News Pulls An All-Nighter

BY SHANNON KELLY
Graphic Editor in Chief

I’ve got to do better with this blogging situation!

No excuses, but the blog snuck its way to the bottom of my priorities list this week. With last-minute news stories, a couple of staff problems and a generally hectic week, I realized that I’m going to have to do this thing a little differently.

So I’m going to limit each entry to about 200 words and post more often (at least that’s the plan … and it’s starting after this one).

I should have been on the blog at 6 a.m. Thursday morning to post a simple: “The sun is rising and the paper still hasn’t been put to bed!” But, I’m a horrible blogger so I did no such thing.

Here is what I would have said had I been on my best blog behavior:

Thursday 6:15 — While most people are minutes away from waking up for their 8 a.m. classes, the news editors are finishing their pages and I’m sending the other sections' pages to the printers. Jane (news editor) is putting headlines on the front page, while Sam (assistant news editor) makes some last-minute edits to another page. Both girls have been in here since around 10 a.m. (Jane hasn’t even been outside today…or I guess that was yesterday).

Usually, deadline nights end at a semi-acceptable hour (2 a.m. or 3 at the latest). But sometimes no matter how hard we’re working, there are hold-ups and it’s hard to put a finger on what they are. This week, the news editors, their assistant and I wrote most of the news. That puts a strain on production since we aren’t able to design pages and edit articles while we’re reporting and writing ourselves. But it’s week two. We’re still training new writers and recruiting, so I think we did the best with what we have.

Finally the front page was sent (6:30) and Sam, Jane and I deliriously slumped out of the newsroom doors to my car. We were laughing when Sam opened the door on to the sidewalk and we were stuck there for a few minutes. Then, Jane sat on my emergency brake, causing minor problems (she and Sam were sharing the front seat because Sam was too tired to climb in the back). I dropped them off at their on-campus apartments after our clown-car ride.

Neither of them was off to bed — both had studying to do before their 10 a.m. classes.

They didn’t sleep, but they got the paper out.

They’ll sleep this weekend.

Free lunch or something similar still available

My blog post and column from last week has still gone unanswered. If you would like a free lunch all you have to do is post a comment.

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Online Graphic uploads first video

THE FIRST VIDEO HAS BEEN UPLOADED TO THE ONLINE GRAPHIC. TO SEE A VIDEO OF FROSH FOLLIES VISIT OUR WEB SITE.

GRAPHIC.PEPPERDINE.EDU

Spumoni???

What happened at Spumoni in Calabasas? I went in on Saturday night and it turned into a night club instead of the normal neighbor restaurant. Do you like or hate the new Saturday nights at Spumoni???

Maybe I will see you there this Saturday.

Malibu Chili Cook-off: First Time

I went to the Malibu Chili Cook-off for the first time. As a senior I felt is was about time to experience one of the only events that takes place in Malibu during the year that is actually open to the public - also my friend Megan picked me up and dragged me to Malibu.

I must say I was disappointed for a Saturday afternoon, I only saw 3 chili places. My idea of a chili cook off is eating lots of samples of different types of chili and voting on a favorite. The chili that gets the most votes then wins the Chili Cook-Off.

Apparently this is not the case in Malibu, I think the sign for the outcome of the event were the tons on "No Refunds" signs hanging up everywhere outside the event. It cost $10 to get into the event and then you had to buy food tickets to get food and ride tickets to ride any of the carnival rides.

The Chili cost $8 per cup, you have got to be kidding me. I know the money goes to a good cause but I spent $35 in the first 30 minutes at the cook-off and I did not really do anything. I did see Gary Busey at the event though.

I just Malibu would follow in the tradition of a Chili Cook-Off instead of a good old fashion Malibu "Rip-Off."

On the positive side I did get my picture taken in front of a giant hot dog.

Orange County Register Tour

While the rest of the Pepperdine community was attending classes and reading the e-mail from Public Relations about the potential bomb threat a group of senior editors from the Graphic were on the road heading to a tour at the Orange County Register.

The hour drive down gave us time to make phone calls and send out some e-mails, which lead to the posting of a breaking news story about the bomb threat.



