What was your first job as a journalist?
A young foreign man drowned in the Kern River. As a junior editor, we were able to meet the family by chance where the young man disappeared.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, my skills are much to be desired.
How is social media changing news?
It is a lot harder to verify the claims of citizen and non-journalist 'sleuths". News has gone from an entire article into a headline.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Matt from DMZ Comic.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Integrity in truth-telling. Unwavering commitment to the safety of our sources and impeccable timing.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Always and Anytime. I prefer to always be pitched on stories. Bring it on. What have you got? Anytime, feel free to reach out and pitch.
What's your favorite social network?
Not proud of this, but Instagram. Currently. Could change any moment.
Who do you wish followed you?
All the foreign press.
Why did you become a journalist?
Friend of mine was shot in the head with tear gas canister in Israel in 2009 by IDF. His story went largely untold. I took his inspiration.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did not, however, I did contribute music reviews, and show photos to punk rock 'zines. I made my own as well and had fun doing so.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime is great, but 9 am-3 pm is the best. I reserve 6 am-9 am for researching breaking news and developing a daily board.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Monetarily? ZUMA Press offered me $475 for an 8-hour day to cover the Bakersfield Marathon.
What's your favorite drink?
Hot Sake w/ a drop of grenadine.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Boots on the ground, walking my red heeler or taking my grandpa to his dialysis.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
NPR
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That I have a preference for or against my subject matter. I am very adamant about remaining objective towards assignments.
