Kathy Strong began her journalism career as a researcher for the CIA on various intelligence publications. For the last forty years, she has been an author, journalist and magazine editor, having written or contributed to more than twenty guide books and countless magazine features, covering all areas of the world. Her own books that sold in bookstores nationally are: “Southern California: Off the Beaten Path”; “Recommended Bed & Breakfasts: California”; “Driving the Pacific Coast: California”; “Driving the Pacific Coast: Washington and Oregon”; “The Seattle Guidebook”, and “Recommended Island Inns: The Caribbean”. Her latest travel book, “Secret Southern California”, is a culmination of the native Southern Californian’s knowledge and love for the off-the-beaten-path treasures of the southern part of the state, as well as “secret, authentic” finds at every turn.
Strong’s latest book debuted this spring, “The ’57 Chevy”. The first in a series of investigative journalist Cam Donovan Mysteries, the fictional series combines Strong’s passion for curiosity and mystery with vivid destination descriptions. She especially loves doing personal appearances and book signings for her books, with four coming up in April on the newest book.
Strong served as the editor of Desert Magazine, introducing a new approach to local news by highlighting local celebrities and icons in Southern California’s desert. She then launched two more successful, regional magazines, “LQ” and “92260”. The journalist has also served as the editor and now consultant for the Greater Palm Springs Visitors Bureau.
Kathy’s Gannett/USA network newspaper centerpiece column, GOING MY WAY, appeared in newspaper travel sections for a decade. Strong also was a regular contributor to USA Today’s travel magazine, “GoEscape.” In addition, she has also been a contributor to “Forbes Travel Guide”, “Palm Springs Life Magazine” and USA Today weekly magazine and is currently contributing travel articles for both “AARP The Magazine” and “AARP Bulletin”.
Kathy, a recent widow who has lived in the desert for more than three decades, finds her greatest joy in her three grandchildren and two grown “theme park” sons: Brent, the Executive Creative Director of Walt Disney Imagineering and Trevor, the Lead Application Programmer for Universal Orlando.
She presently serves on the board of Amy’s Purpose, dedicated to pet safety awareness and sponsoring vet tech scholarships, and the past years served on the boards of Shelter from the Storm, Palm Desert City Exchange Programs, Desert Recreation District and Desert Town Hall. She recently served as the Vice President of the Palm Springs Women’s Press Club, in charge of monthly programs. Kathy is currently serving as Q&A onstage personality for Palm Springs Speaks speakers program.