A fundraiser has been launched to help journalists recently laid off from newspapers in Fresno, Stockton, and Modesto cover rent, groceries, medical expenses, and other living costs.

The GoFundMe, organized by EdSource reporter Emma Gallegos, had raised $2,040 toward a $3,500 goal from 23 donations as of Tuesday morning. Gallegos is based in Bakersfield and serves on the board of the Society of Professional Journalists’ Central California chapter.

According to the fundraiser, at least a dozen San Joaquin Valley journalists have been laid off from The Fresno Bee, The Stockton Record, and The Modesto Bee over the past two weeks, including members and officers of the SPJ chapter.

The fundraiser said the affected journalists have reported on issues including federal immigration crackdowns, deaths at poultry plants, school dress code policies, protests, and the dismantling of local diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Money Raised Goes to Journalists, Fundraiser Says

Money raised will be distributed evenly among the laid-off journalists to help with expenses including housing, food, and medical costs, according to the fundraiser.

The fundraising effort follows widespread newsroom reductions at McClatchy, which owns The Fresno Bee.

The Fresno Bee cut seven reporters as McClatchy eliminated 90 positions across its newspapers nationwide. Those laid off in Fresno included City Hall and watchdog reporter David Taub, longtime videographer and photographer Craig Kohlruss, longtime staffer Bryant-Jon Anteola, bilingual reporter Maria G. Ortiz-Briones, and accountability reporter Melissa Montalvo.

McClatchy said consumer revenue had fallen 41% over five years while local news expenses remained largely flat. The company said it was reshaping its newsrooms and reducing positions to better align resources with subscriber interest while maintaining its commitment to local journalism.

Neither McClatchy nor Fresno Bee leadership responded to GV Wire’s requests for comment about the layoffs last week.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.