Journalism in the

real world.
Kate Hoover
iHouse

Nora, member of Alchemia

Introduction

Editor-in-Chief of Casa Grandes Gaucho Gazette

Committed to Chapman University under a
Communication Studies major, hoping to enter into
their Dodge College of Film and Media Arts
Intern for our local newspaper, Petaluma ArgusCourier, writing for the Community section
I chose this internship because Ive always been
fascinated with the field of journalism and the thrill
that comes with being a journalist, and this gave me
the opportunity to be a journalist in the real world
along with building a strong connection with the
community

Project Goals

Researching and fact-checking, conducting interviews,

writing articles, attending events to take photographs,
and publishing written pieces and photos on a
scheduled basis
Strengthening the relationship between the Petaluma
Argus-Courier and the Gaucho Gazette
Developing further knowledge on the field of
journalism through interaction with mentor Hannah
Beausang, the community section editor
Impacting the community through learning their stories
and accomplishments, and giving them recognition in a
published newspaper

Mud Buddies ceramics class

Black Artists on Art exhibit

Articles Published
"Striking out childhood cancer" A mother fights against childhood cancer with a bowling fundraiser after losing her
son, C.J. Banaszek, in 2014.
Getting their hands dirty An up-and-coming ceramics class started from scratch as a way for community
members to turn the potters wheel every Wednesday at the Petaluma Arts Center.
"'Black Artists on Art: The Legacy Exhibit'" A group art exhibition celebrating multiple generations of black artists.
"Positive Images providing support for LGBTQIA teens" A peer-led organization that holds weekly meetings and
support group gatherings at Casa Grande for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and allied
youth.
"Petaluma pilot explores the city from a bird's eye view" A female pilot of a weight-shift control Light Sport
Aircraft out of Petaluma Municipal Airport.
"Petaluma-based Alchemia grows, spreads powerful message" A Petaluma-based nonprofit organization offering
art programs to cultivate and encourage forms of creative expression for adults with disabilities.

Black Artists on Art: The Legacy Exhibit

Nov 7, 2015

Petaluma pilot explores the city from a birds eye view

Jan 7, 2016

Petaluma-based Alchemia grows, spreads powerful message

March 14, 2016

Challenges
Getting a hold of community members

Persistent communication via phone calls,

email correspondence, meeting in person

Coordinating interviews

Susan Gilbert, supervisor of Positive Images

Finding a time that works best into the

schedule for that person, adapting my
schedule to meet their needs

Finding the right angle for each story

Working closely with each individual to

make sure I am telling their story correctly
Alchemia studio in downtown Petaluma

Service Provided

Recognizing the efforts and accomplishments of Petaluma

community members through the writing of articles
giving voice to people who deserve to be heard
Acknowledging the personal feats of the community, and
have them be noticed and appreciated in a tangible, printed
newspaper that is distributed throughout Sonoma and
Marin County
Time: 20 hours
Days per week: 1-3
Articles published: 6
Photos published: 2

Pilot Heather Davis over Pt. Reyes

Outcomes

Further developed skills for the workplace

Gained knowledge in the field of real
world journalism and what it takes to be a
journalist in this day and age
Connected with many extraordinary
people and had the pleasure of telling
their remarkable stories in the form of a
newspaper article
Deepened my fascination with journalism
Mud Buddies at PAC

Conclusion
Ambition, tenacity, and passion are very important qualities to master in the
field of journalism
Each story I covered exposed me to eclectic community members of Petaluma,
incredible programs and organizations, and eye-opening opportunities that I
would have never seen or been introduced to without this project

As stated in the words of the Managing Editor for the Petaluma

Argus-Courier: In this business, its all about how much you want
it. And, trust me, I want it a lot.