Nob Hill Reflections

This course has probably been the most challenging three units I have ever taken (math g.e. excluded), and it has been a grind every week to get out of my comfort zone, talk to people, and ask intelligent questions to put together stories. Part of the challenge has been with my neighborhood itself: Though I set out to cover both Russian and Nob hills, most of my stories were centered in the smaller, more affluent and distinct area of Nob Hill. This presented many issues, and getting people to agree to interviews and talked to me proved to be the biggest of all. I became accustomed to getting the runaround from business owners, cops and random people around the neighborhood. However, from this I learned that part of being a journalist is dealing with these kinds of people and working through the adversity. Instead of going with what I had planned for a particular story, I had to go with the information I could get from whatever sources that would speak with me and, often, the story would take a completely different direction and angle than what I had anticipated. This helped me in letting the story write itself, rather than trying to guide I found that city supervisors and their aides were some of the most receptive to my queries and provided lots of information on which I could formulate intelligent questions and base future interviews. Finally, I found that, despite the majority of people in Nob Hill that didn't have the time of day for a student journalist, there were many that were extremely receptive and willing to help me and provide valuable insight. These interviews effectively made up for those that I couldn't get and probably benefited from not having to twist an arm to get them.

I also have grown to appreciate the neighborhood for what it is: Nob Hill is a relic of old San Francisco, filled with people with old money and a seemingly antiquated view of high society. Despite the stuffiness that has traditionally filled the air, there is a certain beauty to the towering architecture and sweeping views from atop the luxury hotels that illustrate the grandeur of the city when one rises from the often-gritty streets. The neighborhood also offers a sharp contrast to its downtown neighbors' graphic realities. In class discussions, hearing some of the "real" issues raised in neighborhoods like the Tenderloin made Nob Hill's problems pale in comparison. But that is essentially the state of the city: The very rich share these 49 square miles with the very poor, and rarely do their problems overlap. This dichotomy is something that affects every aspect of life on the peninsula, and it is important to recognize the impact. It has been a very valuable experience reading and hearing all of these different stories and, though I am glad to be done with my time in the city's uber-affluent area, it has been a challenge and great point of reference for future journalism endeavors.

Reflections

Having a few days to reflect back on reporting has been nice. Over the semester, I really enjoyed myself. I feel like this class pushed me to actually do the work harder than any other journalism class ever has. I put my heart into all the stories I wrote, and essentially did my best to care about the community I was covering. I met and got to talk to some really cool people (even a lifelong contact or two) while also improving my skills as a reporter/interviewer. I feel so much more confident after this class in my abilities to write and report effectively.

What I struggled with the most during the semester were the skills that are needed for effective interviewing. I feel like I am definitely worlds better than where I started at the beginning of the semester, but I know that over my career it will be something I will work on and develop. And of course part of me wished I had picked a more enthralling neighborhood, for the crime and actual injustices happening in the 'Set seemed pretty limited to things of petty nature. But, like most things I attack in life, I take no regrets away from here.

I love the Sunset now. On a day with good weather you can skate down Lincoln, cruise through GG Park, check out the waves at Ocean Beach, go visit funny-looking animals at the San Francisco Zoo, get one of my favorite sandwiches at Gene's on Taraval and then get a drink at The Spot up the street and make a fool of yourself singing karaoke in the back room. I've done it all, and I owe it all to 300.

I've said it once, and I'll say it again: most enjoyable class in this department (so far). Thanks to Yvonne for really going out of her way to engage us in the material we were covering.

I hope everyone has a truly fantastic Summer, I know I'm planning on it!

Response to BLOG BLOG BLOG

RESPONSE TO BLOG BLOG BLOG- it wont let me post comments there so here it is:

Just reading your story made me want to talk to him and hear his story. Yes, at first really even i thought that SF was only for clubs, and bars, and night life (possibly because those were mainly the only times i crossed over the bridge from the east bay)

After living in the city and exploring it from various lenses and people, i also feel that there is still soooo much to this city that I must see.

"I found a passion for people, and rediscovered a connection with the rest of humanity." I only felt this many times through out the semester while approaching people that i would have never other wise noticed.

