The Bay Area Reporter's assistant editors and arts freelancers were recognized for their work at the California News Publishers Association's awards event that took place July 13 in Southern California. The awards recognized articles published in 2023.
Assistant editor Matthew S. Bajko took second place in the community focus awards section for his articles about the state auditor's scathing report of health agencies and their dismal efforts to collect LGBTQ data.
The judges noted, "Good job exposing a problem in data collection — and then following through until the issue is addressed."
Assistant editor John Ferrannini received a fourth place award in the enterprise news story category for his article about the Castro Theatre, "Key Castro Theatre supervisors' vote postponed at 11th hour." A judge's comment stated, "Thanks for the in-depth reporting on this issue." However, another judge noted, "Compared to other entries, it had little wider impact and seemed too in-depth."
In the feature division, Ferrannini took fifth place for "SF, beacon for queer tourists, battles bad perceptions." A judge's comment noted, "Excellent reporting on real-world societal impacts on a local tourism business."
Freelance arts reporter Michael Flanagan received a second place award in the film and TV writing category for "'The War on Disco' — PBS documentary recalls Disco Demolition Night." (There were no judges' comments.)
Robert Brokl, a freelance writer, received fourth place in fine arts reporting for "'Breaking the Rules' — Paul Wonner and Theophilus Brown at the Crocker Art Museum." He took fifth place for "Sargent and Spain: John Singer Sargent exhibit graces the Legion of Honor." (There were no comments from judges.)
Finally, freelance writer Tim Pfaff received second place in the music writing category for "What's Enough? Pianist Stephen Hough's new memoir." A judge's comment noted, "Tim's passion for the subject matter is on full display, with his knowledge and command of language painting an engaging picture and piquing interest even for the lay reader."
B.A.R. arts and nightlife editor Jim Provenzano praised his writers.
"Congratulations to each of my freelance writers who were recognized for their work," he stated. "Part of this success is choosing the right assignment for specific writers. Michael Flanagan's librarian experience in research, as well as being a fan of LGBTQ history and music, make him perfect for the job.
"Robert Brokl's keen eye on contemporary art is proved in his writing. And passion for classical music is made evident in each of Tim Pfaff's articles," Provenzano added. "I'm very happy for my writers and hope readers will check out these awarded features, as well as their other contributions."
B.A.R. publisher Michael Yamashita noted the arts awards represented a new moment for the paper.
"Matthew and John should be proud to be recognized by their peers from across the state," he stated. "I also congratulate Tim Pfaff, Michael Flanagan, and Robert Brokl — this is the first time our arts contributors have won awards for their writing."
AIDS Walk SF is coming up
AIDS Walk San Francisco, a grassroots fundraiser for local HIV/AIDS organizations, takes place Sunday, July 21, in Golden Gate Park. Check-in starts at 8 a.m. at Robin Williams Meadow, followed by pre-walk festivities at 10 and the 5K walk at 10:30.
The walk takes about 90 minutes to complete. There will be a post-walk picnic afterward.
There is no registration fee for walkers, many of whom have already been raising money for their teams or specific HIV/AIDS nonprofits. There is also no minimum amount people need to raise. People can raise funds for a specific organization or make a donation to AIDS Walk SF.
According to the AIDS Walk SF website, over $811,000 has already been raised. Top teams include the National AIDS Memorial Grove ($109,650); the Castro Country Club, a sober space in the LGBTQ neighborhood ($53,817); UCSF 360: Positive Care and Women's HIV Program ($25,055); and the AIDS Legal Referral Panel ($19,282).
To register, go to sf.aidswalk.net/Account/Register.
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