Tom Johnson, current owner/publisher of Stu News Newport and write lead column. Former long time publisher of the Daily Pilot for the LA Times and general manager of Times Community News, the community newspaper division. Have a passion and love for Newport Beach. Was named Citizen of the Year in 2011.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Lana Johnson, editor of Stu News, is my ex-wife and best friend; I have two married daughters – Ashley Johnson and Victoria Dell. Ashley is the senior VP of Visit Newport Beach and Chief Marketing Officer, while Victoria is a cardio thoracic nurse practitioner at Long Beach Memorial. Victoria also has my three grand children, Kate-6, Curt-4 and Nick-3.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Love telling the news of what’s happening in Newport Beach. Operate publications on four principles 1 to be the community watchdog 2 to be the community forum 3 to be the reservoir of information and 4 to be the community cheerleader.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Casual lunch – Wahoo’s; business luncheon Gulfstream, Pelican Grille or Sushi Roku; dinner Joeys, The Bungalow or Eddie V’s.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Since 1991.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Arnold Palmer through the Hoag/Toshiba Classic. Got the opportunity to walk inside the ropes with Arnie for 18 holes.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
News magazines – Dateline, 20-20 and 48 Hours.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Enjoy life, it goes quick.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
The Netherlands – have family there that I’ve never met.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Jeff Johnson, president of Hearst Newspapers at the Balboa Bay Resort.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Enjoying a family electric boat ride on the bay or playing one of the great local golf courses.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Not a great question to someone my age. I just hope whatever it is that it’s on this side of the grass.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I have a collection of 70+ pairs of Puma shoes in a number of colors and styles.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I think living/working in Newport Beach is a 10 out of 10 compared to anywhere else in the world.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My daughter Ashley.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Happiness, love, fun.
