Nicole Ely, Patch Staff
- 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'm new to San Rafael, three big issues that are on neighbors' minds are: the possibility of a new Target store opening in the area, the health effects and privacy issues surrounding PG&E's SmartMeters and funding for the SMART train. <b><br></b>
Posting Activity
Larkspur-Corte Madera, CA|News|
Police Investigate Third Westamerica Bank Robbery
San Rafael police Lt. Dan Fink said officials 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.
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.
San Rafael|News|
School District Settles Wrongful Termination Lawsuit for $69K
A lawsuit involving a former school psychologist who claimed that the San Rafael City School wrongfully fired her for requesting time off to care for her newborn was settled for $68,950.
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 Anselmo-Fairfax, CA|News|
MVFF35 Faves Rack Up 2013 Oscar Nods
Several of the filmmakers who appeared at the 35th edition of the Mill Valley Film Festival will be on their way to the red carpet again for the 85th Academy Awards.
San Rafael|News|
Marin DA: Gun Buy-Back Is Out of Cash – San Rafael Event Cancelled
District Attorney says $43K raised to pay for gun surrendered guns and ammo is gone; vouchers issued when cash ran out on Jan. 15 might not be worth anything unless more money is raised.
San Anselmo-Fairfax, CA|News|
Attorney Attempts to Relocate Max Wade's Trial Out of County
Due to the ongoing media coverage of Max 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.
San Rafael|News|
Officials Try to Calm Terra Linda Neighbors' Concerns Over Community School Relocation
Many Terra Linda neighbors are not happy about the Marin County Office of Education's decision to relocate their community school program to their neighborhood.
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.
San Rafael|News|
Officials Discuss Possible 415 Area Code Change This Week
Officials will discuss a possible area code change in San Francisco and San Rafael this week.
Mill Valley, CA|News|
MVFF35 Faves Rack Up 2013 Oscar Nods
Several of the filmmakers who appeared at the 35th edition of the Mill Valley Film Festival will be on their way to the red carpet again for the 85th Academy Awards.
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.
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.
San Anselmo-Fairfax, CA|News|
Police Release Photos of San Rafael Bank Robber
The San Rafael Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a man who robbed a San Rafael bank on Jan. 4.
San Rafael|News|
Police Release Photos of Westamerica Bank Robber
A suspect who robbed a Westamerica Bank in San Rafael on Jan. 4 could be the same man who robbed a bank in Novato.
Novato, CA|News|
New Testing For California Schools; STAR On Way Out
The state superintendent's plan would emphasize critical thinking skills. Some STAR testing may be suspended. Do you think this is a move in the right direction?
San Rafael|News|
Shoplifting Turns into Robbery at Safeway, Police Say
A man under the legal drinking age allegedly attempted to shoplift a bottle of alcohol Sunday night.
San Rafael|News|
Which DUI Checkpoints Will Police Officers Stop You?
After looking over the last year's data, see what DUI checkpoint locations in San Rafael will yield the most arrests, sobriety tests, tows and citations.