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March 25, 2021
News
Viewpoints triumphant at convention CBS News correspondent speaks to the future of journalism
Staff wins 15 awards including two nationals, news editor to JACC board STAFF REPORT
This story placed first in the JACC On-the-Spot News Writing Contest BY JENNIPHER VASQUEZ STAFF REPORTER
CBS News correspondent Major Garrett sees a bright future in journalism for fledgling reporters. “You’re not in the content business, you’re a journalist,” Garret said. “I am proud to be with you, I’m eager upon your graduation, even at a distance, to call you colleagues.” Garrett, who covers the White House and hosts the podcast “The Debrief,” delivered his “Journalism and Content are Antonyms” speech at the 2021 Spring National College Media Convention virtually March 16. His focus was aimed squarely on the next generation of journalists. Garrett, 58, encouraged student journalists to take their ambition into what he called a “new place of possibility.” “Each step on that journey, take with yourself one question and ask it over and over,” he said. “Am I accurate, do these facts hold up to scrutiny?” A turning point early in Garrett’s career was reporting about a 7-year-old boy who was run over and killed by a drunk driver in his neighborhood. Garrett’s editor asked him to speak to the parents of the victim the next day, but he was unsure how to approach the situation. He was young and apprehensive. “I had no feeling at all for how to talk to a mother who the day before, her child was run over by a car and killed in their own neighborhood where he was riding his bike,” Garrett said. Six months after the incident, he ran into the mother of the victim at the police department in Amarillo, Texas. After hearing heels clicking down the hallway, he heard a voice call out asking if “that was Major Garrett.” He sat and waited nervously as she was ushered into the office, where he was waiting for the police spokesperson. To his surprise, she thanked Garrett for writing the story, claiming it was one of the only sources of comfort for their family. “I let out this enormous breath that had been stuffed in my lungs, and I said ‘Thank you for saying that ma’am,’ and she walked away,” he said. That assignment taught him to push boundaries while sticking to the facts, even when driven beyond his comfort zone. “If you trust your instincts, and you deal with something that’s tough, with curiosity but also compassion, you’ll find a way if you really love this work,” Garrett said.
DANIEL HERNANDEZ | VIEWPOINTS
Satoru Yamaki, 32, owner of Igikai Artifacts Co., showcases the origami cranes he creates as gifts for his customers while sitting at his storefront in Oceanside, California on March 17. This photo placed third in the JACC On-the-Spot Photo Contest.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GAGE SKIDMORE | WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Major Garrett is the chief Washington D.C. correspondent for CBS News. He delivered a keynote speech at the Spring National College Media Convention on March 19.
Viewpoints took home a total of 15 awards, including two national awards, at the Spring National College Media Convention on March 20. News Editor Cheetara Piry was also re-elected Journalism Association of Community Colleges Southern California president. The staff placed second in the Associated Collegiate Press National Best of Show for their print and online editions. Viewpoints was also awarded a JACC General Excellence Award for print. Jennipher Vasquez, staff reporter, placed first in the On-the-Spot News Writing Contest for her coverage of a keynote speech by CBS News correspondent Major Garrett on March 19. She said she worked on her story through the night after losing her cousin the same day and thanked adviser Matt Schoenmann for his encouragement. “I was completely taken aback when I saw my name on the screen as they announced first place,” she said. “I put a lot of hard work into all of my writing, so seeing it pay off and being recognized for it was such an honor.” Alyssa Aldrete, Life editor, placed first in Critical Review for her coverage of a virtual concert by rock band August Burns Red last fall. Aldrete lost her father a few years back, who was the biggest supporter of her pursuit of journalism, and stepped away from Viewpoints for some time. She returned to the staff last semester. “I’m extremely grateful to be recognized among my peers for just doing something I love,” Aldrete said. “Although just getting the opportunity to write has been rewarding on its own, winning this award has reaffirmed that I’m doing what I was meant to do.” Daniel Hernandez, Multimedia editor, placed first in Video Journalism for his coverage of a Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Riverside last summer. He also placed third in the On-the-Spot Photography Contest. “It feels incredible,” he said. “Everything I’ve been taught at RCC and at Viewpoints is paying off. Thanks to (Schoenmann) for motivating me and being up at 2 a.m. showing me how to edit that video.” Joyce Nugent, former staff reporter, placed first in Photo Story Essay for her coverage of the Snow Fire in the Palm Springs area last September. Photo Editor Angel Peña placed second in the On-the-Spot News Judgment and Layout Contest and received an honorable mention in Feature Photo. Managing Editor Leo Cabral placed fourth in Informational Graphic. Erik Galicia, editor-in-chief, placed third in Video Journalism for his coverage of homelessness in Riverside. He also placed fourth in the On-the-Spot News Writing Contest and received an honorable mention in Editorial Writing. Dani Rebolledo, former illustrator, received an honorable mention in the Editorial Cartoon category.
