News10.net - Blog: Cristina Mendonsa

Okay, so this blog is an excuse to show my pup, his eye on the ball, fully horizontal over the backyard pool. I hope you are finding a way to stay cool during our Spring heatwave this weekend. I will be hitting the Chocolate Festival on Saturday. It will be hot but its always a good time. I also can't resist all of the small farmers markets and roadside stands selling fresh fruit and vegetables. It really is the best part of living in Northern California. We have so much fresh, healthy food available to us locally. I'll be thinking of the latest book I'm reading as I shop those farmers markets. The Omnivore's Dilemma has been out a while but I've finally gotten around to reading it. Everyone should. It is a fascinating lesson in where our food comes from and has already changed my shopping and eating habits. I waste less, I APPRECIATE what goes into growing and ranching and I'm more careful about what I feed my family. Everyone around the newsroom is sick of hearing me talk about it so I won't preach nutrition here...just pick it up if you're at all interested in where your food comes from.

Word to your Mother
Friday, May 9, 2008 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 8:18 PM

I talk to my mother everyday. We chat on my drive into work for at least 30 minutes and the conversation never runs dry. We talk about her garden, my work, politics, what we heard on talk radio that morning, books we're reading, the lack of customer service these days and any medical issue either of us is dealing with.
Some of my favorite conversations with her concern being a Mother. She raised two daughters aged four years apart. My husband and I are raising two daughters about four years apart. She offers advice when asked, helps me hash out issues and listens to me go on and on about my lack of sleep, reassuring me that this warp speed time of life will eventually settle down...but not to wish one moment of it away. She says to me at least once a week, "These years will slip through your fingers like sand". Mothers are supposed to be a centering influence, my Mom has always been this, but she is now also a friend and valuable source of information on things I can expect to feel as my girls grow up. I spent the morning chaperoning a field trip and attending a "Mother's Day Tea" put on by my first grader's class. As she sat in my lap and pinned the shrinky-dink heart she made on my sweater she looked at me with an expression that I soaked up like sunshine. Savor your Mother's Day moments this weekend, whether you are the mother or the child.

Playing "Capture the Torch" in SF
Thursday, April 10, 2008 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 12:28 AM

Its probably not a good idea to blog after a 16 hr. workday. I doubt the synapses of my brain are firing adequately enough to form coherent thoughts and certainly not thoughts anyone would want to read. However, I'll rely on spell check and your understanding to get a few thoughts on the Olympic torch run down while they are fresh in my mind. When the ND said they were sending me along with several crews early in the day, I was thrilled. I'm used to turning my own stories but field anchoring a big story event is invigorating. I packed up my own video gear and headed down early with photographer Bill Carragher, excited for whatever the day would bring.
It was a colorful and interesting day. For those excited about getting their message to the masses it was no doubt disappointing but for a journalist, everywhere we turned out camera there was something or someone interesting to videotape. It was also an interesting study in human behavior. Early in the morning, the mood was festive. Groups of young people sat on the lawn of a park along the Embarcadero making signs and singing songs. Its easy to see why so many young people get involved in protesting...it always starts out like a party.
Even before the scheduled start of the event, the various groups more than tolerated each other...they got along quite well. While standing in line at a Taqueria for a lunchtime burrito, photographer Bill Carragher and I watched a "Save Burma" guy chatting up a "Free Tibet" guy. The two politely stepped aside for a "pro-China" couple and even smiled and said hello. The sun was shining, flags of several nations were flying, signs were waving...it was colorful and civilized and very San Francisco. That was until the city harshed every one's mellow by changing the relay route. With no one to direct their adoration or displeasure to, they turned on each other and the yelling matches started. The heavy police presence made an abrupt and may I say fashionable exit as they all lined up their bikes and peeled off like a synchronized swimming team (I wasn't quite sure why they felt the need to do that).
Bill and I spent the next few hours coordinating with the station to figure out where the torch was going. We heard they were taking it out on a boat under the Bay Bridge and we dashed to Pier 1 to get a shot...no luck. We heard it was coming back through our area but no helicopters and the lack of police presence told us otherwise. Meanwhile, the protesters were taking turns marching up and down the Embarcadero shouting at the opposing side as they passed...then they'd switch places. With the police gone, the "professional" protesters started to show up. The woman with the large pink mohawk, the graying, long haired man carrying the "this is the only sign I could afford" sign, the three naked men...one with baby stroller in tow (who were in surprisingly good shape...they must train for protests). By the time we got back to the satellite truck, Bill and I had more videotape than we could possibly show in a dozen newscasts. For those who really had their heart on seeing the Olympic torch and history in the making...it was a disappointing day. For a journalist...it was one of the most interesting in quite a while.
Thanks for sticking around long enough to get to the bottom of this blog. We'll see you Fri.

