Where did that happen? It’s a basic question for reporters and readers. A great way to convey that information is with a map. Reader Tom Miller from Carlsbad emailed last week saying a story last Sunday about the historical significance of Bumann Ranch in Encinitas could have used one.
“Some context, a map perhaps, would be helpful. (Instead) we are treated to a picture of two tourists enjoying a tree swing. Good for them, but does nothing to help the reader. Similarly, many stories on open space/land development lack maps or other visual aids.”
He’s right.
A reporter or editor, including me, can request a map from the graphics department. The email was a good reminder to recognize the opportunity to inform readers. His email was forwarded to the beat editors.
New U-T reporter on caregiving
The U-T recently strengthened its coverage of elder care and caregiving with the addition of Lauren J. Mapp.
Mapp ed the paper last month. She graduated in May from SDSU with a bachelor’s in journalism.
Her prior journalism experience includes writing for the Indian Time and The People’s Voice on a Mohawk Reservation in New York, and for the North Coast Current and inewsource, both online publications in the county.
Much of Mapp’s coverage appears on the CaregiverSD.com website and in the Caregiver print section that runs the third Tuesday of each month. Her articles also will run in the daily U-T. For example, a piece about gunlocks distributed by Alzheimer’s San Diego appeared Oct. 27 on B1.
“I think a lot of times people think of caregiving as taking care of aging parents or parents with Alzheimer’s, but it can be your partner who has PTSD. It can be your child with epilepsy or some other type of illness or disability. I’m really trying to show the diversity in what caregiving is. My grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a couple of years ago, so it’s also a very personal issue for me.
“In this beat, I really want to bring a voice to the public about caregiving and help people know exactly what it is.”
If readers have ideas or events to tell Mapp about or have questions, her at [email protected] or (619) 293-1828.