Sunset

So, I am a senior in college and have dreaded having to take reporting my entire college career. I have categorized myself as a photographer, I take pictures that's it. Writing is something I can do but really don't want to. This semester I had to just suck it up and take it. But to my suprise, I came out of this class writing things I didn't think could ever come out of me.

The first assignment of the class as you all may remember was to go to our neighbohood and talk to ten strangers. This was absolutely terrifying to me, I had to be a journalist without the comfort of my camera. I felt like that set the tone for the rest of the semester but I was wrong.

I hated the Sunset before this class. I thought it was just a residential place with absolutely nothing to do except go to the freezing cold beach. Little to my knowledge, there are so many cool places that have the exact feeling I try to find all over the city. The overall "feeling" of the Sunset is really laid back and homely. There are tons of hole in the wall type places that have been around forever, which are my favorite. It's a nice break from the hustle of the city.

My favorite place I found was the Jazz Quarter. I went back three times, staying and talking with the owner for hours at a time. I just could not get enough. He showed me all different styles of jazz and made me listen to artists I have never heard before. It was probably the most fun I have ever had on an interview. He shared small stories of his life which made him the person he is today. He's exactly what I think about when I think of San Francisco.

In the end, I still do prefer the photo side of journalism, but fully appreciate what it takes to be a good reporter. I learned a lot of important skills that I will use for my journalism career, and really enjoyed the class.

Gettin' Craze for Hayes

Reporting is not as easy as I thought it would be. To be honest, when I came into this class I was petrified. When I had signed up for Yvonne’s class some random guy said. “Oh you’re taking with Yvonne? Are you good with drill sergeants?”

Crap.

I tend to think of the worst possible scenario even when I have no credible information. I blame this on growing up in Fresno and having an overactive imagination. So I have to admit that when I went into class I was really really scared of Yvonne, even though I only had one really bad source. I laugh thinking about how little I spoke in class those first few days. My thought process was something like: If I don’t talk she can’t yell at me.

I quickly came to realize that Yvonne is a non-scary professor. I deeply prefer these professors because it’s difficult for me to really learn or expand in a tense, hostile environment.

I feel like with Yvonne’s help and the stories I found in Hayes Valley I really got to explore a more creative side of writing that I am not so used to. I mean being creative is scary. Someone could easily look at your anecdotal lead and say NO! That’s cheesy! That’s not very funny, you’re not making sense, why are you using so many onomatopoeias? But I felt really encouraged because there was a really welcoming and accepting energy radiating from this class since the start. Yvonne really created an environment for us to explore, evaluate and learn!

Hayes Valley irritated me a lot. The Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association had me nearly tearing my hair out. They were so interested in keeping the undesirable away. I kept thinking why don’t they use their wealth for something other planting all these gardens. Not saying that Hayes Valley Farm was a bad idea, but this group was seriously preoccupied with how many trees and flowers they can plant for the purpose of beautification and nothing much else.

However, I found a really awesome gem: Judah. Judah runs the African Outlet on Octavia and I have seriously sparked a friendship with this woman. It seems like those people sipping their cappuccinos at La Boulange (who say they know everyone in the neighborhood) cower into their iPads when she walks by. She is such a unique character and has beautiful views on life, and those people are missing out. All those “undesirables” come to her shop to hang out and feel welcomed in a neighborhood that doesn’t welcome many who don’t have a steady platinum income. But the greatest thing about Judah is she invited me to be on the African Outlet float for Carnival and I am so doing it!

I am going to miss our little news meetings so much!

Thank you everyone!

Blog Blog Blog

I went into this thinking I'd fall behind. I didn't expect to take as many courses as I got caught up in, and thought that would reflect most in this course. I even planned to repeat it when thinking about picking summer courses. And then it clicked.

WHAT IS THE POINT OF IT ALL? Stress it. Prove it. Present your point in the most authoritative sense, but really understand it. Most the time I under researched and over opinionated and stopped making sense all together.

And then I met Lucky. He approached me at the Brainwash Cafe the first time I had ever been, and gave me this unique perspective on the place. He had just gotten out of jail, for what he never quite said, and couldn't believe how different life had become since his eight years of incarceration. Very few of his observations were positive. He was shocked at all the cell phones, a point he would reiterate time and again.

