The Fairfaxian: Welcome back Ross Valley Reporter

Mike Ghiringhelli/The Fairfaxian

Well, well, well.

 It’s good to be back. I guess not much has happened since I’ve been away – for the past decade and a half.

If anyone can still remember this column from years ago when newspapers ruled supreme and Fairfax was still a small quaint town, hello again. (Think Ron Burgundy when you read the above.)

Many of you may not remember, but newspapers were once a forum where families gathered at the kitchen table, folks hung out at cafes, and read the local news. How local you may ask? 

Drumroll please…

The Ross Valley Reporter is back. Our mission? Bringing you the local news. That includes youth sports, a calendar of events, a look at our business community, and following our town council meetings and town news. Oh, and there’s more.

This column – which garnered a lot of attention back in the day – is called “The Fairfaxian.” It is a fitting name because it will always be about Fairfax – the people, the businesses and the issues of the day. 

As a lifelong native of our small town, I find it fun to write about my favorite subject: Fairfax. 

The Ghiringhelli family has been part of the 101 year old, historic Deer Park Villa, since 1937. Growing up in a generational family restaurant business has given me an interesting perspective on the history of Fairfax, small town business, and service to people.

Our goal is to bring that sense of community, that communication, back to the good folks of Fairfax. Your help would be appreciated. If you have any ideas for stories or columns, give me a shout out at mg@gfoods.net. Just remember the Golden Rule: The subject of my column must be about Fairfax. 

We are resurrecting the RVR, with an initial circulation of 3,000. Our goal is to grow the paper and its reach, and with the help of readers, and advertisers, that vision will come true.

There will also be an online version of the newspaper. Unlike some static social media sites, our website is updated multiple times a day. You can find it at MarinLocalNews.com. 

If you like to write or shoot pictures and would like to participate , please contact me. You will be seriously considered as a contributor. No money will exchange hands, this is a volunteer position – with a by-line. Be a part of the conversation. Write letters to the editor.

Our wish list goes something like this:

– We would like student journalists to cover Archie Williams High School for school sports, local profiles, and school related stories.

– Community guest writers are encouraged to submit their opinions, or stories, on local issues.

– Fairfax and San Anselmo Town Managers and leaders are invited to write weekly newsletters. Local leaders, movers and shakers, have an opportunity to put their ideas, reasoning, and policies in writing, in their own words. Let’s hear from the elected officials, who represent us. It will be very informative. 

Fairfax has always been a fun and interesting place to live. We are truly lucky folks to reside in such a peaceful, safe, and beautiful environment. 

The Ross Valley Reporter has been the vehicle to reflect our area in the past. The paper started in the last century. It was a vibrant part of our lives. Even the pandemic could not kill it. So, it brings me great pleasure to be part of its resurgence. 

How about we put down our cell phones for a few hours a week and hold, feel, and appreciate the best friend a town can have – an old-fashioned community newspaper. Slow down my friends, and smell that coffee, while reading your very own local paper.

You may end up missing a few TikTok shorts , showing a thousand mindless (yet weirdly entertaining) videos, but you will learn more about your town, satisfying your mind, spirit, and soul.

Welcome back fellow Fairfaxians – and enjoy the new and shiny Ross Valley Reporter.