After a successful career covering politics, urban affairs and other assignments for newspapers in Sacramento and Denver, I moved into communications and spent three years as chief speechwriter for former California Govenror Arnold Schwarzenegger and five years as speechwriter and two years as director of executive communications for the Chancellor at UC Davis. I now am lead publication writer at the California Independent System Operator, which manages the electrical grid for 80% of the state. I handle a variety of writing and messaging tasks for the CEO and other members of the executive team. I write quickly and clearly, and know how to turn complex issues into compelling speeches and other messaging. In addiiton to a long career as an award-winning journalist, I am also a two-time journalism fellow (Stanford and Alicia Patterson) and author of a non-fiction book (The Prosecutors: A Year in the Life of a District Attorney's Office) that made the San Francisco Chronicle's list of best NF Books in 2003. And I was the ghost writer for a memoir from Janiva Magness, one of the most acclaimed blues artists in the world. I have also served as interim director of communications at Sonoma State University and spent two years as director of strategic communications at the California Public Utilities Commission after being appointed to the position by former Gov. Jerry Brown. I have done freelance speechwriting for the President at San Diego State University, corporate executives and others.I feel fortunate to have been able to work with so many smart, inspiried leaders who are making a difference. I do miss daily journalism but for me, this has been the next best thing. And I have a book idea or two that I am itching to get started on.