Manny Fernandez

Hometown
Fresno, Calif.

College
California State University, Fresno

What I Do
I help explain and explore California as a place, a story and an idea.

How I Got to The Times
I covered New York City for the paper’s Metro desk, writing about pay phones, trapped cats and a guy who lost his pants in Brooklyn.

Interesting Fact
I’ve been the rhythm guitarist in a series of garage bands that went nowhere, loudly.

Most Important Business Lesson Learned
It’s a writing lesson: The more complex the thought, the shorter the sentence.

Favorite Movie
“The Godfather” I and II

Favorite Book
“The Great Gatsby”

What I Like About Working for The Times
The writing in The Times shines because of its clarity. In a world filled with so much jargon and spin, I am grateful to work for an institution that values the power and beauty of clear, simple writing.