As the new editor of The Willow Glen Resident, this is how I envision our newspaper and its importance within the community.

As one of the paper's past local reporters, this was my approach to researching and covering the news within the community. This was an approach that enabled me to meet a wide variety of community members in Willow Glen—business owners, residents, city officials and school administrators, teachers and trustees. As the paper's editor, I plan to continue getting to know more members of the community and listening to what they have to say.

As someone who also lives on the border of Willow Glen, I frequent the community often. I shop on Lincoln Avenue and in other sections of the community. I eat in Willow Glen restaurants and I enjoy the special community events here.

I also understand that Willow Glen is a unique neighborhood with special qualities and needs. So how the newspaper portrays the area's past, present and future is important to me.

I understand that Willow Glen is a place hungering to preserve its sense of history and maintain its special, small town charm, while still wanting to attract viable businesses so it can grow.

I also know it is a community that takes pride in the renovations and improvements it's made during the past decade to Lincoln Avenue and area parks, shopping centers and neighborhoods.

And I know Willow Glen is a community concerned about its future, its ongoing relationship with the city of San Jose, the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative program, its schools, the look of its streets, and the ongoing "monster home" issue.

Willow Glen is a proud and active community that is frequently vocal about proposed changes. And although change is inevitable, the difficult part is finding the right balance.

The right balance is the same goal our newspaper faces, as we report on issues that may not always be comfortable or popular but are part of Willow Glen's complex and growing community.

I look forward to this challenge. I am excited to once again work with the many people I met as a reporter in Willow Glen and to have a chance to meet many more.

I am also looking forward to sharing my personal opinion and concerns as the paper's editor, and would like to continue seeing this section of the paper as a strong forum for the community, a place where citizens can share their opinions about important issues, vent their frustrations and praise those who have done something exceptional. In essence, I would like the opinion pages to be a print version of those old-fashioned chats neighbors used to have by their backyard fences.

One of the great things about Willow Glen is that it often functions like its own little city.

I've watched the greater Gardner community work tirelessly to develop a master plan under the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative in an effort to improve their neighborhood. I've seen the resurgence of Lincoln Avenue. I've witnessed neighborhoods coming together on issues affecting their immediate vicinity, and I've seen the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association regroup during the past year and thrive under new leadership.

Speaking up can bring about change—and the above are only a few of the many examples of what makes Willow Glen such a strong, active community. This strong sense of activism can prove inspiring to other neighborhoods searching for their voice.

As a reporter I discovered that Willow Glen is more than a community of wonderful, tree-lined streets and quaint homes. It is a place where people really care. I am excited to be part of it, and I openly invite you to call, write or email me anytime. My door is always open; the welcome mat is out, so please stop by.

Moryt Milo is the editor of The Willow Glen Resident. She can be contacted at 408.200.1051 or mmilo@svcn.com.