Author Archives: jimjakobs

Celebrating the life of Hawaii media icon Emmeline “Emme” Tomimbang Burns

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Celebrating the life of Hawaii media icon Emmeline “Emme” Tomimbang Burns

Emmeline Tomimbang Burns, affectionately known as “Emme,” a prominent figure in Hawaii’s media landscape and a dedicated community leader, passed away on Feb. 19 at the age of 73.

A special Celebration of Life ceremony was held on Saturday, April 27 in Emme’s honor at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu.

Emme’s family posted on her Facebook page, “On behalf of the Tomimbang ʻohana, we would like to express our gratitude for the generous outpouring of love and prayers in honor of our beloved Emme. Emme’s profound aloha for the local community was evident in the many causes she championed, the heartfelt stories she shared, and the multitude of cultural and civic causes she supported. Her values and identity were deeply rooted in her Filipino heritage and Kakaʻako upbringing, both of which were central to her illustrious career in media and television. Emme’s news reports and Island Moments show brought local stories to the hearts and homes of countless viewers, and the impact of those efforts continues to flourish today. From our family, we express our deepest mahalo nui and maraming salamat for the many years of love and support you have shared with Emme and invite you to join us April 26-27 in celebrating her extraordinary life and legacy.”

Island News streamed the Celebration of Life ceremony to their YouTube page. 

Laney Photography Dual Enrollment Program Recognized as a “Distinguished California Partnership Academy” by the California Department of Education

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Laney Photography Dual Enrollment Program Recognized as a “Distinguished California Partnership Academy” by the California Department of Education

The Laney Photography Dual Enrollment program that partners with the Fremont High Media Academy was recognized as a “Distinguished California Partnership Academy” by the California Department of Education.

Fremont High Media Academy is one of the four OUSD high schools that participate in the college Dual Enrollment photography program that is offered at Laney College and taught by Laney Photography instructor Michael Moya. Michael has been teaching Professional Photography for 16 years. In 2015 he was an active NATAS governor and created the NATAS HeadShot service that is offered to NATAS members. Michael continues his service contributing photography services for the Emmy and Gold and Silver events annually.

Laney College offers an extensive program in both Media and Photography offering a vocational curriculum for students to pursue a professional career or continue with their higher education. This program has been expanded to local high schools offering the college credit courses through the Laney Dual Enrollment program.

If you have a story you’d like to see in ‘Off Camera‘ please send us an email at offcamera@emmysf.tv

Sacramento reporter says the NATAS Norcal Mentor Match Program is an “Instrumental part of my success”

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Sacramento reporter says the NATAS Norcal Mentor Match Program is an "Instrumental part of my success"

Sacramento Reporter Gurajpal Sangha credits the NATAS Norcal mentor match program for career success

By Gurajpal Sangha, Sacramento News Reporter

The NATAS Mentorship Program has been an instrumental part of my success as it has helped me become a better storyteller! I was lucky to be paired with the Legendary KGO Journalist Wayne Freedman! Originally, I wanted to improve my live shot presence and delivery, but Wayne was able to help with that and so much more like, script structure and writing more conversationally. We mostly communicated via email. I sent a few news stories his way and Wayne sent back the feedback. We still communicate to this day.

The signup process for the mentorship program was simple. A quick questionnaire and the process was set in motion. I absolutely believe in this program because it helped accelerate my growth and easily provided knowledge influential for my career! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!

For a $15 annual student membership, you can participate in our Mentor Match program. 

NATAS Norcal Mentor Match Program Allows Early Career Journalist To Lean Into ‘Decades of Experience’

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NATAS Norcal Mentor Match Program Allows Early Career Journalist To Lean Into ‘Decades of Experience'

Sarath Minerva is very thankful for her experience with the NATAS Norcal Mentor Match program

By Sarath Minverva, special to ‘Off Camera’

 

My mentor match experience with Jim Stimson has been going very well! We meet every other week.

 

JAMES STIMSON
Retired Assistant News Director, KCRA 3, Sacramento
(Silver Circle Class of 2008, Governors’ Citation 2021)

 

Jim has been giving me constant constructive feedback on my shows. I’ve been strengthening my writing and leadership skills. 

