Coach Herm Edwards once passionately delivered the words “put your name on it” and that is exactly what I am doing today. Last week, on the front page, I misidentified Culver City Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Steven Rose in a picture he took with Mayor Jeff Cooper. I, not our reporter, made that offensive and embarrassing mistake. The caption identified Mr. Rose as Councilman Andrew Weissman because that is who I thought was in the picture next to the City’s mayor. Without a doubt, my mistake is inexcusable. However, the reason I bring this up in this week’s column is because for me a retraction isn’t enough.
While no amount of retractions will erase the mistake, nor can they take away any feelings of frustration, disappointment or confusion that the error might have caused, I do want to publicly apologize to Mr. Rose, Councilman Weissman and Mayor Cooper. My mistake was offensive, even if it was not done on purpose or with malicious intent. In addition, I want to apologize to our readers. I am here to provide you with accurate information and I failed each and every one of you.
While I wish I could assure you that we will deliver perfection, promising that would be a blatant lie. However, just like that August 27 morning when I walked into the Culver City News office, I am commitment to giving my very best while in this position. I will continue to work diligently to avoid such horrendous oversights and provide each and every one of our readers the highest quality, most accurate newspaper possible.
