What Will Happen to the LA Times Food Section?

News broke this morning of Tribute Co.'s planned reduction of staff and reorganization, according to LA Observed and other outlets. Per internal memos, the company plans to cut about 700 jobs across eight daily newspapers, which includes local daily, the LA Times. Even though the company posted a $50 Million profit in the last quarter, it was largely the result of cost cutting. The news is ominous amid last week's announcement that the SF Chronicle would fold its award-winning food section. However, according to sources at the paper, no editorial cuts will be made at this time, though there will be in the new year.

The food section more recently installed Jonathan Gold as the paper's critic, while retaining the services of S. Irene Virbila, who had been the star-doling arbiter for years prior. Also on staff is section editor Russ Parsons, deputy editor Betty Hallock, and Noelle Carter, with contributors Jenn Harris and Jessica Gelt. At the moment, no layoffs have been announced for the Times, though Tribute CEO Tony Hunter did promise to handle any cuts, "with respect, dignity, and assistance for the future."

The food section had already moved from Wednesday to Thursday back in 2009, in order to better accommodate the events of the weekend. And then early last year the section was incorporated into the Saturday "Lifestyle" section. Does this mean the end of the food section or will things stay as they are? The impending Thanksgiving and holiday season seems to imply that staff will stay in place until further notice.
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