Maggie Fusek Avants is an award-winning copy editor and journalist whose experience in the news business goes back to when she had a paper route in sixth grade. She went on to earn a degree in journalism as well as the title of "Distinguished Journalist of the Year" for the campus newspaper.
Since 2009, she has served as a local news editor for online and print publications. A member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Fusek Avants has been invited back to her alma mater to mentor new journalists.
She is now the Patch editor for Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Healdsburg, Napa Valley, Benicia, Pinole, Hercules, Martinez and Concord.
Fun Fact: She shares a birthday with William Shakespeare
Reach her at maggie.fusek@patch.com with news tips and story ideas.
A memorial service Friday for a true hero, Officer Jordan Wingate, who lived in Walnut Creek and then Brentwood, is open to the public.
Four of the city's Capital Improvement Projects won Project of the Year and City Engineer Carlton Thompson won Manager of the Year.
It is alleged that when officers responded, the man sped through a neighborhood at 75 mph, endangering the public.
Anyone who recognizes the suspects is asked to contact the Petaluma Police Department.
The victim, a 16-year-old boy, called the Healdsburg Police Department and reported he'd just been stabbed, police said.
The driver, a Santa Rosa man, was identified by the Napa County Sheriff-Coroner's Office.
A sacred ridge, Molok Luyuk, was left out of the 2015 designation, and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, among others, calls for its inclusion.
BART Connects: Redwood City resident Kevin DeAntoni grew up in the Bay Area but had only seen Mount Diablo in pictures —until he took BART.
There is no train service this weekend between the Lafayette, Orinda and Rockridge stations as crews work on several trackway improvements.
It's your state, it's your shot. This is California in photos.
Patch loves photos! Share your photos with your local Patch, and your work could be featured.
Patch loves photos! Share your photos with your local Patch, and your work could be featured.
Patch loves photos! Share your photos with your local Patch, and your work could be featured.
The referendum proponent did not gather enough signatures to move forward with a ballot measure.
It is one of a few more opportunities for the community to weigh in before the General Plan is adopted.
"Share stories of friends or loved ones who gave their lives for our country."
Police said there had not been a homicide in the city of Napa since 2022.
"Napa Schools for Climate Action are a shining example of the power of youth voices in combating the climate crisis."
Dr. Lisa Micheli, former president & CEO of Pepperwood Foundation, is a "dedicated mentor shaping the next generation of climate leaders."
The Petaluma Police Department and school staff were investigating the threat.