The Hamster, The Tick & The Steadycam
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 9:12 PM

For as much time as I spend surfing various news sites (and time suckers like You Tube), I was bound to come across news you can actually use...which is why I'm sharing. I learned three things this week: How to remove a tick, how to catch a hamster and how to use a steady cam.
First, the ticks are out. If you enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities, beware. I learned the hard way today (or rather my dog did) after a long run along the American River yesterday. I was petting Reagan this morning and felt the tell tale lump on his flank. Yuck. I've never pulled a tick out of anything or anyone and wasn't sure how to do it properly...Google to the rescue. One thing I learned. Don't throw the tick in your indoor garbage...or worse, your toilet (which is where Reagan's would've gone had I not done a little tick research). It could decide to attach to you at an unfortunate time. After removal, put it in a cup of alcohol. And make sure you get the head.
If your hamster escapes its cage (as my daughter's did this week), there is little chance you will catch it by just looking. At bedtime, put a piece of foil near its cage with a treat in the middle. When you go to bed, listen for the pitter patter on the foil. Peek-a-Boo is now in his rightful place behind bars.
Finally, a great find for those of you who dabble in videography. A company called Hague sells a relatively inexpensive motion stabilizer for a small camera. You Tube even has a video of a guy putting it together and showing you how to use it. If you shoot your child's sporting events or field trips, it will allow you to move around without having to use a tripod to get a rock solid shot. Here is a link to the unit.
http://www.cameragrip.co.uk/

Crystal Darkness
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 8:31 PM

One of the most interesting friends I made during my stint in Denver was a homicide officer who had spent several years in vice. He became one of my best sources, taught me how to shoot a gun and we had lunch every couple of months to swap story ideas. He was looking for some positive press for the department, I was looking for a story to break. In the process, I learned a little more about cop culture (my father was also a cop but never in homicide or vice), cop humor and what kinds of things get their attention and freak them out.
This particular friend was really interested by what he saw in the meth culture. This was the early 90's so meth and crank weren't as well known as they are today, especially in Colorado.
He had a collection of mug shots of prostitutes he had arrested early in their careers and another collection of the same prostitutes just months later. The drugs showed up in their faces and vacant stares. They looked years older and empty. It was my first look at what is now known as "faces of meth".
It is amazing how common meth is now. "Tweakers" are regularly featured in our newscasts for stealing, killing, and ruining the lives of their children, parents and themselves. We have meth labs raided in run down trailer parks and tony neighborhoods. I even saw a story today about kids finding meth chemicals while on an Easter Egg hunt.
I haven't talked to my friend in a few years. I'd be curious to know how his job has changed due to meth. I'm sure its not any easier. I'll be watching tomorrow's documentary at 6:30pm with interest and though I'm not optimistic it will provide any answers, I'm hopeful it will turn those considering trying meth away from that soul stealer.

Party Like A Rockstar
Monday, March 3, 2008 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 7:22 PM

For the first time in my adult life, I was booed off stage this weekend. It actually happened several times before I won over a rowdy crowd of rock fans. I certainly looked like all of them; big hair, a gleaming new tattoo and amazingly tight clothes. Thank goodness my 10 year old daughter was there to help me through it.
The night started with a trip to Costco and the purchase of the game "Rockband". I haven't played video games since working the overnights at a radio station in the late 80's. I was vicious at tetris back then but really haven't had the desire to game since. I leave that to my husband who can compete with any of our nephews on just about any platform. ROCKBAND sucked me in. We plugged in the mic, the drums, the guitar and started with some RUSH. Too difficult. We tried some Pat Benetar. Better. I'm still pretty horrible but will probably waste a few minutes each week trying to get better. Its actually a fun way to spend time with my daughters...we build out our players, pick their clothes, makeup, tatoos (should I be getting tattoo recommendations from my daughters? Probably not). So just when you think gaming is for the husband and kids, one jumps up and bites you.