He learned how to cut hair, and said he would work for a family member's hair shop. But the gentrification of the SOMA changed that. The shop didn't need the extra help, and getting rehired elsewhere with a stain on his record hadn't been easy. But he was always on the hustle.

And I saw how he didn't want to hustle, but it was the only thing he could do to keep living.

Putting a face to gentrification drove me to an epiphany. Explaining people to one another allowed me to be concise.

Lucky showed me his streets, and introduced me to staples of the community. And he let me feel confident about my right to know. He never kept appointments with me and our relationship fell through the cracks, as they say. But the few times we spoke changed any and all stereotypes of my neighborhood I previously had.

I really expected to write about nightlife, and bar hopping. Maybe some art gallery openings, or a fashion show. I wanted the glitz of San Francisco, which seems so shallow in retrospect. But I'm glad I found something much different. And in doing so, found something I actually care about. I found a passion for people, and rediscovered a connection with the rest of humanity.

Oh goodness, I'm sucha cheez bahl.

Berkeley High and Ethnic Studies

So honestly, this story took forever to unravel and still even after sending in the final, i feel as though there's more to it. My main reason for writing about the Berkeley Ethnic Studies program at the Berkeley High School was because it was astonishing to learn that Berkeley was one of the first high schools in the 60's to have a African American department and mandate its students to enroll in at least one Ethnic Studies course that will win them up to 6 units into college, all at the age of 14. What i learned during the course of investigating the program was that it falls short on funding due to state budget cuts since the year 2000. I was trying to get the numbers on how much it actually costs to carry this program through and what is the budget for this program currently but the person designated to answer these questions was not responding to me at all, despite the numerous attempts with voicemails and urgent emails. It really was a lesson learned because even now i don't have a response to the numbers from this person and all the counselors and the front desk people keep transferring me to him. Bureaucracy- i hate it! 

Al though i feel short on the numbers, i did get to speak to a lot of students and was even allowed to attend a Parents Teachers Students Association meeting to gain information. 

It seems that the teachers, students and parents all appreciate the work BHS does in allowing students to explore their identity through courses such as La Raza studies and African American history (courses freshmen students at college usually explore). 

I enjoyed this particular story the most because it designated with my own desire to study Tibetan history which is not provided at SFSU and definitely was no where available during my high school years. 

The semester is at an end and i still feel as though i am catching up, honestly the work load this semester with school and 40 hours work and sitting as a board member on a non-profit organization was a bit overwhelming for me and a hard lesson to learn; overloading many things at one time can make accomplishing everything very difficult. 

Next semester, less work hours, less volunteering, and more school school school, time to graduate already!

This class has been enormously fun and i appreciate all the discussions that we had during and after class. Memorable experience for sure! Moments to last. Have a good summer you all and for those taking Magazine Writing over summer, lets prepare for another fun class right? Crossing my fingers! 

The Outside Lands

This class was challenging yet rewarding. There were times when I really had to push myself to go out and talk to people when I reeeeally didn't want to. I developed methods to make it easier such as reassuring the individual I was just a student and trying to be extra friendly. I still need to work on my interviewing skills and hopefully I will get more comfortable with stopping and talking to strangers in the future that way I'll have more quotes in my stories.

I enjoyed covering the Richmond district, and believe it was a good place for me to start, but if I were to go back and take this class over I would want to cover a district closer to downtown such as North Beach or Civic Center. These neighborhoods would've really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I also enjoyed hearing the stories from those who wrote about the Castro. The Richmond was pretty much what I expected it to be like. It is very residential and has a lot of families living there. The Richmond is a very large district which was often intimidating because I didn't know where to start walking around. I did like that I felt safe walking around the Richmond and didn't have too much difficulty getting people to talk to me. Many of the residents were curious as to why I was writing stories about the Richmond and not somewhere downtown.

I loved exploring Clement Street and Geary Boulevard because those are where most of the shops and restaurants are located. The Inner Richmond was more fun than the Outer Richmond for me because there were a lot of people who looked like they were in their 20s and plenty of fun looking bars. Most likely because USF is right around the corner.

