EDUCATION / AWARDS

2007
First Place | Lifestyle and Leisure Reporting
Society of Professional Journalists

2007
Third Place | General News Feature Reporting
Society of Professional Journalists

2007
Outstanding Achievement in Media
Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation

2005
Bachelor's Degree | Communications, Social Science (Law, Politics and the Economy)
University of Washington

2003
Second Place | Government and Political Reporting
Society of Professional Journalists

2001
Third Place | Government and Political Reporting
Society of Professional Journalists

1996
Associate Degree | Liberal Arts
Seattle Central Community College

For more than a decade, I have worked as a freelance journalist, columnist, editor, and contributing writer for a dozen newspapers and magazines in the Pacific Northwest. As a features writer for Seattle magazine, I received first place honors (2007) from the Society of Professional Journalists for my article about a Yakima man who was exonerated through DNA testing after spending 10 years in prison, and first place honors (2007) for an article I wrote about Seattle's bike messengers. As a contributing writer at Washington Law & Politics magazine, I received third place honors (2001) from the Society of Professional Journalists for my prison interview with Prison Legal News founder Paul Wright, and second place honors (2003) for my article about whistle-blowers in Washington state. I am presently editor of the Tacoma Daily Index -- a small, daily newspaper that covers downtown, City Hall, Port of Tacoma, and historic preservation. I was formerly the editor of Earshot Jazz -- a monthly magazine that covers jazz in the Pacific Northwest. I have also written for Seattle Magazine, Tablet, Jazz Steps, All About Jazz, and Washington Law & Politics. I have written extensively about a number of compelling and interesting subjects. In 1996, I spent three months in the Aleutian Islands writing a feature article about commercial fishing in Alaska. In 1998, I wrote an in-depth feature about the King County Medical Examiner's Office, and its work in solving many unsolved deaths in that region. As a staff writer and columnist at Asian Focus newspaper in 1999, I wrote a serialized, year-long feature about the historic Wah Mee gambling club -- and the grisly murders that occurred there in 1983.

Washington CEO -- Freelance Writer

Toy Stories: A short article about independent toy stores in Washington State for the magazine's 'Snapshots' column.

City Arts Tacoma -- Freelance Writer
In spring and summer 2007, I worked as a Freelance Writer for City Arts Tacoma magazine:

Jazz Lives Here: A feature article about jazz radio station 88.5 KPLU-FM.

Whipping Up A Storm: A profile of Tacoma playwright C. Rosalind Bell.

Seattle Business Monthly -- Freelance Writer
In August 2006, I began working as a Freelance Writer for Seattle Business Monthly magazine:

Doug Frye - Going Global: A feature article about Colliers CEO Doug Frye (April 08)

Tacoma's Waiting Game: A feature on Tacoma's commercial real estate scene (Nov. 07)

Small-Business Guide: A nine-page cover-story feature for the magazine's annual small-business guide (March 07)

King of Clams: A cover-story feature on Ivar's CEO Bob Donegan (July 07)

Pierce County Unplugged: A short article about plans to create free Wi-Fi in Pierce County (Dec. 06)

Is Green Power for Real?: A short article about a bio-diesel start-up in Pierce County (Sept. 06)

Dome-Over: A short article about efforts to revitalize Tacoma Dome. (Aug. 06)

Tacoma 2.0: The City of Destiny makes its move to attract downtown businesses. (Aug. 06)

South Lake Union: And we're living here in Allentown. (Aug. 06)

University District: Who will reoccupy Safeco's brown monolith? (Aug. 06)

Seattle Magazine -- Freelance Writer
In April 2006, I began working as a Freelance Writer for Seattle Magazine:

Where The Wild Things Are: A feature article about wildlife encounters in urban Western Washington (July 08)

The Wheel World: A feature article about Seattle bike messengers. (July 07)

One Year Later: A feature article about several people impacted by the Capitol Hill / Kyle Huff murders of March 2006, including a teenage survivor, two parents who lost their children, and a group of artists who built a memorial honoring the victims. (March 07)

Finding Innocence: A feature article about the Innocence Project at the University of Washington -- a program that helps exonerate people wrongly convicted and sent to prison. (Jan. 07)

The Weather Man: A short profile of University of Washington atmospheric science professor Cliff Maas, who was selected as one of the 25 Most Influential People in Seattle. (Nov. 06)

