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OPINION / COMMENTARY / OBSERVATION
Yucca Valley, California-As most of my readers know, I am a big fan of print media because I love the smell of ink and the tactile factor of holding a book or newspaper in my hand. I use colored pens for highlighting and I have dogged many pages of my reading material. My husband and I will share our take of the same stories during our exchange to update any new information. We spend many hours discussing various stories that interest us and not necessarily the same subjects.
Each newspaper has their own style of reporting the news, however, lately it seems that most are relying on their membership to Associated Press for their stories due to reduced staff and writers during this economy. Many present day readers are going straight to their computers and hand-held devices for 24/7 breaking news, including their favorite local blog, Cactus Thorns, which has unlimited space to dedicate to their coverage.
Will this electronic news media be the demise of print journalism or radio media? I do not believe that is the case based on my personal preference. I think there is room for everyone in this news arena through cooperation.
In preparing a story to post, I may send an email to the “party of interest” to ask questions or email the entire story for corrections or comments. I was taken back when one news outlet recently replied to my email, ” I do not respond well to threats. Good luck with your working title.”
My questions were directed to possible missing information of a story on the Brehm Youth Park where the estimated annual maintenance costs for the citizens of Yucca Valley will run $350,000 per year. I asked why that was not reported in the story.
My second question asked why there was no report of the date and time of the Town Council Special meetings for Tuesday May 10th and Wednesday May 11th, at 6 pm. The Press Release was sent out by the Town Clerk on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 6:20 pm, plenty of time to be included in the Saturday edition, yes? No?
I also asked why the names of the 9 applicants for appointment to fill the vacant Council seat were not noted in today’s Saturday issue especially since there were 8 letters to the Editor on this matter. The redacted applications were posted May 5, 6:24 PM (Thursday) according to Yucca Valley Town Manager, Mark Nuaimi.
I rely heavily on our local newspaper for dates of various events and meetings. I rely on our local newspaper for their stories reported by seasoned reporters with photographic memories of the events. Many citizens rely on our local newspaper to stay informed of events and upcoming meetings.
I did apologize for any misunderstanding of the initial email of inquiry, and the questions still remain unanswered. I think I touched a nerve of my local community newspaper with my questions.
As I see it, it appears they are withholding information. Was it an oversight or by design? Either way, I am disappointed as a long time subscriber.
My Local Community Newspaper,
In case anyone missed the information in Cactus Thorns concerning the names of the applicants — and their qualifications and experiences — all 50-something pages of it – you can find it by clicking on this blog thread: The Appointee, Yucca Valley Town Council. Then go to the bottom of the page and click on the PDF file Press Release entitled “Special Town Council Meeting May 10 11, 2011.”
Sounds like the old Soviet Union for the YV Town Junta to ‘APPOINT’ someone to lead the town. Is this democracy in action? It communism right here in our back year!
Bet on the JUNTA appointing someone who will go-along, to get-along. That’s the political system in Yucca Valley. And you can bet your wife that they will do all they can do to keep it that way. They of course are the Town Council.