On The Air

By C.J.

Community Television (CTV) is alive and well in Santa Cruz. There have been some necessary changes made. Possibilities that didn’t exist just a few years ago are visible and user friendly. Becca King Reed, Executive Director, CMAP (Community Media Access Partnership – Gilroy) & CTV sends a heartfelt membership invitation to you! Talking with Becca prodded my curiosity I accepted her invitation and signed up and attended a free orientation at their Pacific Avenue location in Santa Cruz. CTV has three channels” Cruz TV (26/72), Government On-Demand, and the channel that peaked my interest, Public Access (27/73).

Mathilde Rand, CTV VP greeted seven new members at the orientation with a smile, some background information and a well thought out agenda. Locally, community television began in the 70’s, to provide a channel to bring to light community interests of importance. Public Access TV is a magnet to individuals and groups that bring a willingness to become adventurous, sensitive reporters.

Technology has led to many changes over the years that seemed intimidating. I feared I’d be out of my league. My fear was relieved when Mathilde quickly introduced us to an energetic core group of volunteers dedicated to teaching us and holding our hands until our goals are achieved. A goal can range from learning the tasks of a specific role on the tech crew working in the background or becoming a local celebrity on the air.

Paula Pinsoneault is one such local celebrity. Years ago, my grandson Carson, who had a recycle business, was with her on a show about sustainability and the California Redemption program and she was explaining the process of being a guest. Having lunch with Paula took more time than expected because her fans continually approach the table to express their appreciation and pleasure with her show. A local entrepreneur — she began Paula’s on Portola — her talents as a volunteer at community television were strongly appreciated. It was a natural next step for Pinsoneault to get in front of the camera beginning in the 80’s. There were just too many interesting people in her world to keep to herself and she’s been broadcasting live on Santa Cruz community television ever since.

Let’s Talk, Paula’s popular show that airs live on the third Thursday of the month, has a lot of people watching and listening! Inspiration for her shows can be spontaneous. For instance, while visiting an exhibition called “Fearless” at her friend Ann Hazels’ Radius Gallery at the Tannery, she met and invited Selfa the featured artist and art instructor to join Ann on Let’s Talk on the third Thursday of March and share her unique method of bringing expression through the paint brush.

Next on her show guests will include Sondra Cohelanm, Director of The Ageless Arts Program providing art lessons for local seniors culminating in installations and receptions throughout the county; Melita Israel, local watercolor artists who teaches as well as providing artwork for stage sets; and perhaps even a mystery guest! Tune in Thursday, April 17 – 7 to 8 p.m., Public Access Channel 27.

According to Victor Hugo, “The future has many names. For the weak, it’s unattainable. For the fearful, it’s unknown. For the bold, it’s ideal.” May I add that for Let’s Talk with Paula and CTV the future is magical!

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For more about seniors in television, past and present, visit my blog agingmischief.com.theblogpress.com and let me know what kind of mischief you’re making happen. Warm Regards, “CJ”– with continuing counsel from Noreen Santaluce.

 

Photo: Paula Pinsoneault (left), Host of Let’s Talk with Paula, and Becca King Reed, Executive Director, CMAP & CTV.