ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Sean P. Thomas, a veteran journalist with ties to the local Elk Grove community, joined Messenger Publishing Group as its new city editor for the Elk Grove Citizen on Dec. 11. 

A Laguna Creek Class of 2009 graduate, Thomas said he’s thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Elk Grove after nearly 15 years to help cover the local news for his hometown newspaper. 

Thomas started his career in journalism as a reporter for the Calaveras Enterprise in San Andreas, before being promoted to editor in chief. 

Thomas also worked for the Los Angeles Downtown News for three years as both a staff writer and managing editor before moving to Santa Fe, N.M., where he worked for the Santa Fe New Mexican for two years. His roles with the newspaper included reporting on public safety and local government. 

Thomas took a short break from the newspaper business in 2022 to open a small café in Santa Fe with his fiancé before returning to journalism in 2024.

“Elk Grove has ballooned in size and really grown up since I was last here and I’m sure there are plenty of stories under the surface just waiting to be told,” Thomas said. “I look forward to being able to tell some of those stories and to help provide a strong local newspaper for my community.” 

Thomas can be reached at 916-410-5389 or [email protected].