This is what Jennifer Boice, acting head honcho at the Citizen, sent to the Citizen staff with the subject "We're done with the cuts":

I just wanted to let you all know that we have completed the cuts in the newsroom.

They are in line with Gannett's goal of a 10 percent cut in personnel costs for 2009. We had some open positions, people who cut hours voluntarily, one who accepted the severance, and a few people who had their hours trimmed involuntarily. Two people were laid off.

TNI also utilized restructuring, open positions and voluntary cutbacks effectively, which means the number laid off these also was less than expected: fewer than 10.

As part of the cost reduction, I have frozen everyone's salaries for a year. That decision, which minimized the number of people to be laid off, affects every employee here. TNI decided not to go that route, so Citizen employees are the only ones affected.

Gannett's goal was to position itself to meet the weak economy straight on. Its projections for newspapers' performance next year is pessimistically realistic, to my mind. Unless things go seriously south, we likely aren't looking at more cuts any time soon. I hope.

This has been a difficult time for everyone­ uncertainty is a killer. However, I hope we now can focus our full attention on creating a terrific newspaper and killer Web site.

Jennifer

In answer to some questions I have received, the opportunity for flexible hours continues. There is a form you can fill out at any time. Just make sure your editor is in the loop and can work with your proposal.

And just what exactly are you saying there Rendell?

And while you're wondering, check out Tina Brown's new project, thedailybeast.com

'Tis true that YouTube has way too many funny-cat videos, and folks who like those tend to watch them as a form of recreation--but this one via my sister-in-law made me wonder if soon-to-be Gov. Brewer has a pet, or needs one for her new situation.

This is the kind of cat, as long he sings like this all day and night long, that you'd want to give to those you love most. Know what I mean? Either that or you're thinking, "Is this for real?"

Here's what we're hearing about the cuts--part of a 10 percent cut nationwide--that Gannett is making in Tucson. Note that these are ALL UNCONFIRMED, but they come from a pretty good source:

City desk: Blake Morlock is gone.

Dina Doolen (food and drink editor) took buyout

Some employees (maybe four or five) having hours lessened by five hours a week, from 40 to 35 ...

Keep in mind the cuts referenced here have to do with the Citizen newsroom, NOT the behind-the-scenes folks at Tucson Newspapers (salespeople, print sales reps, etc.). It's possible the bulk of Gannett's Tucson cuts will come from behind the scenes.

Also, we're getting word that the Phoenix New Times list linked to below about cuts in Phoenix may have some inaccuracies. More as we know more ... and if you know something, comment or drop me a line.

In the meantime, check this post from GannettBlog which reveals profit margins--again, the Weekly has not confirmed these numbers--from the first three quarters of 2007 at Gannett's various properties. Keep in mind that advertising has pretty much tanked in many markets--Tucson included--in the year since these numbers were around (using the Weekly as an ad-decline example, we were 88 pages last year at this time, whereas we're 64-68 now) but, good lord, these profit margins are huge. And at this time last year, the Star--Gannett's partner in Tucson Newspapers--was making cuts, lots of them.

This is a horrendous day for journalism, folks.

Your Dec. 4 issue is here and online--act now, because only three issues are left in 2008!

Feel free to comment on the issue here.

As reported in Media Watch, Gannett Co. announced in October that layoffs--making up around 10 percent of the employees who work at the media magnate's various newspapers--would be a'comin.

Well, yesterday and today, they came.

As of 3 p.m. this afternoon, we have not received any word about what's gonedown /what is going down at the Gannett-owned Tucson Citizen and Tucson Newspapers (which Gannett runs along with Arizona Daily Star parent Lee Enterprises). However, the ax has fallen in Phoenix, where Gannett owns the largest newspaper in the state, The Arizona Republic.

Here's a copy of a memo which was posted on gannettblog.blogspot.com detailing what happened in Phoenix.

The second we hear any word about layoffs at the Citizen/Tucson Newspapers, we'll pass the info along. (Also, holler if you have any info.)

The past few days have been difficult.

Throughout yesterday afternoon and this morning meetings were held to notify 68 of our colleagues at The Arizona Republic and La Voz Publishing that their jobs were being eliminated. In addition 29 accepted voluntary severance and 15 employees were offered alternative positions. The reductions are based solely on the very tough economic conditions facing the country and our company. The employees who lost their jobs served this company very well, some for many years. It is sad to see them leave and we wish them well. To assist in understanding the job market Phoenix Workforce Connection was brought onsite to help navigate the unemployment process as well as re-entry into the labor market.

