It’s ironic that after more than 30 years and 13,000 articles, one of my last for a newspaper has left me starring blankly at the screen with an RCA-dog-like tilt of the head.
Maybe that’s because I’ve never been a fan of writing about myself or maybe it’s because I’ve never been a fan of good-byes. But since I still have another 500-plus words to fill this column, I will give it my best shot.
After more than eight years, today is my last here at the Sedona Red Rock News. I’ve been given a great opportunity to try something new after having started as a professional journalist 36 years ago at the ripe old age of 16.
Beginning on Monday, Oct. 11, I will be the public relations coordinator for the city of Sedona. I’m both excited and nervous for this new challenge as I step outside my comfort zone to enter the next chapter of my career.
When I applied for the position here at the paper, I knew of Sedona but hadn’t been here since I was a kid. I had recently moved back “home” to Southern Nevada following 12 years in Hawaii. I can’t tell you how many times people here asked me, “Why the heck would you leave Hawaii?” I had gotten a divorce, but instead of telling them that, I would give a simple, yet honest, answer of, “Well, I missed being close to my family and friends, so it was time.”
Bob Larson interviewed me in May 2013 and the next day offered me a job — at a time when I needed one most. For that, I will always be grateful. Since then I have worked with many talented journalists, photographers, advertising reps, graphic artists and office staff here at Larson Newspapers who have all worked together to put out the best product possible, week after week, month after month, year after year. A special thanks goes to General Manager Kyle Larson and Managing Editor Christopher Fox Graham for not only their friendship, but also their trust and faith in my experience and abilities to let me do what I do best.
I would be remiss if I didn’t take a few lines to thank those people associated with the many beats I’ve had here the past eight years. First off, the city has many of the best employees I have ever experienced in my long career. And trust me, I’m not just saying that because they will soon be signing my paychecks. It’s the truth. My admiration extends to many others I’ve covered, including the Sedona Fire District, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, Sedona International Film Festival, Sedona Lodging Council, Big Park Regional Coordinating Council, Sedona-Oak Creek School District and the hundreds of residents I have interviewed here along the way. I want to thank you all for the professionalism, kindness and assistance you have shown. It’s definitely made my job much easier and enjoyable as I have tried my best to report the news with accuracy and without bias.
I’ve spoken to many high school and college classes over the years about being a journalist. I usually share the good, the bad and the ugly with them. But, I make sure to always say the same thing, “You will never become a millionaire in this profession, but you’ll get to see and do things most millionaires can only dream of.” I’ve been fortunate to fly with the Navy’s Blue Angels and interview everyone from celebrities, pro athletes and politicians to war veterans and Average Joes. Everyone has a story to tell, and as journalists it’s our job to find it and do it justice.
Some say newspapers are a dying industry. I disagree. While the way people get their news may continue to evolve, good journalism will never die.
Being that my new office at City Hall is just a few miles away — and I will still be interacting with many of the same people — I guess this isn’t necessarily your normal good-bye. So instead, I will simply share a traditional Hawaiian greeting. Mahalo nui loa and a hui hou — thank you very much and until we meet again.
Ron Eland
Assistant Managing Editor
