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 two beautiful grandkids who live in Texas. Reach Charlie at editor@theorindanews.com.
Mimi Bommarito
Mimi Bommarito – Originally a southerner, Mimi has called Orinda home since 2007. A wife and mother of three “locally-grown” daughters, she has enjoyed crafting her lighthearted humor column, Everyday Orinda, since 2018. She runs daily with her two English Shepherds and devours any and all types of ancestry research. Reach Mimi at mimibom@comcast.net.
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.
Kathy Enzerink
Kathy Enzerink joined The Orinda News in 2018. She has been a writer, reporter, journalist and editor for decades. Through careers in international shipping and farming/ranching, she continued to use these skills, plus started a newspaper in North Carolina. She publishes holiday coloring books and strives to take the perfect photo. Reach Kathy at kathy@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.
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.
Tristan Shaughnessy
Tristan Shaughnessy has written for The Orinda News since June 2021. He started reporting while at Diablo Valley College, quickly developing an interest in local politics and talking with community members. He now studies at U C Berkeley where he enjoys reading outside and playing pick-up soccer. Reach Tristan at tristan.c.shaughnessy@gmail.com.
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.
