I have one last thing to say

LOLITA HARPER

You may want to cut this article out because it is part of a very

limited edition of Thinking Allowed columns. So limited, in fact,

that this is the last one.

Oh, no, please, don’t cry. It’s OK. There, there, dear reader,

it’s just time for me to move on to bigger and better assignments.

It’s not you, it’s me.

We can still be friends, right?

I hope so, because I am not leaving the Pilot altogether -- just

changing assignments.

My boss, Tony Dodero, offered me a chance to do more

investigative, in-depth and enterprising stories. And I jumped. The

only caveat was that I would have to give up the columnist and

editing gig. I cringed. But all good things must come to an end.

I loved having the luxury to voice my opinion on issues that are

important to this community -- my community -- but really, who wants

to hear what a soon-to-be 26-year-old has to say?

Perhaps I will put a few more years under my belt, more gray hairs

on my head and then come back with a stellar column full of

indisputable wisdom. By then my son, Donovan, will be grown and you

readers will not be held captive to read about his adorable,

childhood escapades.

It’s not that I wanted to abandon Thinking Allowed, but I will be

doing a better service to readers by delving more deeply into local

stories, giving people more information and ultimately more power to

make informed decisions.

I will miss this conversational, informal relationship with you. I

will miss the feedback after a particularly racy, or heartfelt,

column.

Thank you to all those who have sent me encouraging e-mails and

pleasant voicemails -- you make my job more fun. And an equal thanks

to those who send me constructive criticism -- constantly keeping me

on my toes. You make my job more challenging, which, in turn, makes

it that much more fun.

To those of you who do not have the guts to give a name along with

your spirited comments -- keep them to yourself. I can handle harsh

words but how do you expect anyone to take your opinion seriously

when you don’t even have the guts to take ownership of it?

I still expect you to call or e-mail, if not to tip me off on the

next big story, then just to say hi. I’ll still see you at Ruby’s,

America’s Cup, Mariners Park, the beach and all the other great

Newport-Mesa hangouts.

Since I still have my bully pulpit, I will leave you with a few

tidbits of insight:

First, please, please do not drink and drive or let your friends,

neighbors or even enemies drink and drive. It is simply not worth it.

Spend the extra money on the cab or kids (we have to face the facts)

risk a month’s grounding and call your parents to have them pick you

up.

Too many lives have been cut short or altered as a result of

lackadaisical attitudes about driving under the influence.

Second, competitive sports are good for children. If they are not

good for yours in particular, find them another hobby -- one that

does not involve keeping score.

Third, accept personal responsibility. We cannot afford to turn

into a society of finger-pointers. “I’m sorry,” “my bad,” however you

want to phrase it, goes a long way. Plus, you don’t learn anything

from your mistakes unless you take responsibility for them.

That’s it. I’m done. I’m officially off my soapbox. Say goodbye to

that hideous mug shot twice a week and hello to your new,

investigative reporter.

* LOLITA HARPER is a reporter for the Daily Pilot. She may be

reached at (949) 574-4275 or by e-mail at lolita.harper@latimes.com.