The Los Angeles Times shaped my childhood, instilling in me the idea that journalism was a service, a purveyor of facts, not art. It wasn’t until I discovered the LA Weekly during my undergraduate years at UCLA that my perception shifted. The Weekly seamlessly blended journalistic tradition with narrative depth and personal insight, illuminating the city I thought I knew and helping me grapple with the complexities of the world. Its diverse voices became my guiding stars,forging a connection I felt even though we’d never met.
Marc Haefele, who passed away on November 11th at the age of 82, was one of those bylines that transitioned from a page presence to a personal connection. Joining the Weekly staff in 1997,I was instantly drawn to him.Marc was the embodiment of the choice press writer – a seeker forged in the crucible of the ’60s, a humanist with a penchant for challenging norms.His insatiable curiosity and eclectic background allowed him to pen informed and eloquent pieces on a vast spectrum of subjects, from the intricacies of Los Angeles politics to the nuances of Renaissance art. He fit the mold of the New Journalist: robust, bearded, with a commanding voice that could rumble yet soften into kindness and thoughtfulness.
However, Marc embraced me as a fellow traveler, recognizing me as a fellow seeker intent on deciphering the mysteries of Los Angeles and humanity through my unique lens. Our conversations and his constant musings on everything from classical music to classic rock, his tales of a life that spanned montana to New York City before finally landing in Los Angeles, and his fascinating work history provided me with invaluable insights. I watched and learned from his tireless brainstorming, always refining new story ideas, ofen seeking my input. We were friends, yes, but more importantly, we were colleagues.
While Marc’s knowledge and experience were remarkable, it was his humor that truly shone. His dry wit and hilarious one-liners made him a master of comedic observation.Nothing and no one was exempt from his wit.He reveled in holding court during his annual backyard birthday celebrations, entertaining guests with anecdotes and humorous riffs on current events. On one memorable occasion during our shared stint co-hosting a Pacifica radio show in the early 2000s, he flawlessly impersonated Senator Jesse Helms following a news segment about the controversial figure.
Despite his irreverent nature, Marc was deeply dedicated to the things he cared about. His Episcopalian faith surprised me; I supposed his counterculture leanings had skewed my perception. But his faith, upon closer examination, reflected his belief in possibility and betterment – a deep-seated optimism that infused his writing and defined who he was at his core.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we began to meet regularly for lunch in Inglewood, where I resided and marc attended church. Frequently enough, I found myself burdened by the state of the world – the pandemic’s toll, political turmoil, and the disappearing opportunities in journalism as iconic publications like the Weekly struggled to survive.
Marc always listened with empathy, yet he never succumbed to my despair. He reminded me that worthy stories always existed, waiting to be uncovered. Editors still craved compelling pitches,and passions deserved to be nurtured,serving as their own validation.Each time he shared his latest story or book concept – and he had a seemingly endless supply – I felt reenergized and reinspired. This unwavering spirit persisted even as he grew weary,as illness gradually chipped away at his strength,and as sources of satisfaction,let alone paid assignments,became increasingly scarce.While he sometimes expressed frustration, it only underscored his exasperation; Marc’s belief in himself as a vital force within the realm of persuasion never wavered. He knew what he was capable of, what he had to contribute to a world on the cusp of positive change.
His absence leaves a void at a time when optimism feels scarce. But hardship is fleeting; belief endures. Marc will forever remain a pillar of strength, a constant reminder that faith is an essential part of the writer’s journey – whether you’re a journalist, a poet, or any other storyteller. Thanks to Marc, I embraced that truth.
What were some of the key themes in Marc Haefele’s journalism that differentiated him from other writers?
interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on Marc Haefele’s Legacy
Time.news Editor (T.N.E.): Thank you for joining us today. we’re here to reflect on the legacy of Marc Haefele,a writer whose work has profoundly impacted many in the Los Angeles journalism landscape. can you start by telling us what made marc stand out among his peers?
Expert (E): Absolutely! Marc Haefele was truly a unique voice in journalism. He managed to blend traditional journalism with a narrative depth that few could match. His ability to weave personal insight into factual reporting allowed readers to connect with the stories on a much deeper level. It wasn’t just about reporting news; it was about telling the human experience behind those events.
T.N.E.: That’s a compelling point. You mentioned narrative depth. Could you elaborate on how he achieved this in his writing?
E: Of course! marc understood that facts alone don’t tell the whole story. He approached every piece with a sense of humanity, capturing the essence of the communities he covered. As a notable example, during his time at the LA Weekly, he highlighted diverse voices frequently enough overlooked by mainstream media. This inclusion not only enriched his stories but also fostered a sense of belonging among readers who saw themselves represented.
T.N.E.: It sounds like Marc had a profound influence on readers. How did his journalism shape the perceptions of his audience,especially younger writers or students?
E: For many,like yourself,discovering Marc’s work was a transformative experience. He taught readers to view journalism not merely as a profession but as a service to society—a way to make sense of the chaos in the world. His writing prompted readers to think critically and engage with their surroundings, inspiring a new generation of journalists to blend fact with narrative and empathy in their own work.
T.N.E.: You mentioned that Marc was a product of the ’60s. How did that era influence his writing and outlook on journalism?
E: The ’60s were a time of immense social change, and for Marc, that meant embracing a humanist perspective in his writing. He was drawn to the issues of civil rights, social justice, and the search for truth. This background instilled in him a sense of obligation to use journalism as a tool for change, as well as a platform to give voice to the marginalized.His work was imbued with the belief that journalism could be a catalyst for social progress.
T.N.E.: That’s fascinating. what do you think Marc’s legacy will mean for the future of journalism in Los Angeles and beyond?
E: Marc’s legacy serves as a reminder of the value of storytelling in journalism. As the media landscape evolves, the challenge will be to uphold that human connection in an era increasingly driven by data and sensationalism. I believe future journalists can learn from marc’s approach—how to blend rigor with compassion, to listen as much as they report, and to always prioritize the stories of the people behind the headlines.
T.N.E.: Thank you for sharing your insights on Marc Haefele’s remarkable life and career. His contributions to journalism will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come.
E: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep conversations like this alive, as they celebrate the impact of individuals like Marc and reinforce the importance of thoughtful, narrative-rich journalism.