Photo courtesy: City of Walnut
The Walnut City Council recognized Sarah Armijo and
Diane Armijo for The Weekly News’ 16 years of service to the community.
Staff Reports Walnut – The Weekly News was recognized and awarded by the Walnut City Council on Aug. 28 for their 16 years of service to Walnut and the surrounding communities. Each member of the City Council said wonderful things about the Weekly News and their appreciation for the newspaper. Mayor Tony Cartagena started the recognition by saying how much the City Council appreciated The Weekly News’ service to their community for the last 16 years. “We are really very proud to present this commendation to Sarah Armijo, the Editor in Chief of the Weekly News; an outstanding editor and former resident of Walnut who has made a big difference in our City and other communities.” Former Assemblyman and Councilmember Bob Pacheco said, “I’m very pleased to have you here in recognition for the wonderful work you have done in the City of Walnut and all the surrounding communities.” He recalled when Michael Armijo, owner of Armijo Newspapers and Public Relations, first started The Weekly News and congratulated the entire family on the hard work they have done. “I wish you the best for the future and continued success,” he added. Councilmember Mary Su talked about how important The Weekly News is to the community and to the City Council. “We rely on the Weekly News to inform Walnut residents about a lot of important news, a lot of good activities, and a lot of current events. They have done a tremendously good job.” “So on behalf of the City of Walnut, we want to show our sincere gratitude for the good job you have done and please continue to do a good work and bring the best to Walnut,” said Councilmember Su. Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Tragarz said she appreciates that The Weekly News is the only local printed newspaper in the area that they get at no charge. “The Weekly News is a free publication because they survive on the advertising of local businesses”, said Sarah Armijo in a recent interview. Tragarz also mentioned that she remembered The Weekly News’ involvement in the community over the years. She recalled that many years ago, she took a Cub Scout group to The Weekly News’ former office so the Scouts could receive a badge. Over the years, The Weekly News has supported and donated time and money to nonprofits, communities, schools, sports, and many more groups in the community. The Weekly News has also recognized schools, businesses and members of the community in their weekly newspaper and on their social media. The Weekly News’ Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/TheWeeklyNews, and their Twitter is @anapr4. Councilmember Eric Ching started off his congratulations by saying he didn’t expect the Editor, Sarah Armijo, to look so young. After everyone chuckled at the very true statement, he expressed his appreciation and congratulated the Weekly News for their many years of service. Mayor Cartagena mentioned that he met the Armijo family back when The Weekly News first started and was beginning to grow. He said he remembers that The Weekly News started in the late 90s and that the family was very involved in different activities and different organizations. Cartagena recalled that he remembers when Sarah was just a little girl (signaling how tall she was when he first met her). “I remember that you were studying in the Walnut Valley School District and very active in the student activities. And because of the participation, because of that involvement, and because you were diligent in studying your lessons, now you are the editor of a very popular newspaper, The Weekly News,” he said to Sarah. “They started here in Walnut and we are very proud of that,” added Cartagena. The Weekly News is now delivered to homes in Walnut, Diamond Bar and Chino Hills. Armijo Newspapers also has other publications that reach 30 cities in the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Cartagena also mentioned that Armijo Newspapers does Public Relations in addition to owning newspapers, and is also involved in the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff Boosters Club. He said that the Sheriff Booster Club is a “Very important organization that really caters to the needs of the Sheriff’s Department.” The Sheriff Booster Club raises funds for items that are needed in the Sheriff’s Department that are not in the budget, such as helping pay for items for Reserve Officers, Volunteers, and Explorers. Mayor Cartagena presented two certificates at the end of the recognition. The first certificate was given to Diane Armijo, in honor of The Weekly News. “Congratulations on your 16th Anniversary. We extend our appreciation to Michael, Diane, and Sarah Armijo for their continued support of local city projects and activities including the recent fundraiser to assist the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff Station. The City of Walnut applauds your impressive accomplishments on reporting and providing quality news in the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire.” The second certificate was given to Sarah Armijo after Cartagena said, “Congratulations to Sarah Armijo in recognition to your exceptional accomplishments as Editor of the Weekly News. The City of Walnut extends best wishes for your continued growth and success.” Sarah Armijo expressed her gratitude in a recent interview. “On behalf of the Weekly News and my family, we want to thank the Walnut City Council for taking the time to recognize us and for their very kind words about our family and business.” “My parents started our company in Walnut when I was just a little girl. Now that I have been educated through the Walnut Valley District, I felt confident enough to take over the newspaper that started it all. Even through the tough economy, we strived to keep the Weekly News available, so the community could stay informed about what’s going on in the area. We are very grateful to have the support of such a great and welcoming community. Walnut will always have a place in my family’s heart.”
