<b>Email: </b>kristi.ceccarossi@patch.com<br><b>Phone: </b>617-833-3751<br><b>Hometown: </b>Various towns on the North Shore<br><b>Birthday: </b>May 24, 1979
<b>Bio:</b> I've spent about a decade working as a reporter and editor for newspapers in Vermont, Florida, western Massachusetts and Boston. I've written for the <i>Boston Globe</i> and the <i> New York Times</i>, but I'm most proud of the work I've done at small newspapers in small towns, where there was a real sense of community and a meaningful role for the local journalist. <br><br>I grew up in a very large, very closeknit and working class, Italian-American family that all live within a 10-mile radius of my Nana's house in Revere. I broke the mold by moving west of Worcester and again, when I came back to the Boston area, by moving to Cambridge. I live there now with my partner and our two cats. We're getting gay married next summer. <br><br>In my free time I am a radical eater. Until this fall, I organized Boston Localvores, a part-blog, part-community organization that built relationships between local farmers, local businesses and local eaters. I also like to cook, play music and hang out in the woods.
<b>Your Beliefs</b><br><i>At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. </i><br><br><b>POLITICS</b>
I would definitely be described by at least half of America as liberal, because I think all people should have free access to health care and education and I don't think anyone should be denied the right to marry or serve their country. But I disagree with a lot of our so-called liberal politicians. And our conservative ones too. <br><br>Over the last three decades in America, wages have stagnated for working people, while the cost of everything has gone up. I think the people who are making the most important decisions in our country are completely out of touch with what real families are facing. I believe there is a serious and growing gap between the rich and everyone else and it's at the crux of every major issue in our country right now -- on the national, state and neighborhood level.<br><b><br>Are you registered with a certain party?</b>
I'm registered as an independent, though I can honestly say I've never voted for a Republican. But I don't always vote Democrat either.
<b>RELIGION</b>
My parents were both raised Catholic, but around the time that I was born, my father became an evangelical Christian. I have fond memories of going to a little community church in Revere, where there was a lot of great music and some wonderful, loving people. As I got older and came out as a lesbian, my father's beliefs became a major source of contention. But I still have a lot of respect for people of faith -- all faiths -- because I know firsthand the support and sense of peace that the church can provide. Unfortunately, I also know the judgment and pain that it can inflict, too. Although I am no longer practicing, I like to think I am spiritual person.
<b>HOT BUTTON ISSUES in CHARLESTOWN</b>
<b>Real estate & Development</b>
Anyone who's from Charlestown will tell you that their community has changed a lot in the last 30 years. The fact is, it is still changing. Real estate development and the high-cost of property in town are big issues. The community supports development projects, but they want these projects to support the community, too. If a development provides important services, some affordable housing and local jobs, the community is likely to embrace it. <br><br>Development of the Warren Green property and Pier 5 at the Navy Yard are likely to get a lot of attention in the coming months. I think it's important that city officials, builders, designers and Charlestown residents all contribute to the process.
Michelle Fournier, owner of Durty Harry's is seeking help from the community. Her business has been interrupted by a group of teens that hangs out in front of her Main Street storefront.
Charlestown's local support system has donated $120,000 to neighbors in crisis. This month, Anthony's Dream hosts the 11th Annual Motown Night fundraiser to continue the work.
Contrary to reports from eye-witnesses, police say officers did not demonstrate any excessive force during mass arrests at the Occupy Boston protest.
Boston police arrested more than 100 Occupy Boston protesters early Tuesday morning. Some eyewitnesses have criticized their tactics, saying they responded with force. Was the police action too strong?
Over the next few weeks, Charlestown Live will introduce the seven candidates for Boston's at-large City Council race this fall.
A new, non-partisan Facebook group is urging residents in Charlestown to get out the vote.
A Facebook group urging residents in Charlestown to get out the vote is building support on the social network.
Protesters claim police action turned violent after midnight on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, when dozens of Occupy Boston demonstrators were arrested and officers demolished a second camp.
The event, LIGHTS, CAMERA, AUCTION!, is scheduled for Oct. 22 at Max & Dylan's. Tickets are available now.
Protesters claim police action turned violent after midnight on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, when dozens of Occupy Boston demonstrators were arrested and officers demolished a second camp.
Plus, the Kennedy Center seeks donations for its annual flea market.
On Monday, thousands of demonstrators marched toward the Charlestown Bridge as part of the Occupy Boston protest -- but they were halted by police.
Plus four more things to know about.
The forecast looks fantastic. Get outside and shop 02129, and consider a trip outside the city.
The Kennedy Center Board of Directors voted to terminate the long-time director of Charlestown's anti-poverty agency, citing a communications 'break down.'
But don't panic. The flu is preventable. And although the city's first victim was a man in his 40s, he had underlying health conditions.
The high school, the protests, the kids on Main Street and the city's trash policy have prompted dozens of readers to post comments this week.
Regardless how you feel about Charlestown High School, you have to acknowledge there are strong opinions in the neighborhood about it. Here's a sampling of comments people have posted on Patch this week.
Tom MacDonald will be making a few more local appearances to present his first novel, which stars the neighborhood.
Agencies serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state have no way of knowing if a prospective employee has a criminal record beyond our state borders.
