So Long ... But Not Goodbye

It is not without some sadness that I announce today that I will be stepping aside as Alameda Patch editor on April 1. This little slice of Patch-dom (a network of more than 850 sites nationwide) has been my baby and constant project since on Sept. 8, 2010.

In these months, Patch has grown from a "What is Patch?" to a "Oh, you're from 'The Patch.'" Traffic has blossomed, as has public participation on the site — user-posted announcements like and have generated discussion and engaged us as a community.

You post events on the calendar, comment on articles and . Some of the most involved of you have come on board as bloggers. Alameda Patch has become a useful and vibrant place because of all of you — its readers and contributors.

I am fortunate to be able to hand off Alameda Patch to a very capable guest editor, Dixie Jordan. An experienced journalist, Dixie started as a cub reporter for the St. Helena Star and even worked for the Alameda Times-Star for several years early in her career, before going on to run Parents' Press.

Dixie has had her hand in Patch since early 2011, working as copy editor, guest editor and also as editor of nearby Piedmont Patch. Regular readers will recognize her byline, just as I recognize her careful edits to my late-night-generated prose. Alameda Patch is in good hands.

I want to thank columnists Judy Judy and Alice Lewis who have been with Alameda Patch ever since launch, as well as Cecelia Leong, who has written dozens of small business profiles for the site. 

Carol Parker came on board a bit later and has been a powerful engine helping propel Alameda Patch forward. She has a terrific news sense and can write like the wind. You will also recognize the name of Patch regional editor Alex Gronke. His steady support for all things Alameda is undeniable. 

I myself will not being going far — I'm moving to a new position with Patch. I'll be working with other Patch sites, helping to expand their network of active participants, recruiting and tending bloggers. Speaking of which, starting soon, you'll also be able to find me right here on Alameda Patch as a blogger. 

So, see you around Alameda. And please welcome Dixie when you see her.