.
Feedback

Comment of the Day: 'Let's Hear It for Local News'

A blog post about the local newspaper stirred a fiery debate this week. Here's a place to share all the things you appreciate about your local news sources. Show your support in the comments.

A hot conversation on Martinez Patch this week began with a blog post about the Martinez News Gazette and "what has become" of the paper in recent months.

Readers of the Gazette responded, either supporting the criticisms or asking for leniency as the paper goes through a process of reorganization.

"We have a new editor at the Gazette and we need to give her some time to get up to speed, like you would expect with any new job," said commenter Anne Mobley.

"The fact is we are LUCKY that Martinez even has a newspaper!" said commenter Donald E. Barkley.

The conversation grew more heated, and commenter Harriett Burt said it "proves that people truly care about the Gazette."

So, in appreciation for being one of the few cities in America that has managed to retain a local newspaper (The Martinez News Gazette), as well as developing online sources for news (Martinez Patch), and holding the attention of the big county paper (The Contra Costa Times - Martinez section), let's hear it for the local news outlets covering Martinez.

Share your messages of appreciation for the local news media in the comments below.

To spark a conversation, raise an issue or tell a story, start a blog on Martinez Patch or send a letter to the editor at Martinez@Patch.com.

For news updates: | Connect on Facebook | Follow Martinez Patch on Twitter | Get the Martinez Patch email newsletter | Click "keep me posted" below.

Emily Henry (Editor) March 22, 2013 at 05:18 pm
I love working in local news, especially in cities like Martinez where residents are invested in the community and want to participate in the civic process.
Chris J Kapsalis March 22, 2013 at 07:45 pm
I need local news because like the Lice salon or pockets. If we did not have local Martinez news who the heck would cover it outside our area for us? we would have to reply on word of mouth and rumor. And we all know how a story changes in that old circle game. The Lice salon could have become a brothel by the time it got to you. We need local news. Also, RDA got shot down because of our local news. A lot more positive I could say about local news. It just covers things important to you, of interest to you, but not usually to the masses. Save the Gazette.
DONALD E. BARKLEY March 22, 2013 at 11:04 pm
Dear Emily Henry: First Would like to say that from my Vantage Point/ I find it self evident and easy to agree with Your statement that, You Love working in Local news! I know some shall Excorate Me for "kissing up", I Care Not! Doing Your job make's "Walking a Tight rope" seem easy..I Publicly.TY! I feel that same for the other Local new's outlet's mentioned above and those that take their jobs seriously and not adgenda driven!
I must also say I was HONORED to be Included as a "Poster" With both Anne Mobley/ a Lady that has created in Martinez a successful business, despite, not because of help from some in Government, well done Anne..TY! Also my "Junior High" Teacher Harriet Burt! First as a Teacher and I can understand why Mary Gillespie, with her standards, would have enjoyed Harriet's "curriculum"! She was a "Fun Person in class, but you left her class having been "TAUGHT" not just passed on I also owe "MS BURT" (Teacher respect there) many Thanks for her TEACHING's! To get back yo Emily's thread post/ INDEED in this World that seems in most communities, if You travel much, We are indeed Very Lucky, that we have/Not just the Gazette however what in most are's, would be considered a "Plethora" of sources I am darn happy that such exists!
DONALD E. BARKLEY March 22, 2013 at 11:06 pm
Today's sources come in many different ways! Such as the Patch being now read I would advise citizens avail themselves of all outlets! I often think of such as a "Deck of Cards" being shuffled together, creating an entire "Unit"! a deck in such case, say a parlance of ideas presented in many way's! absorb as you may and then using self- scholarship try to put together the most "Reasoned hand" aka fact's and conclusions! So many time's the results won't "Make You Happy" or satisfied however you have a "Starting point"!
Very honestly I cannot state too empathically with all imperfections, I would hate to lose any new's "outlets" that we have! YES THANK YOU FOR LOCAL NEWS~~~~~~!!!
Barbara Glenn March 23, 2013 at 10:47 am
I agree that we need a news source which caters to the needs of a small locality. The population of The Great State of California doesn't need or want to read about our lice salon or our scraps about how we do not need another Section 8 housing project. We have bigger newspapers to cover those issues. WE need to know what time and date the new pool will open, what band is playing at Armondo's and who cut down the beautiful trees on Alhambra Ave. The Martinez News Gazette has been around since the Gold Rush covering local happenings,some of which are now considered historic. Do we want to lose that? No. Could it be improved? Yes. But I DO consider The Patch a reliable source for local happenings and I support it 100%.
Donna Allen March 24, 2013 at 12:22 pm
I faithfully read every issue of the Gazette. I love the local news and Mr. Sharkey' column.
Donna Allen March 24, 2013 at 12:22 pm
I faithfully read every issue of the Gazette. I love the local news and Mr. Sharkey' column.
Donna Allen March 24, 2013 at 12:22 pm
I faithfully read every issue of the Gazette. I love the local news and Mr. Sharkey' column.

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Martinez Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
margot bray May 31, 2013 at 03:18 pm
Silly me, I was hoping for news about Beavers and Otter's around Martinez waterway's. I look forwardRead More to that.
Randall Hopper May 29, 2013 at 10:02 am
Paint the railroad trestle that crosses Alhambra. It's an eyesore.
margot bray May 29, 2013 at 01:28 pm
I agree, but the money is going to other places...whatever they are.