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
Help Feed Local Families in Need
Britepaths is a well-known, Fairfax-based nonprofit that helps area residents, all year ’round, in a variety of ways.
‘Old Town Just Feels Like Home’ in Fairfax City
Brooke’s Bridal & Ball opens
Brooke Ramos initially wanted to be a wedding planner.
Erin Peterson Fund Golf Tourney is Sept. 24 in Clifton
Westfield High grad Erin Peterson was an18-year-old honor student, with her whole life ahead of her, when she and 31 others died in the April 16, 2007 massacre at Virginia Tech.
19 Years Later, Lest We Forget in Centreville
Each Sept. 11, the front lawn of West Centreville Fire Station 38 is adorned with multitudes of small American flags.
‘An Inspiring Leader and Tireless Advocate’ in Sully District
Karen Campblin named Sully District Community Champion.
Fair Oaks resident Karen Campblin has a passion for helping others and improving her community.
Travel the World in Fairfax City
Upcoming Restaurant Week features global offerings.
While it may look and feel a bit different than usual, Fairfax City’s 3rd annual Restaurant Week still promises to provide fun experiences and delicious food.
From Parking Lot to Activity Space in Fairfax City
City to hold Park(ing) Day outside the mall.
Turning an ordinary parking lot into a space for outdoor fun and activities, Fairfax City will hold its second annual Park(ing) Day, next Friday, Sept. 18.
‘We Hear Things We Never Want to Hear’ in Sully District
What it’s like being a Fairfax County dispatcher.
In times of crisis, dispatchers are a lifeline between callers needing help and the first responders who can provide it.
Scout on the Circle Welcomes First Residents in Fairfax City
The new, mixed-use development, Scout on the Circle, has transformed its section of Fairfax Boulevard in Fairfax City.
‘Every Department’s Designed with the Shopper in Mind’ in Fairfax City
New Giant opens at Scout on the Circle
Giant is already a food store familiar to Fairfax City residents; but now they have one to enjoy at 9400 Fairfax Blvd. in the new Scout on the Circle development. It opened Friday, Aug. 21, much to the delight of the shoppers there.