Losing a Strong Voice in Local Politics: The Passing of Veteran Daily News Reporter Rick Orlov

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rick Orlov, a veteran reporter with the Los Angeles Daily News, on Monday. Orlov was a stalwart presence in the City Hall news corps, always covering local politics and delving into the details of local issues.

The Chicago-born reporter spent almost 30 years covering Los Angeles news and particularly City Hall politics, and paid particular attention to the Neighborhood Councils and community issues. His door was always open to those who wanted to tell their stories, and he created lasting relationships with Angelenos of all stripes.

In a statement earlier this week, Mayor Garcetti said of Orlov, “Rick was a true pro — on the record, he was fair and tough; off the record, he was frank and told it like it was. Rick was so much more than a journalist. He was a mentor to young reporters, a counselor to elected officials, and a friend to us all. He will be missed. City Hall will never be the same.”

In a touching tribute to the reporter who many came to know as the “dean of the City Hall press corps,” City Council President Herb Wesson plans to introduce a motion to name the media room behind City Council chambers in Orlov’s memory. His mild manner and his fair but tough and thorough reporting will be missed by all.

A public memorial took place Thursday, February 5, at 2pm at 502 N. Elm Drive in Beverly Hills, and the Daily News will hold its own separate public memorial at a date and location yet to be announced.