Thank you to all who remind me daily of these words

I appreciate all the feedback in person, text and email about my recent posts on the City of Eureka, EPD; especially the one last night.

I appreciate all the tips and the kudos for covering news others do not.

I appreciate the one on one feedback. I understand the many reasons you chose to give me feedback privately. 

I appreciate those who support independent reporting.

The value of what I do and have done for this community and for society is not measured by likes, social media or comments. Those are superficial and impersonal. 

You remind me every day of what this blog, the coverage and my taking risks means to you and the difference it makes in society. Human beings, morals, integrity are priceless.

You trust me. I put my name, my picture and my contact information out there and I am accessible to the community, families, regular readers and respectful strangers. I don't need to hide.

I have been the avenue;  the voice for many of you. More of you are speaking up. How many voices can they try and silence?

It hasn't been easy for you. It hasn't been easy for me to take the road less traveled; to speak the truth. They have tried to silence your support for me; shut me down; make it hard for me financially and personally. They have tried to destroy me out of fear, hate, spite and inadequacy. For doing my job. For watching out and speaking up for victims. For exposing the darkness.

I don't do this blog for the petty, cowardly, backstabbing haters. They don't matter. I do it for myself and you. I do it because it is needed. 

Don't allow anyone to silence your voice. Speak the truth. Be who you are.