The Richmond district is very pretty. Often times I came across views of downtown, the Presidio and Golden Gate Park. The district is also bordered by the ocean so I ended up on the beach quite often. A lot of the shops and restaurants in the Richmond are privately owned and I didn't run into many chains. There are also a lot of local coffee shops,such as Simple Pleasures on Balboa, and I only came across one Starbucks.

This was my favorite class this semester. I enjoyed exploring my neighborhood and hearing stories about the other neighborhoods (especially the Tenderloin). I can't believe how fast this semester went. I want to work on Xpress in the fall and I signed up for magazine writing over the summer so I stay busy and don't forget everything I learned in this class. I can't wait for spring 2011 because I would love to take the news bureau class! Thanks Yvonne for your helpful feedback throughout the semester and hopefully I'll be seeing you next spring!

last blog :( :)

Finally! Summer is almost here! Reporting was one hell of a class, and i learned a lot! Although, i thought i couldve done a lot better. If i had put more effort into the class, i probably wouldve aced every assignment. But as an amateur journalist, reporting was tough, especially when i tried to attempt to capture all sides of the story. It's hard to tell if you have covered all sides of a story because some details are often forgotten or overlooked, and i had to constantly ask myself new questions in order to see the larger scope of things. It was hard trying to talk to lots of people here and there, but once i found a sound source, writing became easier because i had more information to work with. As a young woman, i often feel it's hard to find a source who is willing to talk me without thinking im going to give them my number or something. I feel like although it helps to have the feminine charm, i might get more information or different information if i were a male reporter. But maybe im just crazy and rambling.....

What's most difficult is trying to talk to someone and make a real connection without sounding generic or impersonal. But sometimes its easy to slip into that mode in order to be time efficient.

I'm glad i covered North Beach. It's at the far end of the city and on the other side of town from where i live, so going back and forth to that neighborhood helped me learn a lot about the city and its neighborhoods. Being in REporting class also helped me get to know the city better since i moved here last August. I have learned that it requires a lot of drive and will power to be a journalist. Reporting is also very important, because no one else is doing it. People seem complacent and unwilling to do things to change, but many are taking action to move policies, and reporters are just the type of people to uncover all the dirt that some others may try to sweep under the rug. It's not easy being a reporter, in fact, it's really hard! But it's so much fun to gather facts and synthesize them for the public to read and inform themselves. What would we do without reporters?!! We'd be in a dark age without knowledge and communication of it. And knowledge is power!

Goodbye To Excelsior Reporting

I was very skeptical in the beginning of the course to pick this district since I am fairly new to San Francisco and I hadn't heard much about it. In the end, I'm glad I picked it. It was a really good experience and I think I learned a lot about myself as well as the Excelsior District.

I remember thinking the first couple of weeks, "God, I hope I find enough things to cover for the whole semester..." My first perceptions were that it was pretty small compared to other districts and there didn't seem much to do.

As I went around, interviewing people for my final paper, I realized there was a lot more than I thought. I also realized the social issues in this neighborhood were

more serious than I had imagined. It interested me how the consequences can range when new waves of immigration settle in a community that already has been taken by other ethnicities.

We see movies, learn history and, in my experience, even live in places where there is a lot of territorial issues, but I never sat down and tried to deconstruct it. In the beginning I felt stand offish about the older Italian American generation that still lives in

the neighborhood. I had a really hard time seeing things in their point of you. I kept thinking to myself, "Wow, these white people are kinda of racist." Then I kind of put myself in their position and tried to imagine how I would feel if a new wave of immigrants

came to my neighborhood and change

d it. I realized when it comes to things like claiming a certain space, I can't really take sides, and like Yvonne said, "This isn't about me."

Doing this last paper also made me reflect on how I saw the place I grew up. When people ask me here, where do I come from, I'm always proud to say East LA. I feel that j

ust like the Excelsior District, it also carried an unnecessary negative stigma. I felt like since I grew up there, I knew what East LA was all about. But just like the Excelsior has a history, so does my home town. East LA was not always a Latino community. Before the wave of Mexican immigrants in the 40s and the 60s, there was a large population of Japanese that were forced out of East LA and everywhere else after Pearl Harbor. Now when I go back home, I understand why there are random japanese gardens in different place around East LA. They symbolize the little remains of an older wave of immigrants.

