Yesterday, I became a stringer…

The Independent Coast Observer, published in Gualala California, asked me to replace a retiring reporter. I’ll be researching, writing and photographing feature stories. Wow, I feel like I’ve finally earned the journalist badge I wear.

April 2017 will mark 48-years this small town weekly has served Mendonoma coast. (Mendonoma is a nickname for Mendocino and Sonoma Counties where they touch and the county line blurs a bit.) ICO is the only source of local news in the area, covering the coast from tiny Elk to Jenner, about 70 miles.

ICO is a printed newspaper, surviving against tough odds in a screen-obsessed culture. ICO prints breaking news, community issues, births, deaths, meetings, entertainment and events. You’ll find local sports scores, classified ads, legal notices, video picks and a park ranger nature column. A section called Sightings, is for reader submitted wildlife photos. It all hits local newsstands and subscriber’s mailboxes each week.

I’ve worked with editor Steve McLaughlin, since May of 2015. Steve has published my stories and photos in the Fort Bragg-Mendocino Coast Packet, a tabloid covering entertainment, food and shopping in Fort Bragg/Mendocino area. Steve gave me my first ink on the coast. He and the Packet staff have been superb to work with. They’re wonderfully supportive of my ideas and submissions.

Thank you for your confidence in me, News Editor, Chris McManus and Editor & Publisher, Steve McLaughlin. I am honored to be included. ICO is an American treasure, an endangered and quickly disappearing treasure – the independent, small-town newspaper.

Thanks for stopping by, —MaryGo