R.J. Marx at the office of the Cannon Beach Gazette on Tuesday morning in Seaside.

Thank you for welcoming me into your community. I’m the new editor at the Cannon Beach Gazette and I’ve come a long way — 3,011 miles to be more precise.

What is remarkable about communities is they can be very far apart and yet very, close. What constitutes the news in one small town will parallel that of another: a heroic rescue, a fiercely contested election, the fight for preservation of a historic building, or the triumph of a spelling bee contestant. Community news comes from the heart and soul of a town, and I have made that my mission on the East Coast for the past 18 years. During that time, we were able to focus on tough issues: a changing demographic, the lack of affordable housing and diversity, and the erosion of our natural resources. At the same time, we boasted an involved community that supported sustainable energy initiatives, cultural and artistic endeavors, and a cosmopolitan population who valued the natural beauty and the historic character of the region.

I anticipate these values will easily translate to the Cannon Beach scene. From my early wanderings, my eyes have been wide with the breathtaking beauty from every angle. The beaches are as wide and clean as any strip from here to Mexico. The natural rock formations not only serve as a remarkable gift from nature, but also provide a restful and healing calm that inspires the thousands of visitors drawn here. The thriving downtown community and shops offers essentials to local residents and lures visitors, whether for the first time or for generations. Cannon Beach is both romantic and down to earth. And one sunset is worth the price of admission.

I look forward to meeting the artists, the business owners, the students and teachers, the civic leaders and founding families. If in my early apprenticeship I make some rookie mistakes — and I will — please forgive me. I am fortunate to have the talents of an experienced Cannon Beach reporter, Erick Bengel, to guide me, as well as interim editor Dave Fisher and my predecessor, Nancy McCarthy, who will serve both as a resource and remain a fixture in the Cannon Beach scene. We will be steered by Publisher and Editor Steve Forrester and Managing Editor Laura Sellers, the staff of The Daily Astorian, and are excited by the many print, digital and social media opportunities ahead.