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Esther Wojcicki is a member of the Embarcadero Media Foundation board of directors and a longtime Peninsula educator. Photo courtesy Esther Wojcicki.

To the Valued Readers of Danville San Ramon,

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 Danville San Ramon. This ethos of rigorous, community-focused reporting is precisely what the Danville San Ramon 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  Danville San Ramon 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 Danville San Ramon. 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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