The Virtual School
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 11:38 PM

My story Wednesday night on News10 has to do with school finance. As soon as the spots started airing I started getting phone calls and emails from various interest groups wanting to know the sources of my information and research. I'm trying to call or email everyone back but I've also written my response below.
I have to say, as a journalist, the world of California school finance is a deep, dark forest filled with many paths designed specifically to mislead. As a parent with a child in public school, I can already feel the frustration other parents will have as they watch this story. There are too many dollars that, like virga, never make it to classroom. Those dollars are sucked back up into the cloud of administrative, accounting and bureaucratic haze never to be seen again.
-------------------------------------------------

Education numbers are strange and elusive. There are several sources that claim to have "the exact numbers". For the purposes of this story, we used the numbers in the Governor's budget summary for 07-08. I've already received numerous calls from various interest groups demanding to know the sources of my numbers, methodology and calculations, so here goes: The ADA number listed in the story ($11,935) came from the Governor's budget summary. This is ALL sources of education income including federal and state resources, bond funds, construction costs etc. Since Senator McClintock was the original writer of the "Modest Proposal for Fixing Our Schools", I confirmed the number with him. His essay was the impetus for my story...I wanted to see if it was REALLY possible. I also confirmed the number with Scott Plotkin from the California School Boards who told me the number is misleading since it is much more than schools ever see. An independent education consultant I bounced information off of throughout my research also confirmed that number must be from all sources. I used that number because it is what actually goes in at the top.
From there, I subtracted the entire budget of the State Dept. of Education, the pension system, debt service, special education, child care, nutrition programs and
adult education. I got these numbers from the ed-data website since they aren't broken down in the governor's budget. I also set aside 3 billion in "slop" to pay 30 thousand bureaucrats 100 thousand dollars each. This I took from the senator's essay. I thought it a good way to cover the expenses of the various consultants and analysts that inhabit the system as well as managers that perform other duties not related to the classroom. With those expenses subtracted, i arrived at 7900 dollars rounded up a few dollars) per student. I kept my school small at 300 students but with 2.3 million to spend, I had plenty to give them what they need.
I contacted textbook companies and supply houses to price books and desks, met with a real estate agent who has worked to lease property to schools in the past and checked current salaries to hire teachers at the top of the scale. My principal is well paid at 100 thousand dollars a year. My school has a counselor, nurse, full time librarian and two full time fitness trainer for PE.
At the end of the project I still had over 400 dollars per student left over. We decided we could buy school supplies for every student or send the history club to Washington D.C. in the spring. I know this story will anger those in education who see it as a naive experiment in school finance. I expect the letters and emails challenging the numbers and complaining that building a school like this isn't remotely viable. More than visualize a school that "could be", this story illustrates the enormous hazy, gray cloud of regulation and slavery to mandates that has crippled our ability to run our schools effectively. It will take courageous lawmakers and demanding parents to force reform in this area and secure the education our children deserve...and the education we are paying and paying and paying for.
Below are several links I found helpful in my research. The Stanford report is especially interesting.

http://irepp.stanford.edu/projects/cafinance.htm

http://www.californiaschoolfinance.org/ResearchampReportsnbsp/GettingDowntoFacts/tabid/69/Default.aspx

http://www.californiaschoolfinance.org/FinanceSystem/CharterSchools/tabid/116/Default.aspx

Golden Opportunity!
Monday, January 28, 2008 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 9:45 PM

If you are at all a dog lover, there is a great opportunity to help a local charity take care of some special animals. Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue is in the running for a national award of 50 thousand dollars. The more donations they receive before January 31st, the higher they move up on the list (as little as 10 dollars will help!). You can visit www.hbgrr.org for more information.

ROADTRIP!!!
Thursday, December 27, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 9:19 AM

PJ O'Rourke once mused on the best handling car. He said (paraphrasing here), "There are lots of argument about what kind of car drives best. Some say a front-wheel drive car. Some say a rear-wheel drive. I say it's a rental car. There are things you can do with a rental car that are just impossible with any other kind of vehicle."
On this I agree. Nothing handles quite like a rental car on a road trip. Ours got quite the trashing on our 13 hour haul up to Northern Oregon last week. Not a rock star trashing...but close. It was the kind of trip where sunflower seed shells end up on the floor, the dog gets buried in blankets and empty DVD covers and when one of the kids dumps the glitter from their project on the seat, I sigh and say, "don't worry...its a rental. We'll clean it later".
My husband and I were too busy looking out the windshield to worry about what was going on in the back seats. In 13 hours we endured two mountain passes (with us PRAYING we didn't have to pull over and install chains), snow, rain, hail, black ice, high winds, fast food, kids arguing, and multiple stops for the dog, kids, husband and me to use the restroom.
About 9 hours in, the car smelled of wet golden retriever (our youngest spilled her soda on him), Mexican takeout food and the inside of a tennis shoe. As gross as it sounds, I LOVE these trips. When else do you get 13 hours at a whack alone with your family? No one has a friend's house to run off to, no one has a chore to do...you have nothing to do but drive, talk, sing, snack, laugh and recite lines from "Tommy Boy" to each other. However, at the end of 13 hours...when your backs and bottoms are sore from driving...its so nice to arrive at your destination. All of that road grime gets washed away with a hot shower.
The rental car is definitely my preference in vehicle...because when our family is in one, we're usually heading off on an adventure.

