The newsletter connecting South Bay locals to the best events, businesses, and stories in the community.

Interviewer:
Samuel, thanks for joining us! Can you tell us what The South Bay newsletter is and what inspired you to start it?

Samuel Thompson:
Thanks for having me! The South Bay is a twice-weekly email newsletter that curates the best of what’s happening around the South Bay — from local events and hidden gem restaurants to small business spotlights and community stories. I started it because I realized there wasn’t a single place to quickly get a pulse on what’s going on here. Social media is noisy, and local news can be hit or miss. I wanted to build something simple, personal, and genuinely useful.

Interviewer:
Who’s the newsletter for?

Samuel Thompson:
It’s for anyone who lives in or loves the South Bay. Whether you're a long-time resident, a new homeowner, or just someone who wants to feel more connected to the area, the newsletter is made for you. We’ve got teachers, surfers, small business owners, and young families reading every week. It’s a pretty fun mix.

Interviewer:
What kind of content can subscribers expect?

Samuel Thompson:
We keep it short and sweet. Every issue includes a quick list of upcoming events, local news that actually matters, weekend guides, and a small business or local personality feature. We also sprinkle in food recs, volunteer opportunities, and sometimes giveaways. The idea is to keep people informed without overwhelming them.

Interviewer:
How do you source your content?

Samuel Thompson:
A lot of it comes from being out and about in the community — talking to people, visiting businesses, attending city meetings and events. We also get a ton of great tips from readers and local business owners. It’s really become a two-way conversation, which I love.

Interviewer:
What’s your long-term vision for The South Bay?

Samuel Thompson:
I’d love to expand it into a full local media brand — think podcasts, video features, maybe even a small events calendar app. But even as we grow, I want to keep that grassroots, authentic vibe. The magic of The South Bay is that it feels personal. I don’t ever want to lose that.

Interviewer:
For local businesses interested in reaching your audience, how can they get involved?

Samuel Thompson:
We offer ad placements, sponsored content, and local business features that are super effective — because people actually open and read the newsletter. We keep it tasteful and community-oriented, so it’s not just ads — it’s storytelling. Businesses can visit our site or just shoot me an email to get started.

Interviewer:
Where can people subscribe?

Samuel Thompson:
They can sign up at TheSouthBay.com — it’s totally free, and it only takes 10 seconds. First email hits their inbox every Thursday morning with weekend picks.

Interviewer:
Last question: what’s your favorite part about running The South Bay?

Samuel Thompson:
Honestly, it’s the feedback. I’ll get emails from people who went to an event we featured or discovered a business they love. It’s a reminder that local media can still make a real impact — and that’s what keeps me going.

Let me know if you'd like a version with a slightly different tone — casual, funny, or more formal!