With more than 25 years experience in journalism, I’ve written and edited newspapers in California, North Carolina and Virginia. In California, I worked for a weekly paper in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I’m from originally.
In North Carolina, I worked two years (1990-92) at the Sun Journal, a daily paper in New Bern. There, I covered county government, commercial fishing – which is a big industry there – and the Gulf War.
New Bern is near the Marine Corps Air Station in Havelock, so I did lots of stories on the effects the war had on the wives and children left behind while the husbands and dads were fighting in Iraq. As one elementary-school teacher told me, “If one child’s father or mother is killed, the security for the rest of the students is shattered.”
In addition, my photographer and I were lowered by helicopter onto the USS Iwo Jima as it returned to port in Morehead City after deployment. I got to interview the sailors and Marines aboard ship and experience, firsthand, their welcome back by local residents who greeted them in the water in hundreds of small boats to escort them home.
I also interviewed parents of Marines killed in the war, as well as a Marine pilot whose aircraft had been shot down overseas. He spoke about what went through his mind while parachuting into the desert and what happened to him while he was a POW. Luckily, it was toward the end of the war and he was eventually freed to return home.
I also worked three years for the Prince William Journal, covering the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, as well as a slew of criminal cases. And I’ve been with Centre View for almost 19 years, covering Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fair Oaks and Fair Lakes. For the past few years, I’ve also covered Fairfax and some of Lorton and Fairfax Station for the Connection.
Recent Stories
‘Good Way to Recognize His Contributions to the City’ in Fairfax
Trail named after former Fairfax mayor, John Mason
A future trail to be built in the City of Fairfax was originally expected to be called the Comstock Trail.
Fairfax City Restores More FY 21 Budget Cuts
With a potential shortfall of nearly $18 million in its FY 21 budget looming because of the pandemic, in January, the Fairfax City Council cut its capital and operating budgets.
‘The Church Wants to Remain a Vibrant Part of the Community’
Fairfax Church of Christ proposes expanding its site and uses
Wanting to provide even more opportunities to its members and the community, Fairfax Church of Christ is seeking a special-exception amendment from Fairfax County.
‘A Great Place for the Courts and the County’ in Fairfax
Sweeping changes planned for Fairfax County Judicial Complex
The Fairfax County Judicial Complex is 48 acres of county land adjacent to downtown Fairfax City.
‘Pretty Much Every Drug on the Street Is Counterfeit’
Fairfax County Opioid Unit detectives share cold, hard facts.
Fairfax County has a serious, undeniable, drug problem.
‘People Are Still Hurting and Struggling Financially’ in Fairfax City
City’s advertised real-estate tax rate is $1.08
In February, Fairfax City Manager Rob Stalzer proposed a residential real-estate tax rate of $1.08 per $100 assessed valuation, as part of the City’s FY 22 budget.
‘People Will Change Their Behavior and Slow Down’ in Fairfax City
City installing photo speed cameras
Heads up, drivers in Fairfax City – photo speed cameras are headed your way.
Car Crash Kills Centreville Man
A Centreville man died following a vehicle crash, early Monday morning, March 29, at the intersection of Arlington Boulevard and Javier Road in Merrifield.
Trail Improvements at Random Hills Park
The trail in Random Hills Park will be improved, and the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking public input on its design.
‘A Reminder of Our Sense of Community’ in Fairfax City
Fairfax High School students’ murals adorn Boulevard VI construction site
Multi-use development Boulevard VI is replacing the former Paul VI High School along Fairfax Boulevard in Fairfax City.