Happy retirement to the Stones

As we report the local news this morning, it’s with a combination of pride and sadness. Two of the people most responsible for the success of Times of San Diego are retiring this week. Ken and Chris Stone, an indomitable team who posted literally thousands of articles, photos and videos, are ready for a break after 50 years in journalism. 

As the founder of this website, I’m sad. But I’m also proud of their work. Over the years I hired Ken for SignOnSanDiego.com, the Union-Tribune’s groundbreaking website, and then to launch La Mesa Patch. When I started Times of San Diego in 2014, Ken and Chris became the first two contributors.

That was fortunate. Because whenever there was a major story, from the Poway synagogue shooting to April’s tragic plane crash in Murphy Canyon, Ken and Chris were on the scene, always producing a complete package of words, photos and video. Along the way, Chris turned a college-time interest in photojournalism into a high skill, holding her own at political rallies and major sporting events.

The two have received literally dozens of awards from the San Diego Press Club for their work at Times of San Diego. So it’s fitting that last night they took home 16 between them at the 52nd annual Excellence in Journalism Awards. 

Times of San Diego staff and contributors received a total of 36, with 11 alone going to Chris Stone. I picked up one myself – first place in election coverage for last fall’s voter guide. Awards are always welcome, but the greatest satisfaction for a journalist is the professional confirmation that we’re serving our readers with best-in-class coverage.