[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                25TH ANNIVERSARY OF EL CHICANO NEWSPAPER

                                 ______


                       HON. GEORGE E. BROWN, JR.

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 5, 1994

  Mr. BROWN of California. Mr. Speaker, today, I am pleased to note 
that 1994 marks the 25th anniversary of El Chicano Newspaper, the first 
Chicano bilingual publication to serve the Inland Empire.
  El Chicano was first published in 1968 on a monthly basis under the 
auspices of the University of California, Riverside through funds made 
available by the UCR Extension Program.
  In 1969, through the dedication and perseverance of local pioneers in 
the field of journalism, El Chicano Newspaper became independent and 
locally owned with Marta Macias Brown as its editor and her sister 
Gloria Macias Harrison as its first publisher, William B. Harrison as 
its first business manager and Lupe V. Gutierrez as its first 
advertising salesman.
  Within 6 months of independent ownership, El Chicano Newspaper went 
from a monthly to a bimonthly, then a weekly publication and has made 
journalism history as the longest publishing Chicano owned publication 
in the State of California.
  El Chicano Newspaper was originally staffed by six volunteers working 
from their homes, and eventually the operation expanded and has had 
offices in San Bernardino and Colton and today owns its 4,000 square 
foot office in the city of San Bernardino Hospitality Lane Business 
District.
  El Chicano has become a self-sustaining, minority owned business with 
a current paid staff of over 16, using state of the art computer 
technology for all its production.
  On June 1, 1987, El Chicano owners, Gloria Macias Harrison and Bill 
Harrison, formed a sister corporation with other minority investors to 
acquire the Colton Courier and the Rialto Record, two community 
newspapers serving the cities of Colton and Rialto. It became the 
second group of newspapers in the State of California owned by Hispanic 
investors.
  Throughout its 25 years of service to the community, El Chicano 
Newspaper has been a vital link in the Chicano community, serving as a 
cohesive factor in keeping the community aware of current issues and 
encouraging a high level of community interest and involvement in local 
events. El Chicano serves the fastest-growing segment of the population 
as well as the entire Inland Empire.

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