As part of my graduate journalism program at the University of Southern California, I completed broadcast and multimedia classes. These are my pieces posted in the order of the most recent, going back to Fall 2012.
Methodist-Based Nonprofit Seeks To Beautify South L.A. Neighborhoods
South Los Angeles isn’t known for its tourist attractions, but for some out-of-state volunteers, improving the inner-city neighborhoods is a bigger draw than Disneyland. Over a weekend, workers from Arizona came in to help repair two community centers through the Sierra Service Project. Some expressed concern that the locals viewed them as patronizing, but they need not have worried; community leaders said the volunteers inspired residents to continue making improvements.
Latino Immigrants Replacing Americans In Catholic Church
Americans are leaving the Church in record numbers, citing the sex abuse scandals and the strict doctrine as explanations. But Latino immigrants are filling the empty seats at Mass, changing the character of the Church or perhaps bringing back something that was lost.
New Rail Line To Create Jobs, Reduce Pollution
This package was a day-of-air piece, meaning I had to complete all of the interviews and editing in one day. I attended an event at the Port of Long Beach to mark the construction of a rail line to move cargo to the mainland by train rather than truck. The new rail benefits the environment, as it eliminates as many as 2.3 million truck trips and 300,000 tons of greenhouse gas. The project wrapped up in fall 2015.
Many Hearts, One Pulse
For this piece, I produced a package without narration, using only sounds and the voices of others. I decided to feature Rene Fisher-Mims, a singer and drummer who founded a West African drum circle for women. The woman known to many as “Mama Nene” hoped to spread the word about the cathartic power of steady, rhythmic beats.
May I Have This Dance?
This audio slideshow features a night in the life of the USC ballroom dance club. Chemistry and Classics majors by day, these students dip and twirl to the cha-cha every Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights.
Latino Voters Speak About President’s Past Immigration Record
We know now that President Obama made a strong standing among Latino voters at the polls in 2012. But some don’t think he affected enough change in immigration reform as president. Los Angeles Latinos weigh in on Mr. Obama’s efforts to connect with voters at a Día de los Muertos celebration just days before the Presidential election.