I see the Excelsior District very different as I saw it in the beginning. Like most community leaders I interviewed, I feel like this neighborhood has a lot of potential to flourish and be as interesting as the rest of San Francisco. I also realized how a city can be constructed to isolate certain neighborhoods and residents. These people really feel neglected from the rest of the city. I tried to compare the Excelsior with the Mission because I couldn't comprehend how these two neighborhoods can be so different when they are right next to each other. In a way I felt like if you take away the trendy shops, hip bars and clubs, and the ides that "it's cool" to hang out in the Mission, the differences wou

ld not be so visible. I feel like the Excelsior is a smaller version of what the Mission was before it got gentrified.

One of the things that separates San Francisco from other major cities in California, is how it is constructed into various districts and each one is completely different from the next. But these separations carry territorial conflict that to me, just like the neighborhoods are separated, there is also separation between San Franciscans. And things wouldn't be so complicated if all residents were treated the same, regardless on how rich the neighborhood is. All public schools should provide equal education whether the person is from the Marina or from the Tenderloin.

But of course it is not like this, and all these stories that we came up with are prefect examples of the consequences from these inequalities.

The end of an era!

The semester is done, so is my brain. As hard as these last few months have been, I can say with all certainty that I would do it all again, with pleasure. Not only did I get to explore one of the coolest neighborhoods in one of the coolest cities in the country, I got to hang out with all you cool kids! Every day in the lab before class was like recess. Journalists have more fun than other students. I was inspired by everyone in class and felt motivated every time we went over each other’s story ideas and drafts.
This class was definitely one of the toughest I’ve taken. However, it wasn’t as hard as everyone made it out to be beforehand, but that was probably only because Yvonne is the greatest teacher ever. Class was never boring and there was never a day when I didn’t want to be there. I learned what being a real journalist is all about and I learned how to not suck at it.
I am really happy with what I’m walking away from the Mission with. I know where to get some bomb burritos and cheap drinks. I know where to pick up a lady of the night or a bag of crack. Most of all I have a reborn love for poetry. The open mic night was the most meaningful thing I experienced this semester and if it wasn’t for this class I would probably have never known about it. It seems like I think in poetry nowadays, I don’t know if that makes sense to anyone else, but if it ever happens to you, you’ll know what I’m talkin about.
I learned so much about how I write this semester. I learned my strengths and weaknesses as well as how to write with a voice. I’m endlessly juiced off the latter. I’ve always wanted to write some awesome op/ed stuff, I feel like I could right about now. Look out!
I’m ready for this summer. I’m gonna party like it’s going out of style and try my hardest not to use my brain at all for the next few months. Feel free to join me. I hope everyone enjoyed hanging out with me as much as I enjoyed hanging out with you. See you next fall…or possibly on the beach—I’ll be the one under the umbrella made of kelp, sipping a 151 and coke, reading either the Satanic Bible or possibly Kaddish, I guess it depends on the day.
Lastly, and above all, thank you so much Yvonne. Teachers like you are few and far between, and they definitely never sound as cool as you do when you say words like park. Have a nice summer, vaya con dios.

My experience in Reporting class has been a chanellge for me this semster, but not in a negative way. This class has helped me in my writing and I've learned about my strengh and weakness. I loved coming to class and talking to my fellow peers.

I thought being assigned a nieghborhood in the city is perfect learing tool for future journalists. I enjoyed my experience in the Fillmore and Japantown.

Before I was assign to Western Addition, I never knew anything about its history. I've heard stories about the Fillmore and they were not good. I remember when I was a kid and my parents won't allow me to go a classmate's birthday party because she lived in the Fillmore. Now, I've learned the Fillmore wasn't a bad area. The Fillmore was the center of jazz music in the 50s and 60s.

I enjoyed spending time in Japantown. When I talked to people in Japantown, I can tell they have sense of pride for being Japanese. They loved their cultural and strive in the heirtage. This is the reason the majority of community doesn't want to see Japantown losing its cultural and history.

