By Mary O’KEEFE

Usually Robin Goldsworthy begins each week at the Crescenta Valley Weekly with a staff meeting, endless email correspondence and arranging stories for that week’s paper; however, this Monday was a little different – to say the least.

CVW publisher/editor Goldsworthy spent her Monday at a luncheon at the Sacramento Convention Center where Assemblymember Mike Gatto honored her, and the CVW, with the California Small Business of the Year award for the 43rd District.

The annual awards ceremony honors the contributions of small businesses to the State of California.

“I was surprised when Assemblymember Gatto called to let me know that CV Weekly had been chosen for this award, “ Goldsworthy said. “The 43rd District is so large with so many diverse and robust businesses; for the Assemblymember to choose CVW was quite humbling.”

Goldsworthy, the founder and publisher of the CVW, was nominated by Assemblyman Gatto for her tireless dedication to keeping the residents of La Crescenta, Montrose, Glendale, and La Cañada Flintridge informed about local news. Founded in 2009, the CV Weekly has continually impressed readers with its informative articles, accessible layout and community-oriented approach to news, stated Gatto.

“Robin Goldsworthy created the Crescenta Valley Weekly in the wake of the Great Recession, and she has prevailed as newspapers across the country are struggling to survive,” Gatto said.  “Her courage, fortitude, and personal investment in the lives of her friends and neighbors are characteristics of a civic and business leader deserving of special recognition and gratitude.”

Goldsworthy founded her publishing company after the previous community newspaper was closed and she was laid off.

With headlines declaring the end of the print publishing industry, it may not have seemed like an obvious choice to start a newspaper, but for Goldsworthy there was no doubt as to the path she was to take.

“To me it was a no brainer. I knew my community, I was involved in my community and I knew I could bring the information my neighbors wanted that was pertinent,” she said. “I went home and told my husband that I wanted to start a newspaper. He told me we had enough money for a new kitchen, or for a newspaper. I still have the ugliest kitchen in La Crescenta.”

During its three years, CVW has continued to grow and reach out to the community. Goldsworthy said she is proud of how the paper has been welcomed and is supported by the community.

“I am aware it is not a one woman show. I could not produce this paper week after week without the dedication of my staff that shares the same vision as I do,” she said.

CVW continues to expand, currently preparing for its second annual readers choice poll, CVW The Finest, publishing its first magazine, Discover Crescenta Valley, an annual publication, and creating a new online newspaper for “nerds,” True-Believer.

“Local businesses and their owners are the backbone of a strong local and state economy,” said Gatto. “It is important that we recognize these businesses for their positive contributions to our neighborhoods and economy. Robin Goldsworthy and the Crescenta Valley Weekly are an inspiration to us all.”

  Mary Okeefe, robin goldsworthy