Documentary Completes Full Circle Production Year With Premiere

Documentary Completes Full Circle Production Year with a sold out Premiere

From Left: Steve Shlisky, Ted Ross, Stephanie Haskins, Robert Urban, Joyce Mitchell, Adrian Woodfork, Toby Momtaz

By Steve Shlisky
Chapter Treasurer and Activities & Programs Chair
Photographs by Susan Bradley
Chapter Governor

A Sacramento Summer Solstice afternoon sited the premiere of the short documentary “Never Too Late?”, the chronicle of Steve Haskins’s journey to become Stephanie Haskins. The production crew of seven spent a year following Haskins’s expedition through surgeries, therapy, riots, and empathy as she transitions to become the person she is meant to be.  And now, the impressive B Street Sofia theater welcomed hundreds to the free inaugural viewing of Stephanie’s story.

“Never Too Late?” documents the gender transition of 76-year-old Stephanie Haskins, formerly a Sacramento television news producer, assignment editor, executive producer, assistant news director and news director. He was then known as Steve Haskins and worked in the TV news business for 30+ years, including two decades at NBC Affiliate KCRA Channel 3.

Sacramento's Sofia Theater
Theater techs optimize the video before the guests arrive

Employees had not forgotten working for Haskins and showed up in droves for the screening. The premiere of the half-hour documentary played at the sold-out theater in Midtown Sacramento. Among attendees were Silver Circle Members Steve Swatt, Adrian Woodfork, and Jim Stimson. In all, about 300 people were in attendance. 

“The program was enlightening and demonstrated what Stephanie had to go through during her transition,” said Swatt who was a political correspondent for years at Channel 3 and worked with Haskins. “The transition looked difficult, traumatic, expensive and should not be treated lightly.”

Chapter Board Member Joyce Mitchell spent a good part of her professional life working with Haskins as his 11 O’Clock producer for 13 years. Haskins was then assistant news director of KCRA Channel 3. Mitchell knew him as Steve during their years together at KCRA. 

About three years ago, Mitchell teamed with Director Ted Ross, Chapter Awards Chair Wayne Freedman, Chapter Education Chair Toby Momtaz, and cameraman Ken Day to tell Haskins’s unique story. At 76 years-old, she may be the oldest known American to undergo gender reassignment surgery. “When I came out four years ago, I knew I had no choice,” Haskins said. “I wanted to be perceived as the person I was inside.”

Freedman, who is recovering from knee surgery and had to attend by cellphone explains: “Stephanie is a fascinating inkblot of a subject. She tells a brutally honest, relevant story….one that few commercial television stations would dare touch in this level of detail,” said Freedman: “I learned a lot from her. Stephanie pulled back the curtain and made it very clear how this is something that people go through. Most of the time they go through it in the shadows. Our point here was to make it more accessible to the many, many, many millions of Americans who don’t understand it.”

As an out gay man, the “Never Too Late?” Director Ted Ross has socialized with trans people for over four decades: ” I thought I was pretty in-tune with the transgender experience. But, after working on this project, even I gained a whole new level of empathy for the struggles and sacrifices trans people experience. This documentary has the power to educate and inform.”

The documentary was produced by members of the local Television Academy. Mitchell produced and co-wrote the program with Freedman with Momtaz acting as a coordinating producer. Ken Day served as the director of photography. Chapter Treasurer and Past President Steve Shlisky was brought in during postproduction to edit the program. Mitchell, Shlisky, Day and Freedman are all members of the Silver Circle.

“It was an honor and privilege to work on this documentary, telling the story of my former boss Steve Haskins, now Stephanie,” said Mitchell. “I truly realized that her transition was not a choice, that it was a life-saving endeavor and that today, she’s happier than ever. The process has been emotional and powerful.”

“Stephanie is a hero,” said Mitchell: “inviting us in to cover the most intimate moments of her new life. All – to help others better understand the journey and appreciate that decision.”

