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.
The highest court in the U.S. announced Friday it will review the ruling that struck down the 2008 law banning gay marriage in California. Tell us what you think about that.
Considered lucky by some, auspicious by others, the 12/12/12 date holds different meaning for astrology believers, numerologists, and those who follow the Mayan calendar.
Considered lucky by some, auspicious by others, the 12/12/12 date holds different meaning for astrology believers, numerologists, and those who follow the Mayan calendar.
Considered lucky by some, auspicious by others, the 12/12/12 date holds different meaning for astrology believers, numerologists, and those who follow the Mayan calendar.
Patch contributor Phil Friedman, who writes a popular waterfront and fishing blog, posts that the giant catch that has anglers everywhere buzzing, but the weight is disputed. See for yourself.
A guide to finding the best type of tree for your family, plus tips for taking care of it in your home.
Dena Higley, former head writer of 'Days of Our Lives' and 'One Life to Live,' and now author of 'Momaholic: Crazy Confessions of a Helicopter Parent,' offers a one-word coping tip: dilute.
A plane carrying the Long Beach native and sometime Encino resident, one of the biggest stars in Mexico TV, vanished from radar and wreckage of a plane has been found, authorities report.
As he changed a flat tire on a freeway onramp in Long Beach, tow truck driver Faapuna Manu was struck and killed.
Night racing will be included at the Long Beach Grand Prix for the first time. Top drivers and cars are expected to race in the 2013 race events.
The bank robber who allegedly has held up many Southern California banks has been arrested, authorities said.
The 1950s-themed red and white restaurants in Southern California are rolling back prices to mark three decades as a family-owned chain named after Mom.
The highest court in the U.S. announced Friday it will review the ruling that struck down the 2008 law banning gay marriage in California. Tell us what you think about that.
The 1950s-themed restaurants are rolling back prices to mark three decades as a family-owned chain named after Mom.
The 1950s-themed restaurants are rolling back prices to mark three decades as a family-owned chain named after Mom.
The 1950s-themed, red and white restaurants in Southern California are rolling back prices to mark three decades as a family-owned chain named after Mom.
An ongoing probe into Baby Insane Crips leads to 32 search warrants, gun seizures, allegedly stolen identities and tax fraud evidence-plus arrests, and 8 kids placed in county custody.
Los Angeles Mayor, who met with the negotiating parties through early Tuesday, announces that they will seek intervention to end the strike costing an estimated $1 billion daily.
Have you seen this man? Police say he's suspected in 12 attacks, travels by bike and can be seen on video as he pedals by a house. Long Beach police caution women to not walk alone.
Off the Southern California coast, the orcas were watched feeding on a dolphin and young sea lion in the rain. The male killer whale stopped and belly bumped the vessel, whale tracker reports.
