Brentwood, CA|News|
PHOTOS: Veterans' Facility After Home Depot Makeover
Volunteers from the retailer and the band 3 Doors Down fixed up New Directions in West Los Angeles.

After five years (and more importantly, four winters) in Chicago, I saw the light (and the snowstorms) and moved back to Southern California. I grew up in San Diego, moved to Chicago and graduated from the Medill School of Journalism with an emphasis on newspaper and online reporting in 2010. Before Patch, I reported for the Orange County Register, Interlochen Public Radio, WNUR News, the Better Government Association and the Medill Innocence Project.
When I'm not reporting, I love to explore Los Angeles and train for half and full marathons with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training. I also love classical music – before I became a journalist, I studied clarinet performance. If you see me around, please stop me and say hi!
<b>Beliefs:</b> I believe in the power of empathy, understanding and tolerance.
<b>Politics:</b> As a reporter, I'm very interested in politics but I believe in maintaining a rigid separation between my personal politics and my work.
Volunteers from the retailer and the band 3 Doors Down fixed up New Directions in West Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles City councilman filed paperwork Thursday morning.
The longtime Echo Park and now Silver Lake resident files his paperwork Thursday morning. Is he a good choice for the Westside?
Highs at the beaches will reach the mid-80s and the valleys and foothills could see temperatures as high as 107.
Highs at the beaches will reach the mid-80s and the valleys and foothills could see temperatures as high as 107.
Highs at the beaches will reach the mid-80s and the valleys and foothills could see temperatures as high as 107.
Inland areas could see three-digit temperatures and scattered thunderstorms.
Keep up to date with these and other stories posted on Westwood-Century City Patch.
The temblor is also felt on the Westside, but did your neighborhood shake?
The closures will take place Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
This Westfield mall spot has tasty drinks, a beautiful crowd and a lovely patio.
Comedian Melissa McQueen hosts from 10 p.m. until closing on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays at the original Barney's Beanery in West Hollywood.
Melissa McQueen hosts karaoke at the Westwood and West Hollywood locations several nights each week.
Volunteers from the retailer and the band 3 Doors Down fixed up New Directions in West Los Angeles.
Volunteers from the retailer and the band 3 Doors Down fixed up New Directions in West Los Angeles.
This cat is available for adoption at the West L.A. Animal Shelter.
The lanes will close between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. Tuesday morning.
The closures will take place Monday through Friday from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Freeway traffic will be detoured to Sepulveda Boulevard.
Metro is shutting several freeway connectors and many roads for construction.