Last Friday—three years and a month after starting work at Patch—I was laid off by AOL. I wasn't alone. Hundreds of other Patch editors lost their jobs in an effort to shrink company expenses and achieve profitability.
It was painful. But I remain hopeful — both for myself and Patch, which can still make history by becoming the first hyperlocal network to become a success.
La Mesa Patch went live on Sept. 30, 2010, and included an introductory piece:
http://lamesa.patch.com/groups/editors-picks/p/la-mesa-patch-here-to-satisfy-hunger-for-local-news
Over the next year and a half, I broke major stories, rattled some cages and made many friends. In 2011, the San Diego Press Club gave me a third-place award for best overall news site.
I won recognition for writing and photography.
http://lamesa.patch.com/groups/business-news/p/patch-sites-claim-18-prizes-at-annual-san-diego-press50bd797ed1
http://lamesa.patch.com/groups/business-news/p/patch-makes-a-splash-with-24-awards-at-san-diego-pres...
Chris Stone, my photographer wife, became a regular at Grossmont and Helix sporting events, and also shot for other Patch sites. She won a slew of awards, too.
Between March 2012 and Friday, I was associate regional editor for south and central San Diego County, helping other Patch editors achieve excellence.
I'll continue to live in La Mesa (a resident since 1999), and enjoy the Jewel of the Hills.
My familiar ken.stone@patch.com email address is no more. But I can be reached at TrackCEO@aol.com.
I'm also on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/KenStoneTrack
And Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.stone.3154?ref=tn_tnmn
And LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/kenstone5610/
(The 5610 stands for 56.10, my best time in the 400-meter hurdles as a sophomore at University of Kansas.)
If I had to thank La Mesans who helped me as Patch editor, the list would run many pages. But suffice to say: I'm grateful to everyone who played a role in my learning La Mesa, understanding its secrets and sharing its joys.
I hope to return soon to this blog and report success in my job search. Until then, my best to all.
Stay classy, La Mesa.
