Top 10 Things You Can Do With Lamorinda Patch

It’s been well over a year since we started Lamorinda Patch, and we’re prouder  than ever to be part of our community. Thanks for your warm support so far.

We want to remind our corps of regular users -- and hopefully those who haven't heard about us, yet -- why we're here and what this site is all about.

Simply put, it's all about you.

Lamorinda Patch gives you plenty of opportunities to comment on stories, share your opinions, post photos and announcements, and add events to the community calendar while getting breaking news alerts and community information. Our intent is that the site will strengthen the community by enhancing communication and bringing neighbors together, but we can't do it without you. So here you go! 

1. Comment on an Article

We subscribe to the idea that "news is a conversation." Much of our reporting will emanate from what readers tell us in e-mails, comments on our sites and in conversations around town. Share your thoughts and reactions to our articles by posting a comment directly below each story.  

2. Post an Event 

Do you know of a book signing at our local bookstore, a celebrity chef appearing at cooking store or an art exhibit at a local coffee shop? Is there a garage sale or graduation ceremony coming up? If it's not on our Patch calendar, it should be. These are widely read and you should feel free to add any non-advertorial event to our site at lamorinda.patch.com/events/new. 

3. Post an Announcement

Post births, engagements and wedding announcements. Tell us who made the honor roll or share school awards, social notes and thank you shout outs. If you're looking for volunteers or searching for your lost dog, call on your community for help and they will come. We've proven that. Just remember, our Terms of Service say announcements should be for personal use and not for advertising.

4. Claim Your Directory Listing 

Our business and organization listings aren't skimpy. Our team of researchers actually hit the streets and visited businesses, schools, parks, libraries and more so we can provide photos as well as detailed information such as products sold and hours of operation. To contact us about the listing for your business or organization, e-mail us at directorysupport@patch.com. If you own or manage a business or organization in our directory, claim it at lamorinda.patch.com/search/listings.

5. Review Businesses

Do you want to be the first to tell your friends whether the new restaurant in town gets two thumbs-up? Like your local hardware store? You can post a review of your favorite (or least favorite) business on any listing at lamorinda.patch.com/listings.

6. Social Media Engagement

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/LamorindaPatch and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/LamorindaPatch. Why? So you'll be the first to find out what's happening in town. Immerse yourself in our content and actively contribute and engage via social media. Let's start a conversation together.

7. Send a News Tip

At the bottom of the homepage, there's a link that says, "Send Us News Tips." Tell us about stories we should cover. Your tip will be sent straight to J.D. O'Connor, Lamorinda Patch's editor.

8. Sign Up for Newsletters

The daily Lamorinda Patch newsletter brings you all articles and announcements that have been posted in the last 24 hours. It is delivered to your e-mail every day at 6 a.m. You can also sign up for the weekly newsletter, which shows a subset of the content created and featured on our site over the last few days. It is delivered every Thursday at 10 a.m.

9. Upload Your Photos and Video 

Upload videos of the high football touchdown or your Little Leaguer's first home run. Post photos from local festivals, or send in a snapshot of your best holiday recipes. We invite you to share the memories that you've caught on camera with the rest of the community.

10. Send a Letter to the Editor

Patch would again like to extend its invitation to residents interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor. Express your thoughts or concerns about anything that might be stirring around town, and we'll post it. Make sure it's not longer than 300 words and email it to Editor J.D. O'Connor at jd@patch.com.

The more Lamorinda Patch serves as on online space for community dialogue, the more useful our site will be to you all. So next time you have something to share with your neighbors, consider taking a moment to send a letter to Patch. Chances are, you're not the only who feels that way.

For all advertising queries, please e-mail our Lamorinda Patch ad manager, Chris Beaver  at chris.beaver@patch.com