Portfolio

Hello all,
I have been busy with work and have neglected to post clips for too long. Here's a chance to catch up on some of my best work at the Record Searchlight.

An in-depth series on a megachurch with controversial ministries and connections:

1. Bethel’s prosperity
2. Bethel’s healing ministries
3. Bethel’s signs and wonders

The stories collectively generated more than 35,000 unique visits in less than a week. I captured and edited video for the second and third stories. I received the Record Searchlight’s January 2010 Watchdog Award for these stories.

Watchdog stories on a local water district board run amok:

1. Board member quits, applies for manager job
2. Down to two, Mountain Gate district board at a standstill
3. Legal questions asked of former board member
4. DA investigating Mountain Gate District

I received the Record Searchlight’s December 2009 Watchdog Award for these stories.

Data-driven reporting:

1. Redding woman mourns grandmother's death on Shasta County's deadliest road

I wrote this story and compiled a database on fatal car accidents in Shasta County. I received the Record Searchlight’s February 2010 Data Award for this story.

Breaking news stories:

1. Wildfire in Lewiston threatens homes

For the wildfire story I took video and photos on my cell phone to send back to the office. We had video and photos posted online before the local news competition was even on the scene.

Features:
1. Shasta County teen birth rates hits four-year high
2. Teen mom tells her story

I wrote this Sunday-spread package just two months after starting at the Record Searchlight. I was given the Record Searchlight June 2009 Best Story Award for the spread.

Stories from the cops beat

I had an incredibly challenging week working the cops shift. I wrote about a 14-year-old kid who died, which was hard emotionally, and covered my first fire, which was hard physically and mentally. But overall, it was a pretty awesome week. I really enjoyed the challenges.

Palo Cedro boy identified in car wreck

Evacuation orders remain in effect

Former Montgomery Creek teacher arrested in drug bust

Blaze grows to at least 1,200 acres

Evacuations lifted for Fawn Lodge Road in Coffin Fire

County officials say juvenile hall replacement long overdue

Redding police sergeant injured in crash

Coffin Fire suspect charged with two felonies

Resting up before working the cops beat

I'm on the cops beat this next week. The fire season has really picked up so I expect to be busy. Read my story below published on today's front page about the forest fires:

Residents express relief as fires near containment

Another story from today, watch the video these kids are cute:

Sister, brother duo help animals with lemonade stand

Other stories from last week:

Redding faces almost $4 million in cuts; county uncertain

Domestic violence shelters slammed by budget cuts

For first time, voters will chose Anderson fire board

More disabled Shasta County Residents will lose home helpers

Mountain Gate board outlines plans for new manager

Jesus Culture wants to heal Redding residents

Still writing...

I know it's been a bit since I last posted so here are some catch-up links:

From today:
County supervisors cut tourism funding

Redding firm wins $1.5 million design contract for juvenile hall

From Tuesday:
Anderson/Corning city attorney retirement will be discussed tonight

From Saturday
Central Valley student sues over chemical burns

From last Friday:
Mountain Gate services district seeks to replace fired manager

Last Monday:
Budget cuts could eliminate vital services for elderly and disabled

Study: Sierra Pacific's power plant would have 'significant effects'

Other stories:
Kitten thrown from pickup window still without a home

Mountain Gate Community Services District manager fired

Playing catch-up

I've been really busy since I got back from a long Fourth of July weekend in Washington. Here are my most recent stories:

New program proposed to advocate for Shasta County foster children

State cuts could eliminate north state drug agents

Choosing site for new courthouse could be years away

Gymnasts bounce, spin and finish with medals

40 attend Shasta College event to start medical careers

Shasta County property values down more than $1 billion

This week's articles

Biggest stories:

County contractor ordered to repay state almost $200,000

Victim says homophobia still a major problem in the north state

IOUs could force shutdown of some county program within weeks

And:

Shasta County hoping for more stimulus dollars

Cottonwood family devastated by fire

Milestone

I got my first Sunday spread this past weekend! Read the articles that graced the front page below:

Shasta County teen birth rate hits four year high


Redding teen mother tells her story

Also, on today's front page:

Cottonwood family devastated by fire