I'm glad this class gave me expereicnce to go out and explore a neighborhood that I was unaware of its history. It has made be more open minded about the diversity the city offers. I'm taking all the tools that I've learned in this class and use it to help me become a better a writer. I hope everyone has wonderful summer and I'll see you next semster.

The Good, the bad and the Bayview.

So, as much as I'm happy that this semester is practically over, I do realize that I have enjoyed this semester. This past weekend I've finally allowed myself to eat in my hood. Nina and I ate at Auntie April's on 3rd Street and had chicken and waffles.

The restaurant wasn't too crowded, but we bared witness to a wonderful event - a dine and dash. Two young guys thoroughly enjoyed their food and while the waiters were busy being preoccupied fixing the order of another customer, those guys waited maybe 2 minutes for their check and when they saw no one paying attention, they walked out. As we saw this easy crime being committed, I thought, how very appropriate for my story!!! My topic is how there's more disrespect among the youth in Bayview.

It took the waiters like 10 minutes to figure out that those guys had dipped out, and all the while I'm thinking, wow. . . this is what happens the first time I actually spend a little bit of leisure time in my hood. But it was almost too perfect that that happened. Not that I wanted the restaurant to get ripped off, but this proves my point a little too well.

Reflecting on my neighborhood I realized that it's pretty rough around the edges. I can honestly say that the number one thing I regret about my neighborhood is the fact that I never enjoyed being there. I would never go at night and I didn't feel super safe walking down the street. I put my "bitch face" on and tried my best to make it appear like I had a purpose for being there. I would go to my hood, get my information and leave. I always felt really guilty every time I left because I had a sense of relief to be going back home to the safe outer Richmond district. I still feel bad for feeling that way, because I wanted a more objective disposition but I couldn't.

In no way am I saying that people shouldn't want this neighborhood for reporting because it's basically a gold mine for stories and experience. I feel like every story I've done had practically fallen into my lap. But I also felt bad because I tried my hardest not to make it seem like I was exploiting the miseries of the people I was reporting on. They made it clear that they're not guinea pigs to be poked and pumped for information, just for the sake of my grade. In some ways it was difficult because there have been so many stories written about that neighborhood that angered the community, and here I come into their town meetings with my little journalist notepad trying to cover the same stories that have already been told.

Despite it all, I really enjoyed the class. I used to get excited when I knew I had a juicy story that Yvonne would like. And it's not like I'm a bad writer or anything, I just don't enjoy it as much as taking pictures. It's a great skill to learn how to do it all, and the one thing that this class has taught me about myself is that I like writing hard news. I have to get into a different mindset whenever I write a feature, but there's somewhat of a formula to writing hard news articles that I'm starting to get the hang of.

All in all, I think we had the right amount of stories throughout the semester and the right teacher. Everyone always complains that reporting is so hard and demanding, and I'm sure it is in other classes with other teachers, but I can honestly say I've told everyone who's asked me to take it with Yvonne. . thanks for making it fun :)

I just turned in my final paper one hour before the deadline and feeling well accomplished. As a photographer, upon entering reporting I had no idea how I would survive. However, after submitting the last assignment, I find myself feeling confident that I will pass the class. Throughout the semester there were times when I fell off the wagon and failed to do my best but somehow I pulled through. Thank god!

During my research for the final paper I learned the most about the Castro. It was during this time that I had the deepest most meaningful conversation with my sources. I was exposed to a wide range of emotions: apathy, anger, sadness and honesty. Not that I hadn’t experienced openness from prior sources but it just felt like people really wanted to talk about the gender issues concerning the Castro. Maybe it’s because I cared more. Who knows?

Anyway, after all that I feel like a drink! I hope you all have a great summer, I know I will!

Thanks, Bernal Heights & Yvonne!

Just submitted my Final paper and I'm feeling a bit sad.
I had imagined a great multimedia piece, but I ended up just writing the story out.
The first day I went and got some great footage of knifes being sharpened and fresh produce and pickles being eaten, but it got tapped over and I let the dream die.