A Daughter of Destiny
posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 9:04 AM

What struck me about Benazir Bhutto when she visited Sacramento was her calm, comforting voice and demeanor. I can see how she led thousands in her PPL party and convinced voters in Pakistan to choose her and her party to lead the nation twice...even after corruption charges. I was hosting "A Woman's Day", put on by the Sacramento BEE (A great program that I was sad to see end) and was anxious to meet her briefly backstage. We talked (very briefly) about the weather, she asked me if I had children and I asked her if she thought she'd ever get back to Pakistan (she was in exile at the time). She smiled confidently and said yes because many of her countrymen were counting on her. We posed for a quick picture and our visit ended.
I don't pretend to know as much as I should about Pakistani politics. I know that Bhutto was loved by many but regarded as incompetent and corrupt by many as well. I can say I was sad to see the news of her death this morning when her face popped up in the breaking news section when I logged on. She was a mother, a wife, a woman who cared deeply for her country and as she described herself, "a daughter of destiny". I doubt this was the destiny she anticipated but after several assassination attempts, I doubt it would have surprised her either.

Does an officer's life mean more?
Thursday, December 20, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 1:09 AM

Its 1am as I write this and there are still dozens of officers in South Sacramento looking for the person who shot and killed a Sac sheriff's deputy today. Whenever we cover the murder of an officer we get a few emails or phone calls from people who complain that we're doing too much coverage. They say, "you wouldn't do this for any citizen who is shot...does a cop's life mean more?" My answer is yes...and no.
No because all human life is precious and whenever anyone is shot and killed there are family and friends who feel tremendous loss. Yes because there is a badge and a gun and a representation of something larger in our society. You see outside agencies swarm to help in these circumstances because they KNOW that if someone is willing to shoot an officer (in the neck no less...he certainly wasn't aiming for the officer's knee) that nothing will intimidate that person. A normal person's reaction to the approach of a police officer is a combination of intimidation and curiosity. Think about the last time you were pulled over.
When faced with an officer giving chase, this person apparently decided to turn around and aim for the officer's head. He obviously wouldn't hesitate to aim for any of ours...that's why we cover these events so intensely.

Labels: Does an officer's life mean more?

Sunny Cold Days
Wednesday, December 12, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 10:36 PM

I love these sunny cold mornings! There is no better part of my day than when I put the leash on Reagan (My Golden Retriever mentioned in a previous post), grab my ipod and head out for a run.
I'm taking a break from my usual steady diet of Armstrong and Getty in the morning to listen to music. David Wilcox is one of my favorite running partners. He is a folk singer that spins beautiful tales about simple pleasures in life. His music is so positive and uplifting. The closest his tour gets to California is Evergreen, Colorado but he's definitely someone I'd like to see in concert. On my ipod right now are "rule number one", "make it look easy". I've also found a new group, the Kirkpatrick project out of Denver. They contacted me on my "Myspace" page to pitch a concert they were doing in Sacramento...I checked them out and found a couple of good songs, "One Night" is my favorite. It sounds like something you'd hear a bunch of rugby players singing in a pub. When it comes to weightlifting, I like something with a bit more testosterone: Ramstein or Eminem...but on these beautiful, cold sunny mornings...Wilcox and the guys add to the experience.

Hailynn
Friday, December 7, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 8:56 PM

I struck up a conversation recently with a woman while we were both getting our nails done. I heard her mention her daughter is serving in Afghanistan and inquired. I tend to be a curious person which is helpful as a journalist (my mom used to just call it nosy). I like talking to people, hearing their stories and asking them about their lives. She told me her 20 year old daughter has been in Afghanistan for about a year and won't be home until June. Her mission is to train Afghani police officers. So far, her daughter has endured stares and insults in a culture that doesn't see women as equal. She has to take extra precautions, be exceptionally modest and watch her back. She was even dragged off her guard tower by her boots by one of the "trainees" who tried to rape her. Thankfully, a few of her fellow soldiers and other Afghan men helped her fight the attacker off. As the mother of two daughters, the stories about the guard tower chilled me...but this mom...this BRAVE mom of a soldier told me she's confident her daughter will come home safely. At dinner that night, I told my daughters about Hailynn (leaving out the attempted rape part) and we decided to "adopt" her for Christmas. My girls are cranking out pictures and letters while I prepare a package for this brave young woman. Remembering a soldier's sacrifice is an important part of our holiday. If you feel similarly, there are many "adopt a soldier" websites out there.

