Letters From the Editor: Welcome to the DP 103

I am proud of this year’s Daily Pilot 103.

That’s not self-congratulations. I am thanking our readers.

The bulk of the DP 103 came from them. Awhile back I wrote a column asking readers for a few suggested names to help fill out the annual list.

I got dozens of nominations from emails, online comments and phone calls.

Thank you, Newport-Mesa. Most of this list is yours.

Except for the parts that aren’t. We had to make space for our staff picks as well.

My only regret is not having room for all the reader choices, though most of them are there. Some solid nominations had to be jettisoned, often at the last minute, because you can’t have a DP103 without Mr. or Mrs. So-and-So.

We could easily do a DP 153, maybe a DP 203. But the longer these end-of-year lists get, the less valuable they become.

For the newcomers, what is the purpose of the DP 103? That’s simple: It’s about who we, as a newspaper, and you, as its readers, think made or influenced the news in 2013.

There are plenty of expected faces — the council members and city managers from our twin cities — as well as the power brokers who work behind the scenes.

There are also the volunteers, the activists, the regular folks who contribute as much to keeping this place humming, as well as the six- and seven-figure types who sign the paychecks.

There are heroes, the cops, the folks who keep everyone safe. The educators. The people who care for the poor and homeless. There are unsung heroes and those who are sung all the time.

Anyway, I can go on and on here but I won’t. Most folks only want to read the list anyway.

And yes, you’re right, we forgot someone. We always do.

So go ahead. Tell us. Who did we miss? Post your suggestions below the DP 103.

JOHN CANALIS is the editor for the Daily Pilot, Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot and Huntington Beach Independent. He can be reached at (714) 966-4607 and john.canalis@latimes.com.