Election Programming Plans

There will be some contentious local measures on November ballots in Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, and Palo Alto, along with city council races in Atherton, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park. The Media Center is gearing up for election programming to provide voters with a good look at candidates and issues before the November elections. We are continuing a long partnership with the League of Women Voter branches in Palo Alto and South San Mateo County to organize candidate forums. Candidates for school board and various county boards will be featured in video candidate statements, so that voters can get a more comprehensive look at candidates and issues than what is afforded by all the glossy mailers that will stuff our mailboxes. About 300 viewers recently watched the Media Center's video-on-demand of the candidates for Superior Court judge in June's election. It's one of the few ways to actually see and hear the style of the folks who will have a big impact on our community.

The Media Center also plans to organize debates on at least two of November's state ballot measures - such as whether to delay some environmental laws until the economy is in better shape, and whether to legalize marijuana.

All the videos we create become available to voters on demand and are linked on the League of Women Voters' "SmartVoter.org" web site.

The Alliance for Community Media Honors Theatre Factory with Its Highest Prize

The Merry Wives of Windsor episode of the THEATRE FACTORY won the coveted 2010 Hometown Video Award in the Informational Talk Show/Community Producer Category. Congratulations go out to the show's producers Patty Page and Patricia Neme. In addition to producing Theatre Factory in our studio, Patty serves as a dedicated volunteer at the Media Center. The very dynamic Patricia Neme is part-time staff plus an energetic and outspoken supporter of the Media Center, bringing in new students and producers to our facility and crewing as a volunteer in every position possible to hone her skills.

I had the good fortune to be on hand in Pittsburgh last Friday night at the Ceremony when Patty and Patricia received their Hometown Video Award. The photograph herein features Patty and Patricia flanked by Juan Serna, CreaTV San Jose's Access Facilitator and yours truly.

The winning episode featured many of the Media Center's most experienced crew. Karen Adams was the Production Manager; Scott Van Duyne was the Director and Switcher; Stan Ng ran Graphics; and Bill Lindemann ran the Audio board. The camera operators were Terry Verhaar, Wes Rapaport and Francisco del Rosario. Producer Patty Page was the Floor Director. And producer Patricia Neme was, as usual, the host. The show featured interviews with and performances by members of the Festival Theatre Ensemble's production of the Merry Wives of Windsor during June of last year.

We are extremely proud of Patty and Patricia and wish them continued success in their producing partnership.

You can watch this winning episode of Theatre Factory on Channel 27, Tuesday, July 27, 5pm; Wednesday, July 28, 10 pm and Friday, July 30 at 2 pm. Remember we simulcast from our website. Look for additional playback times by checking the schedule page on our website.

On a final note, consider a visit to your regional or national conference. You LEARN so much and you MEET so many passionate people. The conference is very inspiring, and gets you thinking about the various and important roles an access center can play in the community. Visit the Alliance for Community Media's website and consider becoming an individual member. I just did. I'll write more on the ACM in an upcoming blog. Stay tuned!