About Us
The idea for The Southeast Sun originated from a community forum in South Gate, where residents, activists, artists, businesspeople and elected officials discussed the future of Southeast Los Angeles. This area encompasses an under-resourced cluster of ten adjacent communities: Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Lynwood, Maywood, South Gate, and Vernon, along with the unincorporated county areas of Florence-Firestone and Walnut Park.
The forum addressed the social, economic, environmental, and political challenges these communities face. It highlighted the potential for a renaissance through economic development and resident engagement. Community members expressed the need for more comprehensive and balanced media coverage. The Southeast Sun is our response to that call.
Our mission is to strengthen the coverage of Southeast Los Angeles by adding our voice and efforts to the few news outlets that currently serve this hard-working region. With its vibrant culture, resilient community organizing and activism, strategic economic contributions, and rich heritage, SELA deserves a dedicated platform that truly reflects its relevance.
We aim to report on relevant news that empowers individuals with information to improve their communities, their lives, and the lives of their families and loved ones.
We encourage and challenge our readers to support The Southeast Sun and other platforms that provide quality, reliable, and relevant news for their communities. Always remember: your attention is your vote and helps shape the present and the future you wish to see.
We welcome you to reach out to us with news story ideas.
Sincerely,
Cesar Arredondo
Creator & Editor
About Me
I am a journalist based in Southern California with over two decades of experience writing for both Spanish- and English-language publications, television and radio stations, and websites. My work spans a wide range of topics, including hard news, entertainment, activism, immigration, and education.
My articles have appeared in daily newspapers such as La Opinión, Hoy, the Orange County Register, and the Press-Enterprise, as well as the national magazine Latino Leaders.
Additionally, I have contributed to weekly publications including the San Fernando Valley Sun/El Sol, Wave Community Newspapers, Excélsior del Condado de Orange, and Mi Estrella del Condado de Ventura, all located in Southern California. My work has also appeared in Ahora Utah, part of the Salt Lake Tribune in Salt Lake City, and La Prensa Sonoma, associated with The Press Democrat in Northern California.
My articles have also appeared on websites such as LatinHeat.com and Rocketeria.com.
In radio, I have worked at Radio Noticias (KKHJ 930 AM) and KPFK 90.7 FM. In television, I contributed as an associate producer for various public service programs and talk shows at KWHY-TV Canal 22.
Throughout my career, I have received several accolades for my reporting, including three Best of the West journalism awards for my coverage of the Sundance Film Festival and Utah’s Occupy Salt Lake City movement. I also received an education reporting prize from the National Association of Hispanic Publications and a California Journalism Award from the California News Publishers Association for an article on homelessness.
In addition to my journalism work, I have experience in entertainment television. I served as a production assistant on VH1's Celebrity Rehab and on auditions for American Idol. I also produced several independent films and served as the audience director for Telemundo’s national show Al Día Con María Conchita, hosted by actress and singer María Conchita Alonso.