Transitions at L.A. Times continue

New York-based publishing writer Josh Getlin signed out over the weekend with an email to his colleagues. His job was eliminated in the July cutbacks.

From: Getlin, Josh
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2008 11:45 AM
Subject: Good Night and Good Luck

I just wanted to say that it's been an honor working at the Los Angeles Times, and to have known all of you over the years.

I've spent nearly half of my life at this paper, and I want to leave with some positive thoughts, despite the gloom and anger that so many
feel.

I am truly grateful for the chance to have worked with so many talented people--with editors who helped me grow, with reporters who have been great colleagues and in some cases, close friends. All of you know who you are, so I won't waste anyone's time with an endless list.

If I've learned anything in the last few months, it's this: Change is not an option. It's an inevitability in our lives, and the trick is to
anticipate it, to make room in your life for it, to keep your eyes wide open. I hope the changes in store for our newspaper allow it not only to survive, but to thrive. I couldn't bear to think of the alternative.

Whenever people have asked me what I did for a living, these last 29 years, I've always been so proud to say that I worked at the Los Angeles Times. And it wasn't just because of the stories I've done, or the fascinating people I've met. The truth is, I was honored to be at a paper packed with so many gifted people. For those of you who remain, I hope you know how good you are--and how lucky you are to still be in this business.

It's been a pleasure working with you. Keep fighting the good fight.

Josh Getlin

New York

Also: Former LAT environment reporter Marla Cone becomes editor-in-chief of Environmental Health News, a website which is evolving to fill the decline in in-depth reporting as newspapers shrink. Cone writes: "We will continue to provide instant access to daily news from publications around the world. Alongside that, we will present enterprise and breaking news from our own newsroom. In the vein of ProPublica, a nonprofit newsroom for investigative reporters, Environmental Health News will publish independent, foundation-funded, non-advocacy journalism."