Mendte to Take His Act Off KFMB

After 2 1/2 years as KFMB-TV’s (Channel 8) resident weatherman, Larry Mendte will be leaving the station in the next few months, the station announced Wednesday.

Mendte’s departure is a “mutual decision,” News Director Jim Holtzman said.

“He wanted to go in a certain direction in his career, and I wanted to go in a different, harder, environmental direction with the weather,” Holtzman said.

The station wanted Mendte to commit to a long-term deal, which Mendte said he didn’t want to do. In keeping with the comedy angle he often has taken in his weather reports, Mendte has been working in San Diego as a stand-up comedian, and has held preliminary discussions with the Fox and Disney television networks, although he has not yet found a new job.

“Both the station and I are going in different directions, and at least they have one,” Mendte said. “I have a target, and that’s about it.”

Mendte described the separation as “incredibly amiable.”

Holtzman said he expects Mendte to stay on the air “at least through April,” although that may change should Mendte find a new job. Mendte’s contract with the station expires May 31.