What is your current position and who is your employer?

Semi-retired at 60 years old, CBS/KCAL volunteer buy out offer Oct 2023 last day of employment Dec 18, 2023.

When did you become a PPAGLA member?

Since 1990.

How long have you been a photojournalist and how did you get started?

37 years. 1st professional gig 1986 KOSA TV in Odessa/Midland, Texas.

Please share some career highlights:

1987 - Rescue of Jessica Mclure

Widely known as "Baby Jessica" who fell into a well in her aunt's backyard in Midland, Texas, on October 14, 1987, at the age of 18 months. Over the next 56 hours, rescuers worked to free her from the 8 in well casing about 22 ft below ground. The story garnered worldwide attention. A 1989 television movie was made about the events: Everybody's Baby; The rescue of Jessica McClure.

1988 - Followed the U OF A D1 MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM TO FINAL 4.

Steve Kerr was the starting guard for the Wildcats. Presently he is the head coach for the NBA Golden State Warriors. He is known as one of the most accurate three-point shooters in NBA history. Following his career over the years has been fantastic.

1990 to 2023- Covered every major news event, Good, bad and the ugly, in SO-CAL and all California...fires, earthquakes, floods, riots, too many to list!

Including all entertainment film-tv-music award shows and sports championships, Olympics, world cup, 9/11 etc.

July of 1996 covered TWA flight 800 that broke up over the Atlantic Ocean and went down 8 miles off the coast, near East Moriches, New York. All 230 people on board died in the crash.

Summer of 1997 traveled to Hong Kong for the "handover", from the United kingdom to the people's republic of china ending 156 years of British rule which began in 1841.

Favorite coverage:

Being the first (1997) TV outlet to cover Debi Faris and her "Garden of Angels", and ultimately following her incredible story creating "Safe Surrender" laws for all 50 states, over the next nearly 20 years.

Telling the multiple stories of "The Innocence Project'', which has been at the forefront of criminal justice reform, using DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. They work to free the innocent, prevent wrongful conviction, and create fair, compassionate and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Examples of coverage: Brian Banks, Kimberly Long

IN BOTH CASES I WORKED WITH MY FAVORITE "PARTNER IN CRIME" OF ALL TIME, RETIRED CORRESPONDENT, RANDY PAIGE.

What advice do you have for students and those hoping to become photojournalists?

Seek out great mentors.

Surround yourself with greatness.

You are only as good as your last get.

Must learn to adapt with technological advancements.

Study & research your assignments, know what to expect.

Expect and prepare for the unexpected.

Always have an escape plan A, B and C...not only escaping unsafe situations, but regarding employment too.

3 favorite quotes, "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity", "sometimes it's better to be lucky than good!" and "Failure is success in progress""

What is something you know now that you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?

Do as I say, not as I do!

...the best advice I had when I 1st started out was, "Don't dip your pen in company ink." regretfully, I didn't listen...lessons learned.

What is your favorite part of being a PPAGLA member?

I surrounded myself with greatness...imitation is the greatest form of flattery!

Accomplishments over the years:

- Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles Videographer of the Year, (’96, ’97, ’99, ’14, ’16, ‘17),

- Six time L.A. Area Emmy recipient; including two time Outstanding Non-News Videographer of the Year

- Seven time R.T.N.A of Southern California Golden Mic Award winner

- Videographer of the Year 1994, Associated Press Radio-Television Association CA/NV