Our Green Patch

It's easy to see that Dublin has a favorite color; green.  It's the color of the three-leaf clovers you'll find around town, it's the color of the pencils that the Dublin Unified School Board members hand out to special recipients at their meetings and it's also the vibrant color spread across the new fields at Fallon Sports Park.  Which is why I don't think it's any coincidence that it's also a dominant color on Dublin Patch and the color of my business cards as Local Editor.  Green is our color!

Dublin Patch isn't just an online news source; it's your connection to your neighbors, your city council and your school district.  It's the place I hope you will turn to find out what's going on right in your own backyard.  As a growing city, full of excelling schools, beautiful parks and booming businesses, Dublin deserves Patch. 

I became the editor of Dublin Patch in July, after making a big move across the country from Boston, where I worked for an NBC station. It was a homecoming of sorts for me, because I grew up in Castro Valley and most of my family still lives in the Bay Area.  After nearly 10 years in journalism, I'm proud to be living and working in the Tri-Valley.  As a journalist, it's my job to present the facts, tell stories and listen to you.  Each and every day I'll be working hard to make sure I do just that.

A few weeks ago, I attended a school board meeting in which one of the agenda items involved talking about a grade configuration change for schools in the east.  During the discussion, a fourth grade girl looked over the rim of her glasses as she nervously got up from her seat. Once she approached the podium, she stood on her tiptoes to reach the microphone and expressed her concern about the change; she and her friends wanted to stay together at the same school.  She finished and stepped back, as Board members all acknowledged that this little girl's voice would be heard and that her request would be kept in mind when making a decision. 

This scenario sums up Dublin Patch; we're here to make sure you're heard.  And if you can't make it to the microphone, connect with us on Facebook or Twitter. Whether you're still in elementary school or own a business in the community, Dublin Patch is your way not only to get the local news of the day, but also to give you a chance to let your voice be heard by contributing to the site or taking part in ongoing discussions. 

I've spent the past three months reaching out to community members and getting to know the fine folks in Dublin.  I met with Mayor Tim Sbranti and we talked about the great additions this city is making, both in terms of new businesses and housing developments.  I attended a Chamber of Commerce BBQ, at which I had met many local business owners and City Council members.  And, I had a great meeting with Superintendent Stephen Hanke about the positive things going on at schools across the Valley.  I look forward to the many additional introductions that lie ahead as Dublin Patch evolves. 

In this green Patch that just happens to be filled with three-leaf clovers, I'm excited to bring Dublin Patch to you.  This is our Patch and with your help, it will continue to grow!