Turning the page

DANETTE GOULET

I have put this off to the last possible moment. But the time has

come to tell you: I’m leaving.

After three years as city editor of the Huntington Beach

Independent, I have taken another job in the company.

I’m sure many of you are shrugging and thinking “so what?” But for

me, leaving the Independent feels a bit like abandoning a child. (At

least I assume abandoning a child would feel something like this.)

I have thoroughly enjoyed keeping a close eye on this community,

and think it will be a tough habit to break. There is certainly

enough going on in this town to keep the most avid City Hall watcher

busy.

For years I have offered my unsolicited opinion, aired my many

rants and fought for what I felt was best for the community. I have

gotten much feedback during that time -- some good, some bad and some

ugly. But I can take what I dish out and have always appreciated the

calls, e-mails and letters -- at least I knew you were reading.

I have taken the job of managing editor of two of our sister

papers to the north, the Glendale News-Press and the Burbank Leader.

While I am thrilled with this new assignment and can’t wait to jump

in up there, Huntington Beach has been my home since I moved to

California five years ago. In fact, I am not yet ready to give that

up so I will be commuting for now.

Surf City is a tough place to leave after all.

In fact, I have just discovered that Longboards is a Boston bar.

Where better to watch my Patriots win?

But enough of the mushy stuff.

Some parting thoughts to city leaders: Close Main Street, at least

on a trial basis. Do it right, make it look good and keep it clean.

Continue to hold fireworks at the beach. We are a beach city and

should utilize that. The residents hae proven they can behave and

handle themselves.

Residents, keep watching those city officials like a hawk -- is

there corruption in the water or what?

Council members, remember: If you have to question, “Is this a

conflict of interest?” Don’t Vote!

Seriously, this is an important one, quit hitting residents with

such high parking meter prices. In every city around us -- including

Newport Beach -- parking is cheaper and meters are free at night. Why

must we get ripped off for staying in town?

I have loved being a voice in the community I live in, and

appreciate you all putting up with my loud voice for these years.

I will still be watching.

* DANETTE GOULET is the city editor. She can be reached at (714)

966-4619 or by e-mail at [email protected].