Recently I made the point about how I write this column for you, Dear Readers, about my devotion to all of you.  Relax, nothing has changed.  I’m still here for you.  HOWEVER, today as I sit at my computer my thoughts and energies are focused on but one resident of our community.  For the sake of her privacy I’ll call her Jane Doe.

Ms. Doe is upset with the fine folks at the Clayton Pioneer.  Why you ask? Because the Pioneer keeps showing up in her mailbox twice a month despite her continued requests that she be removed from their mailing list.  My understanding is that changes to the mass mailing list are not under the direct control of The Pioneer.  That like any other regular weekly or monthly circular, it arrives free of charge, like it or not.  I’m sure there are those in San Juan Capistrano that would rather the swallows not return.  Some things are out of our direct control.

Ms. Doe apparently views the Pioneer as just one more annoying piece of junk mail; one more piece of paper to be “handled” and eventually tossed, only to take up valuable space in her recycling bin. (Or the garbage cans at the post office from which I recently retrieved a ½ dozen good “contributors” copies).

Perhaps Ms. Doe does not feel the paper speaks to her. I say, no more. A change is a comin’ and that change is today. You are a Clayton resident, Ms. Doe, and therefore, one of us.  Perhaps you do not hike or own a computer or grow plants.  Perhaps the happenings at Diamond Terrace or our City Council meetings hold little more interest than the national weather reports.  Whether or not these statements are true I have no idea.  I am a writer not a fact checker. My point is this—one cannot deny that a column written for and about one person most certainly speaks TO that person.  It must or logic holds no place in our topsy turvy world.

I do not know you personally, Ms. Doe, but I’m sure that you are a wonderful human being, capable of experiencing the same emotions, joys and frustrations we all enjoy in this life.  Perhaps you love cats or science fiction novels.  Maybe you play the accordion or are a member of the famed Polar Bears swim club. 

The point I’m getting at Jane is that you are one of us and we in turn are here for you.  I understand that not every column or story in our paper is going to touch you.  I accept that.  All we ask is that we be allowed to make our bi-monthly appearance in your mail box and that you give us the CHANCE to reach you. Open the paper.  Scan the headlines.  Seek out my column and THEN slide us into the birdcage.  A mere two minutes of your time could very well result in the wondrous discovery of unknown facts, a smile, a tear or a call to action.  Please.  Don’t deny yourself the chance to live.  Remember, we are here for you.  It’s YOUR paper and we love you.

Bio: Clayton resident Joe Romano is a freelance writer for hire. He may be reached at jromano01@yahoo.com