by Peter Weinberger | pweinberger@claremont-courier.com

It is with sadness that I report that former longtime editor and employee Kathryn Dunn, no longer works for the COURIER. As most of you know, Kathryn was a key reason for the COURIER’s success over the years. But with a pandemic that has raged since March, it continues to make publishing very difficult on a variety of fronts.

As I’ve mentioned, COURIER revenue has dropped about 36 percent this year with no real end in sight. We also have continued the expensive process of going nonprofit, while developing a state-of-the-art website. This will dramatically reshape the future of our independent business. But with a significant drop in revenue, the process must be accomplished with less staff for now.

I’ve worked with Kathryn for the past 15 years, going back to the days when I commuted from Charlotte, NC to Claremont. Once I moved out here, it became clear she was the person managing the newspaper, so I promoted her to managing editor. She had this unique skill set of content editing and page design. And Kathryn ranks number three on the all-time list of knowledgeable people on Claremont. Right behind Martin Weinberger and Judy Wright. That’s good company!

The Weinbergers also don’t just hire anyone as editor of our family newspaper. Kathryn literally was the only person I considered for the editor’s job. She grew into it with years of publishing experience. In the COURIER 112-year history, Kathryn and I were the only people who split the title of editor and publisher. We did this because she earned the job. And it’s why I will again assume the role of editor and publisher.

It’s important to me people understand the important role Kathryn played at the COURIER. She’s been largely responsible for the look and content of the newspaper for over a decade. No wonder the COURIER was a regularly honored by the California News Publishers Association (CNPA). And that included best community newspaper three times. With Kathryn in the editor’s seat, it helped me immensely to devote the time in developing our website, video coverage and business marketing. Working together is one key reason why the COURIER remained robust with content and financially healthy, even as the news industry was shrinking all around us.

I know Kathryn will be successful in anything she sets her sights on. She’s simply is too smart and hard working for any other outcome. I also hope she gets a chance to spend more time with her family, without the pressure of COURIER newspaper production on her plate.

For me, this has been one of the most difficult decisions I’ve made in my 45-year publishing career. But I also remain committed to the long-term health of the COURIER. No one said it was going to be easy.

I only wish Kathryn the best of luck and happiness.