CHANGE IN NEWS FORMAT.

To our readers:

Starting with Monday's edition of the Santa Clarita Daily News, we will introduce a different format.

On weekdays when everyone is busy, we'll be repackaging our complete report of Santa Clarita news in the main news section of the Daily News on the front page, Page 3 and elsewhere.

This will give you all the local news you're used to in a single report, allow us to have much later deadlines for the Santa Clarita edition and to save money as well. Look for Santa Clarita sports coverage in the main sports section and a special page every Wednesday focusing on local teams.

On Saturday and Sunday, when you have more time to spend with the Daily News, the Santa Clarita edition will remain a stand-alone local section with complete news and sports coverage.

It's no secret that the information and entertainment industries -- including newspapers, television, movies and music -- are undergoing dramatic changes that require making some tough decisions. This step is one of the changes we have found necessary to make.

But it does not diminish the Daily News' commitment to serving the Santa Clarita Valley as a vital area for our future growth.

As an institution, the Daily News is committed to helping to build informed and healthy communities. As editor, I am committed to redoubling our efforts to make the Daily News the most important and valued information source in the Santa Clarita Valley.

I hope you will take advantage of our continually improving Web site, dailynews.com, and our new citizen journalism project, valleynews.com, that allows you to share your own stories, photos and upcoming events with your neighbors.

And don't hesitate to tell me personally what you think and what we can do to better serve you and our community.

-- Ron Kaye, editor

[e-mail]