Anne Ernst, Patch Staff
- Los Altos, CA
Anne Ernst has lived in San Jose since 1999. A Michigan native, she received a degree in journalism from San Jose State University. Her first reporting job was for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers, which publishes weekly newspapers such as the Cupertino Courier. She's also been a staff reporter for Bay City News Service, and most recently worked full time as a freelance writer, working for her previous employers plus magazines, and Web sites such as the Belmont Patch and Campbell Patch.
When she's not talking to people about what's going on in the community, Anne plays ice hockey on a co-ed team, loves gardening and crafts, being out in nature, and exploring wineries with her husband.
<b>My Beliefs</b>
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable.
<b>Politics</b>
I don't vote party lines, I vote based on issues and what I believe is best for the overall good of our community, region, state and nation. I consider myself progressive, or Progressive. I've voted for and with Democrats, Republicans, Independents and Greens.
I believe we should pay our teachers and doctors more than we pay the entertainers of our world, and that includes sports figures. I believe we need to take less from the Earth and do more to preserve our environment for future generations. I believe the greatest civil rights travesty of our time is that someone like me, who just happens to be heterosexual, has more rights across our country than my family and friends who just happen to be gay and lesbian. Marriage licenses are issued by government agencies, not churches, and I think it's important that we give all married couples the same legal rights. If that means changing the word we use for government issued licenses to "union" so churches can preserve the word "marriage" for man-woman couples, so be it. When I was born some states still outlawed bi-racial marriages. Imagine how ridiculous that would look if it still were the case today.
<b>Religion</b>
I was baptized in a Lutheran church, consider myself spiritual because I know that Man is not all-powerful, but don't consider myself religious.
<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>
Cupertino is well known for its top-rated public schools and wants to keep it that way. Recently, the addition of higher-density housing had some residents worried about overcrowding in the schools. The school districts carefully check the residency status of its students to help maintain student-to-teacher ratios.
There is no downtown in Cupertino, but some would like to see that. A "main street" complex was approved, but the land still sits empty. Vallco Shopping Mall still has a big question mark hanging over it, and locals would like to see it updated, and the city would benefit from more taxes if the mall were more inviting to shoppers.
Tucked out of view of most of the city is Lehigh Hanson Cement Plant, but out of sight isn't out of mind. It is of great interest to residents. They want to know if the plant is polluting the area and potentially posing health risks.
Posting Activity
Cupertino, CA|News|
Lentil Salad Recipe by The Green Beanie
Lentils, peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, cilantro and more turn into a tasty lentil salad.
Cupertino, CA|News|
CDC Cites Ongoing, Severe Sexually Transmitted Disease Epidemic
April is STD Awareness Month, an opportunity to address ways to prevent the nearly 20 million new STDs that occur in the country each year.
Cupertino, CA|News|
Apple Campus 2 in Cupertino: Traffic vs. Employment
Some residents worry that in addition to all the jobs the new campus will bring it will also bring traffic headaches in an already bustling city.
Cupertino, CA|News|
Protesters Out in Force in Atherton, Menlo Park
Nearly every age group, including a five-year-old, was represented.
Cupertino, CA|News|
Death Notices: March 4 through March 19, 2013
Deaths of people who have a connection to Cupertino.
Cupertino, CA|News|
Cupertino Event for Students with Hearing Loss on Saturday
Teen Zina Jawadi says hearing loss can be an "isolating experience" and is now active in local organizations such as Hearing Loss Association that give people with hearing loss a place to find one another and not feel alone.
Cupertino, CA|News|
2 Cupertino School District Employees Get County Honors
A bus driver and a cafeteria assistant in Cupertino's school district will move on to represent the county in a statewide Classified School Employee of the Year program.
Cupertino, CA|News|
Cupertino Students Make Deans List Across the Country
The following Cupertino students were given honors at colleges and universities for the fall 2012 semester. See if you recognize any of the names.
Cupertino, CA|News|
Obama Disrupts Quiet Atherton Morning [PHOTOS]
The president flew into Atherton and landed at the Menlo Park Circus Club before heading to two fundraisers.
Cupertino, CA|News|
City Responds to Cupertino Residents' Complaints on Tree Tags
Some residents express ire over tags nailed into public trees and the value of the program itself. City officials provide a broader explanation here.
Cupertino, CA|News|
Live: Obama Choppers in to Atherton
The President’s fundraising stops in Atherton for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee interrupted traffic Thursday.
Cupertino, CA|News|
Where Are Cupertino Seniors Heading Next Year?
College acceptance letters are in—tell Patch where you're headed next!
Cupertino, CA|News|
Alphabet Soup Preschool Lost its Lease, Looks for Community Support
The owners of the popular preschool need emails and letters of support to help them secure a new lease in Saratoga.
Cupertino, CA|News|
Tax Tips: Avoid the 'Dirty Dozen'—Disguised Corporate Ownership
Things to watch out for and useful pointers from the IRS.