The tour was a lot of fun and very educational for our group. We learned out the importance of online and breaking news. We also were able to bounce ideas off of some Register editors in how we should cover the bomb threat.

Here Goes a New Year

BY SHANNON KELLY
Graphic Editor in Chief

We’re trying something new at the Graphic. Actually we’re trying a lot of new things, but blogging is one that we hope will open the newsroom doors a little wider to students, faculty and staff. Bear with me while I adjust to this new forum and begin updating and changing this blog (I’m thinking “Editor In Chief Blog” is a pretty boring title and a lack of links and photos makes this unbearably dry). But for now — a quick briefing.

The Graphic staff started last Sunday and worked non-stop, with only half of our staff and few sources on campus, to get the paper out on the first day of school.

While production was in full swing, we were also holding meetings with SGA, SPB and President Andrew K. Benton (and many administrators). At the same time, we were conducting training sessions for our freshmen and new staff members (look for their bylines in this first issue!)

We were busy, but it was worth it (although I think my staff averaged six hours of sleep for the entire week). It’s going to be a great semester for the Graphic and we’re doing everything we can to make this newspaper an outlet for everyone on campus.
On that note, our meetings with SGA and administrators were extremely encouraging (and I’ll update this site with more detailed blogs concerning both discussions).

President Benton offered his continued support, with many chief administrators by his side, and vowed to be as available as possible to the Graphic. His administrators agreed to do the same and each spoke to our editorial board (all of our sections editors and their assistants) in order to let us know what we can do better and what they can do better for us.

I’m looking forward to future meetings and a continued discussion with the administration about how we can work together to serve Pepperdine to the best of our abilities. I’m encouraged and grateful by President Benton’s support and by his administration’s input as well.

SGA and SPB were wonderful when we met with them last week. We gathered in the newsroom for lunch and sat down for an informal discussion about how the Graphic can work together with student leaders to keep everyone on campus informed and involved. I think we’ll have a strong working relationship this semester, which I think will benefit the newspaper, their groups and the entire Pepperdine community.

Please feel free to use this blog to tell us what you want to see in the paper, what you don’t want to see in the paper and what we can do better.

If you don’t want to comment on the blog, call me and we’ll talk. My cell phone number is (310) 283-6434 and my office extension is x4314. Or just drop by. The newsroom is open and so is my office door (we’re in the CCB next to Public Safety).
Good luck to you all on your first day of school and have a wonderful year!

All my best,
Shannon Kelly
Editor in Chief

Post a comment and get a free lunch

Blogging will add awareness to Graphic

CHRIS SEGAL
Director of Strategic Planning

I have seen you do it, your friends watch you do it and professors are obviously aware of it. The “it” is reading the online Graphic while you should be taking notes or paying attention in class.

If you keep reading this column here in print, or online, you may even get a free lunch out of the deal.

Our online numbers have shown that high traffic times, which are between 7:30 and 9 a.m. and 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., coincide with typical class times. Certainly paying attention in class is important but reading the Graphic is necessary as well. The Graphic is one of the few places to go to read about the entire Pepperdine community.

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Piraate in Camarillo

I love pirates as much as the next person, I even have a personalized license plate. It takes a certain person though to get a Piraate personalized plate.

TV-26

This summer, the other people that share the first floor with us (broadcast) received an awesome new set. Here's a picture of Jonathan Tamayo from NewsWaves checking out the new set.

There will be an information meeting Wednesday in CCB 100 for all students interested in participating in student programming.

First Issue of the Graphic

It is currently 1 a.m. on Saturday morning and I am sitting in the newsroom on the first floor of the CCB with Shannon Kelly (Editor in Chief) Jane Lee (News Editor) Sam Blons (Assistant News Editor) and Elizabeth Smith (Assistant Director of Student Publication) working on the first issue of the Graphic.

We will be distributing the first issue this Monday.

Ventura County Star Publisher resigns

Today Ventura County Star Publisher Tim Gallagher resigned from his post. Pepperdine is losing a friend and a supporter.

Publisher to leave The Star

Originally published 11:34 a.m., August 24, 2007
Updated 11:34 a.m., August 24, 2007

CAMARILLO, Ca – The E.W. Scripps Co. and Ventura County Star Publisher Tim Gallagher today jointly announced a new role for Gallagher in the company that also allows him to pursue other business opportunities.

