Justin Lawson, Neighbor

California has a funny way of bringing you back. I spent my early childhood here -- born in Santa Cruz, lived in San Diego and Fairfield -- before moving to Reno, Nev. I lived in Reno for 20 years then gave Las Vegas a try for a while and now I'm back in the Golden State. 

I went to college at the University of Nevada, Reno and got my first job with the Reno Gazette-Journal. Prep sports was my primary beat in Reno but I had the opportunity to cover Wolf Pack athletics, professional boxing, minor league basketball and baseball, an occasional Kings game and even got to interview Roy Williams, the head coach of the North Carolina basketball team. 

From Reno, I was offered a position at the Nevada Appeal where I ran the sports section on a daily basis. I can't say how invaluable my time was there as far as learning how to plan coverage so I didn't become the first person to cause the paper not to publish. 

My latest adventure was in Las Vegas where I was the nightlife writer for VEGAS.com. My nights were filled with nightclubs, bars, pool clubs and a few other adult establishments. Nothing is as exciting as the Las Vegas nightlife scene but most people can only take that environment for so long. 

That brings me to where I am now. My family and I moved to Citrus Heights recently and I'm still get adjusted to being back in California. Luckily, I get the chance to write for Patch.com and get back to what I enjoy most: sports. 

On the weekends, if I'm not at a game in person, you'll find me in front of a TV -- either at home or a local sports bar -- catching the Giants, Buccaneers, Bulls or the silver and blue of Nevada.

Aside from sports, my two kids take up most of my time and since they haven't spent a lot of time in California, I'm looking forward to showing them around and teaching them about what makes California such a unique and interesting state.