Why am I writing this?
Well, I didn't want to fade off into oblivion without an answer to the public about what will be the sudden disappearance of most of the Patch editorial staff.
As you are probably aware, Patch had been sold recently by AOL, its former parent company, to Hale Gobal in a joint venture to turn around Patch.com and its 900 websites after years of losing cash.
Hale Global has become known to have, what many call, an impressive track record of turning around companies and cultivating growth within the troubled business. But, sometimes there comes a price.
A large round of layoffs happened in August, but another round of layoffs just occurred. After today, most stories probably will stop posting.
It is a little jarring to me. I mean, I'm only a substitute editor, not completely invested as many of the former long-time local editors were. I started out as an education and crime reporter with Patch in Glendora. As Patch continued to evolve to adapt to the economic tide in which it swam, I and many editors did as well.
I covered crime for Glendora, Claremont-La Verne, Diamond Bar-Walnut, Arcadia, Monrovia, La Crescenta-Montrose, Altadena … well, I eventually covered stories for our entire county network and have found it an incredible learning experience.
I want to thank everyone at Patch who had faith in me to write the news.
It has been interesting to see the evolution of Patch, from a hyperlocal news website to what it will eventually become.
Patch will live on.
In what form? I've been sworn to secrecy, but you will all find out in time.
I must say I have enjoyed covering crime, education, city politics and human interest stories in town.
I don't want to necessarily speak for every other editor, but it is safe to say we did our best to bring you the news despite what we were up against financially.
I have enjoyed covering stories in Glendora. It is a delightful foothill community and there was certainly much to write about. I only wish I could continue to cover the stories of Glendora's residents, public safety efforts and the stories of kindness continuing to unfold from the aftermath of the Colby Fire.
I just want to give you a heartfelt thanks for taking time to follow us. So long, farewell, goodbye.