Take Care of Yourself!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 10:21 PM

If you noticed me leaning a little to the left tonight (I guess I'd be leaning right as you watched), I'm nursing a fall I took down my stairs at home today.
Bounced down three steps on my right cheek. It probably looked hysterical. Training as hard as I do, I like to think I have cat like reflexes but apparently, they're more like cow reflexes. I blame lack of sleep, falling behind on my supplements and being in too much of a hurry. I know you know what I mean...you have a million things to get done and an hour to do them.
Now that we're entering the season of the arms length "to do" lists and dodging sick colleagues at work, holiday planning, etc...don't forget to take some time for yourself. Schedule yourself a break, force yourself to slow down, get that mind-clearing workout in, start taking your vitamins, get your flu shot and call that friend you haven't caught up with in awhile.
Take care not to wear yourself out...and watch the stairs. I'm off to follow my own advice and find an icepack for the saucer sized bruise I'm sportin'.

Thank a Vet
Friday, November 9, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 8:20 PM

If you didn't get a chance to see our 11pm newscast tonight, I hope you'll check out my story on Iraq war vet, Heidi Squire Kraft. She is a Fair Oaks native that served a year in Fallujah with a surgical team taking heavy casualties. Heidi and I went to high school together and spent a lot of time together on a competitive cheer leading squad. We lost touch in college and only reconnected when I saw an essay she wrote posted on a veteran's website. It was such an honor to interview her and a blast to see her again. We met at her parent's home in Fair Oaks on a gorgeous afternoon. Her Mom was an accomplished photographer when we were in school and we joked about how she documented every moment of cheer practice. I have a great shot of Heidi and I mid practice at Del Campo High School with an arm thrown over each other's shoulders...I think I was in curlers. I'll post the pic if I can locate it at home. When you see it, you'll see Heidi hasn't physically changed much in 20 years....but wow....what she has accomplished! She is a pilot, a doctor, an author, a mother of gorgeous twins and wife to a former Marine pilot. She is the same witty, beautiful person I knew when we were kids but now has the mature, measured ease of self that also makes her a wonderful psychologist. Someone you want to talk to, someone you trust. My intent on this Veterans Day weekend was to produce a half hour on local vets. I really wanted to do that. Unfortunately, with deadlines on several other stories, I ran out of time. I am really proud of THIS story, however, and it serves as my sincere thank you to all of you veterans.

Choices
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 10:28 PM

Do I take a nap or work out? Eat my salad or scarf down a few pieces of my daughters' Halloween candy? Those are easy choices...my stories this month are about the tough choices.
Tomorrow night is a piece about gifted education in California. I've received many emails from parents of gifted kids who feel like they're getting the shaft in their public school. It all comes down to money (of course) and testing. There is so much pressure to improve test scores that teachers can't help but focus on struggling students. There are also many programs for underachieving students but our overachievers? As one teacher put it, "they're money in the bank". As a result, many of our best and brightest are fleeing to private school or homeschool. Two studies say 15-20% of dropouts are actually gifted kids. The story isn't an indictment of all of the great teachers and good gifted programs...it focuses on the inconsistency in our state. We also look at a public school in Nevada getting international attention for its methods in teaching high achieving kids.
I've got two more special reports coming up in the next two weeks. One focuses on a county employee fired for whistle blowing and the priorities of how taxpayer money is spent. The other on a very special, local Iraq War vet (I love the Vets). Details to come...thanks for stopping by.

Nothing Good Happens After Midnight
Monday, October 15, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 3:48 PM

My Dad used to say this to me as I headed out the door in my teen years. My curfew was 12:30am but Mom and Dad always encouraged me to get home early. I have to say, it is consistent with the facts in most stories we read about teens dying. Whether they're shot, in a car wreck or attacked in some other way...it often happens after midnight.
It is tough to see all of the pictures of strong, beautiful, smiling faces that look full of promise and potential staring back at us when we do these stories. Knowing that they will always be that age in our minds. As parents, many of us cannot imagine the soul changing pain these families will endure. I'm also struck by the repetitiveness of our message in the news media. When this happens we do the facts, figures, safety tips etc etc. Does anyone listen? Is it just background on the evening news as we eat our dinners? Is the message lost or irrelevant or not deep enough? Who knows. What kind of story would make a difference? As a parent of two soon to be teenagers, I'm already worried. You do the best job you can as parents teaching your kids about judgement. However, all of us have been young once. Maybe we were having a good time and didn't want to go home. Maybe we trusted a friend to drive, or were embarrassed to call our parents, call a cab, walk. A lot of bad decisions are made after midnight. Whatever it is that will put the light of reality on those late night decisions...we need to find it.

