ChulaVista.com exists to serve the Chula Vista community with useful, accurate and clearly labeled local information. These standards apply to staff, students, community contributors, volunteer editors and outside submissions that appear as editorial content.
Accuracy comes first
We aim to verify names, dates, locations, numbers, quotations and material factual claims before publication. When information cannot be independently confirmed, we should say so rather than present uncertainty as fact.
Use primary sources when practical
For city actions, court matters, public safety, elections, regulations and other consequential subjects, contributors should rely on official records, direct interviews, original documents or other primary sources whenever practical. Secondary reporting may provide context but should not substitute for verification when the underlying record is available.
Attribute information
Readers should be able to understand where important facts came from. Sources should be named whenever doing so is responsible and safe. Anonymous sourcing should be exceptional and must be discussed with an editor before publication.
Separate news, analysis and opinion
News reporting should distinguish established facts from interpretation. Analysis may explain implications but should identify the evidence behind those conclusions. Opinion and first-person commentary should be clearly labeled so readers are never asked to guess what kind of article they are reading.
Fairness does not require false balance
People or organizations facing significant criticism should ordinarily have a reasonable opportunity to respond. Fairness means accurately representing relevant perspectives and evidence; it does not require giving unsupported claims equal weight with well-documented facts.
Local relevance matters
ChulaVista.com prioritizes information that meaningfully affects Chula Vista residents, businesses, neighborhoods, institutions and people connected to the city. Regional stories should explain the local connection rather than merely repeat broader San Diego news.
Do not plagiarize
Contributors may summarize and build upon reporting from other publications with appropriate attribution, but may not copy another publisher’s article, structure, distinctive language, photographs or original reporting and present it as their own.
Quotes must be real
Do not invent, reconstruct or materially alter quotations. Minor edits for clarity should not change a speaker’s meaning.
Handle allegations carefully
Allegations of criminal, unethical or improper conduct require particular care. Attribute allegations to reliable sources, distinguish accusations from established findings and seek comment from the person or organization being criticized when practical.
Corrections
When we make a material factual error, we correct it. See our Corrections Policy for how changes are handled.
Community contributors
Contributors may have lived experience, professional expertise or strong opinions. Those perspectives can be valuable, but they do not excuse factual inaccuracy or undisclosed conflicts of interest.
Editors are accountable too
Editors should improve accuracy and clarity, not reshape reporting to serve personal, commercial or political interests. Significant conflicts should be disclosed and, when necessary, the editor should step aside.