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.
Is there a local fact you'd have liked to have known before coming to Concord, or a tip you'd give someone considering moving into town? Share your experience.
The East Bay Senior Resource Expo takes place March 22 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and includes a trade show, medical screenings, a senior fashion show and more — all aimed at the golden aged.
Edna Ramirez, 20, will compete as Miss East Bay Latina in the statewide competition.
The first annual Bentley Jazz Festival takes place on April 20, 2013 and includes performances from local jazz artists.
The schools needs cash sponsorships, merchandise, services, and gift certificates for the class of 2013’s Safe and Sober Grad Night.
The American Cancer Society is holding a "Relay for Life" in Martinez this summer, and team registration is open now. What will you be walking for?
A sarcastic comment from a Lamorinda resident begs the question: is organic food really the key to a healthy lifestyle? Or is it an overrated money-suck?
Spring is already blooming and California's hillsides are alive with color. Where are the best areas to see wildflowers? Share your suggestions and photos here.
Spring is already blooming and California's hillsides are alive with color. Where are the best areas to see wildflowers? Share your suggestions and photos here.
Spring is already blooming and California's hillsides are alive with color. Where are the best areas to see wildflowers? Share your suggestions and photos here.
Spring is already blooming and California's hillsides are alive with color. Where are the best areas to see wildflowers? Share your suggestions and photos here.
Can you name the location of this picture? Leave your guess in the comments.
Spring is already blooming and California's hillsides are alive with color. Where are the best areas to see wildflowers? Share your suggestions and photos here.
Spring is technically still a week away, but it sure feels like the sunny season is here already. Share your photos of Concord in the Pics & Clips gallery to be featured on Patch.
The LOLA Girls program teaches nutrition and exercise to 8-to-12 year olds in preparation for the Mother's Day 5k Run in El Sobrante, on Saturday, May 11.
Where can you buy women's clothing if you don't fit the typical sizing for mall fashion? One Concord Patch reader would like more selection for different body types.
The new course at the Mount Diablo Adult Education Center teaches students to embrace chaos and forge a path to business success.
Yes, you lost an hour of sleep last night. The clocks sprung forward for spring at 2 a.m on Sunday, March 10.
Yes, you lost an hour of sleep last night. The clocks sprung forward for spring at 2 a.m on Sunday, March 10.
Yes, you lost an hour of sleep last night. The clocks sprung forward for spring at 2 a.m on Sunday, March 10.