It's time to subscribe to the Times

     It's time to subscribe to the Berkeley Times, and to support the local hometown paper in Berkeley. The pilot edition is scheduled for publication on Thursday, September 9, 2010. You won't find it online, instead look for the first edition delivered to your front door (or very close to it).

     In each printed edition of Berkeley Times, subscribers will read local stories about what matters most to citizens: the education of its children, the safety and conditions of its streets, its homes and its parks, prep sports and the local art scene. Most of all, people will find stories about themselves – some of which will be submitted by its readers, those with something to say about Berkeley. There will be announcements of births, engagements, weddings and deaths. Obituaries in the Berkeley Times will be elaborate when appropriate and published at no charge to grieving families.

     An independent newspaper, the Berkeley Times will be entertaining, humor-filled and kid-friendly; after all, this paper is especially intended to attract young readers. Overall, the tone will be warm and friendly and remind readers why they love living here.

     Though Berkeley Times will have a website, editions will not be available on line. For that reason, non-subscribers seeking the news of Berkeley or a specific story must find a printed copy – or better yet, subscribe. Independent newspapers are rare in America these days, and for good reason. Advertising revenues in this economic climate cannot sustain them. For that reason, for this community newspaper to become a reality in Berkeley, its citizens must underwrite its operations.

     For the 50 editions that will be published each year, the BASIC subscription price is $50. However, Berkeley Times will require even greater financial support from those who can afford an even greater contribution. Though the demands on individuals to contribute will be relatively modest, the payoffs to the community will be immense – if everyone contributes something.

     As our children grow and thrive reading about themselves in their local newspaper, they will come to know one of the most extraordinary communities in the world – one struggling to live in grace as it strives to provide excellent education for all. Overall, the Berkeley Times is about growth and learning, about creating community – it’s really about love.