I grew up on the west side of Chula Vista and I have fond memories of this city since the time I could walk. I was a paperboy for The Star-News when holding such a job was a badge of honor. Back in the mid-1980s, my brothers and I delivered The Star-News twice a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays, for a rate of $2.35 per month.
We eventually moved up to the “big leagues” and worked for the San Diego Union (the morning edition) and subsequently the San Diego Tribune (the afternoon edition), and continuing after the merger of both newspaper companies. During my time as a glorified messenger of good and bad news, I realized how valuable a newspaper was (and still is) and how much it meant to its readers. It is through this medium that we are informed of local, regional, state, national, and world events. People become aware and involved in educational decision-making, financial trends, political issues, recreational activities and/or social events.
Moreover, the newspaper is a great source of literacy. As an English Learner, I became fluent in my second language thanks in part to this medium written in black ink. The Star-News is still a joy to read after more than 40 years of living and working in the South Bay. I fear, however, that it might succumb to a buyout by a large news corporation or collapse on its own. According to Brookings Institute, “over 200 counties are home to neither a daily nor weekly newspaper, leaving over 5 million individuals in the United States without a local newspaper. In addition, over 60 million individuals reside in the 1,530 counties home to just one local newspaper.”
We need a voice for the people of our coastal, border communities of Bonita, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, National City, San Ysidro and south San Diego. Without The Star-News, we will have to settle to the endless (and often misleading) news feed on social media accounts, limited radio and television coverage, and partisan opinions around our diverse neighborhoods. I hope and pray that The Star-News will be around for another 118 years to provide a platform for commentary, local reporting, and more importantly, accurate and truthful information.
Filemón Jara resides in Chula Vista.
