We’re told that the layoffs at the Bay Area Newspaper Group-East Bay hit the IT department, bringing the number of remaining computer techs down to three for the entire chain of MediaNews Group papers in the East Bay — Contra Costa Times, Oakland Tribune and 14 other local publications.

BANG-EB has also laid off Matt Sumner, winner of six Press Club awards in our most recent competition including best spot news and best general news photography, has been let go. He worked at the San Mateo County Times.

Newsrooms are increasingly keeping their own layoffs secret while still reporting those of other local businesses. If you know of newsroom layoffs in our area, please e-mail us at sfpen-pressclub@sbcglobal.net.