Email: marlena.medford@patch.com
Phone: 858.232.3370
Hometown: Dallas
Birthday: May 1
Bio: Marlena Medford was born in San Diego but raised in Dallas, where she spent years plotting a return to California. The long road back West took her through Oklahoma, where she earned a journalism degree at OU and interned with NBC while her husband served in the US Air Force. She spent the next four years working as an editor for Advocate Magazine in Dallas, while her husband completed his degree. Last summer, with a military enlistment and college finally behind them, the couple loaded up the truck and left Texas in the rear-view mirror.
Upon arriving in California, Marlena landed a job as an associate editor for Solana Beach Sun and Del Mar Times. A year later she came on board as editor for Encinitas Patch.
In her current role, she aims to give residents a resource for information on the issues happening in their back yard, a forum where they can weigh in with their two cents, and a steady diet of stories that remind them why they love living here.
Marlena can often be spotted logging miles along Coast Highway 101, and tries to lace up for local races whenever her schedule allows it. She also enjoys yoga, hiking the San Elijo Lagoon — and getting to the beach often, where she likes to sit and stare at the sea, pondering the newfound concept of life sans triple-digit highs.
Beliefs
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. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
How would you describe your political beliefs?
I lean left, but after many years of living in and covering communities that veer right, I realize it takes all sorts to make our system work well. There's no such thing as an unbiased person, but I always try to be fair.
Are you registered with a certain party?
Yes, and I'm proud to say I haven't missed a vote yet.
How religious would you consider yourself?
I'm Christian, but not a member of any church.
As part of program, people under 31 illegally in the United States may avoid deportation and work or go to school. The application process began Wednesday.
The website says a small group of “deniers” continues to distort the facts about climate change.
Seven Light-footed Clapper Rails were released Aug. 16.
Residents are invited to take an online survey.
The Sheriff’s Department will conduct DUI checkpoints, including Encinitas.
She's an outdoorsy girl who also loves to lounge.
A veteran turned city councilman, who was later appointed as Undersecretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs.
Kathleen Ann Helms is facing 11 felony charges for allegedly posing as a doctor, according to the FBI.
Hodges is an Encinitas mother of four and longtime supporter of public education who has worked in the public and private sectors.
Diedre R. Quenell was also charged with resisting arrest.
San Diego County temperatures are expected to drop Wednesday, thanks to low pressure over the Eastern Pacific.
Nearly 1,800 were sent, and the average refund is about $672—so, check your mailbox.
Kathleen Ann Helms was taken into custody Monday after authorities investigated her practice, BrightHouse Wellness on N. El Camino Real.
Online volunteer registration is now open for Coastal Cleanup Day 2012, which is scheduled for Sept. 15 across 80 coastal and inland sites in San Diego.
Home sales saw a double-digit percent increase in July compared to last year, according to a new report.
A ratepayer group is asking for lowered bills amid the station shutdown.
You can check out the new space Thursday night, and meet pro surfer Chippa Wilson there.
Temperatures are expected to hit or surpass 90º throughout the week.
Mention your child's school during checkout from Aug. 11 to 18, and 10 percent of your sale will be donated to the Encinitas Educational Foundation.
One resident says city plans are threatening mature tress in Old Encinitas, and he's launched an effort to preserve them.
