Statement from Founder Daniel Diaz

SANTA ANA, Calif. — I’ve spent a lot of time lately thinking about what it takes to keep doing something you care about.

I’m in my twenties, continuing my education, working part-time, and running The Santanero. Like a lot of people my age, I’m also trying to keep up with bills, financial responsibilities, and figuring out what comes next.

The Santanero is something I don’t want to give up on. I care about this paper, the stories I get to tell, and the community I cover. After all, it is the city I was born in.

But I’m also learning to be realistic about what I can take on simultaneously.

There’s a financial reality to running an independent publication, specifically one that began with a few dollars. Reporting costs money. Equipment costs money. Keeping things running costs money. I’m keeping up with my responsibilities, but I’ve also had to look for other opportunities to make ends meet.

Because of that, some things are going to take longer.

I mentioned plans for a Santanero webstore. I’m putting that on hold for now. I’d rather save up and revisit it when I can afford to do it than take on another expense just to get it launched. I also mentioned plans to host a debate this election season. That too will be placed on hold.

I also want to be upfront about what publishing may look like going forward.

The Santanero (aka myself) will continue reporting, but consistency may be a little bumpy for the rest of this year and into next year. There may be weeks with several stories and others that are quieter. There may be things happening in Santa Ana that I simply don’t have the time or resources to cover.

And it isn’t because I’ve stopped caring or because The Santanero is going away. It’s the reality of running this independently while also going to school, working, and trying to build some financial stability. It is my personal belief to always be transparent about my status and the status of the newspaper.

For those wondering about crowdfunding, I’m also considering bringing back some form of community support or crowdfunding. I haven’t made a decision yet. If I do, I want to do it carefully and with clear boundaries. Supporting The Santanero should never buy favorable coverage or influence what I or any future contributor reports.

For now, I’m taking things one story at a time. I’m still here. I’m still writing. I’m still learning how to make this work. And I still believe in what The Santanero can become. I’m just asking for some patience along the way.

Thank you for sticking with me.

Respectfully,

Daniel Diaz :)
Proprietor, Santanero Media Group, LLC.
Founder, Publisher, Editor & everything else in between, The Santanero

View this in PDF form.

Learn more about The Santanero here.

Learn more about Santanero Media Group, LLC here.

For inquiries, contact Daniel Diaz by email at ddiaz@santanero.org.