Momtaz was delighted by the crowd at the screening: “It’s truly remarkable to see so many people showing up and embracing the significance of this story.” Momtaz, who arranged and setup most of the interviews was noticeably moved by the event: “Capturing Stephanie’s transformation and sharing it with the community has been a heartfelt endeavor for our entire production team, fueled by our genuine passion for this project.”

Former Assemblyman Dennis Mangers opened the screening with powerful remarks, remarks he composed after privately watching the documentary at his desk 3+ times. He said that the program puts the “T” in LGBT, that the transgender community has for the most part been somewhat ignored. “ “Never Too Late?” shines a much-needed light,” said Mangers.

Dignitaries mingled with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence coming out to support the documentary. Former Sacramento City Council Member Steve Hansen was there to support the project. Hansen is currently running for Mayor of Sacramento. Following the viewing of the half-hour documentary, a panel discussion focused on issues not included in the program such as the current political climate this program is facing in looking for distribution.

Panel members included Woodfork, Haskins, Dr. Debra Johnson, and former Sacramento CBS 13 Main Anchor now Therapist Jennifer Whitney. Both Woodfork and Whitney worked with Haskins in the news business. Woodfork spoke of his experience working in television during the racial tension of the 60s and 70s. Johnson and Whitney spoke about the joys and challenges working with transgender patients.

A fifth Chapter Board Member, Susan A. Bradley, also helped with the production and photographed the preview (including all of the photographs on this page): “It always amazes me how right things feel when people come together in support of each other. A remarkable evening for a remarkable human being.”

The screening was sponsored by Mitchell’s Capitol City AIDS Fund, a non-profit organization, founded in 1995 to support HIV/AIDS services in the Sacramento area. This event was designed to coincide with June’s LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. It attracted many people who embrace the spirit of Pride Month.

The crew working on this production are all veterans of Bay Area broadcast television stations, but there has been a snag in bringing it to a wider audience. Mitchell and Ross negotiated with Sacramento’s PBS affiliate KVIE for a year and a half to air the program. In early June that deal fell apart. Ross says: “We’ve already received push back from broadcast outlets, suggesting we sanitize the documentary for a general viewing audience. But, our team is dedicated to telling the complete story. And based on a sold-out premiere crowd who responded with three standing ovations, audiences love this authentic and touching story of transformation. Despite numerous connections across the Chapter, this screening remains the only planned public outlet for the feature.”

 

"Never Too Late?" Producer/Writer Joyce Mitchell
A recuperating Wayne Freedman joined by cellphone
Stephanie Haskins
Ted Ross
A couple of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
Joyce Mitchell bonds with Photgrapher Ken Newberry before the screening
Joyce and Ted share a light moment while introducting the the documentary
Post screening panel discussion - From Left: Joyce Mitchell, Stephanie Haskins Adran Woodfork, Dr. Debra Johnson, Jennifer Whitney
Adrian Woodfork on the panel
Dr. Debra Johnson and Jernnifer Whitney

Regional Roundup February- Hawaii

REGIONAL ROUNDUP February - Hawaii

Phil Arnone Passes Away

Longtime KGMB producer/director Phil Arnone passed away in Honolulu February 12th after battling cancer. The television veteran is credited with creating classic local programming such as “All in the Ohana” and “The Checkers and Pogo Show.” 

“If you had to pick one person responsible for quality Hawaii programming television it would be Phil Arnone,” said Robert Pennybacker, friend and KGMB collaborator.

Arnone was born in San Francisco 86 years ago. An army stint brought him to Hawaii in the late 50’s, where he would eventually put down roots. After military service he studied radio and television at San Francisco State College and got a job as a floor director at KPIX.

But the islands lured him back and he spent the next 20 years at KONA as a switcher/editor, then at KGMB directing the news under anchor/news director Bob Sevey. In 1989 he returned to San Francisco and produced programs for the Forty-Niners and Giants. In 2002 he hoped to retire back in Hawaii but soon found himself in demand as a producer.

