The Cupertino Courier
Letters & Opinions
Back in the newsroom; I couldn't stay away
By Michael Cronk
I'm happy to report that I'm back.
Back in journalism. And back in Cupertino and Sunnyvale--two communities I enjoyed writing articles about for many years.
The people, places, and events in those two cities occupied a significant portion of my attention, mind and emotions during the decades I worked as a staff writer for the San Jose Mercury News. I spent many hours at City Hall, schools, service clubs and people's homes gathering information for news and human interest stories. I left the Mercury News in November 2005 after a 35-year career that started just a few weeks after graduating from San Jose State University with a degree in journalism (reporting and editing). I did my college internship at the old Sunnyvale Standard newspaper, and one of my first assignments at the Merc was as a beat reporter covering Cupertino in the early '70s. Since the mid 1990s, Cupertino and
Sunnyvale were part of my regular beat.
Through the years I've written about virtually every community in Silicon Valley, and all different types of news crime, education, city government, courts, sports, and features about interesting people, businesses and organizations. It was a great job because it allowed me to meet so many interesting individuals, but the daily deadlines were hectic and stressful. So, I fully expected to enjoy my early retirement and to be happy filling my days polishing my golf game, completing the lengthy "honey-do" list, and having time to read the New York Times and the four other daily and weekly newspapers I subscribe to from front to back every morning.
But, guess what? There was still printer's ink in my blood. So, when the opportunity came recently to become editor of the Cupertino Courier and Sunnyvale Sun, I was more than willing put the golf clubs away for weekend use only and break out my dress shirts and ties.
Not just any job in journalism would have had the same appeal. It was the strong commitment to community news that attracted me. I've always been a strong believer in the importance of community news. I think it's become increasingly important in this era of fast-paced, instant access to global communication. The Courier and Sun (and its sister weeklies) provide readers with a depth and breadth of local news they can't get anywhere else. Like combat reporters traveling with the troops, we're "embedded" in the midst of the action. We're here to let readers know about the things that will or could affect their lives in an immediate way.
There are issues in both cities that have caused passionate disagreements and will probably continue to do so. That's what happens when you're dealing with proposals that could change the way residents live their lives, do their jobs and raise their families.
Accurately reflecting what's happening in such ethnically diverse, technologically-innovative and highly-involved communities is a continually challenge for the newspaper. Based on what I've seen in just my short time in this newsroom, I can assure you that everyone on the staff is committed to fairness and balance in their reporting. As trained journalists, we're objective. But that doesn't mean we can't also be involved and concerned about the people and issues in our communities.
During this time of year, we're often reminded about the warmth and acceptance that comes from being "home." Perry Como tells us there's no place like home for holidays and I have to agree with him. It's just that nowadays I feel as if I have four hometowns San Francisco, where I was born and raised, Los Gatos, where I live, and Cupertino and Sunnyvale.
I want to thank the many individuals who have called or emailed congratulating me on my new position. It's appreciated, and it makes me feel I am being welcomed back home.
Like any good neighbor, my door is open to you. Call me if you have story ideas, questions or concerns.
Michael Cronk is the editor of the Cupertino Courier. Contact him at 408.200.1055 or mcronk@community-newspapers.com.
