The Independent newsroom hosted a meet and greet with residents May 18 to hear directly from you! We didn’t have anything in mind for when we set this up, but wanted the opportunity for casual, face-to-face conversations.

During the two-hour event, people rolled in and out, giving our team their great ideas, questions and concerns. One of the main concerns we heard was that they didn’t know about our website, yourvalley.net.

Our website hosts almost every article written in all of our local Arizona communities, including the wonderful submissions from our readers. It also has our free e-newspaper for those who missed the Independent or are out of town.

Additionally, the website is a great resource to see articles and submissions that may not make it into the physical paper – after all, space is tight! - as well as news, events, and ads from around the Valley.

We also have a facebook page where we preview every article that gets posted when it gets posted. You can follow the Sun City and Sun City West pages to never miss an article.

One of the questions we got asked at the event was “why don’t I get the newspaper delivered every week?”

It’s a simple trade. They get their name in front of local readers, and we get to keep doing what we do for our readers. Businesses should reach out to our sales team and let's make it work for both parties at Azads@iniusa.org. 

We also recognize that it is important for you to know about the journalists who are reporting on your community!

Zev Black, Sun City Reporter

I am a huge sports fan. I graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication last May with a degree in sports journalism.

When I’m not working, I’m usually watching baseball. The Red Sox are my favorite team (yes, I know they’re not very good this year).

I think community news is one of the backbones of America. Without it, how would people know what is happening locally?

Sun City is no different. It’s not called the "City of Volunteers" for nothing… The people are the pulse of the community.

Jennifer Jimenez, Sun City West Reporter

I am passionate about community news and believe the residents in Sun City West are the heartbeat of its community.

I enjoy informing residents and more importantly listening to the concerns, challenges and positive things happening in Sun City West.

I particularly enjoy getting to know residents and sharing personal stories. Everyone has a story and I look forward to sharing more.

When I am not covering community news, I am spending time with my husband and four children. My passion is watching and playing sports.