When Novato Patch opened for business in November 2010, there was so much uncertainty about how it would be received and whether it would matter.
On a personal note, I remember feeling jittery about whether I had made a good decision to try something new and different in my journalism career.
More than two years later, I'm certain that it was, indeed, a good decision from both perspectives. What a learning experience for all of us, huh? Hungry for local news, you embraced this website and turned it into a huge success — one of the biggest successes among more than 900 Patch sites across the country.
I tried something new, and now I'm doing it again.
Wednesday is my last day at Patch. I have a fantastic opportunity coming up, working in communications with the County of Marin. I will work with the county's administrators, elected officials and existing communications team to make sure the constituency knows what's going on within the walls of the majestic Marin Civic Center in San Rafael. My task is to make sure you know what your county government is achieving for us all.
I am proud of getting Novato Patch off the ground thanks to your loyal readership. I already knew a lot of people in town when I started this adventure, having lived here 14 years and worked most of that time the Marin Independent Journal. But I met so many more dedicated and inspiring people in my time at Novato Patch. I remain pleasantly stunned by the commitment of the people who strive to make Novato the best place to live and work.
At first some of you thought Patch might be a drywall company, but soon this site became a forum for important debates about hyper-local topics and the go-to location for everything happening in town. It's an engrained part of our daily lives now.
There are too many people and organizations to thank as I bid farewell. You know who you are. I'm forever indebted not only to my Patch teammates but — no joke — thousands of people who helped launch this site and make it a must-read. The story tips were so appreciated, as were the corrections from an army of grammar nerds. Constructive and sometimes pointed criticism made the site better every day.
I will remain here in town, so I will get to watch Novato Patch continue to serve as a platform where readers discuss community issues, stir things up, hash them out and celebrate our victories.
You'll be in good hands. Starting Thursday, keep in touch with Novato Patch by e-mailing novato@patch.com.
It's been my pleasure and honor to serve you. Thankfully, I'll get to keep serving you in my new role.
Cheers.
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You have created a high level of reporting, pass that on and we will all benefit.
Born & Raised you will also note that almost every comment on this Patch piece is from "real people". You do the math BORN&RAISED. Brent, wishing you the best and thank you for everything you have done with Patch and the IJ. Good luck.
I think you missed the point. Many of us are happy for Brent because he is such an exceptional person in the way he handles difficult and diverse viewpoints. His work has made the Patch community feel supported and engaged. The county is truly fortunate to have a person of Brent's character and experience managing their communication with residents. The more difficult part will not be Brent's job but the job of the Supervisors to change their approach to running the county. Not even Brent can save them from themselves if they follow the same course. The upset over the hiring of a Communications Coordinator was Novato's lack of revenue to retain staff. Peggy Flynn is another good person with a difficult job. If you take the time to speak with her she is much like Brent, fair minded, responsible and engaged. Brent, the county is lucky to have you and we are all rooting for you. Patch hours are a nightmare. I am so glad to see you moving to a position that will give you time for yourself and for your family. You deserve it. Thank you again for getting Patch up and running and teaching us how it all works.
What will the Patch be without you? If I were to put it in the language of our youth here at the Novato Youth Center, it will be like "cheerios without the milk", "an iphone without the charger" or....even worse...."snack time without the nap time". I promise to adjust (once I come out of this denial stage) and wish you a well-earned fantastic future. Rose Jennings-Newhouse, Novato Youth Center Marketing Manager
Thank you for your guidance and the opportunity to be a contributor to the Novato Patch. It has truly been a privilege to know you as a friend and mentor. Best wishes in all of your endeavors. I look forward to seeing you around town. Cheers ! ! ! Cliff
As the new Director of Marin Spin & Propaganda (jk), does that mean that you will be stuck in the new basement office where the Supes just stuck Nels? I hope not, for your sake, although I'm sure Nels would appreciate the company. Congratulations on the new gig. It might be a huge loss for Patch, but it's a huge plus for the rest of Marin, and hopefully it will be a wash for all of us in Novato. Thanks Brent & good luck to you.