Long-time journalist Li set to launch own newspaper

After spending approximately 33 years covering the Chinese community for the World Journal in San Francisco, reporter Portia Li was laid off in April.

However, instead of being discouraged, she has decided to launch her own locally-owned and produced newspaper, “Wind Newspaper,” which will be a bilingual publication bringing news about San Francisco’s Chinese community not only to Chinese locals, but also to everyone who can read and speak English.

The first print issue will be available this week in Chinatown with the paper also being available online without a paywall.

Although many organizations have ceased or reduced their print editions, Li says that “the habit of reading hard copy newspapers remains imprinted in the psyche of older Chinese residents. And a free newspaper will be more accessible.”

Li joined the World Journal in 1986 as criminal justice reporter covering San Francisco’s Chinese community.