San Jose biz columnist leaving for LA Times

Chris O’Brien, the business columnist for the San Jose Mercury News, has resigned from the paper to accept a position at the Los Angeles Times,

At  the end of his column in Friday’s paper, O’Brien writes, “This is my last column for the Mercury News. In my 13 years covering Silicon Valley, I’ve lived through the dot-com bubble, energy deregulation, the housing meltdown, and the rise of Steve Jobs and Apple. I’ve also seen an endless parade of fascinating characters and innovative technologies.

“It’s been my honor to be one of the Mercury News’ columnists the last four years and sincerely appreciate the many readers who have followed along, screamed at me on many occasions, and sometimes offered a pat on the back. All I can say is: ‘Thanks.'”

On his Facebook page, O’Brien writes, “Next month I start a new adventure at the Los Angeles Times, covering Apple and Silicon Valley. Thanks to all my Merc colleagues, and to everyone who’s read me along the way.”

O’Brien, a graduate of Duke University, worked at The (Raleigh) News and Observer from 1992 to 1999, when he joined the Mercury News. He became the business columnist in 2008.