La Opinión, a prominent Spanish-language newspaper serving the Latino community in Los Angeles, recently marked its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1926 by Ignacio E. Lozano Sr., the paper has chronicled the experiences of the city’s growing Mexican and broader Latino populations through significant historical events, including the Great Depression, immigration raids, and political challenges such as opposition to Proposition 187 in the 1990s.
At its inception, La Opinión was one of approximately a dozen Spanish-language newspapers in Los Angeles. Over time, it became a vital source of news and information for immigrants who did not speak English, providing updates on immigration policies, labor rights, education, local politics, and community affairs. During periods of heightened immigration enforcement, including the Trump administration’s crackdown, the paper maintained its role as a critical lifeline for many residents.
Under the leadership of successive generations of the Lozano family, La Opinión shifted its editorial emphasis from international news to local issues impacting Latinos in Los Angeles. The paper developed a strong commitment to civic journalism, advocating for immigrant rights and promoting citizenship among its readership. This approach helped the newspaper become an influential voice during the demographic and political transformations of the 1980s and 1990s, when immigration from Mexico and Central America significantly reshaped the region.
Like many newspapers nationwide, La Opinión has faced challenges in recent decades, including reductions in staff, revenue declines, and shifting readership patterns amid the rise of digital media and social platforms. Despite these obstacles, the publication continues to operate in both print and digital formats, maintaining its presence within the community.
To commemorate its centennial, La Opinión has launched Somos L.A. Columna, a series of short pieces featuring reflections from community leaders, elected officials, artists, and activists on the evolving Latino experience in Los Angeles. The newspaper also plans a historic recognition project at its former building, incorporating a QR code linking to multimedia content about its history.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass commended the publication as a trusted news source for generations of Latino Angelenos, underlining the significant role ethnic media plays in the city’s diverse social landscape. David LiCalzi, chief operating officer of MyCode—the company that acquired La Opinión in 2022—referred to the milestone as “an amazing feat” and emphasized the ongoing responsibility to steward one of the nation’s longest-running Spanish-language newspapers.
For many in the Latino community, La Opinión is more than a newspaper; it serves as a connection to culture, community, and advocacy, often described as "medicine for the spirit" amid the challenges of integration and political uncertainty. Its century-long presence highlights the enduring importance of ethnic media outlets in reflecting and shaping the realities of diverse urban populations.