Christine Huard, Patch Staff

Email christine.huard@patch.com

Phone 619-246-1005

Hometown San Diego

Birthday October

Bio Before joining Patch, Christine was the features editor of Copley News Service, where she was in charge of the nationally syndicated Special Sections packages focused on features and lifestyle trends.

Prior to CNS, Christine worked as an editorial assistant writing about local news for the San Diego Union-Tribune, where she won Press Club awards in the features and food writing categories. She spent five years at a suburban bureau writing community news and feature stories for the daily Metro and weekly lifestyle sections.

During this time, Christine investigated and reported on a Pennsylvania man claiming to have been in NASA’s “Teacher in Space” program and promoting himself locally as a motivational speaker after having his story published in “Chicken Soup for the Soul.” He was, in fact, a disgraced former high school science teacher who had been convicted of engaging in sexual relationships with two female students. His connection to the NASA program was that he’d submitted an application prior to the scandal and it was accepted. He did not make the cut and was never a part of the “Teacher in Space” program.

The article earned a first place award in feature writing from the San Diego Press Club.

Christine's career includes interviews with Hitchcock queen Tippi Hedren, punk legend John Doe and environmental activist Ed Begley Jr. She has been skydiving with the Flying Elvises (featured in the movie "Honeymoon in Vegas"), visited the private Paris apartment of Coco Chanel, and once squeezed by Kevin Costner under the guise of reaching for more finger food at a party.

She has also worked as a freelance writer and editor  for a variety of digital and print media and nonprofit groups.

Christine enjoys cooking for friends and family, and photographing her dog, Coconut. She is experimenting with gardening.

Politics

How would you describe your political beliefs?

I think once you’re 18, you should start voting. Get registered, get to the poll. I have both liberal and conservative views. I support same-sex marriage and was opposed to the medical marijuana initiative.

Are you registered with a certain party?

I’m registered nonpartisan, which means I get everyone’s campaign mailers. My recycling bin groans under the strain of election season.

Religion

How religious would you consider yourself?

Not religious, though I regularly attend church. I believe in second chances, consequences, and forgiveness. I am thankful for grace.

Local Hot-Button Issues

What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

The city is facing really tough choices with the budget. It seems like now more than ever, the future of Lemon Grove is in the balance and nobody knows which way it will tip.

Where do you stand on each of these issues?

I hate to see hard times get harder.