Departing LAT reporter cites 'hostile work conditions'

Not sure what went south between Maria Elena Fernandez and the L.A. Times Calendar section, but her abrupt resignation email on Wednesday reflects a certain unhappiness. There's been a lot of turnover lately — in and out of the section — and a rejiggering of who's hot and who's not. Here's her email to Editor Russ Stanton and Managing Editor Davan Maharaj, forwarded by someone in the newsroom.

From: Fernandez, Maria Elena
Sent: Wednesday, March 02, 2011 12:08 PM
To: Stanton, Russ; Maharaj, Davan
Cc: Firouzi, Yasmin
Subject: Resignation: effective immediately

Hello,

I am sorry to inform you that I have decided to resign from the Los Angeles Times, a newspaper that has been my home and my job for nearly 12 years. For 10 of those years, this was the best job I ever had and I will take those memories, knowledge and experiences wherever I go.

This is not a decision I’ve come to lightly or impulsively. But I cannot work under these hostile work conditions anymore. Calendar has become a complete nightmare to work in, and it is just time to go.

Thank you for all the opportunities that you gave me. I really will remember this newsroom fondly. I am in the process of getting my personal stuff together but plan to leave the building as soon as I can. You can reach me at xxx-xxx-xxxx or [email address] if you need to.

I know that very soon I will have only positive memories of the LA Times to focus on. There are many wonderful people here, and I will miss you very much.

Sincerely,
Maria Elena

If you're wondering, no: most Times writers don't resign via email.

Yesterday: Media notes