Hanging with the OG Scribe: My Decade-Long Journey, Sidewalk by Sidewalk
Officer retires after dedication of 50 years on patrol, gratitude acknowledged.
Ah, the Bard of L.A., waiting for the elevator like it was a red carpet event. That was Al Martinez back in 2002, celebrating his golden jubilee in the world of journalism. A proud, aging man with no plans of retiring, chasing stories like a labrador after a plastic bone.
I was a cub reporter, a young whippersnapper, straggling a generation behind him. The thought of myself at his age, still on the beat, seemed preposterous. But time, as fickle as a lover, marches on, and before I knew it, I'd be the grizzled veteran.
Steve Lopez, the California native, had been a columnist for our esteemed publication since 2001. With a shelf full of national journalism awards and four Pulitzer nods to his name, he's no stranger to accolades.
Now here I am, stumbling after Martinez's footsteps. I may be a bit greyer, a bit slower, but damn it, I'm still chasing stories with the same determination as the day I left San Jose State University.
Newspapers, if you could call them that anymore, have seen their fair share of highs and lows since Martinez's heyday. Once the heroes, taking down a questionable president, now the enemy of the people, accused of spreading lies and fostering unrest.
Lies? Us? It's a testament to the power of misinformation that people believe such nonsense. But I digress.
The rise of the internet in the 90s brought a tsunami of disruption, wiping out thousands of newspapers and magazines. The losses are staggering, with the news and advertising industries battered, crumbling beneath the weight of change.
But not all is lost. The era we live in is ripe for charlatans, scoundrels, and political racketeers. All the more reason for investigative journalists like Lopez to continue plying their trade, rooting out the conmen and exposing the corruption that lurks in the shadows.
I'm lucky, I think as I mark this anniversary. Half a century in the trenches, learning about the world and its myriad frustrations and joys. A rogues gallery of characters, from barbers to social workers, patrons saints to the homeless.
In Los Angeles, the stories are inexhaustible, like a wellspring in the desert. Every corner, every alley, every face tells a tale, some uplifting, others heartbreaking. The role of a journalist, then, is to immerse themselves in that tapestry, to weave their own yarns, to bring the city to life on the page.
The early years were a struggle. Covering Little League baseball in Davis, a challenge to keep things fresh and interesting. But it was a foot in the door, and I wasn't about to let it slip. I chased after editors, offering my services, pleading for work. I learned to ask questions, to seek out the stories that mattered, to dig deep and uncover the truth.
Los Angeles has been my classroom, my mentor, my muse. When I arrived in the City of Angels in 2001, I was a transplant, a stranger in a strange land. But a press pass is like a golden ticket, opening doors to stories I could only dream of.
In the shadow of scandal, I met action heroes, giants of the industry, men and women whose legacies would stand the test of time. I've witnessed the city change, evolve, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. But I've learned to adapt, to find the stories that resonate, to write with passion and conviction.
It's not always easy, but it's never boring. The world may be uncertain, but one thing remains constant: the power of the written word.
So here's to you, Steve Lopez. Here's to a half-century of stories, a lifetime of memories, and hopefully, many more years to come. If you've got a story to tell, send it my way. I'll be here, pen in hand, ready to write.
More Reads:
- Muckraking in Hollywood: The 'fascist turn' and the erosion of the city's soul
- A L.A. Novel: Sexy, playful, and oppressively sunny
- Commentary: Can Los Angeles accomplish big things again?
References:
- "Woodland Daily Democrat" https://www.countylive.com/woodland-daily-democrat/
- Steve Lopez Books https://stevelopez.com/books/
- "L.A. Times Columnists" https://www.latimes.com/opinion/columnists/
- "Poynter Journalism Award" https://www.poynter.org/2025/poynter-journalism-award/
- Over the past decade, I've walked the same sidewalks as the legendary Al Martinez, a testament to our shared passion for journalism in Los Angeles.
- The entertainment industry in Hollywood thrives alongside the political landscape of California, creating a unique blend of movies, music, and politics in the City of Angels.
- Pursuing a career in journalism often requires a continuous focus on education and self-development, essential for personal growth and staying relevant in the ever-changing news industry.
- As a columnist for a renowned publication, Steve Lopez continues to set a high standard for investigative journalism, renewing his commitment to uncovering the truth and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
- The widespread accessibility of information through the internet has fundamentally changed the landscape of journalism, with traditional newspapers like the one I work for experiencing both highs and lows in the digital age.
- Despite the challenges posed by misinformation and the erosion of trust in the media, the importance of quality journalism remains crucial in upholding the principles of law and democracy.
- In the midst of the changing media landscape, education and self-development have become vital for journalists seeking to navigate the intersection of business, politics, and entertainment in the digital age.
- Learning from the experiences of seasoned journalists like Steve Lopez and Al Martinez, I've come to appreciate the trajectory of my career and the significant role that journalism plays in fostering an informed and engaged citizenry.
- As we move forward into the future, I am reminded that the written word holds immense power, and it is our responsibility as journalists to wield that power responsibly, striving for accuracy, fairness, and compassion in all our work.
