eclectic menu, earthy vibe and inimitably artsy decor.
Mill Valley resident Colin Kane, 28, faces five felony counts for suspected burglary and theft before leading police on a nearly five-hour foot chase through dense brush in the hills of Cascade Canyon on Monday.
A NorCal championship race in Novato, Bike to Work Day and a month-long Team Bike Challenge are all part of National Bike Month to "celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride."
Bike to Work Day and a month-long Team Bike Challenge are part of National Bike Month to "celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride."
Slate of local riders to take part NorCal High School Cycling League's championship race on Sunday at 10 a.m. in Novato.
