FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

A new year

We’re ringing in a new year here at Crescenta Valley Weekly. Unlike the rest of the world, our new year begins not on January 1, but on September 3. I started the paper in 2009 and the first CV Weekly was distributed on September 4, 2009. That was the only time the paper was distributed on a Friday, but due to the Station Fire, many of our distribution locations were inaccessible on Thursday, September 3, and we had to wait a day. In addition to September 4, 2009 being the only Friday the paper was distributed, it is the only CV Weekly paper to ever have a photo-prominent cover. (I have about 10 copies of that first issue still available; stop by the office and we’ll give you one.)

Mary O’Keefe, Charly Shelton and I are the only ones from those early days who are still on the CV Weekly staff. Over the years we have had several office managers, writers, photographers and delivery people who have been part of CV Weekly. I have had the opportunity to look at some of the names of our former employees and I am ashamed to say I did not even recognize some of their names! Yet each of them contributed to the success of this local newspaper.

When preparing to launch the paper, I knew I had two options: either I made a “big deal” about the upcoming launch to generate excitement and buzz. The downside of this theory, however, was that other newspapers in our area might pay more attention and make CV Weekly less relevant. The other option was to keep quiet (which is not easy!) and not “let anyone know” about my plans. I chose option 2.

On September 4, the first copies of the newspaper landed in residents’ driveways. Most were surprised to see the CV Weekly in front of them!

Over time, I reduced the number of “free” newspapers I distributed and then stopped free delivery altogether, although people had the option to have the paper delivered weekly for a subscription fee. From day one, people started taking out home subscriptions (thanks, Jerry and Mary, for being my first subscribers!). As time went on and the number of subscribers and advertisers grew, I realized that this venture was not just “my dream” but an important part of the Crescenta Valley… and Glendale, Sparr Heights, and even Toluca Lake! When I think of a comment made by Declan Floyd, Senator Anthony Portantino’s district representative, I am reminded (and glad for it): “If it’s not in CV Weekly, it didn’t happen!”

With the beginning of our 16th^th year I would like to thank my designers, salespeople, writers, photographers, proofreaders and office managers for their hard work in making CV Weekly the incredible newspaper that it is.