The Old Broad: Saying Good-Bye to the San Diego Free Press

L to R: Frank Gormlie, Patty Jones, Doug Porter, Annie Lane, Brent Beltrán, Anna Daniels, and Rich Kacmar

Editordude: San Diego Free Press has announced it will suspend publication after Dec. 14.

I started writing for the San Diego Free Press with almost their first edition. One of the the nice things about writing for it was that I was limited in my writings for the OB Rag, because at that time all of the articles and restaurant reviews were about “goings on” in the neighborhood.  I could write for the SDFP and cover more restaurants, more ideas, and more of San Diego County.

As I became more and more familiar with the editors and contributors, my respect for the online paper grew.  The knowledge of the authors was tremendous.

Doug Porter was superb – his research skills were second to none and since we shared the same philosophy on just about everything I looked forward to reading his writings and daily column.  When he went on vacations I could hardly wait for his return to read his latest column.   The respect I have for Anna Daniels is enormous.  Even if she didn’t feel well the duties that she was responsible for always got done.  Her writings have been intriguing, to say the least.

Patty Jones, although working in the background, was the key to making sure that the SDFP was published; that the computer workings were correct and whenever I had a problem she was the one I went to, only to have it fixed within 24 hours.  Rich Kacmar was also behind the scenes when I was writing for the SDFP. Recently he has been writing and posting more than ever before. I looked forward to his suggestions, and enjoy his style of writing.  Brent Beltran is the newest member of the Board.  He came on board long after I was writing for them.  His Saturday summaries are still something I read every weekend just in case I missed something during the week.

And Annie Lane – what fun we had using me as a “human GPS”.  Because she lived in Pt. Loma, relatively close to me, we usually drove together when there was a function of the OB Rag and/or the SDFP.  More often than not we got lost and laughed about it as we explored new areas – to us – of San Diego.  Her columns and her pictures, were always entertaining and fun.  And finally, I am happy to say that my “Editor-dude”, Frank Gormlie, while not leaving the OB Rag, has done wonders for promoting the SDFP; for carrying on the high integrity that has made the paper one that is looked to for suggestions; for “Real News” and dispelling the “fake news” that is so abundant today.

A special thank you to so many of the other contributors of the SDFP – Ernie McCray – how I hope he begins writing for the OB Rag;  to Norma Damashek,  Bob Dorn, Will Falk, John Lawrence, Jim Miller, and others – there is still have a spot for their ideas, ideals, and columns in the OB Rag.

I, for one, will miss all of you; please “don’t go”; stay in touch with us, and know that you were all greatly appreciated.