The Call to Sonoma--Where it Began

In my first blog post on www.SonomaValley.Patch.com , I thanked readers who supported my work as editor of the website from 2012 to 2013 and who were helpful in other ways when I lived in the valley.

Now, I want to welcome readers from other areas of the United States and outside the country, who have followed my adventures -- especially my sojourn in California’s wine country. Hello to those of you reading from Mexico, the South Pacific and Asia. It’s great to continue the community we have built together via Patch Media, Facebook and my KSVY Radio show called: “World Travel, Come & Go Sonoma.” I continue to come and go on journalistic adventures that take me to various parts of the United States. 

I was invited by several people to write this blog thread. I’m writing here as an individual, not as a Patch employee. Nothing about this blog should be considered the viewpoint of Patch Media or its staff. I’m designing the series so it builds like a story. As it progresses, you may want to read previous posts to get the full gist of the series. 

Where it Began… 

I like to say that Journalism is a calling. Many people in this line of work have expressed the same. So let’s just say that the work eventually called me to Sonoma.

I was hired by Patch Media Corp. (a subsidiary of AOL) in October 2010 as the company was launching a network of web sites across the United States. The regional editor for San Diego asked if I would launch a website in the town of Ramona, http://ramonachamber.com/community-information-2/

Arriving in Sonoma…

In spring 2012, life seemed to call me to Northern California, through longtime friendships. I negotiated with Patch and I was told about several openings in the Bay Area. Not knowing the towns, I suggested they put me where they needed me. The West Coast editor replied, “Well, if it were me, I’d take Sonoma.” 

So, that’s where it began. In early July 2012, after lightening my load of possessions, I packed my tiny car with the most necessary items and shipped seven boxes to “General Delivery, US Postal Service, Sonoma,” hoping they’d make it. Then, I drove 10 hours up through central California in a heatwave to arrive for a great big new adventure, and, hopefully, cooler weather! 

I arrived in the city of Sonoma, sight unseen, having only had one brief phone conversation with the previous Patch editor and very little time to hunt online for housing or even to do much research about the city, beyond the most basic of information, due to my workload.

“Parachuting” into towns like this can be exciting and a challenge. Those of us who thrive on curiosity and love our work can be invigorated by the prospect of what lies ahead.

The North Bay enraptured me from the start. Over time, it also surprised me.

(to be continued....)