It was a great experience being able to meet all the various Bernal Heights locals and have a glimpse in to a neighborhood that's full of people with a sense of community and pride. It was fun to cover meetings where aggressive dogs were the biggest issue. Looking back at all the stories, I had such a fun time and feel like I got a great sense of Bernal Heights. The residence up there know how to enjoy the finer things in life!

I really enjoyed the semester and feel a renewed sense of responsibility toward journalism. Before this class I was getting really tired of the major, but now I feel like I have a reason to stick it out.

Thanks for the great food, great views, funny people, cute dogs, hill workouts and much more!

semester

AHHHH Reporting… This was the toughest course that I have taken at state, but also one of the most useful. The amount of integrity and personal willingness this course took was amazing. But on the flip side I learned a lot about myself, and what I can actually accomplish with a little sweat and initiative so it was well worth it.
So After visiting Downtown countless times, I know those streets as well as the people and I’ve made new friends and connections, I’ve learned networking and public speaking skills but I don’t really know how many other courses at state have this level of usefulness.
I have never written so much in a semester or even revised my own work so much. But I am truly grateful to have had this class.
And Yvonne thank you soooo much for your encouragement, you really helped me realized that with a little practice, patience and concentration I can be a great writer. I have never had a professor that was so invested with their students learning or cared enough to push all her students past standard. It has truly been a blessing and I look forward to taking more classes with you.
THANK YOU

And now your moment of Zen

My time in the Marina has been really interesting for me. I thought I knew what to expect walking in: rich, white, snobby, people who were terrified of the rest of the city. Turns out, I was mostly right.

There are, of course, really great, kind, worldly folks to be met, but I found them to be the exception. I was shocked at how difficult I found it to get Marina residents to talk to me. I’m not exactly the world’s most intimidating guy (not one despot has ever had dimples), but I had such a hard time cracking people’s shells. I would constantly get that look of “Oh God, he wants to talk to me. Look straight ahead. Speed up those steps. Clench your jaw. Look intimidating. Is he still coming? Crap! O.K. eyes down, march forward. Ignore his kind hello. I would run if it were socially acceptable. Round the corner. He’s gone, crisis averted. I can rela…oooooo Jamba Juice.”

This difficulty taught me a lot about myself and who I want to be as a reporter. I said in class I wish I had selected a neighborhood that would have forced me outside of my comfort zone. That remains absolutely true. The process of writing these stories was challenging to me mentally, but it didn't affect my world view they way other neighborhood would have.

When I look at the collective works I’ve put together for this class, I’m a little bummed that there isn’t much of any substance there. I am very proud of the stories I put together and the work I put into them, but the subject matter is a bit fluffy for my taste. The Marina didn’t really present any opportunities, more accurately I didn’t find any opportunities, for stories that covered really important issues.

There were days where I’d envy Nina’s selection of the Tenderloin. Yes her stories must have been exponentially harder to put together, but the end product is something that really matters.

As journalism becomes muddled in the world of blogs and special interest, more writers get washed into the world of entertainment, style and life publications. Every day a smaller percentage of the journalism being made really, truly matters.

I want my work to matter. I want to matter.

Walking through the Haight yesterday, I became nostalgic about this past semester and being able to report on such a fascinating neighborhood. My final feature on the Haight is focused on the people who are trying to change it; the people who are trying to turn it into just another average middle class neighborhood.

It's going to be tough for me to remain objective and make sure I tell both sides of the story, since honestly, it boggles my mind that people would actually want to redesign such an historic and exciting neighborhood that is unlike any other place in the world.

It seems as if some people see the Haight as a dark, dangerous, poverty-filled place that should be avoided. What I see when I walk down Haight Street is a colorful place full of history, life and understanding.

If the sit/lie law passes, would the fantastic street musicians no longer be allowed to play their soulful tunes? Will the homeless that have lived their lives peacefully in the Haight for years be forced out? Where will they go? If the smoke shops are shut down, will they be replaced with boring convenience stores that are already overflowing in the city? Will the colorfully painted words of Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon on the walls be painted over? As I watch the sun set over Golden Gate Park in the distance, I shutter to think.