“We are tremendously proud of Phil’s contributions in television, both locally and on the mainland,” says wife Michelle Honda. “Many have reached out with stories of him changing their lives with opportunities in television.”

Photo courtesy PBS Hawaii

Cait Medearis Joins KITV4

The KITV4 team welcomes Cait Medearis, who has worked at WNBJ in Jackson, Tennessee and KNDU/KNDO in Yakima, Washington. In addition to broadcast work, she has experience as a content manager, writer and reporter on digital platforms. Cait grew up in Oregon and graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Journalism and Communications.

Regional Roundup February- Smaller Markets

REGIONAL ROUNDUP February - Smaller Markets

Michael Patterson Joins CBS/FOX Team 

Michael Patterson is leaving KAEF in Eureka after accepting a position with Sinclair’s CBS/FOX affiliates in Bakersfield. Patterson’s last day is March 1. In Bakersfield, Michael will serve as an Evening News Anchor and help mentor new journalists.

Loved Ones Celebrate the Life of Dave Silverbrand 

On Jan. 13, a funeral service was held for KAEF’s Dave Silverbrand, a longtime beloved journalist in the Eureka market. Read more in Off Camera here

Cassady Evers-Velasco Recovers From Heart Failure 

KSBW’s Cassady Evers-Velasco had heart failure while at work on Dec. 13.

“Good news — it is not heart disease, but a dangerous rhythm that is now monitored by a defibrillator (less than the size of a dime) that was tucked inside to keep her safe,” Chris Carpenter said. The community gathered to support the single mom of three as she navigates the steep physical, emotional and financial challenges.

Regional Roundup- Hawaii

REGIONAL ROUNDUP - Hawaii

KITV4 Welcomes Kayli Pascal-Martinez

Kayli Pascal-Martinez is the first recipient of the Robert Kekaula Fellowship, which was established in honor of KITV4’s Robert Kekaula and awarded to a local college student who intends to pursue a career in journalism. Kayli was selected in the Fall.

KHON receptionist Daisy Mae Tiposo feeds the lions of the Asian Dance Team. Photo by Pamela Young

Lunar New Year in Honolulu 

The lion dancers made their rounds at KHON2 in Honolulu during Lunar New Year festivities, which officially started on January 22 and lasted for 2 weeks. Traditionally the lions are invited into businesses to bestow good luck and chase away evil spirits.

“When you hear the drums, you know the lions are near,” says KHON National Sales Manager Sandra Gima. “Everyone brings out the licee (red envelopes filled with money) to feed the lions,
whether you are Chinese or not. Who wants evil spirits?”

The Year of the Water Rabbit is said to favor journalists because those born under the sign are vigilant, witty and quick-minded.

Legendary Humboldt Journalist Dave Silverbrand Passes Away

Legendary Humboldt Journalist Dave Silverbrand Passes Away

By: Nazy Javid
VP Smaller Markets

The North Coast community has lost a broadcast television icon. 

Legendary Humboldt County reporter, Dave Silverbrand, died Friday morning, January 6, in Eureka.

“Dave passed away peacefully at 8:55 a.m. at St. Joseph Hospital with his lovely wife by his side,” Jone Kosack, a very close friend of Silverbrand’s said.

Silverbrand’s wife, Maria Medina, said she was holding Dave when he took his last breath after spending 16 days in the hospital.

 

Dave Silverbrand passed away Jan. 6, 2023 in Eureka. (Photo by Ben Anderson)
Dave Silverbrand and his wife, Maria Medina.

“He left very calmly. I was holding him in my arms when he stopped breathing. He knew I was there with him; I was talking to him and holding his hand. He went peacefully,” a heartbroken Medina said in tears.

