Times Forum Was ‘Chance to Interact’

Reporting on community news is probably the most difficult and important part of a newspaper’s job. Understanding the dynamics of a region such as the San Gabriel Valley is further complicated by its constant evolution. But the Los Angeles Times last week took a big step toward broadening its perspective with the San Gabriel Valley community forum in Arcadia that gave residents a chance to interact with the newspaper and each other.

If The Times is going to do a good job of covering community issues, it needs the help of area residents, for without a diversity of input, coverage is likely to fall short of what it should be. I am glad that I and other concerned persons had the chance to teach and learn last week. San Gabriel Valley journalists have now been reminded how important grass-roots interaction is, and we have become better informed about how to more effectively interact with the Fourth Estate.

The Times is to be commended for initiating a community dialogue in the San Gabriel Valley and seeking feedback. Now the challenge is to translate a newly found understanding into strengthened and enriched coverage.

LILY LEE CHEN

Monterey Park