Every community has gems.

So far, in my new position as editor of the Issaquah-Sammamish Reporter, I’ve discovered a couple in these communities.

For example, who knew kokanee salmon were native to the Lake Sammamish watershed? I was amazed last week when I read the Reporter’s story about how the rare salmon are faring in their swim back to their spawning grounds in Sammamish. And Poo Poo Point’s sweeping view across Issaquah and Lake Sammamish? How breathtaking.

While I admittedly am not an expert about all things Issaquah and Sammamish, I am adept at engaging with new communities. I enjoy learning new areas, meeting new people and — most of all — learning your stories and what’s important to you.

I have been in the reporting industry for over 11 years, previously serving as editor of the Federal Way Mirror from 2013 and as regional editor of the Kirkland andBothell-Kenmore Reporter newspapers for nearly six years. I also developed my writing chops as a journalist for the Bellevue Reporter.

An upstate New York transplant, I have lived in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and four children for over 20 years.

I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective to local issues and will strive to make this newspaper even more relevant to the community. To do so, I need to hear from you regarding what issues are important to you and how the Reporter can do a better job covering those issues.

In the coming weeks, I look forward to getting out in the community and meeting you. I welcome your feedback about this newspaper and, as always, I encourage you to contact me with story ideas and continue to sound off on issues that are important to you.

Carrie Rodriguez: editor@issaquahreporter.com; 425-453-4233