Lindsay recall, getting info into The Recorder

Some weeks it can be tough to come up with a single topic for my column, and this is one of those weeks.

It’s not that I don’t have something to write about — just ask my wife if I have opinions — but there was no single topic that would fill this entire space, so I figured I’d do something a little different — take on a couple of topics.


Lindsay Recall Effort

If it was a dog leading the effort to recall the five members of the Lindsay City County, right now it would be walking away with its tail between its legs.

The recall effort, no matter how well intended, never seemed to gain any steam. It was poorly organized from the get-go and while it does appear a few hurdles were placed in front of the recall proponents, the excuse that in the end those who signed the petitions were worried for their jobs, just doesn’t make sense.

My guess, they never even came close to having enough signatures. If they did have enough signatures, with so much anger expressed by those proposing the recall and talk that they already had enough signatures a week ago, those petitions would have been filed.

The excuse that the names of those who signed might be revealed, is just that, an excuse. The elections office told us the names would be kept confidential, that’s the law. Even if some names did get out, that’s what the process is all about — to stand up for what you believe in.

I understand the anger of citizens in Lindsay, but now is the time to move forward. There is an election in November when three-fifths of the council seats up for election, so voters will ultimately have their say, just a few months later and at a lot less cost to the city.


Special Events

With the winter months quickly disappearing, the scores and scores of special events every spring are about to begin. Nearly every school, club or organization will hold some sort of community event over the next three to six months.

Normally, March 15 through the end of June are some of the busiest weekends in town, followed closely by the period of Sept. 15 through Nov. 15.

Now, I know clubs and organizations are going to want to get publicity for their event and in many cases, coverage of their event or events, in the paper.

I know the next four months will be busy and I want to give some tips on how to get your event publicized before it happens and how to increase your chances of it being covered.

First, I always tell people it is much more important to get information out about your event, especially if, as it is in most cases, it is a fundraiser, way before the event. I would rather help an organization get more people to participate, attend or contribute, than cover something that no one knew little about and was not very successful.

At least two weeks out, maybe more depending on the event, information should be sent to The Recorder.

Now, there are several ways to do that, but e-mail is the best — send information to recorder@portervillerecorder.com.

Fliers are OK, but that will probably only get you a listing in the calendar. A press release with enough information for a short story, will get you more notice in the news pages. Now, don’t ask to have it run two or three times. We generally run an event notice once, then put it in the calendar. The “two or three times” request is for advertising to deal with and, by the way, placing an ad helps draw more attention to your event.

You can also fax information to 784-1689, mail your information to: Newsroom, 115 E. Oak Ave., Porterville, CA. 93257, droop off at The Recorder office, or, as a last resort, call the newsroom and give someone the information.

When writing a press release, be sure all the pertinent information is there — who, when and where — but tell if possible what cause will benefit from the event, or what is special or unique about it. The more information you give us, the more we have to work with.

Also, and I stress this, be sure the information is correct and there is a person and contact information in case we have questions.

I feel The Recorder plays an important function in getting information out about community events. It is something we have been doing for decades and it is one of the many things that makes The Recorder special.

So, get those cards, letters, fliers, e-mails and more ready. We are.

Rick Elkins is editor of the Porterville Recorder. He can be reached at 784-5000, ext. 1040, or by e-mail at relkins@portervillerecorder.com. You can also follow him on Twitter.