Ruth Schneider, Patch Staff

<b>About me</b>

I spent nearly 15 years around the Greater Bay Area, from Santa Cruz up to Napa. I moved to Santa Cruz in 1992 for college and really began my life from that point. I graduated in 2001 (yes, I was on the 10-year plan) with a degree in journalism from UC Santa Cruz. Shortly after that, I began working at my first daily newspaper: The Vallejo Times-Herald, where I served as a copy editor, columnist and graphic designer for four years. More recently, I graduated from Columbia&#39;s Journalism School where I focused on print media.

Aside from professional highlights, I am a yo-yo champion and I have a black belt in taekwondo. I love good books and good coffee and can frequently be found enjoying both.

<b>My beliefs</b>

I do not believe that one can be objective in journalism. I think my own biases will affect every story I write. But I never let this stop me from working my hardest to be fair to every story — presenting all sides and giving equal space. Above all, I value fairness and accuracy in reporting and make those the top priority of any story I writ<b>e.</b>

<b>Religion</b>

I&#39;m more likely to believe in fairies than I am in deities. I was raised with a Jewish father and a Catholic mother — what I know best is guilt.

<b>Politics</b>

I tend to lean toward the left end of the political spectrum. I am currently a registered Democrat, although I&#39;m certainly don&#39;t vote on strict party lines. That said, I am open to and love to engage in political discussion with folks from all parties, affiliations and walks of life.