LA Weekly just announced that longtime editor Laurie Ochoa is leaving. The Weekly story says it is "actively searching for Editor in Chief candidates who will continue LA Weekly's legacy of journalistic excellence while expanding its online presence." Look for speculation about Jill Stewart, the Deputy Editor who some have called a shadow editor since she was installed by Mike Lacey at Village Voice Media, the former New Times group. From the story:

A former intern, contributor, and special sections editor at the LA Weekly from 1984-1988, Ochoa returned to take over the editor in chief role in 2001.

LA Weekly wishes her luck in all future endeavors.

* Update: Ad looking for a new LA Weekly editor went up on craigslist at 3:09 p.m., which I hear is shortly after Lacey got back from lunch with Ochoa and held a meeting in the newsroom to discuss the change. Ad: "The ideal candidate will know and appreciate the city’s cultural life and how it appeals to LA Weekly readers. The interview process will include an editing test." It's on Journalism Jobs too.