Writing Samples

 

The following are samples of some of my journalistic writing. In these works, I combine two of the things I love most in life--journalism and storytelling. The selection aims to showcase different writing styles, including news and breaking news writing, feature writing and a column that's a little more on the sweeter side. 

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All Family, All Fight

Feature

KELSEYVILLE -- It took a few seconds for him to feel like the ground beneath him was stabilizing. After he gained his balance, Ronnie Dekeyser, 11, quietly walked over to the kitchen and looked around for a few seconds before he returned to the couch, where he had been drifting in and out of a light sleep late Friday morning.

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Fire Captain Faces Federal Child Porn Charge

Breaking News

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — South Lake Tahoe Fire Department Capt. Mark Wygant was federally charged with receiving child pornography Friday morning.

Only one charge was presented against Wygant in federal court, but an affidavit, filed by FBI special agent Glenn G. Norling, alleged there is probable cause to believe Wygant violated at least two more pornography sections of the federal law. 

Fire Captain Charged With Child Porn to Remain on Paid Leave

SLTFD Capt. Wygant Resigns Following City Investigation

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No-Pack Snow Pack

News

The notice that California Gov. Jerry Brown would be present at Tuesday's snow survey at Phillips Station near Sierra-At-Tahoe Road and Highway 50 came late. But a couple of hours later, it became clear why the governor chose to witness a seemingly routine procedure at our presently uncharacteristically snowless part of the state.

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Man Killed in Monday Shooting Identified

On-Going Coverage

A press release issued Tuesday afternoon indicated the deceased man, identified as Kris Jackson, 22, of Sacramento, was not armed, but that the officer's initial statement explained he perceived a deadly threat from him.

More Coverage: 

Jackson Family Consults Attorney Following Deadly Shooting 

Name of Shooting Officer in Jackson Case Released

 

Walk of Life

Feature

It was sometime around midnight on Jan. 15 when Robert D. Hammond, 58, left the Roadrunner Restaurant and Saloon in New River, Ariz., a desert town of about 15,000 with an abundance of cowboys and bikers about 35 miles north of Phoenix.

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The Full Monty

Column

I picture the last moments with my 20-year-old Mitsubishi Montero like the last moments between Owen Wilson and Marley in the movie Marley and Me. 

I imagine myself slowly walking around it, running my hand over its rough surface, whispering my goodbyes to it, and assuming it can hear me.