Gus Chavez Resigns from Union Tribune's Latino Advisory Council
Open letter to the Latino community from Gus Chavez
Members of the San Diego Union Tribune Editor's Latino Advisory Council,
"It is with deep regret that I take this time to inform you that I, effective immediately, chose not to be a member of the Council due to the recent changes in ownership of the newspaper. While welcomed public announcements regarding journalistic and editorial integrity have been made by the new owner, Chairman & Publisher Douglas F. Manchester, I remain concerned and skeptical that forward progress in reporting news as well as editorial fairness influenced to date by the Latino Advisory Council may be short lived.
My withdrawal from the Council is also driven by the fact that a son of mine is gay and whose life style is in direct conflict with the personal philosophy of the new owner Douglas F. Manchester as demonstrated by his open financial support for the passage of Proposition 8. Needless to say my personal philosophy and my love for my son is in direct contrast to Manchester's position regarding personal freedoms desired and enjoyed by Americans.
I commend the work of the Latino Advisory Council on many fronts, however, much more needs to be accomplished if the Union Tribune wants to be nationally known as a first class superior newspaper that is inclusive of the journalistic needs of all communities in the region.
I give special thanks to Mr. Jeff Light, Editor, for being open to our suggestions and taking action on our recommendations for change that bring the Union Tribune closer to the Latino community.
My son will soon be home for a joyous family Christmas gathering and I just felt compelled to disassociate myself from the Union Tribune for the reasons stated in this communication.
I plan to share my withdrawal from the Council with members of the Latino community".
Sincerely,
Gus Chavez
Comments
| 2. | Lori Saldaña | my website | Thu Dec 22, 2011 @ 02:40PM |
Thank you for your service and commitment to our community and your family. You have made many contributions to San Diegans that I and many others appreciate. But I join your concern that the new owner may take the paper (or what remains of it) in a troubling direction.
FYI, my father, Frank Saldaña worked as a reporter for the Evening Tribune for 25 years, before they merged with the San Diego Union in 1992. From him, I learned first hand about the Copley's guild (union) busting tactics. Dad may have been the first Mexican-American reporter at the Tribune, and went on to become a founding member of the San Diego Press Club. He mentored many other Latino journalists who continue their work today in San Diego and beyond.
So again- many thanks for your efforts. They are appreciated! And all the best to you and your family in the holidays and New Year-
Lori Saldaña
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