The Record Gazette has been the community newspaper source in the San Gorgonio Pass for nearly a century. It has changed names, owners, publishers, formats and locations since it was founded by Harvey Johnson in 1908. The paper is now owned and operated by Gerald Bean, Central California Publishing, Inc. which also publishes the EXTRA and Sun Lakes Life from its offices in Banning. The Record Gazette employs 30 full-time and part-time employees. The newspaper's circulation area includes Banning, Beaumont, Cabazon and Cherry Valley. The Record Gazette is committed to providing the community it serves with more than just news. It publishes a number of local news-oriented special editions annually, including Our Town, Meet Your Merchant, Back to School, Stagecoach Days, Cherry Festival, Oktoberfest, and special holiday issues. The Record Gazette is particularly proud to publish the 2003-04 edition of Our Town, dedicated to the entire Pass Area. Highlights in the history of the Record Gazette: 1908 - Harvey Johnson founds the Banning Record. The Gateway Gazette also opens on the same day and year. 1921 - In April a fire destroys most of the Record's building, linotype and press. The loss is estimated at $2,000. During the rebuilding of the Record offices, the paper is edited in the Banning City Clerk's office and printed at the Riverside Enterprise office. 1926 - Carl Barkow purchases one-half interest in The Record. 1928 - The Herald of Banning is founded by Johnson and Barkow. The Gateway Gazette changes its name to Beaumont Gazette. 1938 - Carl and Mabelle Barkow become the sole owners of the Record and Herald. 1943 - The Herald merges with the Record. 1950 - With the I-10 Freeway coming through Banning, the newspaper offices moves to their present location at 218 N. Murray in Banning. 1957 - The Banning Record and the Beaumont Gazette starts printing daily, Tuesday through Saturday. Both papers contain similar information, but have different stories on the front page. 1963 - The Scripps League purchases the Banning Record and renames it the Record Gazette, Inc. 1965 - The Record Gazette and the Beaumont Gazette are published on an off-set press. More than $150,000 is invested in improvements. 1972 - Barry Scripps is named publisher of the Record Gazette. He holds that post for five years when he becomes the executive vice president of all Scripps-owned newspapers. The Record Gazette and the Beaumont Gazette eventually merge. 1977 - Neil Herrand becomes publisher for Scripps. 1984 - Chuck Freeman is named publisher. 1996 - The Pulitzer Co. purchases the Record Gazette and trades the paper to Gerald Bean, owner/president, Central California Publishing, Inc., which also owns the Community Adviser. Ken Smith, the publisher of the Community Adviser, is named publisher of both newspapers. 1998 - Owner/President Gerald Bean becomes publisher of the Record Gazette and Community Adviser. 2001 - Toebe Bush is named vice president of operations of the Century Group, then is also named publisher of the Record Gazette. 2002 - The Record Gazette converts to an all-local news format, publishing one day a week on Fridays. 2004 - The Record Gazette launches its first official web site. 2004 - The Record Gazette converts to a super tab format on Oct. 15, still all-local news but more local news and features, publishing one day a week on Fridays. | 
