Gary Walker, investigative reporter for the Culver City News.

Glenn Esterly was an “old school” guy who lived for hard news and gave me one of the biggest and best gifts that an editor can give to a reporter - his trust and unwavering support. We lost Glenn much too soon to an untimely illness.

Scott Tittirington, who recently embarked on another journalistic adventure closer to his home in Simi Valley, was a good writer, had a great grasp of what real news is, an appreciation of good journalism (and good journalists) and like me, enjoyed working with professionals. And like Glenn, they both loved sports, especially baseball. As a Dodgers fan and a big-time baseball aficionado, that won them both 20 extra points!

Our publisher, Leslie Belfor, sets the tone in our office by entrusting the news staff to be independent, professional and dedicated. She knows that in order for a newspaper to function well, the news department must operate with independence and a laser-like focus on telling the news like it should be told: hard-hitting, without snarky opinions, manufactured crisises or cheerleading for local schools, service organizations or particular elected officials.

She also insists on having a very high standard regarding our news coverage. Our paper is not a blog, or an Internet website where anyone can pretend to be a reporter and anything, including hysterical “news coverage and scoops” of yard sales, face painting contests and who-has-the-prettiest-dress-on-the-block “stories” abound. I’ve seen experiments with nonprofessionals, and ladies and gentlemen, trust me, it doesn’t work!

Just think: would you trust a welder to operate on your heart because he’s “good with his hands?”

Our new editor, Scott Bridges, takes over the helm of the news department this week. I’m looking forward to working with Scott, another highly-qualified, professional editor. It should be a lot of fun.

Anyone can (and often do) write on blogs. That doesn’t require any professional training or even talent. But to write for or to edit a newspaper, a REAL newspaper, one that adheres to professional standards … well, that’s a different story.

Gary Walker
Culver City News
Investigative Reporter