Column features uplifting stories

Many readers are familiar with the “Someone San Diego Should Know” column that runs Mondays on B1. But they probably don’t know how it’s produced.

It’s a well-received column that highlights positive contributions by members of the San Diego community. And it’s always looking for suggestions about residents who are making a difference in people’s lives.

Members of the Union-tribune’s Community Advisory Board write the column. The advisory board began in 2017. The column started in January 2019.

The board consists of a diverse number of San Diegans who apply for the posts. The idea behind the board is to help the U-T better serve the community by providing a broad access to events, ideas and people.

And that’s where the Someone San Diego Should Know column comes in. It introduces readers to a wide range of residents doing good.

Jan Goldsmith was a member of the original advisory board who likes the column so much that he has continued to write them. Goldsmith is a former California state legislator, former Superior Court judge, Poway mayor and San Diego city attorney.

“I liked that it was something unique for a newspaper,” Goldsmith said about the beginning of the column. “A powerful column of true stories written by nonjournalists that can inspire readers. I felt it could work if we found good subjects and kept to substance, a theme and depth while being concise and getting to the point.”

I like Goldsmith’s perspective on the column.

“This column is designed to impart experience, not just information. I try to bring the reader into the person’s life experience.

“These are true stories about very diverse topics with themes and messages we can learn from. Where else in one place can you learn about such experiences as how a convicted murderer who spent 22 years in prison turned his life around ... and how a Black child growing up under Jim Crow laws was able to become a Navy Vice Admiral and develop a leading business incubator.”

Lallia Allali is a current board member; she joined a year ago. She is a leadership coach and community volunteer. She chairs the San Diego Unified School District’s English Learner Advisory Committee.

She frequently contributes to the column.

“Writing a piece is a great way to recognize community members for their work, support, talent, and living our human values, therefore contributing to a culture of community and unity,” she said.

“Writing makes me feel better about all the sad reality of our nation’s divisiveness. Each story brings out the emotions and feelings that have been locked up deep inside of my heart. Each story reflects the small world I dream of since I immigrated with my family to the United States. Each story establishes a sense of community, supporting, and uplifting one another.”

Allali remembered one of her stories that made a real difference in someone’s life.

“I never knew the impact these stories had on people until the day I wrote about a retired teacher, Linda Williams. One of the many volunteering opportunities she offers is free guitar classes at her church. A day after publishing the story, she received an email from an individual willing to donate a guitar. Coincidentally, Williams knew a girl who loves guitar but was unable to attend because she couldn’t afford a guitar.”

Ideas usually come from the board members themselves. But readers also submit ideas. We welcome those. I often receive ideas from public relations practitioners, who are pitching on behalf of their clients. But those ideas frequently are based on the person’s business. Ideally, the subjects should be doing something that is not centered around turning a profit.

If you know of a person San Diego should know about, email someone@sduniontribune.com. Include the person’s name, what they do and an email contact for the person.

“I hope that these stories allow our readers to aspire to make a positive impact within our community no matter how big or small the effort is,” Allali said. “Reading these exceptional stories leaves an impact on each and every one of us to continue their legacies for many more generations to come.”

Top stories for 2021

In the Local and Business sections today, U-T reporters shared with readers what they think will be some of the top stories for the new year. What do you think? Email your thoughts on what will be the top stories of 2021. Include your name and community of residence. I’d like to present your ideas to others in the readers column. Email adrian.vore@sduniontribune or readers.rep@uniontribune.com.