Autumn Johnson, Patch Staff

Bio: Freelance writer since 2008.

Accomplished investigator with 17 years of research and professional writing experience. Retired law enforcement, originally from Southern California, now happily transplanted in the East Bay area.

I am a mother of two and a Tri-Valley resident. I volunteer for several community groups in the area.

Favorite things to do: Reading, writing, travel, volunteering, fitness, camping, cooking and movies.

I try to remember: Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. Archbishop Desmond Tutu

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.

Local Hot-Button Issues: Bullying and drug usage in our schools, drunken driving awareness, drought and the city budget. I will be keeping an eye on all of our issues! Send me your tips, story ideas and comments.

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