I don't know for certain that L.A. Observed's scrutiny played any part, so let's just applaud the Times for making the right call. Mark Kurtich, the senior VP of operations, says in the following memo to the staff that yesterday's memo was "premature."

Employee Bulletin
November 30, 2005
TO: All Employees
FROM: Security Department
RE: Globe Lobby Entrance

Yesterday we announced that the entrance to the Globe Lobby at 202 W. First Street would be closed after Dec. 2, 2005. Security has been looking at closing the Globe Lobby entrance as one option for reducing expenses while tightening security at various entry and exit points around The Times Building and the garages.

While the closing of the Globe Lobby was under consideration by Security, no final decision had been made and the bulletin went out
prematurely.

Here's what we plan to do: We will temporarily close the Globe Lobby entrance during the sidewalk construction along First Street, starting
Friday, Dec. 2. After the repairs are completed on Dec. 11, the Globe Lobby entrance will reopen to the public and employees.

We regret any confusion that the earlier announcement created.

MARK KURTICH