The Lodi News-Sentinel was founded in 1881 by Ralph Ellis, a former sheriff, farmer and flourmill operator. Ownership has changed several times over the years, from Ralph Ellis to Samuel B. Axtell then to Fordyce P. Roper and George H. Moore, followed by Clyde C. Church, and later to Fred E. Weybret. On June 1, 2015, the paper was sold to Central Valley News-Sentinel Inc., led by veteran newspaper publisher Steven Malkowich.[2][4] The new owners manage newspaper assets in both the United States and Canada, including several in California.
The newspaper has moved locations multiple times since its inception, having relocated eight times since 1881. The current location at 125 N. Church Street was formerly occupied by the Bethel Open Bible Church before Fred Weybret moved the newspaper there in 1968.[5] A $1.3 million remodel and expansion of the building was completed in 1992.
In 2024, the Lodi News-Sentinel announced it will be moving out of its office at 125 N. Church St., where it has been based for 57 years.[6]
The newspaper is printed five days a week and is delivered to nearly 15,000 homes across Lodi, Galt, Woodbridge, Lockeford, Clements, Acampo and Thornton. An additional 8,000 readers follow the newspaper's publication online via its website. Currently, the newspaper employs approximately 85 staff members.
Discover Lodi, an annual publication of the Lodi News-Sentinel, is both a guide and a website for visitors to Lodi, that highlights the region's wine production.
