We recently published a letter to the editor under the pseudonym Concerned Citizen, which made a series of serious allegations against individuals affiliated with the Pit River Tribe. After publication, we became aware that the author is currently involved in a personal housing dispute with the Tribe — a fact that should have prompted greater editorial scrutiny.
The letter contained unverified claims, references to sensitive legal matters, and personal accusations. These were published without independent fact-checking or providing those named an opportunity to respond — a clear lapse in our editorial process.
We have removed the letter from our website and it will not be reprinted. We have reached out to representatives of the Pit River Tribe and offered space for a formal response or clarification, should they wish to submit one.
Our role as a publication is to foster informed, respectful, and fact-based community dialogue. Amplifying personal grievances without due diligence is inconsistent with that mission. We are actively reviewing and updating our editorial policies to prevent similar lapses in the future.
We sincerely apologize to the individuals named in the letter, to the Pit River Tribe, and to our readers for this failure in judgment.
Sincerely,
Chelsea Bacon
Associate Publisher
