A newsletter’s “character” can be defined in part by its topics and format, in part by its journalistic style. The choice of topics depends on a number of factors, including issues of concern to the neighborhood and subjects of interest to individual writers. Format and layout are a product of tradition combined with the creativity of the current staff. Style, however, is more difficult to pin down, because each issue features a unique lineup of reporters and writers—a combination of staff regulars and resident contributors from the neighborhood at large. But a thread of commonality runs through the mix: we are all neighbors writing for neighbors.
Our newest staff reporter/writer is Tekla Hoehn. Upon moving to Beaumont-Wilshire several months ago with her family, she picked up a copy of our September/October issue and was impressed with the relevance and personal feel to the articles. She also came across my pitch in the Editor’s Notes column for a volunteer to fill a staff vacancy, and soon she was in contact with me, asking how she could help out. I introduced Tekla to the Board at the September meeting, and she shared her family’s delight in moving to such a friendly, neighbor-helping-neighbor community like Beaumont-Wilshire. Tekla makes her journalism debut in this issue with interview articles that exude a personal warmth and joyful vibrancy. Enjoy.
The Letter to the Board editorial is by a longtime Oregonian who grew up abroad. In addressing the demolition/development controversy, the author harkens back to her European roots as a primary influence on her viewpoint. It’s a compelling analysis, written with conviction and heart. Not coincidentally, our newsletter continues on with its series of articles about the BWNA-initiated demolition/development movement (renamed “United Neighborhoods for Reform” or “UNR”), both because our neighborhood association is in the thick of the campaign and because the topic is of concern to an increasing number of neighborhoods across the city. Not the least of which is our own Beaumont-Wilshire as indicated by poll results published in this issue.
So, happy winter holidays to you and your family, and enjoy the eclectic mix that is a hallmark of this newsletter’s character.