Posted on March 19 at 9:17 p.m.

Kudos to Paul Wellman and The Independent for sticking to their guns and fighting this absurd infringement of Freedom of the Press. And boo to the News-Depress for willingly turning their images over Atkins, in complete defiance of standard journalistic ethics.

Wellman and The Independent did what they thought was right, and as a former journalist, and photo-journalist, I completely agree with them. I was never in the same position, but I did shoot numerous photos of crime scenes--mainly car crashes--and I always observed proper protocol and stayed behind the police lines unless I was escorted by an officer.

When the appeal was lost, Wellman and The Independent did something very few other news organizations have the courage to do: make the images available to everyone, not just the Public Defender.
>>Dave Reynolds, formerly of Buellton

On Dog Got Your Tongue?

Posted on December 4 at 9:33 a.m.

I thought there was a revolving door at Solvang City Hall a few years ago when department heads and city managers blew in and out like the wind.
That's nothing compared to the turnover at the News-Depress. I wonder if any of the current employees will even admit they work there. Perhaps they tell their friends and families they sell used cars or are lawyers, which must be several steps up in prestige from working for Wonderful Wendy.
>>Dave Reynolds

On Teamsters File Another Charge Against News-Press