May 25, 2006

Almaden Times turns 20!

Almaden Times celebrates 20th anniversary

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Through the years, Almaden has evolved into a sophisticated enclave while working hard to retain its rural charm. It is a uniquely close-knit community, brought closer during the past 20 years by its community newspaper, the Almaden Times.

The entire staff of the Almaden Times Weekly, comprised of editorial, art department, sales and administrative personnel pose behind the publishers of theTimes, Sandy and Bill Bellou in honor of the paper’s 20th anniversary. The Times staff (alphabetically) includes: Diego Abeloos, Jeff Baham, Julie Davis Berry, Daniel DeBolt, Jamie Eldschun, Val Esquivel, Jeff Frazee, Lorraine Gabbert, Cambria Jaffee, Linda Judd, Nate Levy, Jeanne Lewis, Ryan Ozubko, Tami Ozubko, Jennifer Paigly, Sonia Pineda, Candy Richter, Anita Robledo, Carol Rosen, Jocelyn Harker-Simmons and Doug Thompson. Missing in action were Christina Couto, Lisa Friesner, Justin Petersen and Mike Zehder.

Published by Bill and Sandy Bellou, the Almaden Times strives to provide quality journalism while reporting on the issues of the day. As a community newspaper, it chronicles the events and achievements that shape its citizens lives, and informs them on matters of concern.

Looking back
The Almaden Times not only reflects the community it serves, but owes its existence to the area’s residents and businesses, who were so impressed with the debut of the Evergreen Times in 1982, that they requested their own community newspaper.

Supplied with a sample of the Evergreen Times and a mockup of the Almaden Times, the Bellous went into the Almaden community and soon generated 32 advertisers for their premiere edition. When they returned from a family vacation, about 30 phone messages greeted them from both delighted readers and businesses who wanted to advertise in their next issue.

For both Bill and Sandy, the community’s immediate response to their publication was extremely gratifying when they realized they had another viable paper on their hands. “We felt so welcomed by the Almaden community,” says Sandy. “Message after message was, ‘We love the paper! We want to be included.’ It was wonderful.”

The Almaden Times filled the community’s need for local news, and for Sandy, working on it felt like coming home. Having lived most of her life there, attending John Muir Middle School and Pioneer High School, she retained a personal connection with the Valley through friends and fond memories, such as riding her sister’s horse over Almaden’s rolling hills.

The paper has evolved over the years, but has remained constant in its dedication. “We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from the community,” says Bill, “and many of the stories we’ve covered come directly from residents, as they respect the paper and know they’ll be treated fairly.”

One of these cases is the pedicure infection story, broken by former Almaden Times writer Kymberli Brady. This investigative series, which ran for 10 days before being picked up by a daily paper, may have saved countless others from becoming infected and scarred from unsafe pedicures. It was recently honored with a certificate of achievement from the California Newspaper Publisher’s Association.

Benefiting the community
With a growing circulation, the Almaden Times went weekly in 2003, and in addition to news, features, school and sports events, included current favorites like Street Scene, Street Talk, Teacher, Volunteer and Pet of the Month. As keeping everything local has been the key to the newspaper’s success, writers cover 20 to 30 stories a week regarding issues relating to Almaden’s history, development and individuality.

As the newspaper is fully supported by its advertisers, it remains free and is delivered weekly to homeowners’ doorsteps. What began in 1986 with a circulation of 12,000 has since grown to 20,000. The Almaden Times was also the first newspaper in Silicon Valley to be published on the Internet. Today, more than one million visitors explore the Times newspapers online.

Publishers Bill and Sandy Bellou celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Almaden Times.

Under parent company Times Media, Inc., the Bellous—with Bill as CEO and Sandy as CFO—currently publish seven community newspapers including the Almaden, Blossom Valley, Cambrian, Campbell, Evergreen, Santa Teresa and Willow Glen Times. “It was only after invitations from business communities and homeowners associations,” says Bill, “that we expanded into these communities.”

The Bellous’ vision for the community newspapers has always been to retain a wholesome family atmosphere, serve the community and accentuate the positive in life, such as individual accomplishments, unique aspects of the area but also to cover the hard news that is important to readers.

Interestingly, they didn’t set out to publish a chain of newspapers. Graduating from San Jose State University with a degree in public relations, Bill was pursuing a career at Memorex Corporation, where he served as editor of its corporate magazine when a friend asked for his assistance promoting his new small business. In response, Bill created a tabloid, which included advertising from businesses in the area. When additional businesses showed an interest, he decided to charge for the ads, and as it caught on with residents, he added news stories. It was the proposed creation of a garbage dump in the Evergreen area, where the Silver Creek Valley Country Cub stands today, which provided the catalyst for the transformation of the Bellous’ advertising circular into the Evergreen Times community newspaper.

Frustrated by the lack of media attention this controversial plan received, Bill and Sandy quickly notified area residents of the controversial plan. They were so effective that the City Council Meeting had standing room only and the residents succeeded in blocking the dump. “We felt excited and gratified,” says Sandy. “It was a rewarding experience.” It was also a turning point in their lives.

The Bellous continue to measure success in the lives they touch and the contributions they make to the community. “It feels good to participate in something that makes life better for so many people,” says Sandy. “It’s a wonderful feeling to make a living and benefit the community at the same time.”

The Almaden Times also supports the community through sponsorship of charitable and nonprofit events such as the Almaden Valley Women’s Club’s Almaden Art and Wine Festival, the Almaden Times Classic race and the Snow Ball Fashion Show benefiting the Almaden Valley Counseling Service, the Tabard Theatre and Pat’s Run, benefiting the Tillman Foundation.

Bill appreciates the loyalty of his readers. For instance, a building contractor in Evergreen who recalls having his picture in the paper while playing sports in elementary school, recently began advertising with the newspaper.

“It’s emotional when you receive positive feedback from individuals who have been featured in the newspaper,” he says, “or from readers who express their appreciation that we took the time to cover an event or issue.”

Today, rather than a rural landscape of farms, ranches and orchards, Almaden has developed into a residential and business community, while retaining some open spaces and parkland. “Like Saratoga, it’s come of age,” says Sandy.

Along the way, the Almaden Times has become a vital part of this community, earning the respect of the district’s residents and leaders. The Bellous appreciate the support the Almaden Times has received from the community for 20 years, and look forward to playing a dynamic role in its future.

Almaden Valley, circa 1978

Almaden Valley, May 2006