I have worked for this company for 27 years. I& #39;ve been a staff photographer for 24 of those years. I originally went to @losmedanos in Pittsburg, Calif., to become a graphic designer. While going to school I got a part-time job as a photo tech at the Ledger Dispatch in Antioch.
The last class I needed to take for my associates degree in Graphic Design was a photography class. Well things got so busy with working and school I failed to turn in my final project in photography and failed the class. Yes a I got a big "F" in photography.
My big break came in 1999 when I got hired at the Contra Costa Times as a full-time photographer. My first big sports assignment was covering the Oakland A& #39;s in New York right after 9/11. Since then I& #39;ve covered five NBA Finals, 4 World Series and 5 Super Bowls.
I& #39;ve also covered the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans & multiple assignments in Mexico & El Salvador. My work ethic was given to me by my mom. My motivation to succeed was my way to thank her for all the sacrifices she made for me.