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.
As he awaits Council decision on his proposed family-style restaurant, Mike Simms takes questions from Belmont Shore residents, where alcohol sales licenses cause some concern.
She's identified as a longtime employee of the school's grants and contracts office.
Witnesses saw her arguing with a man on the top gangway before she said, "I don't want to live" and lost her footing, falling 75 feet.
Mittens may be in order as temps may reach as low as 35 degrees overnight. Yes, three degrees above freezing.
President Obama Met King and 9 other university leaders about higher education affordability.
Beach Post, Inc. publisher Shaun Lumachi, who was raised in Hercules passed away over the weekend.
Is it the same marching band or drill team each year? The shelter dogs? The scouts? Share your shots.
Shaun Lumachi, political consultant and co-founder of LB Post, died Saturday after a car crash on a City of LB workforce development trip in Florida.
Steve Kuykendall fundraiser hosted by sports bar owner has been relocated "out of the 3rd district" represented by councilman and congressional candidate Gary DeLong.
Writing about a Long Beach medical marijuana dispensary who's owner faces a jury trial, the campaign against prosecuting "weed" versus violent crime takes to the sidewalks of downtown today.
There's a a new-old candy store on Second Street, but not for long. See's Candy will only remain through Christmas Eve-just long enough to get everyone abuzz about it.
The competition with 70 SWAT officers was in Pasadena, raising $5,000 for the family of a deceased officer. LBPD scored highest for shooting, fitness, teamwork and sniper operations.
The group had been ordered by police to clear out tents and sleeping bags by 10 p.m., an enforcement of the city's no camping at parks ordinance.
Southern California Edison shares important tips on holiday lighting and safety.
Apostrophe Books store hosts the green grump to ring in the holiday 2011 season and Small Business Saturday.
An annual report released by the California Public Interest Research Group says that holiday shoppers should be aware of dangerous and toxic toys on store shelves.
We love a good deal, but let's hope there are no $2 Le Creuset pots sold on Second Street.
Belmont Shore business owner imports art, furnishings, jewelry and holiday ornaments from around the globe, and researches their meaning. "Every object has a story," she says of her gifts galore.
Can you name these Shore stores by their festive displays? Win a gift card to a local small business.
Billing's Paint and Hardware clerk offers a demo of a popular item on display beside the check-out counter of Belmont Shore's longest-running store. We dare you not to smile.