Zoneil Maharaj is the editor of Union City Patch.
Email: zoneil.maharaj@patch.com
Phone: (510) 677-0915
Hometown: Stockton, CA
Birthday: November 4
Bio:
I was born in Fiji and raised in Stockton. I've spent the last several years living, learning and working in the Bay Area. A graduate of San Francisco State University's journalism department, I've worked for multiple publications in various capacities.
I was a staff writer/podcast host for PopandPolitics.com, an intern and contributor for music magazine XLR8R, an editor for Asian American lifestyle magazine Hyphen and, most recently, an arts and culture fellow with WireTap Magazine and The Nation Institute. I also helped launch Oh Dang!, an independent arts and culture webzine. My freelance work has appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Oakland Tribune, East Bay Express, The Bold Italic and The Record (Stockton), among others.
I also enjoy working with youth. As a high school program coordinator for The Center for Integration and Improvement of Journalism, I helped re-launch defunct school publications at a handful of high schools in the Bay Area, organized high school journalism conferences and worked with dozens of youth in the center's Bay Area Multicultural Media Academy.
I'm new to Union City, but I promise to do right by the community, so feel free to drop him a line any time.
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:
I'm a registered democrat, however, I examine all sides of an issue before making a decision rather than blindly following a party.
Religion:
I'm not religious but I was raised in a Hindu household. Through my experiences with friends from diverse backgrounds, I've come to know and understand multiple religions; I even attended Bible school for a couple summers as a kid. I believe this has helped shape a well-rounded system of morals and values.
Local Hot-Button Issues:
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?
School and city budgets, the youth violence prevention program.
Where do you stand on each of these issues?
No one's pleased with budget cuts, and it's unfortunate that the city and schools face potential reductions to programs and services. I'll be following both issues to inform myself -- and, of course, you -- about the latest developments.
Youth violence is definitely a major concern. I think the prevention program has made some great strides but still has some hurdles to leap. I'll be tracking the program's progress and keeping you updated.
Reginald Bell, 38, of Union City, was arrested in connection to a East Bay marijuana grow operation in which $1 million worth of marijuana, dozens of firearms and $400,000 was seized.
The New Haven Unified School District is asking for suggestions from the community to help name the new independent study program, which will be housed at the New Haven Adult School.
Wendy Gudalewicz served as the district's Chief Academic Officer for the last three years.
The shooting occurred in the townhomes on the 4400 block of Corto Monterey off of Castille Court near Union City Boulevard.
The “Circle of Life” public art installation features two metal rings with people performing sports activities.
Police say there were a number of documented gang members at the party.
Held last weekend, the event drew 60 youth and raised awareness for Youth and Family Services’ vital youth programs.
Other incidents include multiple pedestrian-vehicle accidents and a number of drug and alcohol related arrests.
Men Oh Tokushima Ramen’s Union City location is the first of the Japanese chain’s U.S. expansion.
James Logan High School in Union City, the filming site, pulls plug on wannabe TV show after not getting paid, school officials say. And some of the things Producer Michael Gouveia has told Patch don’t quite add up.
A man who plead guilty to a baseball card scam in San Leandro may have promoted a fake reality TV show in Union City.
James Logan High School, the filming site, pulls plug on wannabe TV show after not getting paid, school officials say. And some of the things Producer Michael Gouveia has told Union City Patch don’t quite add up.
Alameda County Fire Chief Seldon Gilbert will be departing to pursue other career objectives and interests according to a press release by ACFD. His last day will be July 31, 2012.
Five finalists were selected to move onto the appointment process to fill the vacant District 2 Alameda County Supervisor seat.
Witnesses said the victim appeared to be jaywalking across the busy thoroughfare.
Here's a roundup of business news in Union City.
Annika Lewis, 8, has a rare and severe form of epilepsy. Each year, her family helps raise awareness for her condition during the Epilepsy Awareness Stroll, which will be held this Saturday at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
Joseph Paul Cordova, 33, was last seen at his San Jose home early May 1. According to relatives, he suffers from schizophrenia and is without his medication.
Comic and Figure Addicts gave away close to 1,500 comic books during the May 5 event.
The Kids' Zone, a new coalition of local community groups and government agencies, aims to provide "cradle-to-career" support for Union City's at-risk youth population.