Tom McHugh was a colorful figure in the San Lorenzo Valley where he had lived in the same cabin in Brookdale since 1937. he was often seen hitchhiking Highway 9 and was known for his political activism. He ran for several offices and once was sued for libel by an article he wrote about the Postmaster. He was mainly known as a newspaper publisher with his credits including the Penny Post, the Frontier Gazette, Torrent, and the Riptide. In later years he was an important local historian who focused on the Valley’s history as well as supporting others who shared the same passion.