I grew up in the Glendale/Pasadena area with my parents and three brothers. The Santa Anita Racetrack has a special place in my heart because my grandfather and I spent many a lazy afternoon there, betting on horses and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
After college, I covered the crime beat at the Hanford Sentinel, a newspaper in the Central Valley located about an hour south of Fresno, for a year. I then moved onto the Santa Maria Times, where I covered the education beat for two years.
Realizing that I needed to adapt to the changes in the news industry, which has largely gone digital, I decided to go back to school to get my master's degree in online journalism at USC.
Last summer, I interned for the Associated Press in London, where I wrote articles that got published in the <i>Los Angeles Times </i>and <i>USA Today.</i>
Upon my return from London, I came across an advertisement seeking an intern at Culver City Patch. So began my relationship with Patch. The week of my May graduation from USC, I took over as guest editor for Brentwood Patch. When a permanent position opened up with Arcadia Patch, I jumped at the opportunity.
I have a passion for journalism and am excited to become part of Arcadia's vibrant and diverse community. I hope to serve Arcadia well.
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.<br><br><b>Politics </b><br>How would you describe your political beliefs?
The conservative side of liberal. <br><br>Are you registered with a certain party?<br><br>No.<br><br><b>Religion</b><br>How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious)<br><br>I'm an occasional churchgoer. That said, I'm Catholic, and plan to raise any future children as such. I grew up going to Catholic schools and attended church every Sunday with my family.
<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br>What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?
The city and school district budget crises.
Where do you stand on each of these issues?<br><br>I do my best to remain fair to all parties involved in every story I write. I feel passionately that ALL children receive a good education, no matter the budgetary climate. Any story I can do that will help, I am more than happy to do.
Southern California Gas Co. customers may want to look out for a thief who requests Social Security numbers and claims President Barack Obama will offer credit or payment on bills.
The Arcadia Indians serves youths in Arcadia Sierra Madre and Monrovia.
The Arcadia Police Department also dealt with a traffic collision involving a drunken driver and an overturned vehicle.
The Arcadia Fire Department also responded to an injury collision and a car fire.
A jury must decide whether Isaac Campbell is guilty of second-degree murder or manslaughter in his ex-girlfriend's death.
From rappelling to digging and navigating hairpin turns, Sierra Madre Search and Rescue details one of their recent and most difficult rescues: recovering the body of a missing hiker in a San Diego mud cave.
Local REI stores will provide pit stops for commuters who choose to bike to work this week.
Local REI stores will provide pit stops for commuters who choose to bike to work this week.
Mail carriers will be picking up food from residents’ mailboxes Saturday to donate to a local food bank as part of the Stamp Out Hunger food drive. Are you participating?
The Arcadia Fire Department also aided Pasadena firefighters in suppressing a structure fire in that city and responded to several medical assists.
We hope you enjoy this photo submitted by San Gabriel Valley-based photo journalist Herb West and feel inspired to post photos of your own cats.
Dr. Brent Forsee of Monrovia will take over for Principal David Vannasdall.
Arcadia Law Day will be held Saturday.
The National Weather Service is predicting a high of 90 degrees and a UV index of 9 today, meaning that a person could get sunburned in under 8 minutes if not protected.
The Arcadia Fire Department also treated another woman who fell down a flight of stairs in an commercial building and wasn't discovered until the following morning.
Some packages of World Berries Organic Cacao Nibs may be contaminated with an especially virulent form of e. coli bacteria.
Greg Politano won big, thanks to Santa Anita Park's "Owner For a Day" contest.
The bear is well-known to Canyon Park volunteers and made an appearance at the park on Sunday.
Chris Long will take the reins from Jon Dimalante.
The countywide anti-DUI campaign will patrol for impaired drivers this weekend.
