The other shoe*

It looks like Dean Singleton has found another hide to cut from.

On Wednesday, it was reported that Daily News Editor Ron Kaye had "persuaded" Singleton to spare 10 reporters in his newsroom. Being the cynic that I am, I predicted the pink slips might simply migrate to another paper and, well, they did. The Torrance Daily Breeze yesterday fired 9 people, including four reporters and, of all things, a Web editor.

The announcement came in the evening as deadline approached.

In the past, the Daily News budget troubles usually meant that the Singleton-owned papers in the San Gabriel Valley (Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, and Whittier Daily News) had to sacrifice their flesh, but they appear to be shielded somewhat by a newly triggered provision in their operating agreement.

However, don't be surprised if the reaper continues his march through the entire Los Angeles Newspaper Group chain.

*Lest I give the wrong impression here, I'm not saying the San Gabriel Valley papers are safe - just safer than in the past. Expects heads to roll everywhere, including there.