Ten years ago, I lucked out. Having just moved back to Claremont and feeling ready to leave my writing/editing position at Hsi Lai Buddhist Temple, I applied for a part-time reporter job at the COURIER. Martin Weinberger, then-owner/publisher, informed me that he had selected someone for the position but suggested since he had not officially informed the candidate, why don’t I come in and talk with him.
I got the job.
I remember my first day well. It was a blazing hot day in September 2002 and, of course, the air conditioning in the old brick building on College Avenue was on the fritz, as it usually was. I was nervous, I was sweaty, I was uncomfortable on so many levels, and then I was given my first assignment: an obituary.
