As a result of the national economic crisis, The San Diego LGBT Community Center recently announced pay cuts, layoffs and mandatory furloughed time for its employees.

The Center has made very difficult personnel cuts to avoid eliminating crucial services.

The Center isn’t alone in making tough choices.

Businesses – including ours – are feeling the crunch, too.

Print news media is in a publishing predicament, and has been for quite some time; increasing costs, decreasing revenue and decreasing readership have led to the decline of the daily newspaper.

Alternative newsmagazines, such as ours, are in a bit better shape – there are fewer places to find local gay community news, and regional, statewide or national gay stories that impact your lives, and appeal to a niche market.

While community newsmagazines may be better off, they are not immune from feeling the effects of a weak economy.

You may have noticed recently the changes we’ve made at the Gay & Lesbian Times to accommodate the trickle-down of the national economic crisis.

We’ve trimmed expenses, and we’re publishing a leaner product – but you’ll find we have not sacrificed our news content and value.

Like The Center – and so many businesses – we’ve also had to make cuts in our staff. In January 2008, we made the first of three very painful layoffs.

Since, our staff members have committed to becoming better stewards of our resources, making small cuts in their respective departments to contribute to our savings.

They have also committed to taking short, unpaid, staggered leave in January and February to help the company cut costs. I’ve been humbled by the grit and grace our staff members have shown during these tough times.

Our team members are all in, and they are convinced this magazine is a viable, valuable community resource. As a team, our staff will weather the storm, and our sales staff will assist clients in doing the same.

Businesses everywhere are feeling the crunch. It’s time we support our own.

Rather than buy home improvement items at Home Depot or a big-box store, visit Ace Hardware on University Avenue in Hillcrest.

Skip the Olive Garden and Chili’s for lunch or dinner – head over to T-Deli, Arrivederci, Crest Café, Urban Mo’s, Hula’s, Med Grill or any one of the restaurants in our neighborhoods.

From retail to dining, you have a number of quality, affordable options, many within walking or short driving distance of you, and so many of these businesses give back to the community. Sign on to our Web site and print our coupon page and see the many valuable money saving offers we have.

During tough times, we have to remember we’re in this together. A supportive spirit and positive outlook is critical to all of our success – backbiting and circulating rumors will get us nowhere; in part, that’s why we’ve addressed our own cuts – to eliminate the whispers, and operate in a more transparent manner.

For 20 years, the Gay & Lesbian Times has been a connection to our community – locally and at large – for tens of thousands of readers.

For 20 years, the Gay & Lesbian Times has given back to the community in sponsorships, fund-raisers and donations.

For 20 years, the Gay & Lesbian Times has maintained its commitment to news integrity and news value.

In 20 years – 20 years from this date today – the Gay & Lesbian Times will continue its record of fair and accurate reporting, generous giving, and providing resources to members of our community.

We are not going anywhere.

Some may say that’s a bold statement – but it’s no more brash than what John Wiseman told his local television news station this month. Wiseman, a two-time Vietnam War veteran and retired businessman in Monterey, Calif., bought back his arts and framing stores from an investor he’d sold them to 14 months ago. The investor was prepared to close shop, and 17 employees had been laid off after Wiseman sold the stores.

Wiseman told the local news media he isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. In our volatile economy, when arts and framing expenses could be considered a luxury item, Wiseman took the reigns of his businesses again and said, “I know the government officially says we’re in a recession. I’ve just chosen not to participate.”

Wiseman’s attitude is an extraordinary example of the kind of business leadership we need in this economy. It’s a testament to the strength and the resilience of small business owners everywhere, and the age-old notion that an individual can make a difference.

We’ve been inspired by Wiseman’s no-nonsense take on doing business in this recession. We believe teamwork will carry us through this difficult time. You can count on the Gay & Lesbian Times to be here each week. Together, we will make it through.

Michael G. Portantino

Publisher