So much for local control

This week's LA Weekly letters page is more interesting than usual. Aside from the reader feedback there's a box announcing "an immediate opening for a full-time staff writer," presumably to fill the spot vacated abruptly by the Times-bound David Zahniser. What caught my eye is that applications for the position don't go to editor Laurie Ochoa, who hired Zahniser and the other writers who have brought the Weekly's local news coverage many positive reviews the past couple of years. Candidates are supposed to bypass Ochoa (and even New Times' local agent, deputy editor Jill Stewart) and send resumes and clips to Andy Van De Voorde, the chain's Executive Associate Editor based in Denver.

Also on the page: Barbara Carrasco-Gamboa, wife of East L.A. "arts outlaw" Harry Gamboa, clarifies Daniel Hernandez' description of a woman as Gamboa's mistress — and makes me want to go back and read the whole story:

For the record, she was not the exclusive lover, nor financially supported by him in any way, but was one of numerous casual “lovers” Gamboa was simultaneously involved with at that time. During that period, Gamboa lacked respect for the institution of marriage and for Ms. Norte. More than two decades later, Ms. Norte continues to be bitter over the end of a meaningless extramarital affair, and has joined forces with like-minded individuals, including Gamboa’s own sister, Diane, to publicly attack Gamboa in a desperately immature outburst.

Harry Gamboa Jr. has matured considerably since 1985 and has made concerted efforts to finely tune his art making, dedicate himself to university lecturing and maintain a stable family life. Harry and I have been a couple for 22 years (including 14 years of marriage). He is a loving husband, father and grandfather. It is time for Ms. Norte and my sister-in-law, Diane, to let go of the very distant past.

Noted: Times editorial writer Matt Welch takes issue with last week's Nation piece on the Weekly and defends his pal Stewart.

Also Noted: The Village Voice Media/New Times corporate website awards page ignores last month's LA Weekly win of a handful of Southern California Journalism Awards from the L.A. Press Club.

Meanwhile: Is it true, as they say, that the Weekly is looking to vacate its longtime Hollywood home for ritzier Westside digs? "A deal is pending," says a source.