The Downtown News steps out of character with an 1,100-word editorial defending the LA Weekly's decision to run a story reporting that labor leader Miguel Contreras died in a botanica tied to prostitution. The Oct. 26 story by David Zahniser set off a backlash from former Weekly editor Harold Meyerson and threats of a boycott from labor supporters. This week's Downtown News opines:

We understand the questioning of whether the seamy private life of a prominent public figure should be reported, or if this is a situation where the media should demonstrate restraint, deferring to the sensitivities of the family.

But really, this case is pretty clear: The Weekly (which last week experienced an editorial shake-up) published a solid, thoroughly reported story that raises serious questions about the death of a public figure and the behavior, in the ensuing hours, of other local leaders. It doesn't answer every question or provide every detail, nor could it possibly do so. But it is time to stop blaming the messenger and instead use the information to understand a) if protocol or the law was breached, and b) the many sides of Contreras.

It is important to understand that this is not about disputing Contreras' myriad accomplishments. The late executive secretary-treasurer of the County Fed was a committed leader whose strides on behalf of labor in Los Angeles are widely lauded. Contreras was a former farm worker who rose through the ranks. He was first appointed to head the local chapter of the AFL-CIO by its then-leader Jim Wood as Wood lay dying of cancer. Wood made a good choice for the labor movement. Contreras was passionate and astutely political. He deserves the credit he receives for empowering labor in this city.

Some find revisiting the matter unpleasant, but the circumstances surrounding Contreras' death, and other current issues, make it an essential story, the type that reporters should follow if any public figure dies.

Also in the Downtown News: Famima mania, and the street sleeping issue winds back toward the City Council.