Guild blog The Stress Telegram has the background on the three journalists laid off today (by seniority in each department, I'm told) at the Long Beach Press-Telegram. There were also four newsroom layoffs at the Daily Breeze. Executive editor Phillip Sanfield's memo:

All,

I'm very sorry to report that we experienced more newsroom layoffs today. Unfortunately, four journalists were laid off in the Breeze newsroom due to the continued economic tailspin we find ourselves in. There were also layoffs in the advertising department, as well as at some our sister LANG papers. We lost dedicated, talented employees. I'm deeply saddened by it, both personally and professionally.

Between these departures and last Friday's announcement of the likely move toward a consolidated newsdesk, this has been the most challenging time in my tenure at The Breeze. Certainly 2009 is starting on a difficult note at our newspaper, in our industry and for our nation's economy. While I can't say when things will improve, I do pledge to work hard to keep us focused on producing the top-quality local content that you all do so well. Try not to minimize the great things we do here, even with a reduced staff.

Toni and I plan to meet with you by section starting either Friday or early next week to update you further.

Phillip

Gary Scott posts some Breeze names. Meanwhile, former Singleton sports columnist Paul Oberjuerge rises to defend the honor of newly laid-off Daily News columnist Steve Dilbeck — and suggests that Dilbeck may have been vulnerable for earlier defending Oberjuerge.