Email: melissa.phy@patch.com
Phone: N/A
Hometowns: I was born in Upland, CA and taken home to neighboring city Ontario. When little brother came along, the family moved to Fontana, which is mostly known for tract housing and the home of the California Speedway. San Diego has had my heart since I moved here in 2005 for college.
Birthday: Feb. 14 (yes, yes, I know. How sweet!)
Melissa Phy was born and raised a Southern California girl. She moved to San Diego in 2005 to attend San Diego State University, where she received her bachelor's degree in Journalism in 2009. She minored in English due to her love of the written word and focused on fiction. After graduating, Melissa searched high and low for a journalism job. One year later, Coronado Patch contacted her and offered her a freelance gig.
One year after that, Melissa took over as the regional calendar editor for San Diego Patches, writing about local fundraisers, art galleries, restaurants and the like. She was the girl to go to if you needed to know what was happening in San Diego. In 2012,
Melissa took over Ramona Patch after former editor Julie Pendray moved to Sonoma Patch.
A self-proclaimed foodie, Melissa enjoys eating out, farmers markets, lots of cooking, and, of course, writing about it weekly on her online food blog. She can be found in the kitchen most nights with her favorite music on and a pot of something that smells like heaven. Melissa also really loves to play the guitar and if she could fit a piano in her tiny apartment, she'd love playing that, too.
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 and human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal certain key beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for our editors to inject these beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will force us to be ever mindful to write, report, and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you, the user, ever think you see evidence that we failed in this mission, we wholeheartedly invite you to let us know.
RELIGION
How religious would you consider yourself? (Ie, casual, observant, devout, non-religious). I was raised as a Lutheran and went to Christian school from Pre-school to 12th grade. I feel lucky to have grown up in such a loving environment, but even more lucky to have been able to branch out and see what else is out in the world. I don't go to church every Sunday, but definitely feel blessed in life. I believe in acceptance and love.
Do you identify with a certain religion? If so, which one? I call myself a Lutheran because I was raised as such and know the most about it. Religion of all kinds is a favorite topic of mine.
LOCAL HOT-BUTTON ISSUES
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?
In my short time here in Ramona, I've learned that planning and water are the hot-button issues of the town. Rural character is important to the residents and new housing developments are, for the most part, frowned upon. But there are plenty of people that want more development and recognition for Ramona. As far as water goes, it is, in some ways, connected to planning. The more development, the more water needed, which could raise rates.
It's also important to figure out how to get water efficiently to Ramona, since it must be pumped up from Poway. The new plan for utilizing natural gas to fuel the pump station is an interesting one, since it will allow for water pumping even during a blackout.
The National Weather Service scheduled a high wind warning for the valleys and mountains until 1 p.m., and a wind advisory for the same areas from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
The local church is inviting families out on Saturday to help paint a mural on the container.
The district said working radios are necessary for school safety.
Three days after the shower, it was all taken away after a midday car burglary—including the list compiles of all of the gifts with their gifters' names
Patch provides a list of closures around town for the holiday.
A look at some Ramona activities to keep you busy all weekend long.
The Fund for Animals Wildlife Center shared some pictures of their animals enjoying heart-shaped treats.
Patch asks Ramonans to share their engagement stories on the most romantic day of the year.
The Ramona Community Planning Group Chair said multiple town agencies and businesses support the idea of a landmark sign over Main Street.
At last year's "Love Your Heart" event, more than 1,300 people had their blood pressure checked on Valentine’s Day.
Kathy DaSilva responds to a U-T columnist's "Letter to Ramona" regarding Sol Orchard.
An 18-year-old stole a van Tuesday morning, resulting in a car chase and his arrest.
District Superintendent Johnny Brean gave a brief presentation at the Feb. 12 water board meeting on how to read your meter.
The department said checkpoints will be in place tonight at undisclosed locations between 7 p.m. and 4:30 a.m.
The district said working radios are necessary for school safety.
The following incidents from Feb. 5-11 were listed at the Sheriff's Department Ramona substation.
An attorney who said he represents the student's family pointed to emotional problems and family cancer in an apology.
The School Board recognized numerous individuals and departments for their various outstanding work in the district, including RB High's pole vault coach of 22 years.
Stinky critter was found earlier this year with nerve damage in a leg, suffering from hypothermia.
The Feb. 12 meeting will give the public a presentation of the water meter functionality.
