The Valley Line: It’s been an honor to chronicle the lives of La Cañadans

I am still in shock that La Cañada’s newspaper of record, the La Cañada Valley Sun, is shutting down its presses forever.

It is a sad day for all of us in our community. It has been said that when a newspaper dies, we all die a little with it.

Being a journalist for the La Cañada Valley Sun has been my lifeblood. I began my career in the 1980s as the social editor of the paper when Joe DuPlain was owner and editor of what was then the only newspaper in town.

I can hardly bear to say goodbye to all of you here in this column because I’ve been telling your stories for nearly 40 years. I chronicled your graduations, engagements, weddings and the births of your babies. I have recorded your adventures when you vacationed around the globe.

Our community has always been a philanthropic one and your amazing efforts for less fortunate people and causes that have been great and small, have been included in this column that was named variously as “Chit Chat from Here and There” and “The Valley Line.” I have photographed you in casual wear for outdoor concerts as well as ladies in sparkling gowns and men wearing tuxedos when you attended the openings of the opera, the symphony and at fundraising galas.

I feel so honored to have been a weekly part of your lives and thank you so much for allowing me to share your news with others in the community.

Until we meet again — Jane Napier Neely