I decided to use this extra space on the candidates’ page to remind readers that we don’t take sides on issues and don’t endorse candidates. The reason why is to try to present a balance of news and views and not use the power of the press to sway opinions one way or another.

Imagine if I wrote a column strongly urging voters to vote “yes” or “no” on Proposition K. Would readers trust that my editorial decisions weren’t skewed in that direction?

I am often asked about my position on issues. I usually respond, “While I’m not a true believer in astrology, I do see issues as a Libra might – balanced. I see both sides and rarely have a strong feeling in either direction.”

It’s not as though we wield the power of a publication like The New York Times. They have an editorial team that researches issues and comes to conclusions. We are a friendly neighborhood newspaper, albeit in a very opinionated city!

It has been observed that some of our columnists seem to lean toward the “right,” i.e., more conservative than progressive. I have said in the past, and repeat again, that I would love to feature a writer with more left-leaning ideas. Writing a monthly column is hard work. I have great respect for the columnists in our publications who churn out their columns monthly, and have for years.

If you or someone you know wants to commit to a monthly column, please send me an email at Editor@RichmnondSunsetNews.com.

Letters and Comments

You probably noticed this paper is a lot bigger than most issues. Thanks to a stack of political ads, we expanded from 16 pages (sometimes 20) to a whopping 32 pages. That may not rival the big boys, but to us, this is a monster.

It has allowed us to publish more and longer letters to the editor. (See page 30.) We generally publish on our website every letter we receive, but are limited to the number we can print in the paper.

We would love to produce a paper this size every month. Maybe if we finally get a sales person who can bring in lots of ads, or if more of our readers see the tangible benefits of supporting our Patreon campaign, we could continue putting out more substantial issues. I am thrilled to have so many new writers interested in contributing. Thanks to all of our inspired creators.

Our website averages 20,000 views per month, and we get a fair number of comments submitted. Every comment is reviewed and either approved or not. We do our best to give everyone a voice, but we don’t see the merit in sharing comments that are nasty, ones that stoop to name calling or are repetitive.

We are pretty good at getting to the comments on our website every day. If you don’t see your opinion immediately shared, please give us about 24 hours to approve it. We value sharing various perspectives and appreciate positive comments rather than diatribes tearing other people down. If you think someone is wrong, counter their argument with facts.

Go to RichmondSunsetNews.com to read letters, columns or other stories that don’t make it into the paper.

Special Thanks

One of my favorite parts of my job is to set up our table at the community events. We haven’t missed one of the phenomenally successful night markets in the Richmond and Sunset districts since its debut last fall in the Sunset. Congratulations and thank you to District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio who introduced the idea of the night market event to our City last year. In just three outdoor markets on Irving Street, approximately 50,000 people showed up to enjoy our westside community. The Richmond District markets were also very successful. Thank you to the teams who work so hard to organize these terrific events.

We also took part in the annual Richmond District Autumn Moon Festival recently and are looking forward to being at the Clement Street Art Fair on Oct. 19, noon-5 p.m., between Sixth and Eighth avenues.

I am particularly grateful to our wonderful readers who take the time to come up to our desk and tell us how much they appreciate the work we do. It is inspiring and gratifying to get so much positive feedback. It validates all of our behind-the-scenes efforts.

I share those thanks with our great writers. We have a puny budget and cannot fully compensate the writers and photographers who are the backbone of our publications for their efforts.

Helping us a lot are our generous donors and Patreon supporters who have assisted us with our expenses. Printing and delivery costs, and the writers’ stipends, are significant and we are very grateful for their support. Thank you!

Please visit our website to learn more about our Patreon campaign: RichmondSunsetNews.com.

It is encouraging that we have also been visited by quite a few new westside residents. It’s heartwarming to welcome them to our community. Some come from other San Francisco neighborhoods and some from around the country. We met a brand new neighbor who moved here from Utah recently. Welcome to our new friends!

One issue on which I will take a stand: Please register to vote and make your voice heard at the ballot box Nov. 5.

Final Note

I wrote an online column titled “Correcting Quentin Kopp’s September Column – He Endorses Philhour”

I wrote the following: “I spoke with Quentin Kopp this morning and he acknowledges his September column was not accurate when he wrote that District 1 supervisorial candidate Marjan Philhour endorses Proposition K and is in favor of closing the Upper Great Highway to private vehicles. Philhour recently voted against passing Prop. K at a meeting of the SF Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC).

“In his column, because of his opposition to Prop. K, he endorsed Supervisor Connie Chan for reelection and encouraged voters not to vote for Philhour. Since learning of his error, he has changed his recommendation to encourage voters to vote for Philhour, and suggests listing Chan as their second choice. Kopp regrets the mistake.”

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.