A greeting from the Point Loma-OB Monthly’s new editor, Rob Vardon

Greetings, Point Loma and Ocean Beach!

I’d like to take a few moments to introduce myself. I’m Rob Vardon, the new editor of the Point Loma-OB Monthly.

Though it’s a little strange to be starting a new job in the middle of a pandemic when the office is closed to everyone, including staff, we’re continuing to work hard to bring you the Monthly as you have come to know and love it. And that’s not going to change.

I’m very happy to be here. I’ve always loved the San Diego area. When I was a kid, my dad would sit beside the ocean during our family vacations from the Bay Area and gaze at the water for what, to a kid, seemed like hours. This was one of his favorite places on Earth, and it rubbed off on me.

As I mentioned, I’m originally from the Bay Area — San Jose, to be exact — but Southern California was never a stranger. I’ve been living in this part of the state for most of the past 33 years — save for four years in Texas in the ‘90s, where I worked for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

I also worked for almost 20 years at the Orange County Register in a variety of editing roles, and I come here after being editor of the Daily Pilot, a five-day-a-week paper for coastal Orange County that is part of the Los Angeles Times’ community news group.

My wife, Susan — who also is a journalist — and I intend to move to San Diego soon. Our beagle-cattle dog mix, Dakota, and Maine coon cat, Shadow, also look forward to it.

At the moment, we still live in south Orange County in the city of Lake Forest. If that doesn’t help you, it’s between Irvine and Mission Viejo. If that still doesn’t help you, may I suggest Google.

Our 22-year-old son, Nick, lives in Maine, where he went to play junior hockey a couple of years ago after stops in Arizona and New Jersey. He’s since gone into the landscaping business and is engaged to be married this year. (Wasn’t it just last year that he was asking for help with his homework, playing in Little League and slapping on his first set of goalie gear for his first trip to an ice rink? It sure seems like it. You parents know what I’m talking about — or will soon enough.)

Anyway, that’s me. I’d love to hear from you. Please send me your story ideas, letters, comments, questions and other submissions. I look forward to serving and being part of this community.

Rob Vardon is editor of the La Jolla Light, PB Monthly and Point Loma-OB Monthly. Reach him at robert.vardon@lajollalight.com. You also can call (858) 875-5950. ◆