‘New York Sun,’ R.I.P.

So read the editorial headline in the Washington, D.C. Weekly Standard last week, mourning the closing on September 30 of that popular New York City daily newspaper. The New York Times called the Sun “lively” and noted its numerous devotees across the cultural spectrum of that city, also mourning its loss.
As we say a tiny sort of farewell ourselves, just to publishing on Thursdays, and say “Hello!” next week to publishing on Tuesdays and Fridays, we note the tributes given our namesake on the other side of the nation. Certainly, no one would confuse New York City and Sonoma, though we have run into a surprising number of former New Yorkers, who add to our wonderfully diverse local community. Nor would anyone confuse our Sun for the metropolitan daily, though we work hard for our recognition, too.
The New York Sun’s motto was a wonderful message of community: “It Shines for All.” Its staff worked hard to shine the bright light of investigation into all facets of the community they served, as well to deliver that insight for everyone there. In our phrasing, the Sun, here and in the heavens, naturally brings “Warmth Light Truth” – those are the messages we want to bring out of the community, for the benefit of the community.
The eminent Wall Street Journal noted, “The New York Sun has been what a quality newspaper ought to be: serious about its principles, passionate about its city and nation, intelligently edited and, not least, fun.”  High praise – those are words that should be appreciated by any paper.
We relish our growth to publishing the Sun twice a week, as an opportunity to serve the Sonoma Valley community even better. We appreciate the popular reception for our brand of news, opinion, information, and insight. Our commitment is to deliver even more, more often, and we appreciate in advance your comments about how we might continue to improve.
The New York Sun was known for celebrating “constitutional government, equality under the law, free enterprise, and the American idea.” Presumably, most Americans would agree those are valuable principles, as we certainly do, too. The challenge at all levels, though, is how to provide those opportunities to all Americans – that’s what makes politics so interesting.
We have tried not to lean too far in any direction, politically, and that remains our goal. Yes, our several columnists can be infuriating and illuminating, sometimes at the same time, but they can make us check our own convictions, which can be a good thing. And we hope that our editorial voice is one that causes you to reflect on local issues, perhaps in new ways.
Ultimately, the Sonoma Valley Sun is your paper; its value is filling a need for local residents and businesses. Enjoy it, and use it. In our view, we thrive only when we serve you best.
See you on Friday, next week!