Nao Gunji, Patch Staff

<b>Basics: </b>

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<b>Hometown: </b>Tokyo, Japan

<b>Birthday:</b> June 28

<b>Bio:</b> Hailing from Tokyo, Japan, I graduated from Cal State, Northridge with a bachelor&#39;s degree in Journalism. As a student reporter, my local news pieces appeared on the Orange County Register. For the past 10 years, I worked for an ethnic daily newspaper called the Rafu Shimpo (L.A. Japanese Daily News) as a staff reporter, then the assistant editor. There, I covered everything from murder trials to women&#39;s boxing, which I affectionately called the &#34;Foxy Boxing.&#34; Now with Patch, my passion still remains in community journalism, where I&#39;ve enjoyed the privilege of getting to know my readers. Check out my &#34;welcome&#34; video at: http://patch.com/A-l7d

<b>Beliefs:</b>

At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible and human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal certain key beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable.

This disclosure is not a license for our editors to inject these beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will force us to be ever mindful to write, report, and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you, the user, ever think you see evidence that we failed in this mission, we wholeheartedly invite you to let us know.

<b>Politics</b>

       * How would you describe your political beliefs?

I am liberal, with some of the conservative values.

<b>Religion</b>

       * How religious would you say you are? Casual, observant, devout, non-religious?

I am not relgious, but I believe in people&#39;s good heart.

<b>Local Hot Button Issues</b>

    * What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

I am new to the area, but so far, I&#39;ve heard water, harbor revelopment and education.

    * Where do you stand on each of these issues?

I am more curious to find out where the community stands.