Medina was with Silverbrand in the hospital where he spent Christmas and New Year before passing of congestive heart failure, a condition he suffered with for several years, Kosack said.

“I was very lucky to have Dave as a very close friend,” Kosack said. “Lots of laughs and lots of loves. He was a guy that I couldn’t miss a conversation with. We spoke every single day.”

Close friends Eddie Wilson and Nazy Javid spent time with Silverbrand and Medina on New Year’s Eve, capturing the final photo taken of Silverbrand on Dec. 31 before his passing on Jan, 6. He was 76.

Close friends Eddie Wilson and Nazy Javid visited Dave Silverbrand and his wife, Maria Medina, in the hospital, five days prior to his passing on Dec. 31, 2022.

“My husband and I just visited him five days ago in the hospital, and he was excited to start the new year and get back to reporting… and now he’s left this earth. We didn’t expect this. We were there when the father came to pray. It was shocking and raw when we realized he may not bounce back this time. Today hurts,” Javid said.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, Jan. 13  at 1 p.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church, located at 615 H Street in Eureka.

Loved ones are also planning a celebration of life service that will be announced in the coming days. 

Dave Silverbrand shooting the cover of his book, Dave’s House II. (Photo by Ben Anderson)

News Director Nazy Javid was thrilled when Silverbrand joined KAEF ABC 23 in 2019 following a long career as a journalist for other radio and TV stations, including KIEM News Channel 3.

His former KIEM News Director, Manny Machado called Dave “a gentle giant.”

“His passion wasn’t to be first to a story, but to tell the full story,” Machado said. “Dave had a unique way of reporting. Each story was different, and you didn’t know what you were going to get until airing. Dave will be certainly missed. A true television icon. This is a sad day for the North Coast.”

 Throughout his career Silverbrand was also a local freelance columnistcollege instructor and author.

“He was so much fun to be around,” Javid said. “We even spent time on the weekends together just enjoying life. He had a way of seeing the good in everything. He was so grateful for the small things. He believed in God and that nothing in life happens by accident. I just learned so much from him.”

“Dave worked harder than everyone; he never took no for an answer; and he always had a smile on his face. His storytelling style was so unique,” Javid said. “He could get anyone to talk to him. That was one of his many skills.”

Dave Silverbrand shooting a video for the Lost Coast Outpost with Nazy Javid in Eureka in 2021. (Photo by Matt Filar)

“Before he worked at KAEF, I used to watch him on the competition, and I ran into him at the mall once. I had a total ‘fan girl’ moment and asked if I could take a photo with him. He was so kind to me, even though we worked at competing TV stations. So, as you can imagine, I was thrilled when he chose to come work with us at North Coast News TV. He taught me a lot. We went through so much together. After his brother passed away he had no living blood relatives left, and we became family,” Javid said.

“Reporting was Silverbrand’s passion, and he was so grateful to continue living his dream until the end of his life,” Javid added. “He was the best storyteller. People trusted him. They loved him. Our team loved him. Our family loved him. I loved him. So much. There is an empty space in the newsroom with him gone. He will never be forgotten.”

Dave Silverbrand shooting the cover of his book, Dave’s House II. (Photo by Ben Anderson)

The North Coast News team mourned the news of Silverbrand’s passing as they prepared a special broadcast for the 6 p.m. newscast Friday, on the day he passed.

“Dave was a fearless storyteller in every sense of the word. He loved meeting new people regardless of their background, and sharing their stories with the world,” KAEF News Manager Michael Patterson said. Now his stories will live on with all of us that knew him.”

Click on the video below to watch the news clip. 

