Stay tuned for a new capability coming to Patch.
We will soon launch a blogging platform, where local voices can talk directly to you in their own way, on their own timing, about their own topics. Ideally, you will talk back—to them and to one another.
Bloggers are different from columnists in that they aren't paid and they own the rights to their own content, even if it is published on Patch. Editors don't edit bloggers and bloggers don't take assignments from editors.
If you want to go straight to the blogs and skip the other news, click on the News tab at the top-left of the main page, then choose the last item on the drop-down menu, "Local Voices." This is a new module that will grow over time.
You probably already know the first four Castro Valley Patch bloggers. They're your neighbors and friends.
One is a research chef whose full-time job is to invent recipes, one rides a Harley when he isn't creating websites for chili cook-offs, , and one is very funny. They'll talk about other topics, too—including very important ones. Here's a little intro in their own words:
Heather Mellon
Hello! My name is Heather Mellon, and I’ve lived in Castro Valley nearly all my life. I grew up attending Castro Valley schools, and moved back here after college. I have a degree in history from the University of the Pacific, and a degree in museum studies from San Francisco State University. I’ve combined my love of history and Castro Valley by working at the Hayward Area Historical Society, which also covers the history of CV. My official job title is assistant archivist and marketing coordinator – basically I get to work with old papers and photographs, and tell people all about it!
Steve Ontiveros
I am the president of The Factoring Place, Inc., an alternative finance company specializing in finding working capital for start-up or hyper-growth companies and even those struggling to find traditional bank financing. As vice president and technology chair of Save Our Schools Castro Valley!, I work to educate and empower the community with hopes that they will soon agree that fully funding our schools is great for all of Castro Valley. Even if that means donating to SOSCV! I live near the high school with my wife Julie and two kids Angel and Max. And, in case you’re wondering, I love the and all the controversy that surrounds it and think it should be installed somewhere for all the community to see.
Rachel Bradley-Gomez
I am the corporate chef and director of research and development at Veronica Foods Co. and Delizia Brand Olive Oil in Oakland, Calif. I own and operate Comestibles, a nonprofit catering company serving local charities, schools and nonprofit organizations. I was born and raised in Castro Valley, Calif., where I now reside with my husband and two young children.
I'm a Castro Valley raconteur and founder of the popular Facebook group CV Legends. I live with my wife and two children in the same Castro Valley home I grew up in.
