There's no joking at the Santa Barbara News-Press, at least not when pals of the owner, Wendy McCaw(ful) are involved.

Cliff Redding, a veteran copy editor, felt the wrath of Wendy, when he authorized a mock-up of the paper's front page as a gag gift for departing copy editor Lara Milton. He got fired.

The joke page featured a column from "Dr. Lara", referencing the all-too real Dr. Laura Schlesinger column. Due to a glitch, the fake column spilled into the real one on the website.

Redding was one of the few, the very few, African-American employees on staff, but maybe diversity isn't high on the paper's internal agenda.

Nearly 50 employees have been fired or quit since July 2006. The paper's looking for a business writer, too.

McCaw's lawsuit against former editor Jerry Roberts started on Monday, but the proceedings aren't open to the public. According to Craig Smith:

It is believed that McCaw initiated the litigation by suing Roberts for breach of contract. Roberts counter sued claiming constructive firing. McCaw responded by upping the ante and asking for $25 million in damages from Roberts.

Earlier:
Santa Barbara News-Press Wins Some, Loses Some In Court

Santa Barbara News-Press Circulation Drops, Surprising No One

When Lawyers Attack: News-Press Sicks Litigators On Santa Barbara Independent