Lakewood-JBLM|News|
Army Officers Bring Their Pasts to Bear on Present Conflicts
Samir Patel and Rajiv Srinivasan, deployed from Lakewood, used their Indian heritage to bridge the culture gap while they served in the Middle East.
My name is Marques Hunter and I'm the Lakewood Patch editor. I'm nearing my 30s, going bald and loving every minute of it. I grew up in Tacoma and graduated from Mount Tahoma High School.
Lacking direction after graduating from high school, I enrolled in Pierce College in Lakewood. There, I found my passion for news writing. I joined the student newspaper, The Pioneer, and my journalism career took off. I liked the atmosphere and my colleagues.
My interest in writing continued. I graduated from Pierce and transferred to the University of Washington, Tacoma. I served as the managing editor for the school's student newspaper The Ledger.
After graduating, I worked as a youth counselor for troubled teens and as a Microsoft sales and marketing agent. Then I landed my first professional journalism job. It was with The Peninsula Gateway, Gig Harbor's outstanding weekly newspaper. I reported on city news and sports for nearly four years, winning multiple national awards.
After watching trends in journalism, I moved my work online with Patch.com. This is a terrific opportunity to take my passion for journalism and use it in a way that brings me closer to readers -- and readers to each other.
As the Lakewood Patch editor, I'll provide quality community news for the Lakewood Patch web site.
<strong>My beliefs</strong>
In order to form a strong community, there needs to be a place where people can socialize and exchange ideas.
As the Lakewood Patch editor, my goal is to cover the stories that the community cares about. Whether it's a city council meeting, a high school baseball game or a family-friendly festival, Patch's local coverage will tell you what's going on -- and what it means to Lakewood.
And, in turn, I want to hear from you. Tell me what's not getting enough coverage. Explain what you want to see more of (or less) on the website.
<strong>Politics</strong>
I consider myself an independent. I agree, in part, with some Democratic positions and some Republican views. I tend to be more liberal than conservative but I also think there needs to be a sharp eye on how the U. S. government spends our money.
<strong>Religion</strong>
I believe in Christianity. I respect every religion and would never judge anybody based upon their spiritual beliefs. Everybody has the right to believe -- or not. At its best, our country is a place where people of many religions can practice their beliefs without fear.
<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>
Economic development for one. City officials want to see improvement everywhere but most importantly in the Tillicum and Woodbrook communities. Locals created a Tillicum neighborhood plan to help address economic issues but there's still a long way to go.
In Lakewood, the city council has struggled to create a central district. They believe the Colonial Center has potential but what's missing is an official Lakewood park or public hub where the community gathers for festivals and concerts.
Also, there's local interest in connecting with the international business district, including the Korean-American business owners. City officials have said there is a need to bridge this cultural gap. They are right.
On a smaller note, Clover Park High School students and administrators believe the school doesn't get as much sports coverage as Lakes High School. I plan to cover both schools equally.
Samir Patel and Rajiv Srinivasan, deployed from Lakewood, used their Indian heritage to bridge the culture gap while they served in the Middle East.
Police confirm recent upward trend; one Hispanic gang member arrested, another remains at large.
The 46-year-old female suspect asked officers to shoot her when she pointed a weapon at police outside her home, officers said. The gun turned out to be a BB pistol.
In her first year of high school competition, the 160-pound grappler shoots for a state championship with a flawless record.
Public utility crews will test generators at all three sewer pump generators this coming week.
Despite a slight injury to her right shoulder, the 160-pound wrestler enters Mat Classic state tournament with an undefeated record of 30-0.
Clover Park's Shawnice Davis and Lakes' Rio Marquez-Hammitt presented speech on Spirit of Adventure.
Lakewood Voters overwhelmingly approve neighboring city fire district merger.
Mention Patch when you visit Steve Baek DC for a great one-time deal.
Puget Sound Energy determines that leak came from the boiler for the water heater; about 30 people -- including 18 kids from a daycare center -- were evacuated.
Previous Bush administration reversed direction to pursue a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation but a new plan is being formulated, which could take up to four years to launch.
The Seattle Times reports that deputies came in contact with the police murderer before he fatally shot four officers at a Forza coffee shop just outside of the city.
Warm up your significant other with a heart-felt note about how you feel about them. Trust me, they'll appreciate it.
More than a dozen kinds of chilis have a party in my mouth during my very first meaty-soup extravaganza.
Comcast construction crews work fast to complete the Bridgeport widening project as skateboarders get out and enjoy the short stretch of sunny weather.
Toxic chemical reportedly detected in Lakewood and Puyallup waters and an estimated 17 million people have ingested it.
A woman attempts to steal $14 and a water cup from a Lakewood Forza cafe, but the owner - with the help of Patch Editor Marques Hunter - gives quick chase.
Clover Park loses 49-32 against state-ranked White River; boys team moves to 5-0.
Lakes running back Levonte Littlejohn and quarterback Cedric Dozier combine for more than 400 yards rushing; risky fourth down conversion in overtime pays off.
Lancers football team is hosting the Mavericks at 7:30 p.m. at home in the opening round of the Class 3A state playoffs at Harry Lang Stadium.