KSBW reporter Phil Gomez is retiring after nearly 25 years.
Gomez started at the Salinas-Monterey, California NBC affiliate in October 1997.
“Many know Phil for his hard work, his professionalism and for truly caring about the community,” said Laura Williamson, KSBW president and general manager. “Phil’s commitment to the Central Coast sets a high standard for local journalism. I am honored to have worked with him and congratulate him on his well-earned retirement!”
Over the course of his 39-year career in journalism Gomez has been everything from a video editor to a producer, an assignment editor to a reporter. He started his career as a reporter at KMST in Monterey, before working in Bakersfield, Reno, Tampa, San Luis Obispo, San Jose and Colorado Springs.
“During his career, Phil has built a remarkable level of trust with our viewers,” said KSBW news director Jillian O’Brien. “Phil tells their stories with the care of someone who is more than a reporter; he is a member of the community and a friend. The Central Coast and KSBW have been lucky to call Phil one of our own.”
“I want to thank everyone and especially thank all you viewers. I appreciate all of you who have come up and thanked me for my work or even just said hello and that you enjoyed watching the news. That’s truly appreciated and means so much!” said Gomez. “Throughout my career I’ve met many people and made some close friends and will always cherish them. Now, it’s time to hang up the microphone and sign-off.”
After retiring on October 7, Gomez plans to spend more time traveling abroad.