Love Those Campus Monitors & Random Stuff
Wednesday, October 10, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 10:20 PM

I haven't blogged for awhile because I'm just too busy. September/October is when I'm getting stories together for our November ratings period. So far, I've finished two, had one fall through and I'm pursuing two others. It is interesting. Many people are so suspicious of reporters, with good reason I suppose. I'm always honest with the people I want to interview about why I want to interview them. I consider it an honor to tell their stories...corny but true. I still really love the whole process of putting a story together. I hope that feeling never goes away.
I also just bought a camera and some new editing software so I'm starting to shoot and edit some of my own projects. Our photojournalists are so good that I will always work with one of them for stories that air on News10 but I'll shoot some of my own stuff for the web. Dale Schornack is already shooting and editing his own stories. He did one on the wine crush in El Dorado county today that was really good. You can check it out on News10.net He's further along in the process than I am but I'm putting in some time and hope to be up to speed soon.
The story that struck me today was about the campus monitor that did the Heimlich on a kid to save him from choking. It struck me that we've done several stories on campus monitors lately. The Plumas High School monitor that talked the armed student out of the band classroom popped into my mind. These folks are truly on the front lines protecting our kids' health and safety. They deserve our respect and thanks.
I met a ton of viewers this past week at the Green & Gold Gala for CSUS, the Harvest Festival in Elk Grove and the "Buy A Day" golf tournament for the Sacramento County homeless shelter. There are so many people doing great things for others. It restores your faith in humanity when you have to report on all of the horrible things happening.
Finally, the shocking story of the week: 40% of Sac County teens and young people have an STD?!? I didn't believe it when I read it and went to the research...the agency reporting this has a good record. The numbers look sound. That is one article I'd print from News10.net and push across the breakfast table at my teenager...if I had one. Thanks for stopping by...I hope you're enjoying the rain as much as I am.

Sex Assaults
Monday, September 17, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 9:47 PM

Cornell Barnard did a great story tonight at 11 about sexual assaults on women. We've had more than a few lately. In his story, Cornell talks about an outreach effort for women's' defense classes. They've done the outreach but no one is showing up for the classes! I really wish women would take the time to invest a few hours in learning how to protect themselves. We spend hours at the gym or outside getting fit, we take care of our nutritional needs, our fashion needs, our children's' needs...a simple self defense class teaches you how to recognize a dangerous situation and if need be, fight your way out. I'd like to add to the list of "what it takes to be a well rounded woman": self defense, gun safety/shooting skills and basic outdoor survival skills.
I've been a student of Krav Maga for three years and I'm sold on the need for every young woman to learn a similar fighting system. As women we will not be able to overpower most men but using physics, instinctual defense and speed, we can surprise someone enough to have a fighting chance. If I were the mother of high school aged daughters, I would insist she have some martial art/fighting skills before she leaves for college. It is a rough world...women should give themselves a fighting chance.

The President's Speech
Thursday, September 13, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 7:08 PM

I hosted my first live on-line for News10 this evening on the President's speech. We had a great crowd. We had some military families show up which I was happy to see. Most seemed to believe the President was not credible but we had some pro President viewers as well. A particularly interesting thread was the ability or inability for a primarily Muslim country to embrace democracy. My point was if Turkey and India can live free, why not Iraq? There are those who clearly believe that a democratic Iraq is not worth more American lives while others are afraid Iran will fill the power vacuum if we cut and run. Interesting and intelligent conversation...I love our viewers!
This was my first one but it reminded me a lot of a job I had in the 1980's as a CompuServe hostess. I was working at FM102, on the AM side as a board operator when a very forward thinking program director, Les Tracy, asked me if I wanted to make some extra money hosting a chat room. As a starving college student, the answer was YES (even though I had no idea what it was) I was paid 5 dollars an hour to keep people chatting (they paid by the minute back then) online about music. I never thought 20 years later, I'd be doing the same thing and it would be "cutting edge".
A final interesting thought on today's subject, the President's speech and Iraq. Check out an article online from Radio Free Europe. Its an interview with Frederick Kaga, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and a former professor of military history at West Point. He is the architect of the "Surge". Granted, his interview is one sided but if military strategy is of interest, the article is a good read.
Finally, I always like to pass along good books that I'm reading (and would love to hear from you on your favorites). I'm into local authors lately...I'm reading "The Judas Strain" by local veterinarian James Rollins. Its a fun read, deals with medical intrigue, codes and religion.
I'm also reading "One Moment Changes Everything, The All American Tragedy of Don Rogers". He was a football player who grew up in Sacramento and died tragically. The author is Sean Harvey who grew up in Carmichael. I went to high school with his younger brother. Its an interesting read, especially for those of us who grew up in the Sacramento area.

