The SF State-born project that lasted five decades El Tecolote turns 55
El Tecolote, California's longest-running bilingual newspaper, celebrates its 55th anniversary this week, having been founded in 1970 by Juan Gonzales and his students at San Francisco State University. Originally created as a class project, the newspaper has documented critical issues affecting the Latinx community in San Francisco, including disparities in emergency services for Spanish speakers and inadequate translator availability in hospitals. Gonzales, who initially planned to commit five years to the publication, has dedicated over five decades to its success. The paper's investigative reporting has led to significant changes, such as the hiring of trained translators at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. This Friday, a celebration will take place at the office, featuring live music, food, and a piñata.
El Tecolote has received accolades from The New York Times and multiple awards, underscoring its influence in journalism. The publication also serves as a training ground for aspiring journalists, contributing to the local media landscape. Its commitment to addressing the needs of the Latinx community remains unwavering.