Brendan Ruff knows local newspapers

Brendan Ruff is a San Diego native. After growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, he attended UC Davis and shortly thereafter started working for local newspapers in Sacramento. His career eventually brought him back to San Diego, in 2002, when he accepted a job as publisher with the La Jolla Light. In 2005, he began publishing the Del Mar Times and Solana Beach Sun, and later started the Carmel Valley Leader and Rancho Santa Fe Record newspapers.

It was around this time, he moved to Carmel Valley with his wife, Kelly, a local physician who is also a San Diego native. Brendan and Kelly are proud parents of Katherine and Owen.

Today, Brendan publishes newspapers in Poway and Rancho Bernardo, the sister papers to La Jolla Light, Del Mar Times, Carmel Valley Leader, Rancho Santa Fe Record and Solana Beach Sun.

When he is not publishing newspapers and spending time with his family, Brendan can usually be found surfing or swimming in the ocean.

What brought you to Carmel Valley?

My wife owned a condo here, when we started dating. We have since purchased a home here.

What makes Carmel Valley special to you?

Great neighborhoods, schools and parks. And it’s just minutes from the ocean.

If you could snap your fingers and have it done, what might you add, subtract or improve in Carmel Valley?

I would make sure that everyone drives much slower in our neighborhoods, especially near schools and parks. We drive much too fast here!

Who or what inspires you?

My wife and children inspire me.

If you hosted a dinner party for eight, whom (living or deceased) would you invite?

Duke Kahanamoku, John Lennon, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain, Ayn Rand, Hunter S. Thompson and Bono.

What are you currently reading?

“In Defense of Food” by Michael Pollan.

What is your most prized possession?

My guitar.

What do you do for fun?

Surf, swim, play music and travel with my family.

Describe your greatest accomplishment.

Raising a wonderful family with my wife.

What is your motto or philosophy of life?

Find balance in your life.