Call Her David: A short profile of transportation activist Cary Moon, who was selected as one of the 25 Most Influential People in Seattle. (Nov. 06)

Read All About It: In Seattle's newspaper war, the real question may not be whether the Times or P-I wins -- but whether any readers will be left. (Sept. 06)

Going The Distance: For Seattle ultrarunner Scott Jurek, 26.2 miles just aren't enough. (July 06)

Butt Out: Six months after Washington enacted its smoking ban, some bars are flouting a law they say is too tough on business. (June 06)

Fight Clubs: With nightclub violence making headlines, is it still safe to go out? And what is the city doing to keep a vibrant club scene on tap? (April 06)

Tacoma Daily Index -- Editor
In September 2004 I began working as the editor of the Tacoma Daily Index -- a small, daily newspaper that covers business and commerce in Pierce County, Washington. Though I have written more than 200 articles, here are some notable features:

Tacoma Streetcar: End of the line, 130 miles north

History Makers: Tacoma's historic preservation scene

Status Seekers: In Tacoma, benefits and challenges to creating historic districts

All eyes (and wheels) on the street: An overnight shift with downtown Tacoma's Business Improvement Area security team

Mightier Than Swords: Tacoma's political cartoonists

Putting History in the City's Future: An interview with historic preservation officer Reuben McKnight

Hall Monitors: In Tacoma, a growing online community focuses its attention on City Hall

A 'Vintage' Contemporary

A downtown corner at a crossroads

Another chapter for historic Winthrop Hotel

Spokane's Davenport Hotel provides one perspective on Winthrop renovation

Streetcar Desires

Radio signal gone, but former Tacoma broadcaster tunes in to Winthrop's future

Hotel developers find ally in affordable housing community

Hotel developers find ally in affordable housing community

TPD, downtown merchant efforts lead to Winthrop bust

Radio signal gone, but former Tacoma broadcaster tunes in to Winthrop's future

With clock ticking, developers move toward Winthrop Hotel vision

Spokane's Davenport Hotel provides one perspective on Winthrop renovation

Another chapter for historic Winthrop Hotel

A downtown corner at a crossroads

Earshot Jazz -- Editor / Contributing Writer
In September 2002 I began working as a Contributing Writer for Earshot Jazz -- a Seattle based non-profit music, arts and service organization formed in 1984 to support jazz and increase awareness in the community. The organization publishes a monthly newsletter, presents creative music and educational programs, assists jazz artists, increases listenership, complements existing services and programs, and networks with the national and international jazz community. In May 2005, I was hired as Earshot's editor. I have written the following articles for Earshot Jazz:

Tomorrow Has Been Cancelled: The Brief and Brilliant Life of Gary McFarland . . . An interview with a filmmaker of a documentary about jazz musician Gary McFarland.

A Conversation with Randy Halberstadt' . . . An interview with Seattle jazz pianist Randy Halberstadt.

A Road Less Traveled: Greta Matassa's 'Favorites' . . . A feature article about jazz vocalist Greta Matassa.

Hi-Definition: Cornish Welcomes George Cables for Residency, Performance . . . A feature article about George Cables and his visit to Cornish College of the Arts.

Homegrown: Jud Sherwood's Jazz Project . . . An interview with Bellingham-based drummer and jazz promoter Jud Sherwood.

A Quiet Power: Bassists Create the Thread for Jazz . . . A feature article about bass players.

The Young Ones: High School Stars Return Home . . . An interview with Ben Roseth and Sean Hutchinson.

Evermore, with Feeling: Jazz Vocalist Gail Pettis Touches the Essence and Soul of Song . . . A profile of jazz vocalist Gail Pettis.

Soul Provider: Delvon Dumas's Hammond B-3 Connection . . . A profile of jazz organist Delvon Dumas.

Clayton's Place: Grammy Winning Bassist Continues Centrum's Tradition of Jazz . . . A conversation with Jazz Port Townsend Artistic Director John Clayton.

Dave Peck Explores the Soft Beauty of Improvisation . . . A profile of pianist Dave Peck.

KPLU Disc Jockey Abe Beeson Sets the Tone for Evening Jazz . . . A profile of jazz radio host Abe Beeson.

With Borges as Muse . . . An interview with Cristin Miller of Emma Zunz.

Time Out with Doug Ramsey . . . An interview with jazz writer Doug Ramsey.

