Dear Editor,

In reading the latest edition of The Student Voice, I couldn’t help but to notice something that caught my attention in a couple of the articles that you printed, and hope that you could please explain why this was so.

On page 3, you have two black/white pictures beneath the headline, “Raising Substance Abuse Awareness.”  While the captions covered the description of the pictures, there was no substantial story to cover the important areas of “who, what, where, how or why” that every story should address. 

As a student who has received their certification from the Addictive Disorders Studies program, have taken the California State exam and is now actively working in the field of Alcohol/Drug Addictions, I found that this article could have reached an audience that needed the information regarding the dangers of substance abuse.

Later in the edition on page 8, there is a color picture of a local sports bar that covered those very questions any article should address. 

I have nothing against our local businesses, I just found it sad to see that where The Student Voice could have provided valuable information to its readers about the dangers of substance abuse, and instead covered a local bar that offers fundraising, or special college nights, “from 8 p.m. to closing,” as a means of bringing in more clients.

Again, I have no problem with the local businesses being featured; many of them offer services that our student base need/want, but where is the journalistic balance that should have covered both stories equally?

I know that this will not be a popular topic or letter, but as one who has seen the destruction on a daily basis, I just wonder where the priorities are when it comes to event coverage, and whether or not advocating businesses like this won’t cause more hurt than help for our students, our streets, and our communities at large.

Respectfully submitted,

J. Cuervo Sosa

Oxnard College student

———————————

Dear Reader,

First and foremost, thank you for your genuine and thorough correspondence. As the first

‘Letter to the Editor’ of the semester, I am happy to see that we are engaging our readers and eliciting responses, like yours, as it is your right to submit.

Secondly, I’d like to answer your question on our choice to cover and print stories pertaining to our Student Life section. As you may already know, the demographics of our district-wide college community are extensive.

In this respect, as Editor-In-Chief, I try to allow my editors the ability to integrate all different aspects of our collective college life, appropriately.

The reasoning in why we choose to cover stories of leisure locations throughout the entire Ventura County area is simply due to the fact that our Student Life section involves outside activity.

The main essence of the articles that are written in this particular section, have to do with what students are interested in doing outside of the campus environment.

However, this is not to say that we do not take your concern seriously. In fact, we are most appreciative of your voice and willingness to bring these issues forth.

Please keep in mind that new attractions are available for students on a daily basis and it is our job to make as much of these places known to the campus populace.

Also, just because we write am article on a local business, does not that we endorse them.

Now, in regards to properly covering the event on substance abuse at Ventura College I can say that there was last minute complication and the story that was submitted could not be used. 

In that regard, we wholeheartedly apologize for not servicing the event as well as we should have. Please know that our staff prides themselves in providing ethical news coverage without bias.

Your concern will be taken into consideration, but as mentioned before, each editor holds their section to their discretion. But, we invite you to submit any material you feel is important for students to know, and we will definitely consider it.

I hope I have addressed your concerns fully and rationally. Thanks again for your commitment and loyalty to the Student Voice News Media.

Sincerely,

Monica Valencia

Editor-In-Chief