Festive Fresno Mixer Hosts Sidlow/Stephens Book Signing

Festive Fresno Mixer Hosts Sidlow/Stephens Book Signing

By Kim Stephens & Faith Sidlow
Guest Contributor, & Governor

It was a dark and stormy night outside, but festive and warm inside for the Fresno NATAS mixer and Sidlow/Stephens book signing Saturday, Dec. 10. It doesn’t often rain in Fresno, but it really came down that night. Nonetheless, colleagues from every Fresno TV station, the local non-profit Community Media Access Collaborative (CMAC), and students and professors from Fresno State gathered inside the Fresno State TV studio/classroom. The place was decked out for the holidays right before finals. It added a feeling of rejoicing as the last time we had a Fresno mixer was in November 2019, right before you know what happened that kept us all cloistered away. The downpour, holiday music, and laughter had a cleansing effect on the spirit of those there. 

This was also an opportunity for NATAS to celebrate the accomplishment of two Silver Circle inductees, Faith Sidlow (Class of 2012) and Kim Stephens (Class of 2014). Sidlow, the chair of Fresno State’s Media, Communications, and Journalism Department, is back serving on the Board of Governors. Stephens served for 10 years and is in her 20th year as a news anchor for the FOX26 KMPH five-hour morning news show Great Day. They are both professors at Fresno State and recently published a textbook, Broadcast News in the Digital Age: A guide to Anchoring, Producing, and Performing Online and on TV

The book is a practical, hands-on guide to the modern TV newsroom. The authors pulled from their 60+ years of industry experience giving students skills to excel in broadcast news from building a foundation, storytelling and writing, producing, live performance, and ethics and career progression. Sidlow and Stephens provide step-by-step instructions on how to efficiently multitask while staying true to journalist ethics. Each chapter includes clear learning objectives, review questions, and practical assignments. QR codes are integrated into the text allowing students to see and hear examples of stories from mentors in the business working in top TV news markets across the country. Many of the mentors quoted in the book are colleagues in the SF/NorCal Chapter of NATAS. 

Unfortunately, Sidlow had to join the party through Zoom because of illness, but it gave the professors a chance to demonstrate how they taught during the pandemic and still do when illness sidelines a student (or professor) but the lessons keep going. 

In a fun holiday tradition, everyone walked away with a raffle prize. We thank NATAS supporters including Fresno Ag Hardware, who donated the poinsettias, and Emmy® SF/NorCal, who donated the prizes, wine and champagne.

CNN’s Drew Griffin, A Dear Friend

CNN's Drew Griffin, a Dear Friend

By Bob Rucker

Board of Governors, NorCal/San Francisco Chapter Diversity Committee Chair

We all know the great joy of seeing students blossom and excel.
 
But today, saying goodbye to one so special to us, is very tough.
 
Ben and I are devastated by the news that our dear friend Drew Griffin has died at 60 from cancer. Drew was in my very first journalism class at the Univ. of Illinois, UC in 1983. He was already doing agriculture futures
reports on the radio, so I recruited him to take my TV news class. Talk about a serious minded, hardworking and determined student who loved dropping into my office hours to pick your brain about the business. He was someone special. Rarely do you encounter students who volunteer to work long and hard to master
the craft, and be excited to dig into tips and stories few ever found curious to check out.
 
Over time I’ve written many letters of rec for this incredible man as he moved on to TV jobs in Seattle, LA and then CNN. I’ve also been blessed and honored that he was ever willing to write a few letters of support for me. 
 

During his stellar career, Drew always took my phone calls, and made time in his busy schedule
to guest lecture whenever I asked. My fellow native Chicagoan won all kinds of regional and national
reporting awards in TV, but we both most enjoyed talking about Chicago politics, the White Sox, Cubs and Bears!

Drew Griffin was very proud of being an attentive husband and family man with three wonderful children.
I knew he was looking forward to retiring, but I didn’t know he was battling cancer. Later this week
when we travel to Atlanta for Christmas, I had hoped he, Ben and I could have lunch again. They first met
once before, and hit it off beautifully. 

With the news today, Ben and I just cried.

I love and care about all my former students, but this loss is profoundly deep and painful. Our profession has lost a giant in investigative journalism, and we have lost a most rewarding lifetime friendship. 
 