Six String Belief: Nicholas Hoffman's Road to Music . . . A profile of jazz guitarist Nicholas Hoffman.

Shanghai Nights: Victor Noriega's Journeys In Jazz . . . A feature article about jazz pianist Victoria Noriega and his trip to Shanghai, China.

Susan Pascal's Mallet Jazz . . . A feature article about vibraphonist Susan Pascal.

Tobi Stone: Rock of the Tiptons . . . A feature article about baritone saxophonist Tobi Stone.

Where Are The Marriotts? . . . A feature article about brothers and jazz musicians Thomas and David Marriott.

Big In Japan: Jay Thomas's Far East Connection . . . A feature article about trumpeter Jay Thomas's experiences performing and touring Japan.

Hadley Caliman's Survival Skills . . . A feature article about Seattle-based tenor saxophonist Hadley Caliman.

CD Review: Victor Noriega's Stone's Throw . . . A review of Victor Noriega's album Stone's Throw.

Byron Vannoy: Unleashed Agility . . . A feature article about Seattle-based drummer and composer Byron Vannoy.

What For Jazz Studies? . . . A three-part series on the role and importance of jazz education.

Ben Roseth Heads East . . . A feature article about Garfield High School saxophonist Ben Roseth

Greg Sinibaldi: Improvising About Architecture . . . A feature article about saxophonist Greg Sinibaldi

Gust Burns: Building A Free Improv Community, One Series At A Time . . . A feature article about free improv musician Gust Burns

Jackson Street Memoirs: Strolling Through Seattle's Jazz History . . . A feature article about a walking tour of Seattle's jazz history.

Jackson Street Memoirs: Strolling Through Seattle's Jazz History (Interview) . . . An interview with Jackson Street After Hours author Paul de Barros.

Critic's Picks | 2002 Jazz Highlights . . . A selection of notable jazz performances in Seattle.

The Music Catches Fire: Free-Spirited SIMF Turns Eighteen . . . A feature article about the Seattle Improvised Music Festival.

Where The Girls Are: Big Band Mojo With The Ladies Of SWOJO . . . A feature article about the Seattle Women's Jazz Orchestra.

Jack Straw Turns 40 . . . A feature article about the 40th anniversary of the Jack Straw Foundation.

Radio Remnant: Sonarchy Hour . . . A sidebar article about Sonarchy Radio.

The Great American Orchestra: Exploring the Contemporary Big Band Jazz Scene in the Pacific Northwest . . . A feature article about the big band jazz scene in Seattle.

The Tablet -- Contributing Writer
In September 2001 I began working as a Contributing Writer for The Tablet -- a bi-weekly publication dedicated to promoting emerging music, art and political communities of the Northwest and beyond through bold design and a feisty attitude. I have written the following articles for The Tablet:

Dynamic Sounds: An Interview with SWOJO's Barbara Hubers-Drake and Daniel Barry . . . An interview with SWOJO's Barbara Hubers-Drake and Daniel Barry

An Interview With Micah Huschler . . . An interview with The Dusty 45's Micah Huschler.

The Music Catches Fire: An Interview With Dennis Rea . . . An interview with Seattle Improvised Music Festival co-organizer Dennis Rea.

Breaking Traditions In Big-Band Jazz: An Interview With Chris Stover . . . An interview with composer/musician Chris Stover.

Bizarre Patterns: The Monktail Creative Music Concern . . . An interview with John Seman -- co-founder of the avante-garde, Seattle-based jazz ensemble.

Bid Me Out Of A Ballgame…. A feature article about alleged 'legalized' ticket-scalping at Seattle Mariners baseball games.

Sweatshop Memoirs (or, how I wrecked the planet for $6 an hour)…. A feature article about three months I spent commercial fishing in the Aleutian Islands.

Miles & Karina: A Confusin' Country Fusion Of Quirkish Delights . . . An interview with Miles and Karina.

Tom Bennett And The Rolling Blackouts . . . An interview with honky-tonk musician Tom Bennett.

Please Touch That Dial . . . A feature article about the February 2002 U.S. District Court of Appeals decision impacting low-power FM radio.

Searching For Area 51 . . . A feature article about the UFO Mecca known as Area 51, and its nearby town of Rachel, Nevada.

Interview With The Bend's Jay Cates And Ben Jenkins . . . An interview with members of The Bend.

