Maria del Pilar Gonzalez first joined the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin in 2002 through the Blethen Family Minority Internship program. After six month reporting on general news, Maria rotated to newspapers in Yakima and Seattle — but always retained fond memories of living and working in Walla Walla.
In 2006, Maria was hired as the new full-time education and emergency services reporter at the U-B. She packed up her family and settled in. She was part of the award-winning projects of stories on domestic violence and Latino heritage in the Valley, while also keeping up to date on local school districts and breaking news. Five years and three children later, Maria now covers education part time.
When not shuffling children around or visiting local schools, Maria dabbles in sewing projects, dusts off her flute from time to time and is determined to grow a thriving garden. Maria is married to U-B Online Services Manager Carlos Virgen.
Recent Stories
Milton-Freewater grant helps police patrol schools
The school district-sought grant pays for mobile data systems in city patrol cars.
MILTON-FREEWATER — Milton-Freewater police will now have mobile data systems and laptop computers in their patrol cars to assist with tackling crime in the city.
Walla Walla Community College names new wine program director
WALLA WALLA — A regional winemaker and industry consultant, who is also an expert on soil and geology, has been named the new director of Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College.
Plight of the alkali bee
A Wa-Hi presentation on risks the local pollinators face is generating buzz about widening Highway 12.
WALLA WALLA — The setting is a community meeting. Officials from the Department of Transportation and farmers share different views on a proposed highway expansion. A newscaster offers an introduction and commentary, and a moderator guides the discussion.
School Board OKs resignation of member
Max Carrera's last day will be Aug. 1.
WALLA WALLA — Walla Walla School Board member Max Carrera will be leaving the board Aug. 1.
AAUW bestows scholarships on 11
WALLA WALLA — The local branch of the American Association of University Women recognized 11 high school seniors as outstanding scholars in science, mathematics, engineering and technology education.
Breaking news: Walla Walla School Board member says he's leaving board
WALLA WALLA — Walla Walla School Board member Max Carrera confirmed this afternoon he intends to resign.
Walla Walla School Board to consider planned resignation
The School District says it is treating the matter as a personnel issue and would not identify the member.
WALLA WALLA —The Walla Walla School Board will be asked to accept the resignation of a fellow board member during its regular meeting Tuesday.
Going Eye to Eye with learning
Whitman College’s student mentorship of elementary schoolers celebrates its second year.
WALLA WALLA — A Whitman College program that mentors area children marked its second year of service this week with an art show.
College Place picks principal for new high school
Walla Walla education administrator Kirk Jameson will start his new job July 1.
COLLEGE PLACE — A long-time Walla Walla Public Schools administrator has been chosen to lead the new College Place High School. The College Place School Board voted 3-2 Tuesday to hire Kirk Jameson as principal of the city’s new public high school, to open for the 2014-15 school year.
Red carpet awaits Pioneer student filmmakers
Three films by Walla Walla middle schoolers will screen at the National Film Festival for Talented Youth.