Sisterhood of The Copymachine
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 9:09 PM

School is back in session (can I get a hallelujah from the congregation?). Its not that I don't like Summer, I just love the routine of the school year. When that alarm clock goes off at 6:30am, I pretty much know where I'll be and what I'll be doing every hour until 1am. Some of those hours each week are spent volunteering for my kids' teachers. If you haven't done this, I highly recommend it. Volunteering in your child's classroom is a great way to get to know the teacher, your kid's friends, how they interact in the classroom, the whole rhythm of your child's school day. I also find the filing, faxing, stapling, stuffing and copying.....relaxing. It wasn't always this way. I had copy room anxiety for a couple of years. I make straight forward copies all the time at work but these teachers want double sided, triple collated, hole punched, stapled...etc. Programming some of these copiers to do what you want feels like trying to program endeavor to dock with the international space station. Thank goodness for the main office secretary who takes pity on us lost souls and comes in to save the day with new toner.
This school year is different. As a combat vet of the copy room, I've so far whipped out an entire semester of double sided math worksheets and built social studies packets (double-sided, collated and stapled, mind you). But I recognize the look on the faces of the new moms...the moms with kindergartners who are braving the copy room for the first time. I can give them a few quick tips (don't forget to empty the master basket, the riso is for 40 copies or more) but time is short...and I've got copies to make.

Ride for a Reason
Thursday, August 23, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 4:15 PM

If you're at all into cycling you have to check out next Summer's "Ride For A Reason". It benefits research and support for those with Parkinson's or cancer and its becoming a premiere event for cancer/Parkinson's fund raising! Over 600 people took the ride on a beautiful day in Folsom recently. This year I helped emcee the event which took in thousands and gave thousands in raffle prizes. Seriously, it took us more than an hour to give away hundreds of donated items from bikes to vacations. In the picture with me are Lori & Pam who are cancer survivors and amazing advocates for the ride. The guy is John Crews, he owns Bicycles Plus in Folsom and gives so much back to the community. He also has Parkinson's and is now passionate about helping to find a cure. The slogan for his company is, "Life's Short, Enjoy The Ride". With friends like John, Pam & Lori, the ride is much more pleasant for many people living with Parkinson's or cancer.
People traveled from as far away as Ohio to participate. Definitely check it out for next year...registration starts in December:
http://www.lifesshortenjoytheride.com/

Fire near Donner Lake
Wednesday, August 22, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 10:28 PM

Big thanks to Ted Owens, the Nevada County supervisor who gave us great info live on air during the fire near Donner Lake. Ted knew detailed information about past fires and current prevention efforts. It was a pleasure to talk to him and watch as he called out shots for Air10 to grab. Photographer/Engineer Matt Armenta was working the power zoom in Air10 and also deserves kudos for excellent work.
A few years ago, I worked the camera unit in Air10 for fun and after 2 hours staring at a small view finder, I got back to the station and tossed my cookies. Matt has a stomach of steel.

Last Blast of Summer
Monday, August 13, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 10:40 PM

Summer flew by didn't it? We took our last vacation before settling in for the school year...to the land of the Mouse. Nothing makes you feel so connected to other families and parents as hearing, "the ride will still be here tommorow", or "No, I'm not buying you that stuffed animal", in a dozen different languages.
It seems half of Sacramento was there too. I rode Indiana Jones with a family from Rio Linda, watched a show with a family from Turlock and ran into other viewers from Galt, Elk Grove and Roseville.
The last half of the week was spent planning a slumber party for my daughter's birthday. I found a great resource for b-party games online. Its called www.dramaticfanatic.com This group designs age appropriate mystery games...kind of like hosting a murder mystery, without the murder. The party was a success despite a broken barstool and our dog throwing up because he gobbled too much popcorn.
We played music too loud, ate too much and sang along to Grease. It was fun to be a preteen again for the night but I'm exhausted...Its good to be back to work.

Cool & The Gang
Wednesday, July 18, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 9:30 PM

When the station first approached us about blogging I was willing but not optimistic about the number of people who would check it out. After all, we're paid to "not" give our opinion on topics. We're supposed to present both sides and let the viewer decide. Blogs by nature are opinionated. I've enjoyed writing them and I've become a regular reader of several. One of my favorites is Sacrag.com
I had the funny experience one night of doing a News10 now in front of the newsroom camera. I then checked into sacrag and saw that blogger CoolDMZ just finished a blog about my tease. I sent him a quick email about the blog, about the tease and he emailed me right back. It was a fun exchange that brought the Internet/live news crossover into view. Never have we as journalists been more scrutinized by viewers (and rightly so!). Anyhow, cool was so, well, cool...so sacrag is a site I check daily for fun insight into all things Sacramento. Another site I became aware of is, itswritenow.com Its for aspiring writers who want to get published. Emma was nice enough to drop me a line about my blog. Now I'm checking out hers daily as well.
I've heard from several other local bloggers...I feel like part of a small neighborhood now with all of us sharing info over the back fences.

