Editor signs off after 5 years in Patterson
Looking back on the past five years, it’s mind-boggling to think how this town has changed.
 Jonathan Partridge \ Managing Editor
In the years since that time, the city has gone from being the third-fastest growing city in the state to being perceived by many as a poster child of the housing foreclosure crisis. But one thing I’ve learned is this community is never down for the count. It has survived a city check-cashing fiasco, political meddling from outside developers, car accidents, and even the occasional murder. Despite such blows, some things remain constant — friendly faces pop up wherever you go, and several community volunteers strive to make this a better place.
Making voices heard
My first story at the Irrigator was on the KFC/A&W opening in the Villa Del Lago commercial center off Rogers Road.
I still laugh at Don Huston’s pithy letter to the editor in response: “It boggles the mind to think that the headline in our town newspaper announcing the opening of fast-food restaurants at a freeway off-ramp could be a gauge of the city’s progress and development.”
This was my initiation to a nearly five-year period of community dialogue.
I quickly learned that Pattersonites could be opinionated when it came to their newspaper and when it came to public matters in general.
Residents were never shy to voice their opinions about changes with the newspaper, such as when we changed from a broadsheet to a tab format in 2004. Thankfully, most of that feedback was positive.
Similarly, local residents have been vocal about civic matters. Folks would protest in the downtown circle about various matters, and many made their opposition clear when the county decided to remove the historic David’s Cross from Frank Raines Regional Park. More recently, community members have had heated debates over the 4,800-acre PCCP West Park industrial center proposed for the Crows Landing Air Facility.
Countless stories
This community has provided no shortage of stories during the past few years.
Irrigator news reports have ranged from the tragic, such as last week’s seven-casualty accident at the Delta-Mendota Canal, to the joyous — high school graduations and Apricot Fiesta gatherings, to the downright weird — a mountain lion roaming through western Patterson and little Mr. Apricot’s finger malfunction.
As I gathered with family members at Christmas time, people were amazed to hear what tales could come from such a small town.
Patterson is a fascinating study of a community that is in transformation, changing from a tiny farming community to a commuter haven. That might not sit well with many folks — and proper planning should be in place to create more opportunities to keep those commuters off the road — but it has led to a slew of stories to report.
Changing perspectives
To be honest, I have found the amount of activity in this community to be surprising. I remember being a student at Turlock High School in the mid ’90s and having a friend, former Pattersonite Blake Thorkelson, show me a copy of the Irrigator. At the time, I arrogantly thought to myself, “Well, that’s one place I’ll never work.” The very name of the paper evoked images of small-town folksiness, and I thought I was destined for “greater things.”
Well, the Lord has a sense of humor. And though it’s been a growing experience to be in a town where you’re never truly anonymous, there’s a reason I’ve been here almost five years.
In addition to the unique stories, there have been several moments of inspiration.
I marveled when the community came together after the massive gang fight at Patterson High School last year, and it was a blast to watch the high school football team play in the section championships.
It’s also amazing to watch individual volunteers try to better the community by providing more activities for youth or reaching out to others in need.
If all that were not enough, certain small-town moments are almost magical. I remember one time I left my car getting worked on at the former R & R Auto & Tow, and co-owner Joan Corwin called me in Signature Espresso to tell me the car was ready. (She first called up the Irrigator, knowing it was my place of business, and the folks at the Irrigator just assumed I would be at the coffee shop.)
Then, there was the time I got lost up in Del Puerto Canyon, and seemingly half the town knew about it by the time I arrived at work the next morning. Publisher Emeritus Ron Swift had already placed a compass in my mail slot when I showed up.
Final thoughts
Indeed, you’re more than just a face in this town. There’s the opportunity to genuinely become a part of people’s lives, if even in a small way.
It’s been a blessing to work with the Irrigator staff and put out a publication I believe we can take pride in, and to get to know members of the community.
Thankfully, the newspaper is in good hands, as former sports editor James Leonard takes the helm as managing editor.
Meanwhile, I’ll be embarking on a new journey, enrolling in a graduate program at the University of Southern California with a focus on news coverage of religion.
Specifically, I’ll focus on Christianity, Judaism and Islam. God willing, that will lead to opportunities to cover issues regarding Israeli-Palestinian relations that have become very close to my heart.
In the process, I will move from a one-bedroom cottage surrounded by cats, goats and a puppy between Patterson and Crows Landing to renting a room in a city of 4 million people.
It will be a huge change, but all of you readers and residents will remain in my heart.
Thank you so much for making this such a rewarding experience. I truly hope and pray for great things for this community.
Change may be inevitable, but you all can help determine what that change will be. Patterson is at a crossroads. It could end up becoming just another tract-home haven or something even worse — or a place that is truly special.
Here’s to hoping for a bright future.
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I'm sad to see him leave but understand his need to grow. His stories (eventhough we all may know them) will continue to make me laugh out loud!
Thanks for the insight into Patterson and the friendship..........I know I will not be the only one to miss you around here!!!!
"Keeping it Rural"