Your story is our story.
Our city is vibrant, diverse, and always evolving, and we believe it deserves a news source that reflects its heart and soul. Whether it’s local government decisions, community events, or the stories of everyday people making a difference, Asbury RipRap is here to bring you the news that matters—fairly, factually, and free from outside agendas.
RIPRAP /RĬP′RĂP″/NOUN
Rocks or other materials used to shore up an embankment,
deter or prevent erosion, guide shipping, or serve as a temporary mooring.
Grassroots News llc
We created this news source with one thing in mind - community first.
Asbury Riprap is published by Grass Roots News LLC, a locally formed team committed to independent journalism and civic engagement(Daniel Baum, Jill Potter, John Scully). It was born out of a shared belief that Asbury Park deserves accurate news that is factual, trustworthy, and deeply rooted in community ideals & beliefs. News that empowers informed decision making.
Readers can expect regular columns and features covering:
- Local government and civic updates
- Board of Education coverage and school-related news
- Urban planning and development using simple, easy-to-understand language
- Stories from youth, elders, and longtime residents
- Sustainability, history, wellness, and more
From The Rip — the editorial team’s take on current issues — to The Rap, a reader-driven space for community voices, the platform will highlight the unique rhythms of life in Asbury Park. Regular columns from local experts and residents will make Asbury Riprap a true reflection of the people it serves.
The Team

John Scully, CEO
John is a lifelong resident of New Jersey and has called Asbury Park home for the past five years. He lives here with his wife and their two dogs. John has loved the sense of community in Asbury Park since the day he moved here. That love of the city has prompted him to volunteer and he currently serves as the City’s Zoning Board Vice Chairperson.

Jill Potter, Editor
Jill Potter has called Asbury Park home for 26 years—longer than she lived in her childhood hometown—and now proudly claims this vibrant city as her own. After 31 years working in New Jersey’s criminal courts, she retired from the Judiciary and shifted her focus to local journalism. Along with two co-founders, she launched Asbury Riprap, a grassroots news outlet where she now serves as Editor. When she's not reporting or editing, she runs a thriving positive, reward-based dog training business serving much of Monmouth County.

Dan Baum, Creative Director
One of the founders of b2creative, a boutique design studio based in Asbury Park. His creative expertise includes – art, creative direction, marketing, product development, and web development. Born in Nebraska, Dan moved to Manhattan juggling different careers as an office/house cleaner, professional actor, cater waiter, and travel writer. He bought his home in Asbury Park in 2002 because of a dear friend and resident Michael Liberator's clarion call to the LGBTQ community to come make AP their home and playground. He considers himself very lucky.
Contributors

Angela Ahbez-Anderson
ANGELA’S REPORT
Asbury Park Councilperson. Voice-over Artist for Radio/Television

Dae'Sani Clarke
City Council & Board of Education Meetings
Graduate of Monmouth University with a degree in Communications and Journalism

Thomas Caltabilota
Pet Safety
Dr. Thomas Caltabilota is the founder of City By The Sea Veterinary Hospital. Opening his very own hospital has always been his dream.

MIchael Cook
The Cookie Jar
Contributing Writer for WERRRK.com, Philadelphia Gay News.The LGBTQ Consultant for the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City NJ and producer

Eric Galipo
Planning Matters
Member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and a Partner at FCA Design Firm

Chef Rai Guerra
RAVES & CRAVES
Owner of a catering and private chef business, “Rai’s ‘Infamous’ Kitchen". Resident of Asbury Park for 25 years.

Ashley O'Neill
Ash-trology
Astrology Rooted in Facts, Ghostwriter for Personal Health Coaches

Megan Safina
Summer Reads
Avid Reader of All Genres

Mike & Nancy Sodano
A Few Minutes With...
Immersed in media production since the ‘70s, owned and operated ShowRoom Cinemas
October Guest Contributors
Jean-Albert Maisonneuve
Asbury Park Resident. Former council member in Cranford, NJ, and liaison to both the police and fire departments.

