Former Pilot publisher named Citizen of Year

NEWPORT BEACH--The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce awarded former Daily Pilot Publisher Tom Johnson as Citizen of the Year on Thursday.

Johnson was surprised at a special ceremony at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club. About 20 residents, past award recipients and city officials attended the event.

Johnson was the publisher of the Daily Pilot for 17 years before leaving in 2008.

The event has been held for about 60 years.