Signing Off in LaLa Land

Leslie Sykes, the longtime morning anchor for KABC-TV in Los Angeles, has announced she is retiring after more than 30 years at the station. KABC is the ABC owned-and-operated station in the Los Angeles market, where it is branded as ABC7.

Sykes joined the station in 1994, initially working as a reporter before becoming the anchor for the "Eyewitness News" broadcasts at 4 a.m., 5 a.m., and 6 a.m.

A native of nearby Compton and a graduate of Spelman College, Sykes began her on-air career in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, before returning to Southern California.

During her on-air announcement, Sykes said working at the station had been a privilege and thanked viewers. She noted the variety of major local events she covered, from wildfires and earthquakes to elections and car chases.

Sykes will remain on the air for approximately one more month before her departure.

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