Effective immediately, I am no longer an employee of OC Weekly.
I wish my former colleagues the best of luck in their future endeavors.
Addendum: I don’t feel like getting into the whys or wherefores. As far as I can tell, I’m still welcome to freelance for Village Voice Media Publications.
But I did want to send out a special thanks to a couple of people.
R. SCOTT MOXLEY, reporting genius who brought down the sheriff of OC, for being so hands-on and helping me with my news stories when he certainly didn’t have to. After this I don’t think I’ll ever end up a news guy, but it’s not for his lack of faith or trying.
and
JANINE KAHN, my eternally dependable back-up at Comic-Con and every other time. Even among my friends, very few people ever seem to truly “get” me…but she did.
This is not to neglect any others — I wish I could have gotten to know some of you better — but to commend those who really went the extra mile for me. In the end, your faith will be justified. Thank you.
Also, here’s my final cover story, which I wrote in 7 days, and is fully reported like they wanted…
Holy Hindus, that’s a shocker. I don’t suppose you can go into detail right now, but do have a potential alternate job?
Nope. Hoping someone might chime in with one.
call commie girl
Hugs from here, Luke.
“faith will be justified”???? Careful with the messianic crap. You’re a good writer. They’re a shit company. Good luck.
finally the weekly can get good writers
Anon – they have good writers now, all of ‘em award-nominated. I doubt they’ll be getting more, since that would defy the major purpose of layoffs. I don’t envy the current staff the extra workload.
Hogan – I still like the company, generally.
Sam – I don’t think Commie Girl’s hiring. But I’ve always had fun at CityBeat in the past.
I am so sorry.
Hey Luke,
Thanks for the nice comment. I’m sorry things worked out the way they did, but I’m glad to know you’ll still be writing and working with film…and maybe without the constraints of Orange County-centric journalism, you’ll have more freedom to focus on what you really love to cover. Best of luck in all future endeavors.
Naw, Village Voice Media is definitely a shit company, just look at the trail of lawsuits across the country. It’s a good idea not to burn your bridges, though.
Very sorry Luke because it will suck and sting for a while, but given your multiples talents, you’ll find a new gig in a new place. It will be different, it will be interesting. Best wishes, will follow your adventures from afar
Been there. Your most recent cover story is some of the best local environmental reporting I’ve ever seen in Orange County. I agonized for months over how to cover the Steel-head trout story and you absolutely nailed it – with video to boot!
Silver lining – you’re leaving on one hell of a high note with that cover story.
With great respect.
Wow – thanks, Alex!
It was my first environmental feature, and may well be my last…but I chided Rocky Costanzo when he said much the same thing about what I consider to be his best work.
Cool, now you can come back to Hollywood! See you soon!
Would that it were that easy, Donna.
I’m stuck in my current lease until next May. I can break it if I pay an $800 fine.
So basically, I need a new job before I can move north again.
stay calm & focused
there are many things you might do
Hang in there. Your last 2 Saw-related pieces were fascinating – have you floated some clippings to Fango? I bet some people we know at least have some contacts there and can put in a good word for you…