Goldstein Exits L.A. Times

THE BIG PICTURE CLOSES: Longtime L.A. Times entertainment journalist Patrick Goldstein, who started as a music free-lancer at the paper and later went on to edit the “Pop Eye” and “Big Picture” columns, is leaving with today’s final story, in which he laments the lack of mavericks and risk-takers in today’s Hollywood, while extolling Spike Lee. “I’ve blown plenty of calls. I’ve gotten too caught up in the emotion or hurly-burly of the moment,” writes the Chicago native, who reportedly chose to take a buyout rather than continue working under the new editorial management. “But I hope I’ve gotten a few things right and even occasionally made a difference.” For the full piece, go here. (8/22p)