Gallagher will continue to be an employee of Scripps who will work on special assignment as an assistant to Scripps Howard Publishing President Mark Contreras. He will step down as publisher of the Star and begin his own business consulting in the areas of media and management that do not compete with the Star.

“This is a great opportunity for me to continue my 30-year association with Scripps, a company I dearly love, as well as the chance to do some things I have really been wanting to do,” Gallagher said. “I could never thank the folks at Scripps enough for their willingness to work with me and allow this to happen.”

Tim Gallagher

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Colorado Springs Gazette Video

The Gazette, in Colorado Springs is doing some great work with video. Take a look at some of their interactive features.

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Pep alumn suffers fire, emerges with good spirits

Here is an email about Kimiko Martinez's situation. Please keep her and her son in your prayers.

-Chris

Hi everyone,

We are writing on behalf of our good friend Kimiko Martinez, a fellow Pepperdine alum ('04). Monday night, she came home to see her block sectioned off with police tape and her house up in flames. It appears to be a random arson situation, but the police were unable to catch the suspect. Kimiko has found a place to stay, but she and her young son lost everything, including their beloved dog and cat.

I'm sure most of you knew her, but if not, here's a bit about her: Kimiko, 29, is an amazing person. After high school, she had a child, her beautiful son Ricky. She enrolled in community college, excelled, and entered Pepperdine shortly after. She was a natural journalist--people felt so comfortable with her. She was editor in chief of our school's newspaper and graduated at the top of her class while waitressing full time. She was offered a job at the Indianapolis Star and literally jumped out of an airplane for a story. She and her young son, now 11, have acclimated to the cold winters and big city and had made a great home together.

Nothing was salvaged from the flames. Kimiko is a strong woman of whom it takes a lot to ask for help, but clearly, she needs it. She has no family in the area, just a small group of good friends. Kimiko and Ricky don't have clothes, toiletries, furniture or beds, but she's staying positive.

"Now, 14 hours later, I still haven't slept and am stuck in a bit of a state of shock. But I am absolutely counting my blessings. Luckily, I wasn't home at the time, my son was in California, and everyone in the house next door got out safely. Nobody was hurt, although my dog and cat were both killed (and that's the one thing I'm rather emotional about). Still, it could have been worse and what it all boils down to is that stuff – furniture, clothes, etc. – can be replaced. My animals, of course, cannot. Things like yearbooks, photos, momentos and memorabilia can't either. But it's all still just stuff."

Instead of shipping large items, we're hoping to collect some money from friends and mentors at Pepperdine and elsewhere. We are hoping to send a gift card, as well as a note from everyone who contributed to let her know that people are thinking of her at her alma mater.

Below is a news story about the fire, which started in her house and spread to two others. Also, a cell phone-camera photo of what's left of Kimiko's home. And, a list of things she needs, although with shipping costs, we are hoping to just send a gift card.

Thanks so much everyone for considering helping our friend. We appreciate it so much.

Joann Groff, '05
Kyle Jorrey, '04
Karma Salvato, '03

Donations can be sent to any of us at:
The Acorn Newspapers
Attn: Joann Groff (for example)
30423 Canwood St. #108
Agoura Hills, CA 91303
If you'd like to contribute to the gift card, just make the check out to one of us. If you'd like to write her a check directly, feel free to make it out to Kimiko Martinez and we'll send it along.

Multimedia for the Ventura County Star

Pine Mountin Inn

Click here to watch the videos>>>

By Anthony Plascencia and Chris Segal
Miles above Ojai on Highway 33, Tom Wolf offers water and help to those who might need it. Someday he hopes to also offer a meal.

Ventura County Star Videos

Here are some of the videos I have produced for the Star:

Tortoise in Recovery

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Video by Chris Segal
Bob, a 42 pound tortoise, who was kidnapped and mutilated recovers at a Santa Barbara animal rescue center.

