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To the valued readers of the Mountain View Voice,
My name is Esther Wojcicki. For decades, I’ve had the profound privilege of teaching journalism at Palo Alto High School, building a program that grew from a small group of students into the largest and most distinguished scholastic media programs in the nation. My journey in journalism began even before that, as a professional journalist myself, and it instilled in me a deep conviction: clear writing helps you think clearly, and communicate effectively. It also provides an invaluable service to the community. I always taught my students that journalism is critical to the effective functioning of a democracy.
That belief is more relevant than ever today, especially when it comes to local journalism. For me, teaching journalism wasn’t just about reporting; it was about empowering students with critical thinking, research and communication skills and providing the community with news. We treated our classroom like a real newsroom. They learned that quality journalism requires effort, persistence and a dedication to getting it right, and it takes multiple revisions.
Today I serve on the board of the Embarcadero Media Foundation, the nonprofit parent organization of the Mountain View Voice. This ethos of rigorous, community-focused reporting is precisely what the Mountain View Voice provides. It’s the vital source for understanding what’s happening right here in our communities – from city council decisions to school board meetings, from local events to the stories of our neighbors. Without dedicated journalists asking questions and presenting analyses, how would we stay informed and engaged in the issues that directly impact our lives?
The traditional models that once funded local news are changing, and the advertising revenue they relied on is diminishing. This isn’t just an economic shift; it’s a critical moment for the future of local journalism and our country. If we want to continue to have a vibrant, independent and professional news source that holds local institutions accountable and reflects our community’s values, we, the readers, must step up.
Becoming a supporting member of the Mountain View Voice is more than just a subscription; it’s an investment in the future of our community. Your contribution directly supports the salaries of our dedicated journalists, covers production costs, and allows for expanded coverage of the stories that matter most.
Please join me in supporting the Mountain View Voice. Commit to becoming a supporting member today. By doing so, you are not just ensuring the survival of a local publication; you are actively shaping the future of journalism.
Sincerely,
Esther Wojcicki
Esther Wojcicki is a nationally recognized educator, author and Embarcadero Media Foundation board member.
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