Leslie Perales Loges, Patch Staff
- Herndon, VA
Leslie Perales graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor's in journalism in Dec. 2007. A week later she moved to Northern Virginia and spent two and a half years at the Observer Newspaper in Herndon and Reston where she fell head over heels in love with community journalism.
While in college Leslie was an editor at the student newspaper, worked for GVSU's news and information department, interned at WOOD TV8 and worked at the occasional cell phone store or coffee shop. <br><br>Leslie lives in Reston Town Center with her fiance and reads voraciously in her spare time. When she's at her desk you'll find her listening to jazz guitar like Joe Pass but in the car she'll be rocking out to Muse, Metric or The Sounds. She adores autumn and all things hula hoop and hoopdance-related—in fact she's a certified Hoopnotica hoopdance instructor, and you'll sometimes see her hooping around the community.
<b>Beliefs</b><i><br>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. </i>
<i>This disclosure is not a license for me to inject my beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: I hope that the knowledge that my beliefs are on the record will cause me to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that I failed in this mission, please let me know.</i>
<b>Politics </b><i>-- How would you describe you political beliefs?</i>
I would say my personal politics are fairly moderate. It's always worth listening to what both sides have to say before making decisions and I don't believe any single issue is simple or has a black or white answer. While I may lean a little on the left on one issue, I could be a little on the right on another.
<b>Religion</b><i> -- How religious would you consider yourself? </i>
I was raised Catholic, attending Saturday evening or Sunday morning masses growing up. I went to catechism classes, helped lead the youth group, led weekend retreats and went on years of mission trips as a teen. In college I became more open to religions around the world and have become a non-practicing Catholic, figuring out where my beliefs truly are, though I love the tradition and ceremony of mass.<br> <b><br> Local Hot-Button Issues</b><i> -- What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?</i>
Herndon's biggest issues right now are Metro and downtown development. What happens with development in Herndon over the next few decades will have major impacts on the future of the town and it is important Herndon's residents are kept informed on the issues and participate in the discussion.
Posting Activity
Herndon|News|
Amateur "Ham" Radio Class and Exam
Herndon|News|
Herndon Historical Society Meeting Tonight
Herndon|News|
N'Used, Ellen Moyer to Hold Reston Interfaith Fundraiser
Funds raised through Gals Who Give will be donated to Reston Interfaith to support its programs.
Herndon|News|
Herndon House Fire Causes $165K in Damages
Electrical fire started on the outside rear of the home.
Herndon|News|
Town of Herndon Proclaims March 31 to April 6 Local Government Education Week
Council thanked the Town fo Herndon staff for the vital role they play in educating the community through the town's many initiatives.
Reston, VA|News|
Rescue Reston Reorganizes Board, Plans New Community Events
David Stroh chosen as new executive director and president.
Reston, VA|News|
Vote: RA Board of Directors Election Voting Ends April 5
Reminder post cards with user name and password mailed this week.
Herndon|News|
ArtSpace's 2013 Fine Art Photography Exhibition Opens April 23
Thirty five area photographers will have work featured in the exhibit.
Herndon|News|
Town of Herndon Receives Distinguished Budget Award
Herndon received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the Government Finance Officers Association for the 22nd year.
Herndon|News|
Foust to Hold County Budget Meeting in Herndon
District residents will get a chance to ask questions about the budget process and county spending Wednesday.
Herndon|News|
Herndon Council Honors Herndon DeMolay and DeMolay Week
DeMolay week took place March 17-24.
Herndon|News|
Herndon Police Report: Sign Stolen from Town Green, Grey Goose Vodka Stolen, Motorcycle Repeatedly Knocked Over
The victim reported their motorcycle was knocked over on three separate occasions causing damage to the mirror and windshield on March 22 in the 600 block of Dulles Park Court.
Herndon|News|
Herndon Rotary Senior Senior Prom is April 20
Prom will be held from 2-4 p.m. at St. Joseph's hall.
Herndon|News|
Park Users Reminded to Leave Landscape Undisturbed
Park Users Reminded to Leave Landscape Undisturbed
Herndon|News|
Local Community Members to be Honored at 2013 Herndon-Reston FISH Fling
Honorees include Claire Dessart, Kay Walter, Peggy LeReche and the Bradley Farm Haunted House volunteers.
Herndon|News|
Area Potters Create Works of Art for Empty Bowls
Empty Bowls raises money for Food for Others, helping feed families and individuals in need in Fairfax County.
Oakton, VA|News|
Oakton Students Named to 2013 All-State Band, Orchestra
One named to All-State Band, two named to All-State Orchestra.
Herndon|News|
Herndon Students Named to 2013 All-State Band, Orchestra
Three named to All-State Band, one named to All-State Orchestra.
Herndon|News|
Herndon Council Preview: Council to Decide on HPRB Appeal
Short agenda includes three presentations, two public hearing items.