<b>Email: </b>cassandra.morris@patch.com<b><br>Hometown: </b>Trumbull, CT<b><br>Birthday</b>: April 19
<b>Bio </b>
I got my start in community journalism reporting on high school sports for my hometown newspaper, The Trumbull Times. In 2004 I graduated from New York University with a degree in Journalism. I have reported for US Weekly, NY Press, The Aquarian, and several other newspapers, magazines and websites. I also worked as an Associate Producer for Cool in Your Code, a local NYCTV show that explored a different zip code every episode, and wrote CiYC's weekly column, which ran in Metro NY Newspaper. I moved to California at the beginning of 2010, and am happy to be staying for my new job as Editor of Montrose Patch.<br><br><b>Politics</b>
I am a forward-thinking, self-propelled, independent-minded liberal with a fascination for the empowerment of womankind. I am for government programs that aid those in need but am skeptical of an overly militaristic society and the invasion of privacy.<b><br></b>
I believe that the First Amendment is extremely important and don't believe in censorship, unless the material is extremely obscene. <br><br><b>Religion</b>
I was raised as a lazy Catholic, and now do not affiliate myself with any religion. I try to live by the golden rule and believe in religious tolerance. Bigotry is upsetting, but communication can tear down every wall.<br><b><br>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>
Several issues really strike a nerve with Montrose and La Crescenta residents, including the expansion of the 710 Freeway, "Mansion-ization," controlling teen drug and alcohol abuse and preserving open space.
I am against expansion of the 710 Freeway and think an alternative option should be explored, such as a railway.
As for "Mansion-ization," I am not against homeowners renovating their houses, but I think construction should be done in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and "matches" the rest of the neighborhood.
I think the key to controlling teen drug and alcohol abuse starts at home, and I am for programs that educate parents and caregivers on how to talk to their children at a very young age about the risks of abuse. I am for school programs that educate children on drug and alcohol abuse. The Firehouse teen center in La Crescenta is a good start to providing teens with an after-school activity, but I think it needs to be open more than once a week.
I am for preserving open space and maintaining the beautiful parks in our neighborhood and the surrounding areas. For example, I would like to see the Verdugo Hills Golf Course turned into a park and recreation facility and do not support its proposed development into condos and storefronts.
A bill that would make it illegal to openly carry an unloaded handgun in California is moving its way through the State Senate.
A former-GWP building could soon be sold at public auction.
Tragedy struck the Yeon family on Wed. when their daughter was the victim of a hit-and-run.
Two people were cited for soliciting without a permit on Friday, and police warn that similar incidents have lead to home burglaries.
The Glenwood Ave. and Foothill Blvd. intersection could see a lighted crosswalk, depending on a Department of Public Works study.
About 300 vendors set up shop on Honolulu Ave. this weekend for the arts & crafts festival.
A female student was the victim of a hit-and-run on Wed. night while crossing Ramsdell Ave.
What will Chamlian Armenian School's gym do for the students and the neighborhood, is the Harvest Market a neighborhood must and more about the Drayman investigation.
A Shopping Park board member confirmed that the group contacted Glendale Police, alleging John Drayman embezzled money.
The school must obtain a parking reduction permit before design plans can go before the city.
The Montrose Arts and Crafts Festival is this Saturday and Sunday in the Montrose Shopping Park.
Blogger Mary Dawson shares photos and thoughts on the Memorial Day tribute.
In a unanimous decision, the Glendale City Council approved the construction of a gymnasium at Chamlian Armenian School.
The City Council listened to nearly three hours of public comments about the Chamlian Armenian School gymnasium.
The 100 days after Memorial Day see an increase in drunk driving.
The 100 days after Memorial Day see an increase in drunk driving.
Chamlian Armenian School's plans to build a gymnasium were denied in January. City Council will hear their appeal tonight.
See how a public elementary school became the Chamlian Armenian School at 4444 Lowell Ave.
The 100 days after Memorial Day see an increase in drunk driving.
Neighborhood crime incidents during May 25-May 30.
