[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 217 (Friday, December 26, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1247-E1248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE SAN MATEO DAILY JOURNAL FOR 25 YEARS OF LOCAL
JOURNALISM
______
HON. KEVIN MULLIN
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, December 26, 2025
Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the San Mateo Daily
Journal, a local newspaper celebrating its 25th Anniversary, marking a
quarter-century of reputable and respectable journalism. I am proud the
San Mateo Daily Journal keeps the residents of San Mateo County
informed on local, state, national, and international issues. Published
every weekday and with a special weekend edition, it provides a
constant stream of timely coverage for readers. The San Mateo Daily
Journal covers a wide range of issues that engage readers young and
old, including breaking news, sports, entertainment, and governmental
topics.
The paper's first issue was published on August 18, 2000, among stiff
competition for local news coverage, and has emerged as the eminent
newspaper focused on San Mateo County. The newspaper began by covering
local stories in San Mateo and Burlingame and has since expanded to
cover original news from across the region and distributes its paper in
San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County. It is one of the few
independently owned papers in the San Francisco Bay Area, and without
the San Mateo Daily Journal, there would be a tragic dearth of local
news coverage for the Peninsula.
Even as local print newspapers across the country have faced
challenges from the rise of television and the digital age, the San
Mateo Daily Journal has stood strong as a paragon of honest journalism.
As the expansion of the internet led to news transitioning into online
formats, the Daily Journal launched a digital edition and website that
now reaches an average of 750,000 readers each month.
Local journalism is a vital part of a democratic society by ensuring
citizens stay informed about issues that impact their community. Local
journalists cover impactful stories that are often neglected by larger
media outlets. Independent news outlets also serve an important role as
a government watchdog and a check on societal concerns. Freedom of the
press is the first line of defense against the threat of misinformation
and disinformation. In the digital age, it can prove difficult to find
reputable independent news media, but the San Mateo Daily Journal has
stood valiantly providing accurate and timely coverage on local issues
thanks to its team of committed journalists.
The newspaper has played an important role in encouraging civic
participation by informing community organizers about opportunities to
participate in public policy development, and shining a light on local
governments, nonprofits, and businesses. The paper has fostered a more
inclusive and positive Bay Area community by routinely amplifying
community events to a broad audience.
The San Mateo Daily Journal includes an opinion section for community
members to engage in dialogue and voice their thoughts on contemporary
issues and the topics they are passionate about. In its Rediscovering
the Peninsula section, the paper engages readers on the rich and
diverse history of the Bay Area while sharing the stories of the
pioneers who made our community what it is today.
The San Mateo Daily Journal also fosters the next generation of news
reporters by offering internships, which enable students and aspiring
journalists to gain real-world experience in a newsroom. The paper
supports a thriving local economy not only as an employer, but with its
opportunities for local businesses to advertise their services and
products.
While many individuals have contributed to the San Mateo Daily
Journal's success over its 25 years, there are a number of individuals
who have dedicated their careers to the paper and have set the high
standard for which it is known.
Jerry Lee has served as publisher of the paper since its inception
and bought the San Mateo Daily Journal in 2006. His indefatigable work
has elevated the paper to the high-quality publication that it is
today, and it remains one of the few independently owned newspapers in
the San Francisco Bay Area. Thanks to Mr. Lee's continuous work and
adaptable approach to running the business, the paper is available for
free in newsstands and libraries throughout San Mateo County, which has
helped to ensure equitable access for countless readers. He is also a
creative writer in his own right, providing movie reviews as a local
critic.
Jon Mays, who joined as Managing Editor in 2000 and became Editor in
Chief in 2001, has dedicated his career to journalism and making the
newspaper creative, honest, and interesting. His keen leadership and
writing skills truly make a difference in keeping the community
informed. ``I've always considered myself a connector, someone who can
get help for others or at least point them in the right direction. And
that's really what a community newspaper does. We hold the powerful to
account, but we also provide power to those who may not have it,'' Mr.
Mays said.
The San Francisco Peninsula has benefited from his commitment to
connecting the public with the stories, events, and businesses they
care about. His heartfelt opinion pieces are profound and thoughtful,
giving light to under-recognized topics and asking the hard questions
in an engaging and endearing manner. Over the years, Mr. Mays has been
a key mentor to hundreds of reporters and interns, instilling in them a
high degree of professionalism and journalistic integrity.
Nathan Mollat has been with the paper since its founding and as
Sports Editor covers
[[Page E1248]]
Bay Area teams big and small. His dedication to covering local high
school teams provides a rare and valuable platform for student athletes
to shine. Every season, the San Mateo Daily Journal honors its pick for
athlete of the year, highlighting students' achievements and
accomplishments. Mr. Mollat's creative style enlivens sports coverage
with a focus on the people, not just the game.
Mr. Speaker, at a time when independent journalism is under threat,
the San Mateo Daily Journal continues to demonstrate the irreplaceable
value of freedom of the press in a democratic society. I ask my
colleagues to join me in recognizing the San Mateo Daily Journal for 25
years of excellent journalism, professionalism, and devotion to
providing accurate and reliable news coverage to the Bay Area
community.