Maggie Fusek Avants is an award-winning copy editor and journalist whose experience in the news business goes back to when she had a paper route in sixth grade. She went on to earn a degree in journalism as well as the title of "Distinguished Journalist of the Year" for the campus newspaper.
Since 2009, she has served as a local news editor for online and print publications. A member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Fusek Avants has been invited back to her alma mater to mentor new journalists.
She is now the Patch editor for Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Healdsburg, Napa Valley, Benicia, Pinole, Hercules, Martinez and Concord.
Fun Fact: She shares a birthday with William Shakespeare
Reach her at maggie.fusek@patch.com with news tips and story ideas.
It is alleged that in a hidden trunk compartment, Santa Rosa police officers found a vacuum-sealed bag filled with 1.34 pounds of cocaine.
Detectives started investigating the 19-year-old Rohnert Park man in April, the Santa Rosa Police Department said.
A public health advisory was issued as the spread of mercury contamination was determined to be wider than initially believed.
If you love apple pie, you'll love this bakery’s signature buttery streusel topping.
How two second-grade Petaluma students used empathy to build a strong response to the complex problem of bullying.
The corporate-sponsored awards, announced April 26, were the first group of winners in the 68th annual competition.
"A vital part of a successful season is to have host families provide housing for the players and a family atmosphere for the summer."
Interested applicants are encouraged to attend the next scheduled meeting.
It's a three-day process and drivers are encouraged to avoid Rohnert Park Expressway.
As NVTA works on a plan to eliminate fatal and severe crashes in Napa County, it has asked community members to take the Vision Zero Survey.
Capt. Michael McClellin is described as a proud Napa County resident who is passionate about serving and protecting our community.
Petty rides his bike to work and pretty much everywhere else, including to watch the 49ers play at Levi's Stadium.
Mercury was found in the parking lot, closing the Martinez station and prompting Capitol Corridor trains to stop at the old station depot.
The award recognizes those who inspire bicycling in their communities and are committed to using cycling as their primary mode of transport.
"Work will take place near the travel lane and may require periodic delays in traffic movement."
Tage Allen Leonard Wert, 43, of Groveland was taken into custody inside the home after he refused to exit the residence, police said.
Motorists were warned to expect delays until the tree was cleared.
Detour and advance warning changeable message signs will be placed along Highway 29, Highway 12, Highway 121/Arnold Drive and Highway 37.
A passenger in a light-colored small or mid-size SUV reportedly fired at least one round at the victim, according to police.
A bank robbery was reported at 11:39 a.m. Saturday at a bank in Downtown Walnut Creek, police said.
