Lopez: Back in Surf City

I’m thrilled to be back.

My first journalism job had its roots in Huntington Beach. I was living with my father at the time and former Huntington Beach Independent City Editor Tony Dodero was the first to answer my call for work. He ushered me in to meet the higher ups at Times Community News, and I got the job.

After some time touring in the Southern California newspaper world, I returned to Huntington Beach, at the old office on Beach Boulevard, where I was a features editor and page designer. I left again to roam the region a bit and now I’ve returned.

I have a great sense of excitement about being the new city editor at the Independent and can’t wait to delve in.

Former City Editor Michael Miller is still here; he just scooted over a bit when he was named the features editor for the Independent, the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot and the Daily Pilot.

I’m going to be getting into the mix throughout Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley and Sunset Beach. We want to know everything your neighborhood is up to, so alert us in advance when you’re planning a community gathering, a performance open to the public or if you just know about someone with a compelling story to tell.

We are also looking for reader submissions of travel tales. If you want to share your experience, send a story of about 350 to 500 words on a recent trip. Photos are a plus. We would also love to hear about shop openings and neighborhood events.

And of course our forum pages are always open to give the community a voice. Whether it’s compliments or complaints, and about the Independent or the city, don’t hesitate to say your piece — it’s your paper.

ALICIA LOPEZ is the city editor of the Huntington Beach Independent. She can be reached at (714) 966-4696 or alicia.lopez@latimes.com.