okay, you made me check and now I'm not happy lol note the last paragraph were they were bought by Knight Ridder...
Contra Costa Newspapers was founded in 1947 by the late Dean S. Lesher, whose early vision of population growth and business potential in the San Francisco East Bay led him to build one of the country's most successful suburban daily newspaper networks.
The Contra Costa Newspapers is comprised of four daily editions: Contra Costa Times, San Ramon Valley Times, West County Times and Valley Times. In addition, the Times produces twelve weekly newspapers that focus on local news: Ledger Dispatch, Brentwood News, Walnut Creek Journal, Concord Transcript, Contra Costa Sun, Pleasant Hill/Martinez Record, West County Weekly and the Hills Newspapers (Montclarion, Piedmonter, Alameda Journal, Berkeley Voice and El Cerrito Journal).
Located in one of the fastest-growing markets in the United States, the company attributes its success to the belief in the value of community newspapers, competitive spirit, and strong commitment to quality, innovation and new technology.
In November 1995, the privately held newspaper group was purchased by Knight Ridder, Inc., a company renowned for journalistic excellence. Applauding the suburban group's top editorial quality and strong local focus, Knight Ridder also recognized the opportunities for growth and expansion in one of the state's most prosperous regions.
Sara 
"I never give them hell. I just tell the truth and they think it's hell." - Harry Truman
AI
