Veteran local columnist John Hunneman has joined The Press-Enterprise as part of its expanded efforts in Southwest Riverside County.
Hunneman has reported the news and told stories of Southwest Riverside County since 1990 and been the primary columnist and “face of The Californian” since 1998. In addition to his popular, folksy column, John has been a frequent speaker to civic groups, master of ceremonies for events, judge at local competitions and moderator of forums and debates.
The Californian, an edition of the North County Times, was recently purchased by the UT San Diego, which folded the stand-alone newspaper into a section of the metro paper. The Californian now has afternoon deadlines and no longer provides timely coverage of city council meetings, school board meetings and high school sports games.
The Press-Enterprise has since launched The Press Southwest, with the front page and the sports section prominently displaying local photos and stories. The PE also has reposition more resources to cover local news and high school sports.
“Getting John is a big deal for the PE,” said Nels Jensen, Editor and VP of News & Content. “He knows so many people and has been involved in so many groups and activities. He’s a great champion of the region, and he’ll be a great representative for us. “
Hunneman is a U.S. Navy veteran and a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He and his family have lived in Murrieta for 25 years. Hunneman is the current chair of the Murrieta Historic Preservation Commission and also has been a morning show host and news director at local radio stations and the PA voice of the Lake Elsinore Storm.
Hunneman has received many honors over the years for his service to the community. One he cites proudly is having a public restroom —-The Hunneman Head —-on 6th Street in Old Town Temecula named in his honor.