I was just 19, and still at Golden West College, when I was hired by the Los Angeles Times Orange County edition for the lowliest job in the newsroom: clerk. Apart from being asked to get a fake ID so I could buy the night copy desk beer and pizza, and to keep wives and girlfriends on different phone lines, I was ecstatic: A college sophomore, actually working at one of the three great newspapers in the country as a teenager. I did my homework in the newsroom on weekends in the event big news broke and they'd need a reporter so bad that they'd send the college newspaper student to pinch hit. And I did.
I cut my teeth on the police beat and still love breaking news, but also grew into a better writer by learning from some of the best in the country. After two decades at a newspaper, and having to commute three hours daily to L.A., I opted to reinvent myself as a more focused mom and wife and learn more about online writing. I also had more time to volunteer, and enjoy the outdoors around me.
I am a native Southern Californian, born in Whittier, where I grew up swimming in pools, building go-karts and playing kick-the-can. One thing I love about Belmont Shore is that I can be outdoors and have so many places to be. I love to swim and do laps at the Belmont Plaza Pool, float on Alamitos Bay or cycle down the bike path to the Long Beach Museum of Art. Movies are something my son and I love to do together, followed by an hour or more reading at a bookstore. I also try to meet a minimum weekly quota of one double-double, no cheese.
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.
Politics
Knowledge is power, and people need to understand how decisions are made in their community and how they can participate.
I believe in government for the people and by the people, and that public officials should do what they promise. I also believe that citizens have to work harder to ensure that they do. This is where Patch journalism will be key.
Religion
I believe in God. When I hear Gospel music in church or in concert, I feel God.
Local Hot-Button Issues
Balancing the rights of residents, visitors and businesses. Public safety. Traffic, particularly along Second Street into the intersection with Pacific Coast Highway. The future of the Los Cerritos Wetlands.
Just released security photos of Dorner, some yearbook mugs and the scene Patch caught outside while police search the LaPalma home of Dorner's mother.
Long Beach police investigating a burglary suspect leads to a lock down at numerous Los Alamitos school this Friday.
Neighbor of a woman identified as Christopher Dorner's ex-wife said he was there Saturday morning in military fatigues, the day before his alleged Irvine victims were discovered.
Domenico's restaurant donated 25% of every meal bill back to Belmont Shore's middle school music efforts, and it was such a success that the Italian restaurant may offer it two nights.
One-time basketball star Monica Quan was found slain beside her boyfriend in a car outside their Irvine apartment in what police are investigating as a double murder.
City of Long Beach staff has proposed temporary pools estimated to take at least five months and $4.2 million to create, and approval of a Natatorium in 2-3 years at $54-$62 million.
Today's the day to chow down at Long Beach's Second Street restaurant with the singular pizza (hint: its the layering, for starters) and the secret salad dressing,
Long Beach police said the city's chopper was circling the Belmont Shore area late Sunday searching for an intruder.
You know you're probably going to down a few boxes this cookie season, so let our double expert - a restaurant publicist and scout troop leader - match your favorite type with a compatible vino.
And what a lovely sight our everyday neighborhood is.
From rowdy sports bar to quiet comfort food, here's our list with hyper-local spots and the specials. Now tell us if we've missed any. And if you're not a football fan, there is always ... Puppy Bowl!
You know you're probably going to down a few boxes this cookie season, so let our double expert - a restaurant publicist and scout troop leader - match your favorite type with a compatible vino.
Long Beach School Board wants to review changing class hours that would impact elementary, middle and high schools. It would save $1 million and teens do better with later start.
Several stories that we've followed are finding their way to the Long Beach Courthouse in coming days. Here is a short list.
The mixed breed dog ran toward officers as they investigated an unauthorized entry at Veteran's Memorial Stadium, the department reported.
Oh sure let others stalk Phil for a woodchuck's predictions. Here in the LBC, we have the legend of the Groundhog's Day Sprinkler, and yes, it does have its own YouTube channel, thank you.
You know you're probably going to down a few boxes this cookie season, so let our double expert - a restaurant publicist and scout troop leader - match your favorite type with a compatible vino.
Midway down the Long Beach Peninsula, a pair of intruders were captured and arrested, police said Wednesday.
The latest weather news for Long Beach and the region Tuesday.
You know you're probably going to down a few boxes this cookie season, so let our double expert - a restaurant publicist and scout troop leader - match your favorite type with a compatible vino.