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Community Corner

From the Editor: A Farewell to Sierra Madre

After four years covering Sierra Madre, Patch editor John Stephens is moving on to the next phase of his career as Trends Editor for the Huffington Post in New York City.

While writing , noting both the successes and challenges I’ve had along the way, I’m met with a stark reminder not of any particular story, but of the personal connections I’ve made in my time editing this site.

Without your willingness to share your most personal stories, make introductions and invite me into your businesses and homes, none of this would have ever been possible. I am eternally grateful to every single resident of Sierra Madre for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community.

So it is not without a considerable amount of sadness that I announce I will be leaving my post as editor of Sierra Madre Patch, effective Friday, Nov. 4. Recently, the call came from what I won’t call greener, but certainly other pastures, and I will soon be packing my pen and recorder, bound for New York City where I have taken a new position as The Huffington Post’s Trends Editor.

Find out what's happening in Sierra Madrewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Looking out my window at the mountains above Sierra Madre Canyon, I can’t help but reflect back on the last four years of my life spent covering this foothill village and the wonderful people who, like me, have been lucky enough to call it home. Then a deer walks by my front door – the same proud buck I see nearly every day – and I say to myself, “You’re moving where?!”

But those of you who know me well know that the excitement of a new challenge is hardly something I can resist, and this is certainly that next challenge.

Find out what's happening in Sierra Madrewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But worry not, Sierra Madre! I will be leaving you in the more than capable hands of Regional Editor Patrick Lee (patrickl@patch.com) and interim editor Cassandra Morris whose work will no doubt improve upon what you’ve come to expect from this site.

While my address will remain active for a short while, all email coorespondence to Sierra Madre Patch should now be sent to sierramadre@patch.com.

Those interested in keeping up with my journey to New York and adventures thereafter can follow me on Twitter @ItsJohnStephens, friend me on Facebook or follow my Facebook page.

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