The payroll reductions in Phoenix were part of a company-wide effort. In late October I shared with you a note from Bob Dickey that described the reductions and business climate that led to the decision. At that point I asked for comments or suggestions that should be considered as we worked toward our target. Many of you offered thoughts that could limit the number of people impacted. Those suggestions and the difficult work done by each department helped keep the people reduction well below 10% and still hit the payroll target. While there is some comfort in minimizing the loss, it is shallow.

I certainly understand the next few days and weeks will be difficult, but there is work to be done. Business will not be as usual. And that's a good thing. It needs to be different. In tough economic times we need to focus on what we do best. Our core products remain strong with audience gains in both print and online. That's a claim most media can't make and will position us well for the next growth cycle.

I thank you for your support and always welcome new ideas.

John Zidich

UPDATE: The Phoenix New Times has names. Lots of veterans getting the boot.

'Tis the season, and everyone is in such need.

When you're out shopping, please consider picking up some necessities--that most of us take for granted--for the elderly who live on fixed incomes.

The Pima Council of Aging is partnering with KGUN Channel 9, Sam Levitz Furniture and Suntran for a "Stuff the Bus" event on Friday, Dec. 5 from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stop by the bus by Sam Levitz Furniture at 100 N. Pantano Road (at Broadway Boulevard).

Items needed include: emergency and home safety kits, batteries (AA, AAA, C, 9 Volt for smoke alarms), light bulbs (40, 60, 100 w), adhesive strips, alcohol wipes, first aid kits (small), flashlights, hand-operated can openers, light sticks, smoke alarms, night lights, whistles, bed pads, cotton swabs, dental floss, deodorants, hand sanitizers, incontinence supplies, mouth rinses, razors (disposable), soaps (liquid and gel), shampoo and conditioner, shaving cream, skin lotions and creams, toothpaste and brushes, bathmats, tissues, toilet brushes, toilet paper, tub and tile cleaners, air fresheners, baking soda, bleach, cleaning solutions, detergents, dish soaps, dust sprays, fabric softeners, vinegar, window cleaners, aluminum foil, kitchen towels, paper napkins, paper plates, paper towels, plastic containers, pot holders, sponges (with and without scrub pads), throws, bath towels, blankets (full, twin), hand towels, pillows, placemats, sheet sets (full, twin), tablecloths (paper, disposable or cloth).

Unless you've been living under a rock (which, given the state of the economy, may not be such a bad idea), you know that Gov. Janet Napolitano has been nominated by President-elect Barack Obama to be his secretary of homeland security.

Here's her statement, released shortly after her nomination was officially announced. The big news here is that she does not intend to resign right away--she's sticking around until confirmed, which means Jan Brewer's moving plans are on hold, but just for a bit.

Dear Friend,

This morning I was proud to accept an offer from President-elect Barack Obama to become Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security.

I believe that when called upon to serve - particularly at such a critical time in the history of our country - it is our duty to step forward and say, "yes."

This was by no means, an easy decision. Over the past six years, we have accomplished a great deal together. We moved our state in a new direction strengthening our schools with voluntary full-day kindergarten, higher teacher pay and higher standards for our students. We expanded access to children's health insurance and saved Arizonans millions of dollars with one of the largest free prescription drug discount programs in the country. And we're rebuilding Arizona's economy with a focus on high-wage, high-tech jobs of the future.

On the political front, we surpassed one million registered Democrats for the first time in history. We reached another milestone by electing four more Democrats to Congress, sending a majority to Washington this January. And we've built a Democratic Party that's stronger, smarter and better positioned for victory in 2010 than ever before.

Arizona is facing a challenging time, and I intend to carry forward with my most important responsibilities as the leader of this state. In the weeks ahead, I will deliver my State of the State address, and shortly thereafter, I will present to the Arizona Legislature a balanced budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2010. Upon confirmation as Secretary by the U.S. Senate, I will tender my resignation as Governor of Arizona.

My pride in this state, my love for it and my dedication to it will never change. I will continue to work for Arizona and Arizonans, but from a different place and with a different charge. Thank you for your continued friendship and support.

Yours very truly,

Janet Napolitano

Governor