BY SHIKIRI HIGHTOWER AND ALBA MORA // LeapFrog Enterprises Inc., a local company known for their technology-based toys, has fallen victim to a harsh economy like many other businesses.

On Friday, the Emeryville based manufacturer, announced it was slashing 10 percent of their global workforce.

“We had to reduce operating expenses” said Mischa Dunton, the LeapFrog spokesperson. “We are proud of LeapFrog’s people and so this action is one we would prefer not to have undertaken.”

In total the company plans to lay off 70 people, including several members of senior management. According to a press release concerning the lay offs, the company expects the cuts to be complete by the beginning of 2009. The reductions are not expected to impact the 2008 holiday operations.

Most of the employees contacted at headquarters Monday, declined to talk on record. However, one person did give us this comment.

“All departments have been affected.” When asked about the mood in the office he said “it’s fine” because “the lay offs have not been immediate.”

InEmeryville will be taking a closer look on how the downturn in the economy is affecting other business.

If you want to make a comment or have been affected, please make it here.