Bremner brings experience, passion and talent to the job
Gilroy – Heather Bremner has returned to the scene of many happy childhood memories.
When she was a young girl, Gilroy was the place where her parents would pick up Bremner and her sister after their annual visit with grandparents in Nipomo.
“This was our halfway meeting point so neither would have to drive the whole way,” Bremner said. “I have happy memories of Gilroy because of that.”
Gilroy has changed a lot since those days and so has Bremner. After growing up in Santa Rosa and getting a journalism degree from the University of Oregon.
Bremner is replacing Kristen Munson, who now covers public safety for The Dispatch.
After graduating from college, Bremner, 27, spent three years with the Imperial Valley Press in El Centro, a 15,000-circulation daily east of San Diego, where she developed a passion for covering education.
The San Diego chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists recognized her work with an honorable mention award for a three-part series investigating why Mexican children crossed the border to attend American schools.
“I like the variety of education,” Bremner said. “It’s not the same ol’, same ol’ all the time. You get to write features and hard news.”
Bremner also enjoys her role as pubic witness at school board meetings and other events where important decisions are made for the community.
“If people don’t go to the meetings, they can do whatever they want,” Bremner said. “People don’t always know all the ins and outs of what goes on. We’re the watchdog.”
Dispatch Executive Editor Mark Derry praised Bremner as a good writer who will brings valuable experience to the newsroom.
“It’s wonderful to get an experienced education reporter who can translate the jargon of education into meaningful information for our readers.”
