E-mail: maggie.avants@patch.com

Phone: 951-288-1024

Hometowns: I was born in Indiana, but moved to Arizona at age 4. I grew up in Prescott, Ariz., and moved to San Diego in my adult life. After living in San Diego for eight years, my family and I made Murrieta our home.

Birthday: April 23

I started writing in 1998 when I took my first journalism class. In 2008--many years and jobs later--I went back to school, completing an associate's degree in journalism at Palomar College in San Marcos, Calif. Before that, I wrote monthly columns in the Murrieta Bugle, including movie reviews, community news and opinion pieces.

In 2009, I was fortunate to land a freelance position as the education editor for Southwest Riverside News Network, based in Temecula. For more than a year, I covered education news in southwest Riverside County for four school districts: Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore and Menifee. My stories focused on the tough budget calls districts had to make, as well as on the many great programs our schools offer. These districts are continually ranked at the top of Riverside County, and are known throughout the state.

During my studies at Palomar, I held various editorial positions for the student-run newspaper, The Telescope. First, as the assistant news editor, then as the opinion editor and finally as the online editor and copy editor.

I covered everything from the campus police blotter to in-depth stories about the college's struggle to keep accreditation. In 2010, I was named Distinguished Journalist of the Year for Palomar's journalism program. And at a state journalism convention, I took second place in copy editing among a room full of more than 50 competitors.

Now, I am even more fortunate to serve this community as the editor of Murrieta Patch. I have lived in Murrieta with my husband, two daughters, two dogs and one cat since 2004.

I do plan on continuing my education very part time, and will most likely seek a bachelor's degree in journalism or communication. I fully admit it may take another 10 years. My kids might even be in college by then!

Beliefs:
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible and human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal certain key beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. 

This disclosure is not a license for our editors to inject these beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will force us to be ever mindful to write, report, and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you, the user, ever think you see evidence that we failed in this mission, we wholeheartedly invite you to let us know.

• How would you describe your political beliefs?

I used to be very conservative. Now I consider myself a moderate conservative.

• Are you registered with a certain party?

Yes, I am a registered Republican.

RELIGION

• How religious would you consider yourself? (Ie, casual, observant, devout, non-religious).

Observant. I believe there is good and evil in the world, and that spirituality leads to making moral decisions in life.

• Do you identify with a certain religion? If so, which one?

I grew up in a Christian home, attending church regularly. In my adult life, I still choose to attend church, and encourage my children to. I usually don't have to force them. If we miss church, I am sure to hear about it.

LOCAL HOT-BUTTON ISSUES

• What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

A vast majority of Murrieta residents commute to work instead of working locally, but many are willing to sacrifice the drive for the home affordability and low crime rate.

The city's population more than doubled between 2000 and 2005, and Murrieta is still trying to catch up with that when it comes to infrastructure.

State agencies have also warned that Murrieta does not have adequate housing for moderate- to low-income earners. Some believe crime will go up when and if the housing is put in place.

Residents are also concerned about the amount of hospital care available for the region's now robust population. Many drive to San Diego County or Riverside for services.

• Where do you stand on each of these issues?

Some who commute, choose to. To some, it's worth the lifestyle we enjoy here.

I am one of those who moved here during the boom, but I appreciate the views of longtime residents, as I'm from a small town of 30,000 in Arizona.

I live near two apartment complexes, and have not experienced crime in my neighborhood. The city will continue to stay safe. It's been named again to the top 10 U.S. cities with the lowest crime rates.

Health care must be a regional concern, and southwest Riverside County cities should work together to provide it for their residents.