Privacy Policy
How we collect, use, and protect your information
Last updated: January 2026
The Visalia Chronicle ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information when you visit our website at visaliachronicle.com (the "Site").
Information We Collect
Information You Provide
We may collect information you voluntarily provide, including:
- Contact information (name, email address) when you contact us or submit news tips
- Any other information you choose to provide in correspondence with us
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our Site, certain information may be collected automatically:
- Device information (browser type, operating system)
- IP address and general location information
- Pages visited and time spent on the Site
- Referring website or source
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our Site uses cookies and similar tracking technologies. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us improve your experience and understand how visitors use our Site.
Types of Cookies We Use
- Essential Cookies — Required for the Site to function properly
- Analytics Cookies — Help us understand how visitors interact with our Site
- Advertising Cookies — Used by our advertising partners to deliver relevant ads
- Social Media Cookies — Enable social sharing features
Managing Cookies
When you first visit our Site, you will see a cookie consent banner asking for your permission to use analytics and advertising cookies. You can accept or decline these cookies. Your preference is saved and you will not be asked again unless you clear your browser data.
Withdrawing Consent
If you previously accepted cookies but wish to withdraw your consent, you can do so at any time by visiting our Cookie Preferences page. Withdrawing consent will stop analytics and advertising cookies from being set on future visits.
Browser Controls
Most web browsers also allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:
- Set your browser to refuse all cookies or only third-party cookies
- Delete existing cookies from your browser
- Configure alerts when cookies are being sent
Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our Site. For more information on managing cookies in your browser, visit All About Cookies.
Third-Party Services
We use the following third-party services that may collect information:
Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to analyze website traffic and understand how visitors use our Site. Google Analytics collects information such as how often users visit, what pages they visit, and what other sites they used prior to coming to our Site. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect this information. You can learn more about how Google uses data at How Google uses data or opt out using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Google AdSense
We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our Site. Google may use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our Site or other websites. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google's Ads Settings.
Legal Basis for Processing
We process your information based on the following legal grounds:
- Consent — For analytics and advertising cookies, we obtain your explicit consent through our cookie banner before processing
- Legitimate Interest — For essential site functionality and security purposes
- Legal Obligation — When required to comply with applicable laws
You may withdraw consent at any time by visiting our Cookie Preferences page.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide, maintain, and improve our Site and services
- Respond to your inquiries and communications
- Send you updates if you've subscribed to our communications
- Analyze Site usage to improve content and user experience
- Display relevant advertisements
- Comply with legal obligations
Information Sharing
We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers — With companies that help us operate our Site (hosting, analytics, advertising)
- Legal Requirements — When required by law or to protect our rights
- Business Transfers — In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
Data Retention
We retain information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.
Your Rights & Choices
Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Opt out of certain data processing activities
- Withdraw consent for cookies and tracking
How to Opt Out
- Cookie Consent — Visit our Cookie Preferences page to withdraw or modify your consent
- Google Analytics — Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
- Personalized Ads — Visit Google's Ads Settings or Digital Advertising Alliance Opt-Out
- Browser Settings — Configure your browser to block or delete cookies
To exercise other rights or for questions, please contact us at staff@visaliachronicle.com.
California Privacy Rights
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to delete your information, and the right to opt out of the sale of your personal information. As stated above, we do not sell personal information.
Children's Privacy
Our Site is not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.
Security
We implement reasonable security measures to protect the information we collect. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:
Email: staff@visaliachronicle.com