Hello Sammamish (and Issaquah).

Forgive me for the cliche opening, but a greeting is in order.

My name is Joe Livarchik and I will be taking over coverage of our Sammamish community for the Issaquah-Sammamish Reporter. I couldn’t be more excited to do so.

I’m crossing over from my previous desk, where my responsibilities were sports and education coverage for sister publication, the Mercer Island Reporter. I will still serve as a Mercer Island contributor, but my primary focus will be the happenings and going-ons of your bustling city.

A little bit about me: I am a transplanted midwesterner who’s lived in the Pacific Northwest for nearly a decade. Seattle seemed to make its way into my blood at an early age. As a child, I rooted for the ’95 Mariners. The first NBA jersey I purchased was an adult-sized, green Shawn Kemp Sonics uni, which I still own. It’s still way too big for me, but I never grew out of it, which was my goal when I bought it as a 10-year-old.

I’ve commuted to the Eastside from my Seattle home for the past three years, all in the name of journalism. Prior to that, I helped bring back school newspapers at two Seattle high schools. I do this work because I believe in journalism and I believe it serves a purpose, now and always. I believe newspapers significantly contribute to the culture of an area and still are a powerful, influential tool. I love getting the opportunity to be a fly on the wall in community meetings and events, as well as getting the opportunity to rub elbows with the movers and shakers of the city.

I enjoy getting the chance to share in the moment of a story, and then having the privilege to put it all together.

I’m looking forward to getting to know you, the community members. I can’t wait to learn more about what makes you and your community tick. I’m anxious to dive in and tell your stories.

To do so, I’m going to need your help. If there’s something you think that I should know or should be writing about, do not hesitate to reach out. You can reach me at 425-654-0386 or email me at jlivarchik@issaquahreporter.com. Or you can tweet at me @jlivarch.

(I apologize in advance for the email address. My name is long, clunky and Czechoslovakian.)

Give me a call. Shoot me an email. Say hello, because I can’t wait to meet you.