 

I’m also finishing my contract at my current station, so my mentor has been helping me apply for jobs and make connections. Joining this program has helped me so much these past few months, it’s great to get advice from someone who has decades of experience. 

All NATAS members are eligible as it’s a perk of your annual dues. 

For a $15 annual student membership, you can participate in our Mentor Match program. 

Many Changes at Univision 21 in Fresno

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Many Changes at Univision 21 in Fresno

By NATAS SF Board of Governor Jose Munoz

March saw the return of News Director Stefany Garces at Univision Fresno after a 3 month maternity leave to a much different news team. 

Stefany Garces Univision Fresno

In November prior to her leaving MMJ Cristian Gomez left the news field altogether. 

Cristian Gomez

MMJ Karla Gonzalez left for a job closer to home joining Noticias Univision San Diego.

Karla Gonzalez

 Joining the team would be Candy Duran as the executive producer and filling in for Stefany.  

Candy Duran

 

In December MMJ Jacqueline Magaña departed to Univision Colorado as a weekend anchor/MMJ.

Jacqueline Magaña

Come January, joining the team as an MMJ, Sebastian Noriega ready to start in first job in news relocating from Miami. 

Sebastian Noriega

Also joining the team as an MMJ, Carlos Trestini, from Univision Chicago. 

Carlos Trestini

The end of January saw the departure of regional president and general manager Steve Stuck. Chris Morris would fill the role. 

MMJ Maria Cortez departed in February, leaving the news field but recently announcing her new role as Communication & PR Officer for the Central Unified School District in Fresno. 

Maria Cortez

In March, Candy Duran, EP for about the last 4 months also announced her departure as she takes the role of News Director from Telemundo Sacramento/Fresno.

KCRA-TV in Sacramento Celebrates Retirement of Engineer Dave Ramos

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KCRA-TV in Sacramento Celebrates Retirement of Engineer Dave Ramos

Engineer Dave Ramos is retiring after a 50-year career in broadcast journalism. He spent more than 40 years at KCRA 3.

KCRA aired a beautiful send-off tribute to Dave this week as he finished his last shift at the station. 

Dave has covered countless stories in his tenure. From wildfires and hurricanes to football games and the Olympics.

If you have a story you’d like to see in ‘Off Camera‘ please send us an email at offcamera@emmysf.tv

Success! Las Vegas Evening News Anchor Credits NATAS/SF Mentor Match Program

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Success! Las Vegas Evening News Anchor Credits Natas/SF Mentor Match Program

Abel Garcia is an evening news anchor with the Las Vegas Scripps Television Station

Special to ‘Off Camera’ by Abel Garcia

Transitioning from my role as a Multimedia Journalist (MMJ) at KOLO in Reno to becoming an Evening News Anchor at the Las Vegas ABC affiliate, KTNV, has been an incredible journey. As someone who grew up in Reno, I initially honed my skills in reporting and storytelling in the vibrant community of Reno. However, driven by the ambition to grow professionally, I seized the opportunity to relocate to Las Vegas and pursue a career in a larger market.

My journey was empowered by participation in our chapter’s Mentor Match program, which played a pivotal role in equipping me with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in a more competitive media landscape. Through mentorship and guidance, I navigated the transition smoothly, leveraging my experiences in Reno to excel in Las Vegas.

As I embark on this new chapter of my career, I am grateful for the support and mentorship that have propelled me forward. I am excited to continue serving the community and delivering impactful news coverage in my new role. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey, and I look forward to the opportunities ahead.

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences San Francisco/Northern California Chapter ‘Mentor Match’ program pairs up-and-coming journalists with experts in the industry. 

All NATAS members are eligible as it’s a perk of your annual dues. 

For a $15 annual college student membership, you can participate in our Mentor Match program. 

Fresno Sports Reporter/Anchor Vanessa Romo signs off from KMPH

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Fresno Sports Reporter/Anchor Vanessa Romo signs off from KMPH

KMPH FOX26 Sports Reporter & Anchor Vanessa Romo signs off during her sports show Sunday night February 25

KMPH FOX26 sports reporter and anchor Vanessa Romo signed off the air for the last time on Sunday with an emotional final broadcast.

We hear big things are ahead for her. As we like to say, stay tuned.