• Nicole ElyPatch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • San Rafael, CA

I spent my childhood in a small town nestled in California's central valley. After graduating high school, I came to the Bay Area to study journalism and completed a bachelor's degree at San Francisco State University.

Before coming to Patch, I spent two years reporting for print, online and broadcast. Most recently, I wrote articles and developed new web features for Stanford Business Magazine.

My guilty pleasures include movies, food and pop music.

<br><b>Politics </b>

I tend to vote on issues rather than associating with any one political party. That said, I do lean to the liberal side on many topics. <br><br><b>Religion</b>

Although I think faith is a beautiful thing, I do not attend any church and consider myself an atheist.

<b>Hot Topics:</b>

Although I&#39;m new to San Rafael, three big issues that are on neighbors&#39; minds are: the possibility of a new Target store opening in the area, the health effects and privacy issues surrounding PG&amp;E&#39;s SmartMeters and funding for the SMART train. <b><br></b>

Posting Activity

San Rafael|News|

Police Investigate Third Westamerica Bank Robbery in Marin

San Rafael police Lt. Dan Fink said they are not prepared to confirm that the suspect from Friday's incident is the same from two previous Westamerica Bank robberies in the past four weeks.

Police Investigate Third Westamerica Bank Robbery in Marin
San Rafael|News|

No One Injured in Cell Phone Store Shooting

Police are searching for a man who demanded money and attempted to shoot employees at Variedades Cellular on Saturday evening.

San Rafael|News|

Attorney Attempts to Relocate Max Wade's Trial Out of County

Due to the ongoing media coverage of Wade's case, where he is accused of a drive-by shooting and stealing celebrity chef Guy Fieri's car, his attorney argued that he will not be able to receive a fair trial in Marin.

Attorney Attempts to Relocate Max Wade's Trial Out of County
San Rafael|News|

MVFF35 Faves Get 2013 Oscar Nod

Several of the filmmakers who appeared in the festival will be on their way to the red carpet again for the 85th Academy Awards.

MVFF35 Faves Get 2013 Oscar Nod
Novato, CA|News|

Police Release Photos of Westamerica Bank Robber

Novato police are asking for the public's help in identifying a man who robbed an Ignacio bank on Jan. 10. Meanwhile, the man looks an awful lot like a guy who robbed a San Rafael bank on Jan. 4.

Police Release Photos of Westamerica Bank Robber