Monday morning, 12/19, Don reacted to his friend’s passing on-air.
 
The treasures in our profession are always very hard to lose.

REGIONAL ROUNDUP

Regional Roundup

By Kristin Bender

Mike Nicco is on his way to Kansas City. The longtime KGO-TV ABC7 meteorologist is leaving the Bay Area to become the chief meteorologist at KSHB, the NBC affiliate in Kansas City. The switch is a homecoming for Nicco, who was born in Kansas City and raised in Missouri. After 15 years at KGO, Nicco and his family are saying goodbye to the Bay Area and their long-time home in Danville to head to the Midwest.

Los Angeles’ KABC-TV weekend anchor Veronica Miracle is making a Northern California homecoming. She’s headed to San Francisco to work as a correspondent for CNN. Prior to her position in L.A., she was an anchor and reporter for KFSN-TV ABC30 in Fresno.

Jon Manzi was hired as the new vice president and general manager for the KRCR/KAEF Chico-Redding and  Eureka markets. Manzi most recently was VP-GM of Sinclair’s KSAS and KMTW Wichita, Kan.

Former KRON 4 executive producer Chris Archer, has accepted a new job with Atlanta-based Gray Television. Archer is the company’s new vice president of research and consulting. Archer’s new position with Gray Television is part of the company’s January 2023 launch of its new in-house division to provide news research and news consulting services for all its television stations.

EMMY SF GRACEFULLY HONORS GOLD & SILVER CIRCLE CLASS OF ’22

Emmy SF Gracefully Honors Gold & Silver Circle Class of '22

By: Kevin Wing, SF Chapter Vice President & Joyce Mitchell, Gold & Silver Circle Committee Chair

Smiles filled a packed banquet room in south San Francisco November 12th for the 2022 Gold & Silver Circle induction ceremony. Eight television veterans were honored, celebrating either 25+ or 50+ years working in the TV industry. In addition to time spent in the business, these professionals also have made huge contributions to the industry, community or both.

“The event is one of two held by the TV Academy, the other being the Emmy Gala,” said Joyce Mitchell (SC Class of 2010), Gold & Silver Circle committee chair. “While the gala is wonderful, love seems to envelope the banquet hall during the Silver Circle luncheon event. This year was extra special since we also saluted the classes of 2020 and 2021 that were inducted virtually because of COVID.”

Honored in the Gold Circle this year was Spencer Christian (SC Class of 2013) from San Francisco station KGO ABC 7. Also going into Gold Circle was Fresno’s Kopi Sotiropulos (SC Class of 2018), news and weather anchor at KMPH-TV Fox 26.

Six people were inducted into Silver Circle. They are KGO News Reporter Leslie Brinkley, Sacramento KCRA News Anchor/Reporter Deirdre Fitzpatrick, KGO retired News Producer Bill Green, KPIX 5 Photographer Bob Horn, KCRA Engineer/SNG Operator Dave Ramos and retired Reporter Rob Roth from KTVU Fox 2.

KNTV News Anchor Jessica Aguirre (SC Class of 2018) hosted the induction ceremony with wit and grace. Connecting TV veterans with student broadcasters was a key element of the day’s rundown.  

The Gold & Silver Circle supports the NATAS Scholarship Program. Education Chair Toby Momtaz announced the year’s student recipients.

“What a joy it is to introduce students who made some amazing videos competing for our scholarships,” said Momtaz. “For me, this event is stellar because it includes students and professionals. They get a chance to all meet and talk. It’s a win-win.”

Students awarded scholarships were Shirin Bina, Laney College; Saul Ocana, California State University, Fresno; Karlee Hobbs, California State University, Fresno; Yen-Chi (Chris) Chang, University of California, Berkeley-Graduate School of Journalism; Mary Jane Johnson, University of California, Berkeley-Graduate School of Journalism; and Cesar Rojas Angel, University of California, Berkeley-Graduate School of Journalism.

