San Diego County
Biographies
THE
CHULA VISTA STAR
The
Chula Vista Star, published by L. L. Thompson, is one of the most modern and
progressive weeklies in San Diego County.
In 1932 the paper was moved from the old adobe building on F Street
which it had occupied for ten years, to a new and modern structure on Third
Avenue, the main business thoroughfare of Chula Vista. This is one of the most modern and
conveniently arranged weekly newspaper plants in southern California. Lighting facilities are ideal and the
equipment has been so arranged as to facilitate work and speed up production in
all departments of the shop.
The
Star has undergone one of the most remarkable changes witnessed in the
newspaper field in southern California in the past three years. The business was purchased May 1, 1930, by
Lawrence L. Thompson from Mrs. Leafy R. Crooks, and since that time the entire
equipment of the plant has been replaced; the paper has been changed from six
to seven columns, and at present it is carrying more than double the volume of
business. New equipment installed by the
present owner includes a Scott two-revolution, four-page newspaper press; a
late model C S M intertype with a capacity of nine typefaces; an eight by
twelve platen press; a twelve by eighteen Chandler & Price with automatic
feeder; a new paper cutter; new twelve-page folding machine; about fifteen
hundred pounds of new ad and job type; a new casting box; new metal saw,
remelting furnace; a new perforator and stitcher; new
stones, and a new and modern addressing machine for mailing.
In
its new location it is not only a model newspaper office, but is one of the
most attractive business houses in Chula Vista and has caused much favorable
comment from newspapermen who have visited the plant. Situated on the main street, an attractive
awning and sign greet the visitor to Chula Vista upon entering the city and
present an air of progress and cleanliness.
When the plant was moved to its new location complete modern equipment
was installed.
Since
taking over the Star, Mr. Thompson has worked unceasingly to make this one of
the outstanding weekly newspapers in southern California. No plate matter is ever used, and an effort
is made each week to fill its pages with live local news. The circulation has been increased from about
five hundred to sixteen hundred thirty-five and was audited early in the year
1932 by the California Newspaper Publishers Association, making the Star one of
but three weeklies in the state with an audited circulation.
Associated
with Mr. Thompson in the management of the business is his wife, Minnie L.
Thompson, and Walter L. Clemmons, well known in journalistic circles of this
part of the state, is editor and advertising manager. Mrs. Marguerite Smith is society editor, and
three country correspondents are on the staff. Two men are employed in the mechanical
department. Mr. Thompson, who is a
practical printer and operator, also helps out in the shop on rush days.
Transcribed
by V. Gerald Iaquinta.
Source: California of the South
Vol. IV, by John Steven McGroarty, Pages 559-560,
Clarke Publ., Chicago, Los Angeles, Indianapolis. 1933.
© 2012 V.
Gerald Iaquinta.
GOLDEN NUGGET'S SAN DIEGO
BIOGRAPHIES