About Jonathan Farrell

I have been writing for local publications in and around the San Francisco Bay Area since 1993. During that time I have reported on local news on a wide-range of subjects.  And, I have had the opportunity to report on important far-reaching issues with a local angle.

My formal training is the Journalism school program at City College of San Francisco.  My instructors were educated at the School of Journalism at University of California at Berkeley and at Stanford University in Palo Alto. My time at City College was valuable and helpful in not only providing me with professional training but also the inner-discipline needed to pursue a journalist path.

I also credit much of my experience and training to the editors and staff of The Sunset Beacon and Richmond Review. Like the Dept. of Journalism faculty at City College of San Francisco, they too shared their knowledge from their journalism education, through the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at San Jose State University.

Each news story opportunity I approach with “objectivity.” While that is the goal of every journalist, it is more realistic to say, a reporter must be aware of bias. And, knowing that bias, work to see more than the dominant side to better understand the subject or issue in its fullness.

This is what I aim for, seeking out the other sides, even if those sides are not as strong as the dominant one.

Along with journalism, other aspects to my formal education are philosophy, history, sociology. I have experience working in social work, hospitality, theater, banking and real estate (not as realtor, but as office staff). And, oh yes, speaking of office work, I have had lots of odd jobs here and there fulfilling the duties of filing, transcribing; all the procedures and paperwork for various companies large and small, well-known and little-known.

I have no illusions to the work as Journalist; especially in this digital age. Journalism is often difficult and not always the best in pay. Yet, despite obstacles, work as a journalist is a passion. It is work that not only puts me out into the world, it enlivens me and lifts me up, while helping the community around me. This is why I have put up this web site.

Your comments, suggestions and yes, criticisms are welcome, as I always seek to improve my efforts and skills in the profession. Thanks for visiting my web site.