New Patch Editor Excited To Serve Community

LOS ANGELES — I may come from Salem, Massachusetts, but don’t worry — I’m a good witch.

I’m excited to swap out witches for palm trees, surfers, and movie stars as I realize my long-time dream of moving to Southern California. I can’t wait to work together with Agoura Hills, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Chatsworth, Malibu, and Northridge to report on everything going on in these iconic communities, especially during a difficult period of time when local news is more crucial than ever.

I grew up knowing that I wanted to be a writer, and had a blast reporting for my high school and college newspapers. But when I considered making that my career, many people warned me it was too risky a bet. During my freshman year at Bard College in upstate New York at the height of the Great Recession, when newspapers were closing right and left, a reporter begged me not to get into the profession. She told me it was the best advice I would ever get. I was a little spooked, and I’m not one to turn down “good” advice, so I decided to go into teaching instead. I got my Masters in Teaching French as a Foreign Language from New York University, and was fortunate to spend one year in Paris and another in New York City.

As is often the case, I should’ve just followed my instincts. I loved Paris and New York, but I didn’t really enjoy teaching. At the perfect time, I heard that a newspaper covering the Jewish community in the area where I grew up was looking for a full-time associate editor. I decided to try my hand at my old love, and I couldn’t be happier that I did. For the past two years, I reported on the dynamic Jewish community north of Boston, writing about everything from transgender acceptance in the Jewish community to what it means to celebrate Passover — a holiday about plagues and overcoming adversity — during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the height of said pandemic, I was hired by Patch to report how different Southern California communities are responding to these unprecedented times. I’m so grateful and honored to have the opportunity to provide residents free, hyperlocal content every day, and hope that I can play some part in keeping these communities united and informed. Thank you for welcoming me into your community, and please feel free to send me any story or news tips at michael.wittner@patch.com.