Editor’s note: A farewell to SN&R

This is not a note I wanted to write. But it’s the right time for SN&R, and for me, to step down as editor.

This is my last week, but I’ve been on semi-furlough for more than three months. By leaving now, I can create space for a new leader who can spend more time on seeking a financial path forward for SN&R.

I leave knowing that I did all I could to keep SN&R going, as other alternative weeklies closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like any job, this one had its ups and downs, mostly ups. I’ve learned a lot about community journalism and about Sacramento. I think I’ve followed through on most of my mission when I started in November 2018—to keep strong local news coverage and to add more voices to the community debate. And I’m proud of the work we’ve done—some of which was recognized with statewide awards from the California News Publishers Association—and particularly proud of our locally focused coverage of the pandemic, police reform and the 2020 election.

I want to thank Jeff vonKaenel and Deborah Redmond again for this opportunity and their support. And I want to thank our readers, whose donations and encouragement kept us going during the pandemic.

SN&R’s transition to publishing mostly online was not easy, but it was made possible by the hard work and commitment of the editorial staff—those who have moved on to other jobs and those who remain. I wish them all the best.

I wanted to stay here through the most important election in my lifetime, so I’m gratified that was possible—and that I had the chance to write about Donald Trump’s defeat and the end of his presidency.

So what’s next?

I’m joining CalMatters, where I hope to continue spotlighting issues and communities that don’t get enough coverage.

But I’ll always be rooting for SN&R.