Real estate reporter Jackson leaving WSJ

Candace Jackson, a real estate reporter for The Wall Street Journal in San Francisco, sent out the following message to her colleagues on Thursday:

After 11 great years at the Wall Street Journal, it’s my turn to say goodbye. I started here in 2005, a few days out of J-School, making this the only place I’ve ever worked as a professional reporter. This is basically where I grew up.

A few of the highlights: Nearly falling off a cliff while snowboarding in Alaska. Trying to take notes during a blackout in Honduras. Discovering a life-size replica of a first-class Pan Am cabin in a man’s Redondo Beach, Calif., garage. Chasing a reluctant 27-year-old heiress around London. Exploring private islands in the Bahamas on a terrifyingly tiny plane. And, more recently, writing about the booming market for homes priced above $100 million, built on spec and outfitted with everything from Imax theaters to nightclubs. It’s been a good time.

To all the amazing reporters and editors I’ve worked with along the way: you have been the best part. My excellent editor, Emily Gitter, started here the same week I did for the launch of the long-departed Pursuits section. We’ve worked together in some capacity ever since, and I am so grateful to her. There are so many others who I’ve worked with and adored/admired, including the entire staff of Mansion and the fantastic San Francisco bureau. Thank you guys.

How lucky I feel to have learned from the very best of the best how to be a journalist.

In the immediate future I plan to freelance, work on a few other projects and spend more time with my new baby girl. I’ll be easy to reach if you want to say hi.