Life & Style
Tech Bits
Vol. 01, No. 01
Webb’s Rule page 4
Best DSLR Cameras page 4
Serving the San Gabriel Valley Since 1966
February 08, 2017
Did You Hear? We Are Back! Mid Valley News Returns to Publication
by by Andy Michaels and Staff Writers El Monte
Rising costs, increased competition, and the changing landscape of advertising are forcing community newspapers to consider new strategies or close the doors. In November 2016, the digital age collected another statistic when Valley Communications, LLC stopped publishing The Mid Valley News. After 50 years of being a voice of El Monte and surrounding communities, Mid Valley News suspended printing operations indefinitely leaving members of the community wondering what would happen next and many key community leaders without a public voice. In December 2016 a small group of dedicated and passionate alumni of Mid Valley News, Mid Valley Radio, and Valley Communications formed the Mid Valley Multimedia Center to continue print operations and expand the mission and vision into digital publishing and multimedia education. According to Kenneth Ferreira, local business owner and board member of the Multimedia Center: “To borrow the words of Mark
Courtesy Photos
Twain, reports of our death have been grossly exaggerated. Opportunities exist for a local publication to exist and thrive as long as they are willing to evolve and educate the communities they serve.” The Federal Communications Commission, in their 2011 report “The Information Needs of Communities”, acknowledged a need for small com-
munity media outlets to fill a void left by commercial media interests and national community broadcasters that need bigger audiences to sustain larger budgets. Smaller communities, community organizations, and public agencies are left behind and no one communicates between members of a community who want fact based information
from a local voice and organizations, service clubs, and activities who need to distribute, encourage, and promote projects, program and activities. Mr. Ferreira continued: “To serve our community better and increase access, the paper will now focus on digital distribution through social media and online access. By creating the Mid Valley Multimedia Center with a group of creative, passionate, and dedicated visionary, we have greater access to distribution channels such Mid Valley Radio and soon we will begin providing video, graphic design, and classes Mid Valley News continued on page 4
San Gabriel 3rd Annual Lunar Festival
by Devette Johnson San Gabriel
The historical San Gabriel Playhouse was the backdrop for the 3rd Annual Lunar Festival this year. The main street in front of the playhouse was blocked off for foot traffic only. The street was lined with booths from civic events, council members, crafts, community members and food. If you have ever attended the 626 Market at San Anita racetrack, this is a mini version of that. There were food trucks, bands, live performances, and a children’s play area. This event continues to grow every year. The food ranged from grilled squid, spiral potatoes, Mexican corn, neon colored lemonade, pork belly tacos, teas with boba, gourmet cookies and ice cream. The list of foods is too many to list. The weather was prefect for families, couples and just the local neighbors too. The Chinese New Year is one of the most important traditional
San Gabriel's 3rd Annual Lunar New Year Festival. Courtesy photo by Devette Johnson
holidays in the Chinese culture. It is also know as the Spring Festival in China. The traditional celebrations
of the festival include eating reunion dinner with family, giving red envelopes, firecrackers, new clothes, and
San Gabriel Lunar Festival continued on page 4