By Megan Robertson

It has been a month full of change here at the Sunset Beacon and Richmond Review newspapers. In mid-May, I purchased the newspapers from former publisher and editor-in-chief Michael Durand.

In April, Michael had health issues arise. He decided to take an extended sick leave to figure out what was ailing him. In May, he received a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma and soon after entered hospice care. I am sad to say that on Saturday, May 30, he peacefully passed away after 70 years of life. He will be dearly missed.

The impact that Michael has had on this community can not be overstated.

Before devoting his career to journalism, he spent his time as a photographer, talented musician and event producer traveling the world. 

He purchased the Richmond Review and Sunset Beacon newspapers in 2019, after working with founder Paul Kozakiewicz as a writer, photographer and editor.

In his tenure as publisher and editor-in-chief of the Richmond Review and Sunset Beacon, he grew the size of the papers and the team of people creating them. Now, at the time of his departure from the papers, there are more than 50 contributing editors, writers and photographers who work to put both papers together each month (many of whom are student interns from local high schools and college programs.) Michael brought the papers to social media and online to RichmondSunsetNews.com, amassing online advertisements and a monthly online readership of more than 25,000 people from all over the world. He paved the way for new streams of revenue for the local publications, including Patreon accounts where neighbors and local businesses could support our community effort. In a time when the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered many neighborhood papers, Michael’s leadership ensured that residents of San Francisco’s west side would not go without access to free, quality journalism by and for their community.

Further, while doing all of this, he took the time to mentor young journalists, like myself. I have been involved with the papers for the past two years. When I first started as a contributing writer in the summer of 2024, I had just finished a degree in Media Studies, with an emphasis in journalism, at the University of San Francisco. I was living in the Outer Richmond and working as a freelance reporter.

On Saturday mornings, I would leave my apartment on Anza Street and walk across the block to Simple Pleasures Cafe to write. I noticed how, like clockwork, on the first Saturday of each month, neighbors would sit and read the latest issue of the Richmond Review together. 

As someone who has spent my life prioritizing work that is in the interest of community building, I was touched to see the place the paper had in the neighborhood. 

That summer, I worked up the nerve to send a story pitch to Michael, not sure if the publications were looking for new writers. I would quickly learn that it was one of the greatest joys of Michael’s life to give everyone a chance – a philosophy I share. He liked my idea, and we met in person at the Heart of the Richmond Night Market. I spent the rest of the year working as a contributing writer, and at the start of 2025 I became the features editor.

Michael has been an incredible mentor, friend and teacher to me and so many other young journalists. I will always be grateful for the time we spent together and truly touched by the opportunities he has given me. 

These papers have continued to exist and to hold community resonance because of Michael’s leadership. I remain committed to continuing and furthering the vision of these publications that has guided Michael’s tenure. He often described his philosophy to me using the analogy of a mirror – where these papers are designed to reflect the community back to itself, with a priority of featuring artists, local businesses and those shaping our neighborhoods for the better. I am dedicated to ensuring that the Richmond Review and Sunset Beacon will continue to be that reflection and a reliable source of news for San Francisco’s west side.

When I spoke with Michael last, he requested that I share with you all how moved he was by your kind messages and GoFundMe donations for his hospice care. Thank you, truly, for your support of Michael and the papers throughout the last few months. 

Michael has accomplished so much and touched so many lives during his time with us. His legacy cannot begin to be summed up in one column, so, these newspapers will continue to be a tribute to Michael’s life. In our July issues, I will share some more information about Michael’s legacy and speak with the people who knew and loved him. I will share information regarding a celebration of his life with you all as soon as the details are in place. 

Our team will table at the Richmond Branch Library’s open house on June 6, the Sunset Night Market – Dragon Boat Festival on June 12 and the Heart of the Richmond Night Market on June 20. I look forward to connecting with many of you there, reflecting on Michael’s life and answering any questions you may have.

Thank you for your continued support. It is an honor to be a part of this community and do this work. 

Megan Robertson is the publisher and editor-in-chief of the Richmond Review and Sunset Beacon newspapers, and RichmondSunsetNews.com. She can be reached at Editor@ RichmondSunsetNews.com and at 415-212-8934.