We all have seasons in life. Sometimes those seasons are short and others, they seem to last forever. I’ve reached an end to a delightful term of 2 ½ years.
This is my last edition as editor of Santa Rosa’s Press Gazette.
It was a tough choice to leave. The SRPG team is my family. I cut my teeth writing for Jim Fletcher, our publisher-then- assistant publisher, first as a stringer covering the Bagdad area in 1997. I’ve learned much from both him and my team members.
Although the internet and social media changed the face of journalism over the last ten years, I believe news reporting has the same principals today as it was in the beginning of our country. I’m sure there are some readers out there who think differently, but I can state, as editor, I’ve always strived to print/post the facts.
It was a privilege to work on behalf of the citizens of Santa Rosa County and make decisions regarding your local news coverage. I will always be grateful for this time. I say this with honesty and a full heart. It will be a different life not being a journalist. I will always think news, hear a possible story idea, and see an excellent photo opportunity. Most importantly, I will miss my time meeting readers in the newsroom, discussing stories, life and sitting down for brainstorming with a cup of coffee with our editorial team. We’ve spent many hours talking about current events, what’s happening across the county and different angles for feature stories. We know each other well and are a well oiled machine.
Through this job I’ve met many people, learned about their ups and downs, troubles and blessings. I’ve prayed, held many hands and given as many tissues during both sad and happy times. I am honored by the trust, courage and confidence displayed in front of me. I’ve had the privilege of writing incredible stories about brave and gutsy people and sharing them with our readership.
Being editor of this paper was a season in my life I will never forget.
My advice to Aaron Little is to listen. Listen to our readers and hear what they have to say. Share their stories, their accomplishments, their goals, their decisions and yes, even their defeats. Life is a lesson worth living. Having a press with freedom is a gift. Keep sending in your stories, photos of your wedding, your new babies, your pets, your announcements. The SRPG is a news service on a different scale. Keep it so. Keep looking up. Keep it simple.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: HOLT: A New Season