I grew up in the rural green belt of London, England where I fell in love with literature and literary history. During my undergraduate degree at the University of Kent in Canterbury, and namely an exchange year abroad at UCLA, that love for literature transitioned into a passion for journalism and California sunshine. I moved to Los Angeles in 2007 to pursue an MA degree in journalism at USC and continue a freelance career in multimedia storytelling. And I have never looked back.
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My experience includes local, national and international reporting for news outlets such as the LA Weekly, Southern California Public Radio and the New Zealand Herald Tribune. My fascination with hyper-local journalism spawned a thesis about the future of the industry (titled, Can Grassroots Journalism Help Underserved Communities?) and, in 2008, led me to help found a hyper-local website covering South Los Angeles. I was managing editor until early 2011, when Patch became my next adventure.
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Now I live in Concord with my husband, reading, writing, exploring the Bay Area and continuing to drink my tea with milk.
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Beliefs:
1. Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. - Plato.
2. Never discuss religion or politics at the dinner table.
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Politics: I am a registered Democrat with an open mind to all opinions and factual arguments. I believe that the mind should be a thoroughfare for all thoughts and not a select party.
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Religion: Non-denominational Christian, with an almost pantheistic love for the outdoors and a strong appreciation for being still (Psalm 46:10.)
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Local Hot-Button Issues: Social justice issues that affect quality of life or access to opportunities, including education, immigration, health care and social welfare.
Executive Director David Linzey shares the school's successes in the past 10 months since it became a charter. What do you think of its progress? Share your thoughts.
Here are the recycling programs and services in Pleasant Hill to help residents "reduce, recycle and reuse" everything from clothing and electronics to paint and plastic.
The event takes place Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Here's a sneak preview of the new facility, which is projected to open in winter this year.
The demolition permit issued by the city of Pleasant Hill has been put on hold pending an appeal after the "Save the Pleasant Hill Dome" group sought legal help.
The demolition permit issued by the City of Pleasant Hill has been put on hold pending an appeal after the "Save the Pleasant Hill Dome" group sought legal help.
When out-of-towners ask for advice about moving to Concord, they're often told to stay away from the Monument area. Is that a good tip? Or does Monument just have a bad rap?
The book sale takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 in the parking lot behind the library. Do you have some time to volunteer and help out? Here's how.
The Clayton police activity report from April 19 to 25 includes three arrests and one case of petty theft.
This photo taken on Bailey Road at Sunset almost looks like it could be somewhere in Africa. Have you snapped a beautiful Concord sunset? Share it on Concord Patch.
The school board voted Thursday to terminate contracts for Lawrence and General Counsel Greg Rolen.
Learn why the "devil" mountain was named by mistake, and why it stuck.
Whether you're planning a family reunion or a kids' birthday bash, there are a range of facilities available for public rental through the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District.
The season is here for outdoor events in the plaza. Here's what's on the schedule for the long, warm days of spring and summer.
This week's burglary report from the Concord Police Department lists 19 incidents between April 18 and 24, including nine businesses, three vehicles and seven residential burglaries.
Are you a bargain hunter? Find out about Pleasant Hill thrift stores with this guide, This week: Goodwill at 1699 Contra Costa Blvd.
The seasonal market returns April 25 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Music and Market Series runs May 23 through Sept. 12 and Tuesday blues concerts take place in July. Preview the music schedule here and start getting excited for summer.
It's lights out at the "dome" — for now.
The "Save the Pleasant Hill Dome" group raised money to pay for a lawyer, who has requested that the city rescind the demolition permit until an appeal decision has been made.
The "Save the Pleasant Hill Dome" group raised money to pay for a lawyer, who has requested that the city rescind the demolition permit until an appeal decision has been made.