Summer Picnic at Millbrae's Central Park, July 26, 2009

Summer Picnic at Millbrae, 2009

HERE’S TO 2010!

A number of exciting programs and events are in the works for 2010, and we look forward to seeing you there! Here’s some of what you can expect:

- Jan. 21: We’re teaming up with seven other journalism groups in the Bay Area for what we hope will be the first of many Unity mixers! Reconnect with old friends or make new ones. Join us from 5:30-8 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Urban Tavern, 333 O’Farrell St. in San Francisco. This free mixer is hosted by AAJA SF, Bay Area Black Journalists Association, California Chicano News Media Association, East Bay Press Club, California Media Workers Guild/Freelance Unity, National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association/NorCal Chapter, Public Relations Society of America/Diversity Committee and Society of Professional Journalists/NorCal with support from Comcast.

- Feb.18: Student Pizza Night at UC Berkeley. Chat with journalists Ben Pimentel of Marketwatch and Jennifer Kho, a freelance reporter and editor, about how to get your foot in the door of this evolving industry and what skills you should equip yourself with to compete in this job market.

  • When: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18
  • Where: UC Berkeley’s North Gate Hall Library
  • Cost: Free

- Feb. 26: Join us for happy hour with the AAJA National Advisory Board.

  • When:6-8 p.m. Friday Feb. 26
  • Where: Puccini & Pinetti (the bar at the restaurant attached to the Hotel Abri, Cyril Magnin and Ellis, near Powell BART station)
  • Cost: Whatever you drink and eat. There’s a menu of bar appetizers (most less than $10).

- Feb. 27: The annual Lunar New Year banquet at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27 at Fu Lam Mum restaurant in Mountain View. We’ll usher in the Year of the Tiger over a 10-course meal. The cost is $25 for members, $28 for nonmembers, $8 for children under the age of 13 and free for children age 3 and under. To RSVP, respond to our Evite or email us at tam_kath (at) hotmail.com by Feb. 20.

- March 31: AAJA SF is giving up to $10,000 in scholarships this year to deserving college students and graduating high school seniors interested in pursuing a journalism career. Read about our program, last year’s recipients and how to apply on our “Scholarships” page. The application deadline is March 31.

- April: What better way to end the work week than getting together with everyone at AAJA SF. We’re planning a mixer in April and will have the time, date and location nailed down soon.

- May 15: We know the cost of attending the AAJA National Convention can add up so we’re giving up to 10 $300 grants to help defray the cost. Apply by the May 15 deadline. More details are available on the “Grants” tab of this website.

- June 23: The first UNITY mixer was so successful that we’re doing it again. Mark your calendars and come out to mingle with fellow journalists from other local journalism groups.

  • WHAT: Unity Mixer
  • WHEN: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 23
  • WHERE: Press Club SF, 20 Yerba Buena Lane off Market Street (near Powell St. BART station)
  • COST: Free

- July: The annual family picnic returns in July! We’ll fire up the grill and provide the meat, buns and beverages. Just bring yourself, your family and friends and a side dish or dessert. Catch up with everyone before the AAJA National Convention in August.

  • WHERE: Summer picnic and pre-convention mixer
  • WHEN: 12 noon to 3 p.m. Saturday July 17
  • WHERE: Catamaran Park in Foster City (at the corner of Catamaran and Shell, near the tennis and basketball courts)

- August: Don’t miss the AAJA National Convention from Aug. 4-7 in Los Angeles. For more information including workshops and registration, go to the National AAJA website at www.aaja.org.

- Sept. 18: Our fundraiser this year, East West Clicks, will showcase the work of local photojournalists in a silent auction. We’ll also have food from top local Asian chefs, wine from local wineries, entertainment and gift bags. Mark you calendars and join us 6-9 p.m. Sept. 18 at SOMArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan St. in San Francisco. Proceeds will benefit our student scholarship program.

- September: Student Pizza Night featuring guest speakers and free pizza in an informal setting so students can hear and learn from working journalists. Our fall event will be held at San Jose State University.

- October: Professional development workshop.

- November: A mixer to catch up with everyone before the holidays get into full swing.

- December: Get together with everyone for some good food and good conversation at our annual holiday party.

We’re also planning other activities and fundraisers throughout the year. We’ll post more information as soon as we have it and we’ll send it across our listserv.  The listserv is available to current AAJA members. To request to be added, email us at tam_kath (at) hotmail.com.