I was just 19, and still at Golden West College, when I was hired by the Los Angeles Times Orange County edition for the lowliest job in the newsroom: clerk. Apart from being asked to get a fake ID so I could buy the night copy desk beer and pizza, and to keep wives and girlfriends on different phone lines, I was ecstatic: A college sophomore, actually working at one of the three great newspapers in the country as a teenager. I did my homework in the newsroom on weekends in the event big news broke and they'd need a reporter so bad that they'd send the college newspaper student to pinch hit. And I did.
I cut my teeth on the police beat and still love breaking news, but also grew into a better writer by learning from some of the best in the country. After two decades at a newspaper, and having to commute three hours daily to L.A., I opted to reinvent myself as a more focused mom and wife and learn more about online writing. I also had more time to volunteer, and enjoy the outdoors around me.
I am a native Southern Californian, born in Whittier, where I grew up swimming in pools, building go-karts and playing kick-the-can. One thing I love about Belmont Shore is that I can be outdoors and have so many places to be. I love to swim and do laps at the Belmont Plaza Pool, float on Alamitos Bay or cycle down the bike path to the Long Beach Museum of Art. Movies are something my son and I love to do together, followed by an hour or more reading at a bookstore. I also try to meet a minimum weekly quota of one double-double, no cheese.
Your 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.
Politics
Knowledge is power, and people need to understand how decisions are made in their community and how they can participate.
I believe in government for the people and by the people, and that public officials should do what they promise. I also believe that citizens have to work harder to ensure that they do. This is where Patch journalism will be key.
Religion
I believe in God. When I hear Gospel music in church or in concert, I feel God.
Local Hot-Button Issues
Balancing the rights of residents, visitors and businesses. Public safety. Traffic, particularly along Second Street into the intersection with Pacific Coast Highway. The future of the Los Cerritos Wetlands.
Post your photos of a special moment, beautiful light glowing on the bay, or just a fresh take on an everyday place in Belmont Shore, Naples and Long Beach. We'll try to feature one each day.
You know you're probably going to down a few boxes this cookie season, so let our double expert - a restaurant publicist and scout troop leader - match your favorite type with a compatible vino.
You know you're probably going to down a few boxes this cookie season, so let our double expert - a restaurant publicist and scout troop leader - match your favorite type with a compatible vino.
You know you're probably going to down a few boxes this cookie season, so let our double expert - a restaurant publicist and scout troop leader - match your favorite type with a compatible vino.
Here are some links to help you find your nearest cookie fix. And if your scouts are selling cookies in Hermosa Beach, please leave us details in the comments section below!
You know you're probably going to down a few boxes this cookie season, so let our double expert - a restaurant publicist and scout troop leader - match your favorite type with a compatible vino.
Here are some links to help you find your nearest cookie fix. And if your scouts are selling cookies in Manhattan Beach, please leave us details in the comments section below!
LB Unified wants to hear your thoughts tonight on a proposal to begin classes earlier or later than currently scheduled to save $1 million in extra transportation costs.
Naples resident William Davidson snapped this shot near dusk. Patch welcomes your uploads from shots you take around the community in our Neighborhood Gallery.
With one of two Long Beach players out, the national team still grabs victory.
A coyote was on the waterfront mid-morning, ambling down the canals and over bridges as a resident watched from her balcony. Have you seen a coyote in the Shore or Long Beach?
The checkpoint is underway in the west part of the 50-square-mile city.
Police Saturday offer new details about the death of a man who stepped off a curb in Long Beach and was struck by a Range Rover.
Long Beach has two players on the national team that takes on Argentina in a final exhibition game.
Long Beach crash on Seventh Street leaves one man dead.
Within a half hour drive of Long Beach you will find these, and with a bit more driving a host more museums.
You know you're probably going to down a few boxes this cookie season, so let our double expert - a restaurant publicist and scout troop leader - match your favorite type with a compatible vino.
The nonprofit musical group that serves surrounding communities will perform The History of Jazz Saturday afternoon at Long Beach Playhouse.
Forecast calls for up to three-quarters of an inch of rain on the coast and two inches in local mountains.
Dine before 9 p.m. tonight at Super Mex on 2nd Street and up to 20% of your bill will be donated to Long Beach Police Department's search and rescue team. That's right, you eat, you help.
