NOTE: I'm giving this front page prominence because it goes hand-hand with my Effecting Change article. It's all about YOU - WCG Readers and Contributors. I happen to be a graphic designer and marketing professional who fell into publishing a newspaper by some wonderful twist of fate. I have no interest in being a traditional newspaper so this paper took on its own life. I am thoroughly impressed with the material I receive every month both in volume and quality. The on-line edition is going to have to take on more to absorb it all. YOU are the story - YOU are what has made this newspaper what it is today. Thank You - every one of you!

Vesta Copestakes has received the 2007 Media Hero Award from Karen Pierce Gonzalez Public Relations for her outstanding work in the community she serves.

Copestakes, publisher of the West County Gazette has grown the former Forestville Gazette 12 page paper with a circulation of 4,000 to a 48 page production that boasts a circulation of 16,000 and can be found on more than 200 newsstands.

The Gazette is entirely reliant on articles written by readers. For her success in creating a forum where community members are encouraged to share their voice, Copestakes was recently recognized as the recipient of the 2007 Media Hero Award.

The Media Hero Award was developed to honor a media professional who exceeds the call of duty providing more than just professional media expertise when it comes to news about projects that benefit the larger community. Other nominees for the award were Shane Calvert of KFTY 50 and Elaine Holtz of Women's Spaces on Santa Rosa Public Access TV.

Copestakes was named the winner for her commitment to creating a vehicle that encourages the free exchange of ideas among the residents in West County. "While all the contenders have used media as a vehicle for positive social change, Copestakes offers many people an opportunity, and sometimes a first opportunity, to have a public voice," said Pierce Gonzalez.

Copestakes attributes the paper's success to the community members who contribute columns and articles. Because of these vocal community writers, Copestakes receives more article submissions than she can print. "Community writers are the greatest asset. I am merely a catalyst. There would be no newspaper if all these people didn't take advantage of an outlet for their thoughts, opinions and concerns," said Copestakes. To learn more about the West County Gazette visit www.westcountygazette.com. For more information call 707-792-4376 or visit, http://kpgpublicrelations.blogspot.com.

Karen Pierce Gonzalez Public Relations is a full service media consultant and media marketing firm that is dedicated to helping clients create their message and deliver it to the people it affects most locally, regionally, and/or nationally. Established in 2001, it is located in Sonoma County.