And the long-time LAT columnist is not too happy about it. He sent off an email this afternoon in which he describes himself as "a victim of the buyout/layoff frenzy." It sounds like he didn't exactly volunteer to leave the paper, but was tapped on the shoulder - as has happened with a number of staffers.

From: Martinez, Al

Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 5:19 PM

Subject: buyout

To all: I dislike rumors and so I take these means to tell you all that I am a victim of the buyout/layoff frenzy. My final column for a newspaper I have worked for since 1972, in a business I have been a part of since 1952, winning more awards and honors than would ever fit on my wall, will be Friday, June 1st. I always thought that I would be the one to decide when it was time to walk away, when my prose faltered and my thinking blurred. But that's not the way it works anymore with the owners we have in the climate that exists. Too bad. I think I deserved a better way of ending such a long and honorable career.