Mike Dobbins was born in San Francisco. The son of a career military man, Mike lived in many places before landing in California in the early 60's. San Diego was home for high school and college – San Diego State University, and early career – sheriff's deputy. An on-the-job injury forced retirement and a move to Nevada County in 1977. In 1978, he was one of the original "seven" at KNCO Radio in Grass Valley. Two years later, he moved to The Union newspaper to begin a six-year stint as general assignment reporter, wire editor and, ultimately, assistant managing editor. In 1986, Mike went back to KNCO as News Director until June, 1994, when he took over operation of The Wildwood Independent (TWI). In 1996, TWI became a twice-monthly publication. Married to a fourth-generation Grass Valley native, the former Linda Bertoncini, they have three grown children and four grandchildren. Hobbies include golf, "which I'm poor at," the Civil War, about which he's always trying to learn more, and photography.