New Release
No Walk in the Park
A newspaper man’s rise, fall, and redemption—addiction, three broken marriages, a jailhouse miracle, and a life rebuilt through faith, service, and storytelling.
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Welcome to Saltyman Press
This is the home for writings by Harry Saltzgaver – the Salty man. You’ll find synopsis of all three of my books, including the most recent, No Walk in the Park: Newspapers, Booze and God.
You’ll also find links where you can buy all three, including the older Passionately Positive: The Beverly O’Neill Story, and 20 Years of Salt in a 10-Pound Bag, a compilation of my early columns.
There’s a bit about who I am here, as well as a picture or two. This is a brand-new website, so we’ll be adding stuff from time to time – and you’ll have something new to see when you visit again!
If you’ve read one or all of the books, please send me a review, and we may add it to the website. There’s an example here – legendary singer/songwriter/actor Paul Williams had something to say about No Walk in the Park. Check it out.
Finally, if you’d like to buy a book signed personally to you, just email me at writerman47@yahoo.com. I’ll handle it myself.
Thanks for visiting.
– Harry
Recent Reviews
A rigorously honest insiders recollection of life with a daily deadline, creativity on the run, alcoholism, a spiritual awakening and ultimately, a beautiful example of the recovered life. It’s an honor to recommend Harry‘s memoir. We get to keep the miracle by giving it away… by sharing our stories… and this one is a page turner.
Harry Saltzgaver has written many stories in his distinguished newspaper career — but he has just written his best one. It’s his own life story, told in a compelling autobiographical book, “No Walk in the Park: Newspapers, Booze and God.”
Saltzgaver’s description of how he finally stopped drinking on Sept. 13, 2001, is inspirational.
So is his story of how he improved the Gazette newspapers.
Saltzgaver writes with passion and honesty.
“I’m also committed to helping other alcoholics and addicts find the peace of sobriety in God’s house,” he wrote. “Corny? Maybe. But I believe it can be. I know I am a sinner, saved only through the grace of God. Thank you, God.”
Saltzgaver’s book is a page turner.
“Newspapers, Booze, and God!” If those words spark sweet memories of newspapers most colorful characters like Jimmy Breslin, Pete Hamil, Jim Murray from the LA Times… I think you’re gonna love this ride. Read the first few pages. You’ll feel like you’re listening to a friend.
A rigorously honest insiders recollection of life with a daily deadline, creativity on the run, alcoholism, a spiritual awakening and ultimately, a beautiful example of the recovered life. It’s an honor to recommend Harry‘s memoir. We get to keep the miracle by giving it away… by sharing our stories… and this one is a page turner.
Upcoming Appearances
Book Launch Party
Date: January 11, 2026
Details: Space is limited, so please RSVP to writerman47@yahoo.com for time and location
Event title 2
November 18 @ 8:00 PM - 12:00 PM
$20.00 - $25.00
Event title 3
November 25 @ 8:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Stories of Long Beach told with a lifetime of heart, humor, and honesty.
About
Meet Harry Saltzgaver
For more than 45 years, Harry has told the stories of Long Beach and its people as an award-winning journalist, author, and community leader. Discover the life behind A Pinch of Salt and his ongoing dedication to the city he calls home.
Featured Coverage
Harry Saltzgaver has written many stories in his distinguished newspaper career — but he has just written his best one. It’s his own life story, told in a compelling autobiographical book, “No Walk in the Park: Newspapers, Booze and God.”
Harry Saltzgaver, longtime editor of the Grunion Gazette, received the American Journalism Historians Association’s Outstanding Award for Substantial Contribution to the Public Interest, honoring his decades of community storytelling, civic service, and love for Long Beach.
After 31 years as executive editor of the Grunion Gazette, Harry Saltzgaver steps down but keeps his weekly “A Pinch of Salt” column. In a heartfelt farewell, he honors Long Beach’s community, the people who shaped it, and his next chapter with Sunstone Management.
Long Beach’s “Radio Hour Fundraiser” at Catalina Landing brought nostalgia, humor, and community spirit. Harry Saltzgaver’s play, featuring Mayor Rex Richardson and local leaders, created a heartwarming night celebrating talent and the Playhouse’s 90-year legacy.
Passionately Positive
Leadership Through Inspiration
This is her inspirational story, and the story of the way AA lessons turned into an incredibly effective leadership style that changed the lives of not just thousands, but residents throughout Long Beach and beyond.
