Honoring Judson ‘Jud’ Porter

And the life and legacy of The Atascadero News

I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Judson “Jud” Porter, a cherished member of our community, on Saturday, June 8, at the age of 83. As the co-owner and publisher of The Atascadero News for 42 years, Jud’scontributions have left an indelible mark on our community. Along with his parents and brothers, he dedicated decades to delivering local news, connecting our community, and preserving the legacy of this historic publication.

Last week, we published a heartfelt tribute to Jud, beautifully narrated with shared memories from his wife Christie and daughter Michelle. Their reflections on Jud, his love for his family, and his unwavering dedication to The Atascadero News painted a vivid picture of a man who truly cared for his community. As the current owner and publisher, alongside my husband, I would like to honor Jud’s family legacy by reflecting on the history and significance of The Atascadero News during the Porter Era and beyond.

The Early Days: E.G. Lewis Era

The Atascadero News was founded by Edward Gardner Lewis, a visionary who established Atascadero as a planned utopian community in 1913. As a magazine publisher, Lewis built the Atascadero Printery and began publishing The Atascadero News in 1916. The paper, initially priced at 2 cents per copy, focused on local news, social events, and community milestones. From its inception, it served as a vital source of information and connection for residents.

Transition and Growth: Ted Bishop and J. Montgomery Brown Eras

Throughout the years, the newspaper saw several owners, each leaving their unique imprint. Ted Bishop took over in 1925, guiding the publication through the Great Depression, while J. Montgomery Brown, a former Hearst newspaper man, brought a community-focused vision in 1935. Brown’s era emphasized local news with accuracy and kindness, setting a standard that would continue through subsequent generations.

The Porter Era: A Family Legacy

In 1949, George Porter and Parke Keays purchased The Atascadero News, marking the beginning of the Porter Era. George Porter, and later his three sons — Jim, Jud, and Jack — maintained a steadfast commitment to the newspaper.Under their stewardship, they became the longest-serving owners of the newspaper, and the publication thrived, providing reliable local news and fostering a strong sense of community.

Jud Porter began his journey with The Atascadero News at the young age of 8, starting with humble tasks like sweeping the floors. His parents’ purchase of the paper in 1949 laid the foundation for his lifelong career. Jud’s early involvement instilled in him a deep understanding and passion for local journalism. By 1978, Jud, along with his younger brothers Jim and Jack, took over the reins of the newspaper. As the business manager, Jud played a crucial role in ensuring the paper’s success and continuity. Their leadership spanned over two decades until they sold the paper in 2002. The Porter brothers’ dedication and hard work left an enduring legacy, solidifying The Atascadero News as a pillar of the community.

Modern Times: The Mattson Era

In 2002, the Porter brothers sold The Atascadero News to News Media Corporation, transitioning the paper into the digital age. In 2019, my husband and I, under 13 Stars Media, acquired The Atascadero News, bringing it back to its roots in downtown Atascadero. Our dedication to preserving the newspaper’s legacy remains unwavering as we continue to print and deliver news that matters to our community. Along with our team, we share a deep sense of service, ensuring the publication stays local and sharing your hometown news.

With the Porters’ legacy in mind, we strive to make both them and our community proud. At the end of the day, this is your paper — our community paper — and we are honored to steward it.

The time and effort the Porters and their team devoted to our community are deeply appreciated. Their family’s legacy lives on in the pages of The Atascadero News, and we are committed to honoring their work by keeping the newspaper alive and thriving. As we reflect on Jud Porter’s contributions, we are reminded of the importance of local journalism and the role it plays in shaping our community.

Jud’s celebration of life will take place at the Pavillion on the Lake this Sunday, July 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. All are invited to attend.

Featured Image: Jud Porter (right) is shown with his brothers Jim and Jack, with whom he ran The Atascadero News for over two decades. Photo Courtesy of the Porter family