Before becoming the editor of Sierra Madre Patch, John Stephens spent three years as the Managing Editor and Associate Publisher for Beacon Media's chain of weekly newspapers including the Pasadena Independent, Arcadia Weekly, Monrovia Weekly and Sierra Madre Weekly.

Prior to working at the papers, John wore a variety of editorial hats for two independent book publishers including Pasadena-based Prospect Park Books, which publishes arts, culture and dining guides for cities across Southern California.

John is currently working as Trends Editor at The Huffington Post in New York.

A graduate of the University of Georgia's English Department and a native southerner, John is unable to explain why he doesn't have a southern accent.

Hometown: Alpharetta, GA

Birthday: April 3

Beliefs: At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.

Politics

How would you describe your political beliefs?

Liberal with a dash of libertarianism and a chaser of fiscal conservatism. As the son of southern conservatives who picked up and moved to the left coast, I have been heard to say, "nothing could temper the raving liberal like a move to California."

Are you registered with a certain party?

I am a proud member of California's fastest-growing political party as each year I consistently "decline to state."

Religion

How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious)

I was raised as a Methodist and have always enjoyed spiritual and philosophical inquiry, though I would not consider myself to be particularly religious.

Local Hot-Button Issues

What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

It seems there's always something new in Sierra Madre on which to take a side. Much of the time, it's about development.

Where do you stand on these issues?

I grew up in a sprawling suburb that refused to slow itself in order that we might have at least a few trees left standing. At the same time, both my father and grandfather made their living in the home-building industry. I believe this experience gives me a unique point of view when it comes to both the fruits and wastes of the development machine.