Random Lengths News

Pretty good local paper. Gives a point of view you will not find in the MSP.

I would like to thank all of you who have commented on Unilocal and given us feed back, even those with negative reviews. For one of the things that our newspaper represents is one of the last best defenses of Free Speech in this country. As our regular readers know, we do not shy away from controversial subjects nor do we edit out critical letters to the editor. We infact run them in their entirety when writers respect our length requirements. I do not expect everyone to agree with our editorial bias, but we don’t pretend not to have one like so many others in the news media do. And as such our goal is to engage the public in a greater civic debate and to ask you to think about the news and not just consume it. Thanks.

Kinda surprised at the negative reviews on this paper. What do you want or expect for free? They cover local issues well. It’s honest and forthright writing and not controlled by some right winged conglomerate. I usually pick it up every week. It’s not groundbreaking journalism but it’s worth a once over. I like it because of the things to do section that tells what’s going on in the surrounding area (i.e. Happy hours, bands, plays, book signings, and other local events). It’s definitely not as good as Unilocal for that purpose but it’s a more than decent option and I’m glad it’s available.

A supportive community paper that brings focus as well as perspective into local and national news.

It should be called Random Drivel.
Just a bunch of liberal propaganda. I wouldn’t line a bird cage with it!

The fisherman down on the waterfront actually use it to wrap fish! How’s that for classic? I’ve heard of papers being called «fish wrap,» but up until now I’ve never actually seen them used for that!

I really like this paper. It’s very independent (unaffiliated with that chain that puts out virtually all alternative weeklies). I’ve found out about fun activities, particularly in San Pedro.

This is all that is left of the local news media in San Pedro, and it is pure Pedro — meaning pro-​labor in general and ILWU in particular, liberal Democrat/​Green in political orientation, and a fun read regardless of your views on the above. I look for it every week. While some of the opinions it presents border on the outrageous, the rest are right on track in the port city.
The editor, James Allen, is a San Pedro icon. Even though he comes across as a pretentious jerk when you meet him in person socially, he does have an intellect and a mission, and keeps folk around here honest. This is the only local paper in the South Bay area not controlled by special (i.e., conservative business) interests, which by itself is a statement of the success that James Allen as made of his not so conservative business. I have learned more about San Pedro, my adoptive hometown, from reading Random Lengths than from any other source.
At the strategic level, Random Lengths is a predictable read, and I must admit I enjoy having my prejudices catered to. But at the tactical level it is just unpredictable enough to make you look forward to next week’s edition. This is local journalism at its best. Right on!