Blue Balcita is a reporter, columnist, blogger, and editor at most media outlets in the South Shore. After founding the first student newspaper at Lake Tahoe Community College last fall, she began to also write guest columns for other local papers on a variety of social issues such as domestic violence, food insecurity, and incarceration. When she is not writing, Blue is supporting charities, working on advocacy presentations to City Council, and creating inspiring films about local women. Get to know Blue a little better in her Q&A below.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Blue Balcita!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
I founded the first ever student newspaper at Lake Tahoe Community College in the Fall 2018. In the winter quarter, I have grown the 1974 to include more student writers and have helped to get them connected to my paper’s community partners such as the Tahoe Daily Tribune. Shortly thereafter our paper’s founding, I began writing guest columns for the Tahoe Daily Tribune and began with a story about homelessness in South Lake Tahoe. After a short while, I began writing stories for South Tahoe Now on a myriad of social issues from domestic violence, incarceration, food insecurity, and teen dating violence. Then, I shortly thereafter began writing for PSTV Today and then I recently accepted a blogging position with EverythingTahoe.com. Recently, my first Lake Tahoe Action story was released about sushi in the February 22 edition.
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
My favorite moment this past year was when I walked into the Tahoe Daily Tribune with my Journalism club advisor Diane Lewis and met with Ryan Hoffman, editor of the Tahoe Daily Tribune. And he listened to what I had to say, gave me advice on being a journalist, and decided to take a chance on what a 19-year-old in a cheap business suit had to say.
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?
My professional mantra is to tell the truth and to help people through writing. My life mantra is to take leaps of faith into the unknown, ride out the bumps and to reach for the stars.
Who is your role model?
My role model is Ryan Hoffman, editor of the Tahoe Daily Tribune. He has been the best teacher I have ever known and he is a journalist that I aspire to be like.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
I love Tahoe with a passion. I am so grateful for the support I have gained from our community, my editors, Lake Tahoe Community College, and the city of South Lake Tahoe government and government officials. This will always be my home and it is the perfect place to start and have a career because of all of the opportunities and support you receive.
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
I support Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless and I have plans to be a part of that organization more prominently in the future. I also have plans to join Bread and Broth. Currently, I am working on a presentation to the city council about food insecurity and how they can make a change. I am set to make the presentation on April 2nd. Also, I am working on a film called: “South Shore Women Redefine Beauty.” This project is about inspiring young women and older to be more positive about themselves and to redefine what it means to be beautiful inside and out.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I always try to work because I do not believe in being idle. When I am not writing, I am working on my presentation and my film. When I am not doing that I am doing my school work… With all of the cold weather, I do like to listen to music and spending time with my family and or friends indoors. I feel bad for my family and friends because I think they’ve all heard the song “Brand New Man” one too many times.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds
I love Revive, Alpina Coffee, Nikki’s Chaat Cafe and Starbucks. Chances are if you roll the dice you’ll find me at one of those places. I also spend a significant amount of time at LTCC. Surprisingly, and to give them a shout out, I love hanging around our police personnel and city of South Lake Tahoe government officials. I have been on a couple ride along’s and I have been impressed with how receptive SLTPD and the city of South Lake Tahoe government has been in working with me on getting my articles out.