Where has Suzanne been, you may ask? Truth be told, I was hiding
out in the mud baths of Calistoga, with an occasional jaunt to
Prager Port Works with the fianc
ée (highly recommend it).
Where has Suzanne been, you may ask? Truth be told, I was hiding out in the mud baths of Calistoga, with an occasional jaunt to Prager Port Works with the fiancée (highly recommend it). A woman can take only so much video producing and wedding planning before she must vacate. Although I must confess, the first channel I turned to in my hotel room was public access. Old habits die hard.
Speaking of access, after reading oodles of articles on the recent FCC decision to deregulate media ownership, I am reminded of how fortunate we are to have channels that are under local control. There will be no censorship of opinions here, folks; and you don’t need corporate backing to get a live television show. If you live here, we want to hear from you, regardless of your political ties, financial backing, or lack thereof.
Here’s what’s new this week on your channels. If you haven’t caught it yet, the Gilroy Memorial Day Parade repeats daily on Channel 17 in Gilroy, and we’ve also got it on Channel 20 in all three cities this Saturday at 3 p.m. The program includes coverage of the opening ceremony at Gavilan Hills Cemetery, with Mayor Tom Springer and Assembly Member Simon Salinas among the featured guests who were honoring our vets.
Host Jenny Denman does a splendid job interviewing vets, kids, and entertainers at the parade; but what can top the two camera coverage of the parade, featuring our own Bob Dillon announcing – maybe a public access show produced by said city council member? Be afraid. Be very afraid. (My offer to direct the first episode is still open, Dillon.)
San Benito County Focus, hosted by Scott Morgan, is back with a new episode featuring Hazel Hawkins CFO, Mark Robinson. If you haven’t seen SBC Focus, you can catch it daily on Channel 17 in Hollister/San Juan Bautista at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. The 30-minute program, sponsored by the San Benito County Business Council, features representatives of community-based organizations and civic departments. Past guests have included Anna Giacomazi of the YMCA Board, and The City of Hollister’s Recreation Services Manager Robert Ornales.
The latest episode features a timely examination of health care in San Benito County, with a particular focus on the role Hazel Hawkins plays. Robinson discusses the creation of a north side facility after Sunbridge decided to close, leaving nearly 70 residents homeless. Hazel Hawkins was about to bring the occupancy back up to 50 people shortly after acquiring the facility. The new northside facility will prevent residents from having to go out-of-county for services.
Robinson also explores the Hazel Hawkins Foundation, and its role in fund raising for facility needs. $270,000 has been raised for renovating the northside facility. Robinson commented on how “the community support is incredible.” Their 400-member volunteer core certainly supports that statement.
Other topics covered in the program include a breakdown of hospital revenues, an explanation of how HIPPA protects a patient’s right to privacy, and future plans for Hazel Hawkins. Robinson discusses the opening of a San Juan Community Health Clinic, the possibility of a women‚s center at Hazel Hawkins, and a new MRI unit that is on the horizon.
Finally, for you Knucklebone fans, the trio was featured on CMAP’s live music show South Valley Sounds airing this Friday night at 8:30 p.m., and Saturday at 5:30 p.m. on Channel 20. Knucklebone brought great tunes and a lot of energy to the show, as well as their own set, roadies and entourage of fans. Roadies – I’ve gotta get me some-a-those.
A hearty thanks to those individuals who responded to our call for on-camera hosts for both the Garlic Festival and Hollister Rally. CMAP will be covering the Hollister Independence Rally live on Channel 20 on July 5 and 6, noon to 3 p.m. More details about coverage to come – stay tuned!
Suzanne St. John is the executive director of community access television. Her column is published on Thursdays. Reach her at sa***@my****.org
