I have a new job, editing a new website, WalnutCreekPatch (WalnutCreek.Patch.com), devoted exclusively to news about this wonderful, intriguing, sometimes infuriating town that I, and many of you, call home.
This new job offers exciting possibilities for me. But, ultimately for you, fellow Walnut Creek’ans.
For the past 20 months, I’ve been covering Walnut Creek on this blog, Crazy in Suburbia. As AKA Soccer Mom, I’ve been doing this on a pro bono, nights-and-weekend basis. I’ve had the time of my life doing this blog, more fun than I can possibly imagine.
I’ve also learned a hell of a lot—mostly from you readers. I started this blog for my own self-indulgence, but I quickly realized that I could, maybe, provide a service to people who live and work in Walnut Creek. I didn’t know where I was taking this blog. I can say that I came to appreciate how much I live in a community of smart, talented, diverse and engaged people who, like me, were eager for ways to find out what’s really going on here, and to connect with other people in town. And to grumble sometimes, debate, learn and celebrate.
Now, covering Walnut Creek will be my job. I’ll be able to devote myself full time to reporting on what’s going on here—the good, the controversial, the surprising, the extraordinary. I’ll also be working with reporters, photographers, videographers and people from the community to help this site tell stories--in words, pictures and video--,about Walnut Creek.
Who is forward-thinking enough—or Crazy enough—to allow me to do this?
Patch is an effort by the new and improved Aol (formerly AOL) to provide communities with local news. There are already Patch sites on the East Coast, in Southern California and right here in Danville, San Ramon, and Pleasanton.
I can’t tell you how excited I am. One reason is that Walnut Creek is my hometown.
This is a photo of me, a few days old in Kaiser hospital, right here in Walnut Creek. The date shows that I had been in the hospital for several days. Yes, I was born back in the Old Times—when babies and their mothers were not sent home after 24 hours. This was also back in the day when women like my mother were rendered unconscious to give birth, and then allowed to stay in the hospital for several days to recuperate from the meds.
Not to extend the birth metaphor too much, but I liken the process of launching this new website, WalnutCreekPatch, to giving birth to my son 12 years ago. By the way, he’s a student in Walnut Creek public schools.
There’s the long, lovely gestation of nurturing Crazy in Suburbia. Now, the contractions are starting, getting things ready for the launch of WalnutCreekPatch. I’m going without an epidural, and I'll hit the ground running on launch day.
When is launch day? Soon. If all goes well, by the end of this week. One more birth metaphor: We’re getting near the transition.
Ouch!
A couple more things you should know.
WalnutCreekPatch.com will ultimately be your site. One of the most rewarding things about Crazy in Suburbia has been stepping back from my own opinions and agenda and letting you suggest coverage, contribute, instruct, share, comment. As I said, I’ve learned a lot from all of you. I’m not perfect. I don’t know everything. I’m always learning. I always want to do better.
That’s a philosophy—which I picked up from one of my favorite yoga teachers—that I’ll be taking to WalnutCreekPatch.
At WalnutCreekPatch, you’ll be able to upload photos and videos of your own, about things that matter to you. You’ll be able to contribute restaurant reviews and comment on stories. And you’ll always be able to contact me with ideas and tips.
And Crazy in Suburbia? The blog will stay where it is for the time being. But, I’ll be posting Walnut Creek news items on Walnut CreekPatch, and I’ll be posting Walnut Creek-related Soccer Mom/Crazy in Suburbia comments on the new site.
You can continue to reach me at crazyinsuburbia@gmail.com, but you can also reach me at Martha@patch.com. That’s right, I’m Martha.
And, here’s a shout out to some people who helped me out in the beginning and kept coming back to be part of this crazy community
The Mayor of Claycord, Mister Writer, Bill Gram-Reefer, the Lemony Lady, Radar, EastBayDaze, JoJo Potato, Thud, Obiwan, Beau Hunk, LeftCoast, DumbAsBricks, Lorrielovesparties, Masterlock, Jojo Potato, Huston Meadows, W.C. Varones, Edi Birsan, Up3rd, Jason Wheeler, Elizabeth, Daffodil Hugger, David, CreekyDiva, and 20thcentury mom. And all you Anonymouses.