The Kandi Man Can . . . An interview with jazz saxophonist Kareem Kandi

The Pig War Of San Juan Island . . . A feature article about American Camp at San Juan Island.

Interview With Mayfly's Brian Marshall . . . An interview with Mayfly lead singer Brian Marshall.

Youth At Risk: Saying 'Nope To Dope' In Juvenile Drug Court . . . A feature article about King County Juvenile Drug Court.

Atomic Postcard . . . A feature article about the Hanford Nuclear Reservation.

All About Jazz -- Contributing Writer
In October 2001 I began working as a Contributing Writer for All About Jazz -- a Web site produced by jazz fans for jazz fans, with a mission to provide information and opinion about jazz from the past, present, and future. I have written the following articles for All About Jazz:

Concert Review: Kareem Kandi at Kerry Hall . . . A review of the senior recital of jazz saxophonist Kareem Kandi

Monktail Creative Music Concern: Experimental Music Collective Taps Local Talent . . . A feature article about Seattle's Monktail Creative Music Concern

'Taking Care Of Business': Promoting Jazz In Seattle . . . The third of a three-part series on presenting jazz in Seattle.

'Creating A Vibe' At Seattle's Jazz Clubs . . . The second of a three-part series on presenting jazz in Seattle.

'Farming The Land' In Seattle's Jazz Scene . . . The first of a three-part series on presenting jazz in Seattle.

Jazz Steps -- Contributing Writer
In September 2001 I began working as a Contributing Writer for Jazz Steps -- a newspaper for the Seattle jazz community. Most notably, I was assigned to write a three-part series about the economics of presenting jazz in Seattle -- exploring the roles of musicians, club owners and promoters in the Seattle jazz scene. I wrote the following articles for Jazz Steps:

Speakeasy Redux: Live Jazz is 'The Standard' at the International District's Newest Music Club . . . A feature article about Seattle jazz club The Standard

Monktail Creative Music Concern: Experimental Music Collective Taps Local Talent . . . A feature article about Seattle's Monktail Creative Music Concern

An Eye-'Bop'-Ing Collection . . . A feature article about Seattle's Bop Street Records

The Kandi Man Can . . . A feature article about jazz saxophonist Kareem Kandi

Killed By Jazz: Monk Meets The Muffs At Fallout Records . . . A feature article about Seattle's Fallout Records.

'Taking Care Of Business': Promoting Jazz In Seattle . . . The third of a three-part series on presenting jazz in Seattle.

'Creating A Vibe' At Seattle's Jazz Clubs . . . The second of a three-part series on presenting jazz in Seattle.

'Farming The Land' In Seattle's Jazz Scene . . . The first of a three-part series on presenting jazz in Seattle.

Washington Law & Politics -- Contributing Writer
In September 2000 I began working as a Contributing Writer for Washington Law & Politics. My feature article about Prison Legal News editor Paul Wright received third place honors from the Society of Professional Journalists in 2001. In addition, I contributed to the magazine's annual 'Lawsuits of The Year' feature in 2000. My feature articles about King County Drug Court, Northwest Women's Law Center, and King County Corrections Officers have appeared in Washington Law & Politics, in addition to shorter articles about Critical Mass and Initiative 695. I wrote the following articles for Washington Law & Politics:

Defending The Homeland . . . A feature article about the Patriot Act impact on Washington State immigrants.

Inside The INS . . . A side-bar article about the Patriot Act impact on Washington State immigrants.

Whistle While You Work . . . A feature article about whistleblowers in Washington State.

Filling In the Gaps With Tom Carpenter . . . An interview with the Government Accountability Project's Tom Carpenter.

Women's Work . . . A feature article about the Northwest Women's Law Center.

Drug Court Cowboys . . . A feature article about King County Drug Court.

Whatever You Do, Don't Call Them 'Guards' . . . A feature article about King County Corrections Officers assigned to Court Detail.

The Truth Will Set Him Free: Paul Wright hits deadlines while doing hard time . . . A feature article about prison inmate Paul Wright, the editor of Prison Legal News.

The Tab Man Cometh . . . An article about Tim Eyman, and the lawsuits surrounding Initiative 695.

Critical Mass: Corking a Seattle intersection near you . . . An article about the anti-automobile cycling group that is 'Critical Mass.'

The Candidates From Nowhere . . . A feature article about some of the bizarre Washington state third party candidates.