Akiko Oda, Patch Staff
- Gig Harbor, WA
Email: Akiko.Oda[at]Patch.com
Phone: 253-304-9254
Hometown: Tokyo, Japan/Houston, Texas
Birthday: July 15
Bio: I joined Patch in October 2010 after working as a television news producer at KVAL News, the CBS affiliate station, in Eugene, OR. There, I worked from three in the morning to help write, edit video and post stories online for the morning newscast. I also produced the 30-minute newscast which aired on FOX's KLSR. I spent the rest of the morning piecing together stories for the noon newscast. Before moving to Eugene, I served as a general assignment reporter and a producer at KOMU-TV, the NBC affiliate in Columbia, MO.
I was born in Tokyo, Japan and grew up in Houston, TX. I graduated from the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism and a minor in political science. I also spent the first half of my senior year in Seattle as an intern for the Problem Solvers and the creative services department at KOMO News.
Storytelling has always been my passion, and I love using pictures and sound to draw people into my stories. I'm also a strong believer in using social media tools to share information and connect with my community. In fact, I've already been to three Twestivals, which is a world-wide event where people on Twitter meet up in person. I moved to Gig Harbor in October and am quickly learning my way around town. When I'm not reporting, I like to spend time catching up on the latest issue of Vogue magazine, meeting new people and exploring the gorgeous town of Gig Harbor. I also help coach the Harbor Fire girls lacrosse team.
* * * 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.
Politics: I am not affiliated with any political parties. I consider myself to be a moderate, and I make decisions based on what issues are at stake. As a journalist, I am a strong believer in our First Amendment rights. As long as our words and actions don't disrespect others, I believe that we should have right to voice our opinions. I also support equal rights for everyone regardless of his or her race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.
Religion: I'm a Buddhist. My family and I celebrate some traditional holidays and culture, but I don't consider myself religious. I am open to all religious beliefs and am interested in learning about how they affect people's lives.
Local Hot-Button Issues
Economic development. Even during tough economic times, I'm intrigued to see how the City of Gig Harbor and Pierce County will do to accommodate the growing community. We'll be covering the latest developments to the area and how they will affect you and your family.
Shoreline Master Program (SMP) is also another big issue for the residents and business owners on the waterfront. The SMP is adopted locally based on state regulations. The program regulates all uses and developments within 200 feet of the shoreline. Throughout 2011, we'll follow how the City of Gig Harbor will comply with the guidelines of the Department of Ecology.
Finally, traffic can be a big headache for many drivers around town. From the tolls on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to the slowdown at the Purdy Bridge, we'll report on what the local government is doing to help alleviate the stress.
Posting Activity
Gig Harbor|News|
'Kick the City Off Your Shoes' at Olalla Bluegrass Festival This Saturday
All the proceeds from the Olalla Bluegrass & Beyond Festival will benefit the FISH, Key Peninsula Food Bank and the South Kitsap HelpLine.
Enumclaw, WA|News|
Obituaries from the Enumclaw Plateau Through Aug. 15
A featured compilation of obituaries in and around Enumclaw.
Enumclaw, WA|News|
Enumclaw Business Recycling Collection Event Set for Aug. 22
Enumclaw businesses can bring their difficult-to-recycle items to the annual business recycling collection event.
Gig Harbor|News|
Where Should Marijuana Producers, Retailers Be Allowed in Gig Harbor?
The public hearing will be on Thursday, Aug. 15, at 6 p.m. at the Gig Harbor Civic Center Council Chambers.
Redmond, WA|News|
Jersey Mike's COO, Michael Manzo, Gives Big Tips on Small Business
Jersey Mike's, which has a restaurant in Redmond, opened first as a small sub shop in 1956. Now it has more than 750 locations.
Shoreline-Lake Forest Park, WA|News|
Jersey Mike's COO, Michael Manzo, Gives Big Tips on Small Business
Jersey Mike's, which has a restaurant in Shoreline, opened first as a small sub shop in 1956. Now it has more than 750 locations.
Renton, WA|News|
Jersey Mike's COO, Michael Manzo, Gives Big Tips on Small Business
Jersey Mike's, which has a restaurant in Kent near Renton, opened first as a small sub shop in 1956. Now it has more than 750 locations.
Bonney Lake-Sumner, WA|News|
Jersey Mike's COO, Michael Manzo, Gives Big Tips on Small Business
Jersey Mike's, which has a restaurant in Bonney Lake, opened first as a small sub shop in 1956. Now it has more than 750 locations.
Gig Harbor|News|
Jersey Mike's COO, Michael Manzo, Gives Big Tips on Small Business
Jersey Mike's, which recently added a restaurant in Gig Harbor, opened first as a small sub shop in 1956. Now it has more than 750 locations.
Gig Harbor|News|
State Health Department Advises Against Eating Raw Oysters
Warm water temperatures are causing an increase in Vibrio bacteria, which has sickened more than 40 people around Washington state so far this year.
University Place, WA|News|
State Health Department Advises Against Eating Raw Oysters
Warm water temperatures are causing an increase in Vibrio bacteria, which has sickened more than 40 people around Washington state so far this year.
Lakewood-JBLM, WA|News|
State Health Department Advises Against Eating Raw Oysters
Warm water temperatures are causing an increase in Vibrio bacteria, which has sickened more than 40 people around Washington state so far this year.
Puyallup, WA|News|
State Health Department Advises Against Eating Raw Oysters
Warm water temperatures are causing an increase in Vibrio bacteria, which has sickened more than 40 people around Washington state so far this year.
Bonney Lake-Sumner, WA|News|
State Health Department Advises Against Eating Raw Oysters
Warm water temperatures are causing an increase in Vibrio bacteria, which has sickened more than 40 people around Washington state so far this year.
Enumclaw, WA|News|
State Health Department Advises Against Eating Raw Oysters
Warm water temperatures are causing an increase in Vibrio bacteria, which has sickened more than 40 people around Washington state so far this year.
Renton, WA|News|
State Health Department Advises Against Eating Raw Oysters
Warm water temperatures are causing an increase in Vibrio bacteria, which has sickened more than 40 people around Washington state so far this year.
Gig Harbor|News|
State Regulators Recommend New Pot Rules
The Washington State Liquor Control Board says it is working on a number of revised proposals, including a cap on total marijuana production and the number and location of retail outlets in each county.
University Place, WA|News|
State Regulators Recommend New Pot Rules
The Washington State Liquor Control Board says it is working on a number of revised proposals, including a cap on total marijuana production and the number and location of retail outlets in each county.