By admin 
We won’t argue with the premise of the Thomas Wolffe title “You Can’t Go Home Again,” that’s a discussion for literary, culture and cliché mavens over a beer. We’re journalists here. So we’re happy to have a beer (or two) and talk about what we do know: You certainly can cover what you call home.
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We have a few people in our newsroom who know that well. They grew up here.
The news business can be a bit nomadic — I’m from the East Coast, but have lived here for more than 40 years. Still, logging all that time doesn’t make me a native with memories of riding my bike in the local neighborhoods, going to school here and growing up reading the hometown Bee.
These colleagues have a distinctive feel for news in their hometown. So that is special to us, too.
We asked a few of them about that feeling. Here are excerpts from their responses:
Camryn Dadey, Elk Grove/Rancho Cordova Watchdog Reporter: Growing up in the community I report on is invaluable to my work, because I can understand the growth of the city throughout the years and care so much about doing right by everyone who lives here. … I was born and raised in Elk Grove. I’m technically older than Elk Grove (it was incorporated two months after I was born), so I like to say I grew up with it. … I also grew up reading The Bee as a kid, then as a teenager discovering the world of working as a journalist. I became a journalist because I felt my purpose was to inform people, and I couldn’t be prouder to serve the community that shaped me.”
Robin Epley, Opinion Writer: “I try to pay special attention to areas that often go under-covered by local media and can feel forgotten, like the neighborhood where I grew up near North Highlands. But working at The Bee for more than four years has also expanded my own knowledge of what this community looks like for all people who say: ‘I’m from Sacramento.’ … When I was a kid, one of my weekly chores was to take the stack of old Bee papers out to the recycling bin. But I would wind up reading the paper instead of doing my chores and my mom would have to come find me. So from a very early age, I think I always wanted to work at The Bee. Whenever I get frustrated with the job or with myself, I try to think about that kid reading newspapers by the trashcans and remember why I fell in love with journalism.”
Hannah Holzer, Op-Ed Editor: “I was fortunate to have many amazing teachers growing up, including and especially at Granite Bay High School, who encouraged me to think critically — to make up my own mind, to question predominant narratives and to be curious, informed and engaged in conversations. … Similarly, my many amazing professors and classmates at UC Davis only furthered my love for learning — and my passion for journalism and the written word. … I am proud to be able to challenge some of the persistent narratives and stereotypes that individuals outside of Placer County have about the region.”
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Camila Pedrosa, California Diversions reporter: “I didn’t grow up in Sacramento proper, which I initially thought would hinder me. Instead, I found it keeps me curious and excited to learn everything there is to know about the city just across the causeway from my hometown (Davis). … It’s thrilling to have this unique opportunity to give back to the region I spent my formative years in. With the food beat, it feels so special when I have a chance to cover the farming and production areas in Placer County, Sacramento County and especially Yolo County. … Reporting on the topic takes me back to being a young kid eating summer berries at a Capay Valley farm or reaching for a Fuji apple somewhere in Apple Hill on a brisk October weekend.”
Graham Womack, General Assignment Reporter: “I grew up in Land Park from the time I was 3, and I know how unique and special the neighborhood is. … Most everything I write is, at its core, about my love for my hometown and trying to better understand and chronicle the city. I don’t let my affection for Sacramento compromise my objectivity as a journalist, but at the end of the day, I know this is a good place and one worth writing about.”
I saved our newest reporter for last. I think she also sums up how our reporters feel about their coverage.
Nicole Buss, Roseville/Placer County Watchdog Reporter: “Growing up in Lincoln means I understand the vibes of Placer County: What people care about, what they worry about and what gets missed if you aren’t paying attention. That perspective helps me report with context, care and accountability for the neighbors I am writing for. Covering the area that shaped me is truly a privilege since it means telling stories for the people and places that raised me. I’m invested in getting it right because this community isn’t just my beat, it’s home.”
And check this out: Some of our newest reporters have traveled miles (two over 3,000 miles) to come work here. You can read all about them here.
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