Did you know 2022 was the 20th anniversary of the Downey Patriot? Don’t feel bad if this is brand new information to you. There was no party, no ribbon cutting, not even a cake. But I want to take a moment and reflect on the milestone.

John Adams founded the Downey Patriot in 2002, after Jerry Andrews ceased publication of the Downey Eagle. If you’re wondering how John Adams came up with the name Downey Patriot, you have to remember what this country was like in early 2002, a few short months removed from the horrific terror attacks. Our country was united in grief and being called a patriot didn’t have the political undertones it does today.

John didn’t allow Parkinson’s disease to keep him away from city council meetings, school board sessions, or any other official business. He knew the movers and shakers and they knew him. But more importantly, John connected with the people that gave Downey its soul – the Little League coaches, educators, volunteers, small business owners, and PTA parents. He knew police officers and firefighters on a first-name basis. John poured all his knowledge into weekly articles and essays, always available for free.

John’s devotion to community journalism wasn’t forgotten after his death. The Patriot has charged forward, publishing week after week after week, buoyed by residents that still have an appetite for local news and advertisers that recognize the Patriot’s marketing value. There have been significant challenges over the years, notably skyrocketing printing costs and changes in how people consume journalism, but the Patriot has persevered.

The Patriot is far from perfect, I know. There are typos, blurry photos and hastily-written stories that would benefit from an editor’s red pen. But I like to think those imperfections are part of the Downey Patriot’s charm. At a time when so many community newspapers have been acquired by corporate conglomerates, the Patriot’s flaws are affirmation that it is still produced locally by real people that make human errors.

What’s the future of the Downey Patriot? In the short term, the Patriot is moving to new digs in Downtown Downey. After several years at its current location, the timing feels right to join Downtown Downey, a once sleepy community that’s in the midst of an exciting transformation. More details on the new office to come.

Long term, I predict continued success for the Downey Patriot if it can stay true to its original mission, which is to serve as a voice for the community. Downey is not the same city it was 15, 10 or even five years ago. Staying relevant and competitive could mean reducing print circulation or trimming the physical paper (think magazine size). It probably means investing in videos and podcasts, and expanding its digital footprint. It could also mean strengthening the brand through well-organized community events.

I don’t claim to have all the answers. What I do know is that newspapers – and media organizations in general – need to have the self-awareness and desire to change with the community they’re covering.

But the future is the future. Today we celebrate 20 years of community journalism and its role in our great city of Downey. My hope is that the Downey Patriot sticks around for many more milestones.