Clay Kallam Executive Editor
Charleen Earley, Editor-in-Chief
Charleen “Charlie” Earley is a 26-year freelance writer and photographer for Bay Area newspapers. Currently a journalism professor at Diablo Valley College, she began her position as Editor-in-Chief of The Orinda News Sept. 2020. She’s “Grammy” to four beautiful grandkids who live in Texas. Reach Charlie at editor@theorindanews.com.
David Dierks
David Dierks started writing for The Orinda News in 2009. Since then, David has become Assistant Editor and does the paper’s layout. David volunteers during the summer months with the Orinda Starlight Village Players as Technical Director and set builder. Reach David at david@theorindanews.com.
Xavier Estrada
Xavier Estrada joined The Orinda News in 2021 as a writer. He is one of Orinda’s experienced automotive enthusiasts. His passion for cars started when he was a kid and his automotive career began in 2014. Reach Xavier at xavier.estrada.freelance@gmail.com.
Jill Gelster
Jill Gelster has worked at The Orinda News since 2002. Gelster is also the administrative director of the Orinda Starlight Village Players, who have brought community theater to Orinda for the past 38 years. She is also co-chair with Bill Waterman of the Orinda Classic Car Show. Reach Jill at jill@aspenconsult.net.
S. K. Gupta
S. K. Gupta, contributing writer for The Orinda News, is a former senior aerospace executive. A licensed ham radio operator, he is active in Orinda’s emergency preparedness scene. Founder of Asian American Directors network, he received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor award in 2010. Reach S. K. at SK.Gupta.us@gmail.com.
Hatti Hamlin
Hatti Hamlin is a longtime resident of Orinda. In 2025 she decided to put her journalism degree to work covering schools for The Orinda News. She also serves on the Orinda Downs Homeowners Association board and is a volunteer at the Oakland Zoo. Contact her at hattihamlin@comcast.net.
Jeff Heyman
Jeff Heyman, photographer for The Orinda News, has served as Public Information Officer for United Nations Peacekeeping, taught journalism at Oakland’s Laney College, and oversaw communications at the City of Lafayette. He, his wife Sari and their rescue mutt Natalie, live in Orinda. Reach Jeff at heyman.foto@gmail.com.
Sally Hogarty
Sally Hogarty has been a journalist for over 35 years. She has written for Diablo Magazine, Oakland Tribune, Alameda Journal and was the editor for The Orinda News for over 29 years. Hogarty currently writes a weekly performing arts column for the East Bay Times and for the Concord/Clayton Pioneer. Reach Sally at sallyhogarty@gmail.com.
Barbara Kobsar
Barbara Kobsar is a 33-year veteran food writer and jam maker. Starting her work with CCCFM (Contra Costa Certified Farmers’ Markets) in 1990, she now writes for local publications and creates jams using produce sourced at farmers’ markets in Orinda, San Ramon and Walnut Creek. Reach Barbara at barbara@cotkitchen.com.
Dick Ling
Dick Ling was a licensed architect in California for over 30 years and retired in 2010. During his career, he continued his lifelong love of cartooning since childhood. For the last 60 years, his cartoons have been published in newspapers in Taiwan and the United States as well as appearing in The Orinda News since the late 80s. View his cartoons at www.dicklingtoons.com.
Andrea Madison
Andrea Madison joined The Orinda News staff in 2021. She holds a true passion for the written word, serving as Editor-in-Chief of Diablo Valley College’s The Inquirer for three consecutive semesters. She currently also writes for CalMatters. She is a lover of history, music, antiques as well as her family and friends. Reach Andrea at drea.madison.05@gmail.com.
Charley Matthews
Charley Matthews is a high school senior at Miramonte and is excited to attend George Washington University in the fall for Political Science/International Relations. Living in Orinda since elementary school, Charley writes stories about youth perspectives, events and more. Reach Charley at Charley.matthews2008@gmail.com.
Fran Miller
With more than two decades of journalistic experience, Fran Endicott Miller writes about travel, wine, cuisine and culture for national and international publications. A Lafayette resident, she brings that wide-ranging perspective to stories rooted in everyday life and the small details that matter locally. Reach Fran at frandicott@comcast.net.
Tom Westlake
Tom Westlake has been obsessed with the cinema and the film arts since the late 60s. It is never wise to talk about movies near him. Reach Tom at poppinjay@earthlink.net.
