THE LAST WORD:

This week begins a new era at the Daily Pilot as we say goodbye to longtime Publisher Tom Johnson.

That, of course, wasn’t easy. Johnson has been the face of this paper for the better part of two decades, and we are going to miss his leadership, friendship, creativity and quick wit around the office.

The community will miss him, too. From chamber leadership roles in both Newport Beach and Costa Mesa to his enduring role at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian to his support of senior centers, schools, visitor bureaus and numerous charities, Johnson left an indelible mark.

Thankfully for Newport-Mesa, Johnson instilled that spirit of community journalism in all of us here at the Daily Pilot. So we vow to continue his good work and continue being the voice for this community both in print and online.

It should not be a surprise to anyone that newspapers are suffering through the worst of times right now. And as more and more sources of news appear in the new electronic media, those papers that can’t produce unique content will be forced to weather a brutal storm.

That’s where we believe the Daily Pilot has an edge up. Through Johnson’s leadership, we put Newport-Mesa on a pedestal. We cover high school sports like others cover professional sports; we cover city councils like national papers cover Washington, D.C.

It’s a recipe for success, and we thank Johnson for being the head chef.

Thanks, Tom Johnson, for all you have done for this newspaper and this community. We’ll carry on and make you proud.