Guests enjoyed and toasted inductees and scholarship recipients with Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon from the Michael David Winery, Chardonnay from Lightpost Winery and champagne from Guglielmo Winery. Nominations for the 2023 Gold & Silver Circle are being accepted now through April 15th.

Click here to view photos & videos from the event.

NEW GOVERNOR SPOTLIGHT: FAITH SIDLOW

New Governor Spotlight: Faith Sidlow

By Nazy Javid

  1. Name? Faith Sidlow
  2. Current job title? Associate Professor and Department Chair, Department of Media, Communications and Journalism
  3. Where do you work? California State University, Fresno (since 2009).
  4. If you went to school, where and what did you study? San Diego State University: Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Political Science (BA); California State University, Fresno: Mass Communication and Journalism (MA)
  5. Where else have you worked? KPBS-FM 1982-1985; KNX 1070 1983-1985; KSEE-TV 1985-2013; Fresno City College 1989-1991 and 2008-2010.
  6. What other job titles have you had in your career? Assignment editor, producer, reporter, consumer reporter, news anchor, board operator, radio reporter
  7. How did you decide on your profession? I love to write. From a young age I wanted to be a foreign correspondent. My parents always had the news on in the house, and it was part of my life from an early age. 
  8. If you didn’t work in Television, Arts and Sciences, what would you be doing? I can’t imagine doing anything else. Now that I’m not on the air, I’m teaching. But it’s still television, arts and sciences. 
  9. What do you enjoy most about our industry? The storytelling: Being able to find out why things happen, what makes them work, and then tell a story about it through the eyes of a personal character. 
  10. What do you think is the key to professional success? Curiosity and persistence. 
  11. When do you wake up on a workday? 7 a.m. On a weekend? 7 a.m. (I have dogs).
  12. Any awards, recognition or accolades you’re proud of? I won a Golden Mike in 2015, two years after I left television. It was an award for a radio piece on did on Honor Flight about WWII and Korean War veterans traveling to Washington D.C. to see the monuments. I’ve also had three Emmy® nominations, and one of my stories, Extreme Faith, won an Emmy® for editing. I didn’t put my name in on that entry, but it was a story I was very proud of. It was about a group of physicians who played in a string quartet. They hauled their instruments up Half Dome in Yosemite and played a concert at the top. It was a beautiful piece. And, of course, I’m extremely proud of being inducted into the Silver Circle Class of 2012. 
  13. Where did you grow up? Orinda (Bay Area)
  14. Tell us about your loved ones. I was married for 18 years to the love of my life who died earlier this year. We have a blended family of two daughters and two sons. My daughter, Mallory, is a dietitian in Portland; my stepdaughter Emily is a family therapist in Simi Valley; my stepson Tim is a hardware designer at Google and my stepson Marc is a teaching assistant for special ed.
  15. Do you have any pets? Yes. Two dogs (see photo): a golden retriever, Satchmo and chocolate lab, Oscar.
  16. Favorite season and why? Spring and fall. Actually, any season except summer, which is brutal in Fresno. I love all of the flowers that bloom in the spring, and I love the fall leaves.
  17. Are you a risktaker or do you play it safe? In the middle. When I worked in TV, I was a risktaker. But now that I’m older and wiser, I play it safer.
  18. What is something random about you? I was on KTVU’s Romper Room with Nancy Besst and Capt. Satellite with Bob March back in the 1960s.
  19. Favorite nonprofit to volunteer with? Liga (Flying Doctors of Mercy) and Hinds Hospice.
  20. What makes you sad? The loss of my husband who died from mesothelioma on Jan. 29, 2022.
  21. What makes you happy? My dogs and my family.
  22. Who is your hero? My husband.
  23. What motivates you? Deadlines.
  24. How do you motivate others? With empathy and compassion.
  25. Favorite inspirational quote? “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” Albert Einstein.