LA Times biz news staff sends letter to editor Dvorkin

Twenty-eight out of 30 business news staff of the Los Angeles Times signed this letter to new editor Lewis Dvorkin in the wake of his suspension of business editor Kimi Yoshino:

Lewis,

In her four years as Business editor, Kimi Yoshino has guided the section to widespread recognition and national awards, earning the profound respect and affection of her staff. She is an exceptional manager and editor, and has demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism, integrity and ethics. Kimi is the reason many members of this staff have remained at the Los Angeles Times.

We were very upset to learn yesterday that Kimi was abruptly asked to take a leave of absence and not permitted to return to her office to collect her belongings and turn off her laptop. This treatment of Kimi is a serious cause for concern.

We are dedicated to the success of The Times and to upholding its long-standing reputation for honest and high-quality journalism. But we are deeply troubled by the way this situation is being handled. We would like a straightforward explanation for Kimi’s absence and to see her return to the newsroom.

Most of all, we want to make clear that Kimi has our unwavering support.

Signed,