FOR SLIGHTLY WORSE

Tucked away in a big book of newsprint here in the office of the Central Kitsap Reporter lies my editorial debut — Aug. 29, 1992.

That’s when my column “Having a ball with stars of the diamond,” my recap of the Mariners youth baseball camp they hosted in Tacoma, ran in what was called “Community Style” back then.

It wasn’t a stellar debut, of course, (I was 15 at the time and just getting acclimated to writing as a journalist) but it was enough to have my mother nearly break down the door at 8 a.m. in excitement over her first born getting a byline.

When I pulled out the book during my first day here this week, everyone was surprised to see how young I looked back then.

Unfortunately, only my hairline and waistline have changed since then.

I am the new guy here at the Central Kitsap Reporter. I am taking over for Wesley Remmer, who is moving over to fill Aaron Managhan’s spot.

Previously I worked for more than four-and-a-half years as the sports reporter for the Bainbridge Review, but company changes brought me here.

In sporting terms, think of it as the aging star who gets cut from the team to save room against the cap, but gets picked up by another franchise.

At any rate, I should feel lucky I get a job — after all, the economy is sinking fast and everyone is hoarding their cash to make sure they have something left.

But before that happens, I’ll let everyone know what’s happening in the education field and the goings on with the Central Kitsap School District.

I’ll also be working on keeping everyone healthy, what’s going on with the environment, whether the roads are safe, what’s good with social services and how fast this town is growing.

It’s a lot to cover, so I’ll do my best, but I’ll also need the help of the community at large. If you have any story ideas, please e-mail me at jbecerra@centralkitsapreporter.com.

I’ll do my best to listen — even if my hearing is going.

John Becerra Jr. is the CK Reporter’s newest staff writer.