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.
The American Lung Association graded local cities for their anti-tobacco policies, suggesting plenty of room for improvement. But how far is too far in the war against smoking? See what the community is saying and share your thoughts.
There were 55 arrests in the past week, including the detention of a 24-year old suspect in the case of a burglary at Calvary Christian Preschool on Concord Boulevard.
There were 11 burglaries in Concord from Jan. 10 to Jan. 16. Most of the burglaries were commercial, including a burglary at the Sunvalley mall. Calvary Christian Preschool was also hit.
Share the best places in town to watch the San Francisco 49ers play the Atlanta Falcons — other than your own living room, of course. Plus, find out what time the Niners game starts and the TV schedule.
See your old favorites on the big screen every Wednesday at Century Theaters at Pacific Commons in Fremont or Century 25 Union Landing in Union City. The Sound of Music plays Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Many school districts have implemented a locked door policy in response to the Sandy Hook school shooting. Patch users weigh in on whether or not locked doors make for safer classrooms. Share your thoughts.
Many school districts have implemented a locked door policy in response to the Sandy Hook school shooting. Patch users weigh in on whether or not locked doors make for safer classrooms. Share your thoughts.
A short documentary titled, "Creative: Material" focuses on Concord-based band The Chaw, who are juggling life and love to pursue their passion for music.
See your old favorites on the big screen every Wednesday at Century Walnut Creek 14 downtown. The Sound of Music plays Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
See your old favorites on the big screen every Wednesday at Century 16 Downtown Pleasant Hill. The Sound of Music plays Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
After the local Boy Scouts council once again denied a gay teen his Eagle Award following an appeal, parents in the area are responding in outrage. Here's what they're saying.
This log from the Clayton Police Department spans two weeks over the holidays and includes arrests for public intoxication, domestic abuse a DUI and driving with a suspended license.
Browse reaction from around the web about Ladouceur's potential retirement from coaching the Spartans football team. Share your thoughts and memories in the comments.
Ouimet Bros. Concord Funeral Chapel is rebuilding after a car driven by a 16-year-old smashed into the building on Clayton Road Sunday.
This report from the Concord Police Department tallies the 68 arrests in the past week. Most of the arrests were DUIs.
There were 12 burglaries in Concord from Dec. 27 to Jan. 1 — down from 15 the week before. One home was hit New Year's Eve and another on New Year's Day.
The season for fighting the fat has begun. Here are the meeting locations, as well as prices and online options, for Weight Watchers in the area
Help save a life by donating blood at these local drives in Contra Costa County.
The family-owned restaurant boasts a menu of homemade Italian dishes, including ravioli, pizza, calzones, sandwiches and more. Have you eaten at Ravioli's yet? Share your review.
Browse through the most stunning, shocking and significant photos published on Concord Patch in 2012 and choose your favorite. Which image captured the tone of the year?
