Adios, Rachel

Rachel Leibrock is having a hard time leaving. The SN&R’s editor resigned in January to take a job teaching journalism at a community college, but her office is exactly as she left it, still full of her things, as warm and colorful as a business office can be. The good news is that she’s still writing for the paper and will continue to do so.

Her journalism career began here more than 20 years ago. She started as an intern, then got hired as a staff writer. A few years later she moved away, then came back for about a year. She left to take a job elsewhere but in 2009 once again came back to the SN&R, eventually becoming Arts & Culture editor. In 2012, she became co-editor (with Nick Miller), and last spring she became sole editor.

With all her career changes, this paper has always been home base. “It’s been such an amazing journey with the best family,” she said recently. “I’ve learned so much, both professionally and personally.”

The SN&R’s president and CEO, Jeff vonKaenel, had this to say about her: “Rachel was a smart, dedicated colleague who was fun to be around. She made the paper better and all of us who were able to work with her better.”

Associate Editor Raheem Hosseini, who worked closely with Rachel, said she “steered this ship with wry intelligence and a grounded, guiding compassion for the underdog. She cares about Sacramento, and her editorial guidance always reflected that.”

A search is underway for her replacement. Meanwhile, I’m filling in as interim editor. On behalf of the editorial team, I wish her the best of luck in her new gig. Thanks for everything, Rachel. And, hey, no hurry on cleaning out your office. It makes a great interview room.