My friends,

This has been a tough year for me.

I have been stalked, by someone I do not know, at both work and home. I hope no one else ever has to go through this.

My life over the last year has involved a series of restraining orders, seemingly endless calls to 911, the installation of security cameras at home, and police photo ID line-ups. I've been constantly looking over my shoulder, dead-bolting doors, and jumping when someone rings my doorbell or my motion lights go off.

Do you know what it's like to feel unsafe watching a band at First Avenue? To worry any time a stranger approaches you? To not be able to sleep or eat properly? That's what my past year has been like. I've made a 21-year career on the radio in this town being honest and authentic, and now I'm deathly afraid to reveal too much of myself on the air. Basically, it's changed the way I am — how I think, react, feel, interact with you guys. This aspect particularly bothers me.

It's always hard to explain why someone is on "leave" to any outside inquiring minds. I'm not fired, I'm not quitting, I'm not going to work for another radio station. I am taking time off to deal with this issue and take care of myself.

Thanks to everyone here at MPR for the support and comfort they've offered me.

Just know that I will be back, at The Current, and soon. I mean, come on. Someone's gotta play Rick Springfield and En Vogue weekdays at 4 p.m. and Motorhead on Friday nights.

Your friend and mine,
Looch