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Revision as of 21:13, 6 October 2018

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==Leadership==

==Leadership==

===Joan Seppala===

===Joan Seppala===

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The most prominent member of the organization is Joan Seppala.  As the editor of the local [https://www.independentnews.com newspaper] coupled with her propensity to donate substantially to environmental political causes, she is often at odds with individuals and groups that have development interests.

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The most prominent member of the organization is Joan Seppala.  As the editor of the local [https://www.independentnews.com newspaper] coupled with her propensity to donate substantially to environmental political causes, she is often at odds with individuals and groups that have development interests.  

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Here are some comments by Joan about herself and the role her newspaper has played in the community.  These comments are summarized from opening remarks by Joan Seppala at a presentation on FAKE NEWS.

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"This year, for the first time in 55 years, The Independent newspaper has been accused of fake news and alternative facts. This is surprising because of the particular role our newspaper has played in the Tri-Valley over decades. At our own peril, we have supported issues that benefit the whole community. 

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In 1962 at age 24, I moved to the Bay Area expecting to find work as a journalist. The San Francisco Chronicle and other newspapers offered me jobs only as a society writer because I was a woman. I happened to meet three investors who agreed to start up a Tri-Valley newspaper. The first issue of the Independent was printed in September 1963.  

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Enduring boycotts and harsh criticism from citizens, business interests and politicians,  our editors, writers and sales force have had one unwavering mission — to advocate for what is best for the community, and to be fair and tell the truth.

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We supported a 1972 measure to curb rampant growth that was affecting schools, city budgets and air quality. Those who disagreed organized a boycott of our advertisers. We plunged from 50 pages 3 times a week down to 6 pages once a week. 

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Scores of residents loaned us money. Some gave us $100 for a day; Margaret Tracy, an environmentalist, gave us $10,000 for several years. Monthly, a newly hired Lab scientist loaned me his beginner’s paycheck. However, I had to keep returning the cash so he could cover his monthly bills. Some say I married Lynn Seppala for his money. 

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The Independent survived, and worked with others to build thriving cities with urban growth boundaries. I learned that if you are true to interests of the broad community, not your own pocket book, and are accurate and balanced, citizens will rise up to support you. 

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Our readership is high because we are the newspaper of record, printing both sides of key issues. We publish all letters to the editor, whether critical or praising. 

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The Independent has an unusual management structure that has worked. As owner and publisher, I am out in the field listening to people, involving myself in grassroots advocacy. Our editor, Janet Armantrout, calls the shots back at the desk. She decides what to report and in what depth.  She keeps The Independent even-handed and accurate as I follow my passion to envision an inspirational community."

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===David Rounds===

===David Rounds===

Mr. Rounds is a retired newspaper editor for the Bay Area News Group.

Mr. Rounds is a retired newspaper editor for the Bay Area News Group.

Friends of Livermore - Revision history

Dh: Summary remarks about Joan Seppala and her history of community advocacy