I am a sixth-generation native Californian, born and raised in Watsonville (Santa Cruz County). In the mid 1800s, ancestors on my father's side arrived in California via covered wagon, and ancestors on my mother's side arrived by ship. My family has been farming for generations, and my mother's parents grew up on adjacent ranches in Point Reyes.

I was graduated from Santa Catalina School in Monterey, and then attended Stanford University where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, and a Master's degree in Communication, Broadcasting. While at Stanford, I was a reporter and a features editor for The Stanford Daily. After Stanford, I worked as an intern and a field producer at KPIX-TV's Evening Magazine.

I then enrolled at the University of California's Hastings College of Law, where I wrote for Comm/Ent, the Communications Entertainment Law Journal. After earning my law degree and joining the California Bar, I practiced law with several San Francisco law firms.

Desiring a career change, I pursued my interest in geosciences at San Francisco State University where I studied Meteorology, Geology and Oceanography. My first job on the air was as the weekend Weather Anchor at the CBS affiliate in Monterey. Subsequently, I worked in the weather departments of several television stations, including KGO Channel 7 in San Francisco (where I was honored at the EMMYs as assistant producer of Unlucky 13, chosen as Outstanding Achievement: News Feature--Single Story, Serious). I continued as an on-the-air Weather Anchor at KSBW-TV Channel 8 in Salinas, KFTY TV-50 in Santa Rosa, KRON 4 in San Francisco, CBS 5 (KPIX-TV) in San Francisco, and KCBS radio (740 AM) in San Francisco.

Over the past several years, I have worked at Stanford University, in charge of specific milestone reunions through the Stanford Alumni Association.

One of my passions is classical music, and I enjoy playing the piano. I like working in my garden, which I designed, and I enjoy spending time with my friends and with animals--the current canine lineup includes a "recycled" Shetland Sheepdog, a rescue Cocker Spaniel and a rescue "Chiweenie" mutt!