News and Notes: 3.15.11 Beware the Ides of March

Story ideas are everywhere, but need to be in our paper. Use the exchange papers we have (on the black table) to look for ideas, think about current events and how those could get a local angle, think about what is happening around campus and/or the city of Hercules.

• write down five story ideas complete with an angle and suggested sources. You will turn this in.
• EXAMPLE: in light of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, we should do a story on earthquake preparedness. People need to know what to do in the event of a major earthquake in Hercules.  We should have a story on what people need to do to be prepared. Sidebars could show earthquake preparedness supply kits (where to get them and costs). What should they do if they are at school? What should they do if they are at home? What goes in an earthquake kit? How prepared is the city of Hercules to take care of us? Sources could include fire department or police officials, county office of emergency services personnel, FEMA website, American Red Cross website (calling local offices would be better), Costco and other retail websites or local stores (there's on in Albany or Berkeley) that sell earthquake preparedness supplies.
• the detail above is sufficient for credit
• You will pitch your stories in class on Wednesday (moved from today).

All professional development must be completed by Friday, March 18.