By Michael Durand
Thank you to the readers who made me aware of the recent incident at a Richmond District coffee shop where one of our columnists, Julie Pitta, took down a political poster.
The details are all over social media, including Pitta admitting she removed the sign. Even though she said she received permission from a store employee, the act was not acceptable, and Pitta said she regrets her action.
Unfortunately, this incident has reflected negatively on the Richmond Review newspaper and the RichmondSunsetNews.com website. I am responsible for making sure our publications act only in the best interests of our community, so I spoke with Pitta this morning and informed her that her column has been terminated.
Writing a column every month is hard work and I appreciate the effort our columnists put into their pieces.
We strive to present a balance of opinions and now have a vacuum on the left-leaning side of the commentaries. I am looking for a replacement for that spot. If you are interested, please contact me at Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com.
Thank you for your loyal readership.
Michael Durand is the editor and publisher of the Richmond Review and Sunset Beacon newspapers and the RichmondSunsetNews.com website. He can be reached at Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com.
Categories: From the Editor
Richmond Review/Sunset Beacon 
I think canceling Julie’s column is a severe over reaction. The action by Julie was regrettable. There would have been a better way to let the readers know Julie’s behavior was unacceptable. For example, cancel Julie’s column for three months. Julie’s columns reflect a point of view which, until she arrived, was not available to the readers. I think the decision to summarily jettison Julie is due to the undisputable fact her opinions are not in synch with many old timers in the Richmond. This provided them with an excuse to demand her removal. Ownership took the bait.
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Sorry, as an editor in chief of 20 years with the Marina Times we have fired writers for less. Julie Pitta broke the law. Remember Jason Kruta who stole campaign literature? He went to jail and has a mugshot. It was inappropriate for Pitta to have a column in the first place —she was a board member of political activist group S.F. Berniecrats. Even they forced her resignation.
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Agree with Susan. Ironically we have a measure on the March ballot about Ethics! And I understand that Julie Pitta is attempting to get Connie Chan re-elected by literally “tearing down “ her opponent!
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False. I’m a Berniecrats board member and the resignation was not forced. It occurred prior to the sign incident. You are disseminating untruthful information.
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Lee, I will agree with you that Julia’s opinions are out of step with our community values.
I also wholeheartedly agree with and support the Richmond Review’s decision in this matter. While you are within your rights to disagree, please know that attacking this independent local news source only exacerbates division within our community. We can do better.
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Nathaniel. I take strong!!!! exception to the comment Julie’s opinions do not respect “our community values.” As someone who is a strong advocate of the First Amendment your comment affirms what I wrote earlier..Folks who disagree editorially with Julie were able to use her poor judgment and push her out. I would only say, “Be careful what you wish for….”
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Or, she could have behaved lawfully and decently.
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Thanks Michael! Hopefully Connie Chan will get a new campaign manager, and Julie Pitta will retire from anti democratic vandalism as well.
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Thank you; it was the right decision to separate from Ms. Pitt, it’s time for a new voice. It’s o.k. to make a mistake or exercise very poor judgement (look up mea culpa Ms Pitt). It’s not o.k. to make excuses, blame others, or try and become the victim and that’s what I saw in Ms. Pitt’s response. I’m still baffled by her actions; if you believe in your candidate, why remove and tear up the opponents poster?
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Thank you for upholding our society’s core democratic values.
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Thank you Mr. Durand. I believe you did the right thing. Julie Pitta’s actions were not only unethical, but could be seen as criminal. I’m sure there are plenty of left-leaning writers out there that you can consider who will fairly present their views.
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