Phillip Sanfield announced in the newsroom (well, technically in the publisher's conference room) this afternoon that he's leaving as executive editor and interim publisher of the Breeze to become director of media relations for the Port of Los Angeles. This means, somewhat uncomfortably, that he was contending for the job while his paper continued to cover the port, though I'm not sure there's good way around that — especially these days. His note is after the jump; also blogged by Gary Scott.

Colleagues,

Like many of you, I’ve spent my entire adult life working for newspapers. After a few years working in the Coachella Valley, the past 26 years has truly been a love affair with The Daily Breeze and the South Bay.

I now have a terrific opportunity to switch gears. In a few weeks, I’ll be joining the Port of Los Angeles as its director of media relations. It’s the perfect time for me, both professionally and personally, to make a change.

I sincerely thank you for your effort, support and confidence. I took the helm as editor after the Breeze was put up for sale three years ago and I have been so proud of how our team has confronted the challenges our industry faces.

I owe a debt of gratitude to all my Breeze colleagues, past and present, for an inspiring ride here. I wish all of you good health and success.

Phillip