Crowds gather for antique appraisals

Click here to watch the video>>>

Video By: Chris Segal
Information seekers traveled from as far as two counties away to have experts appraise their household antiques at the Museum of Ventura County. At the fundraiser many hopefuls stood in line holding their art, jewelry, prints and furniture waiting to have their valuables appraised. Some valuables were purely sentimental while others were worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Teen cooking camp

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Video By: Star staff
Teens learn the science of baking at The Magical Kitchen in Simi Valley. Video by Chris Segal, Whitney Diaz and Jennifer Muhmel

Appeal-Democrat wins D.R. Segal Award of Excellence

Appeal wins award for journalism excellence

The Appeal-Democrat has won three awards, including one for journalism excellence.

Freedom Communications Inc., parent company of the Appeal-Democrat, presented the newspaper with one of the two 2006 D.R. Segal Awards, named after the former Appeal-Democrat editor and Freedom CEO.

The award, recognizing overall journalism excellence, was based on the results of independent grading by the American Press Institute.

The Appeal-Democrat was awarded in the papers-under-25,000-circulation category. Freedom Communications, headquartered in Irvine, publishes more than 70 newspapers.

The D.R. Segal award was presented last month at a Freedom conference in Tempe, Ariz.

“This prestigious award is a tribute to the great work being done by our newsroom and throughout our organization to provide our audience with top-quality news and information relevant to their lives,” Appeal-Democrat Publisher Don T. Bricker said in a statement.

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Malibu Beach Access

The Ventura County Star did a great story about Malibu beach access.

Group's 'safaris' take public on little-known routes to access Malibu's beaches

From the road, Malibu sometimes looks not so much like an ocean coast as it does one long row of multimillion-dollar homes. Some may wonder if there really is an ocean there.

The Los Angeles Urban Rangers plan to change that notion.

The group, which was formed to highlight all the wonders of Los Angeles — both concrete and natural — is leading "safaris" through Malibu in coming weeks. The idea is to let people know how to get beyond the mansions and to the public beaches that sit behind them.

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Real life sea monsters

Here is a link to some pictures of real life sea monsters.

An email from Jane Lee

Here is an email I recieved from the amazing Jane Lee:

Well my internship's over, but I realized I haven't updated one of my biggest fans (a.k.a. you) in quite awhile. Here's some of the other stories that got into the paper...the last one is actually running in tomorrow's paper, so if you have the chance you should pick one up because it takes up all of page 3, which is pretty cool :o)

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/tennis/2007-07-04-world-team-tennis_N.htm

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/astros/2007-07-24-biggio-baseball_N.htm

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2007-07-25-history-sportsites_N.htm

Now I'm back home writing for the Stockton paper and another magazine....can't quite compare to the DC life though. But I actually walked away from USAT as the first intern in their history with a freelance contract, so I'm technically still working for them.

See you in a few weeks!

Jane

Ventura County Star Interns

All the interns here got a little press the other day. I don't know why I'm on the bottom of the list. I hope they are saving the best for last and that I'm not the least favorite. I'm inclined to believe the latter.

Pods of Death

Miss Airan Scruby recently brought to my attention an accident involving the St. Louis Arch. This reminds me of a very special trip that many members of the Graphic staff took back in October to St. Louis for a media conference.

For those like me who had very little urge to visit that moument other than it being one of the major attractions in the city our group went up the Arch. To get to the top four people have to share these little white pods. There is about an quarter of an inch of space between the window inside the pod and the interior of structure of the Arch.

Being myself I had to make comments about what would happen if these things broke down. Poor Jaimie Franklin who was not a big fan of small spaces was sharing my pod on the way up. Luckily for all of us the pods took us up and down with no problem. Here are some pictures that even prove that.






There were some other students that were not quite so lucky. But I imagine they made some of these faces.

Malibu Event

Anyone still around Malibu might want to check out this event at the Adamson House. It looks like a fun event. http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,126488.shtml

Pepperdine Junior makes waves at USAToday

Rising junior Jane Lee is interning for USAToday this summer in Washington, D.C. Hopefully here two going on three years of service to the Graphic have helped her at one of the largest newspapers in the world.

Here is Jane's most recent article about Heather O'Reilly. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/2007-06-20-brod-cup_N.htm.

Multimedia message

I saw this truck driving around of PCH, I really want a sign like this for my car for when I am delivering the Graphic.