OTHER SUMMER READING:
I just finished "The Religion" by Tom Willocks. Its one of those perfect, Summer, airplane or beach books. I love historical fiction and this one takes place in Malta during the Turkish Siege of 1565. The writing is beautiful, even if the imagery is graphic. I'll definitely check out more of Willocks books.

I'm just starting "Rule Number Two". I have an advanced copy of this book which is due out in October. Its written by a woman I knew in high school. We were both cheerleaders at Del Campo. She went on to become a psychologist for the Navy. The book is about her experiences in a combat hospital in Iraq. Dr. Heidi Squier Kraft was sent to care for the psychological needs of surgical teams working on injured soldiers/marines. I've just started it, so far, its very touching. I've interviewed Heidi in the past and am so proud to know her.

Throw out your breakfast cereal!
Tuesday, July 3, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 10:42 PM

If you missed it tonight, I hope you log on to News10.net and check out a special series focusing on childhood obesity. Tonight's story was about parental responsibility. Its true that schools have cut PE programs, that commercials feature every horrible, fattening food imaginable and that our lives are often too busy to cook a meal at home. With all of that said, we as parents can stand between our child living a healthy, long life or risking diabetes, death and peer humiliation. My husband and I were recently smacked in the face with our own parental decisions when school recessed for Summer. During the school year we stock our pantry and fridge with healthy snacks for the kids lunches....but with Summer, sleeping in, lazy mornings...my own kids were reaching for the cereal box more often than the fruit bowl. My husband and I border on fanatic when it comes to our own nutrition and finally decided our kids need to learn to eat the same way.
We threw out all the breakfast cereal, got rid of every potato chip, tossed anything with high fructose corn syrup (not easy to do) or partially hydrogenated etc. The kids have to eat the way we do. They complained at first but now they've come to expect salmon every week, fruit for dessert and have even made their own healthy breakfast smoothies with protein powder and organic yogurt. We also know they're kids and that an OCCASIONAL cupcake or movie treat is a fun part of life.
I really admire the families in our story tonight. They recognized that their child's weight was a family problem and are making the necessary changes to improve not only self esteem, but HEALTH! Isn't that what we all want for our kids? A happy, healthy life.

David
Thursday, June 21, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 9:19 PM

It is tough to report all of the deaths and casualties in Iraq. So many young men and women with plans, families, futures and potential. It is our job to report the deaths, interview the families and try in two minutes to sum up a life. Its impossible but we do try to offer viewers a glimpse of the person because it is important. It is important that we know their names and see their faces. It is important that we feel a bit of the grief and quietly thank them and pray for their families. As the war continues and more people die, it is inevitable that more people are touched personally. Tonight I got an email from my Mom telling me that my cousin David was shot in Taji,Iraq. David isn't a cousin by blood, but our families were so close that we started calling each other cousins long ago. Our mothers were the closest of friends, our fathers were partners at work and we all spent the better part of two decades in their Citrus Heights home or our Carmichael home. David is a few years younger than me and was a soldier even as a toddler. I remember him in his camo pajamas setting up plastic army men. He had an arsenal of plastic guns by his 5th birthday, his first BB rifle before his 10th birthday, army posters on his walls and a love of country. He also had a big heart, would protect kids from bullies and wI wasn't surprised when he enlisted, David is one of those guys born to be a solider. He served in Gulf War I and was on his second tour in Iraq when he was shot. The bullet went in through his collar bone and out his back but just missed his heart and lungs. He is in Baghdad to be stabilized before coming home.
The picture you see is from a Christmas, 1978. He's the adorable kid in the tan hat and blue jeans(I'm the geeky one with the long hair). My thoughts and prayers are with David tonight and with all the young men and women still over there.

What I learned from my Dad
Friday, June 15, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 10:22 PM

With Father's Day approaching, it seemed like a good time to reflect on fatherhood. A lot of men in our newsroom are celebrating their first Father's Day as there has been quite the baby boom in our news department of late (I'm avoiding the water, personally). I got to thinking of my own father and how important dads are to daughters. I think of him almost every day. During today's newscast when we were talking about the Capital Airshow I thought of how much he LOVED airshows. Every year he would take my mom, sister and I to as many as we could handle. To be a pilot was his lifelong dream. When I was a traffic reporter for local radio stations in the 80's, one of our traffic pilots Joe Miano, took my father up one morning during rush hour (before the days of corporate restrictions). Dad talked about that trip for years and I was so grateful to Joe. My father taught me how to be a good reporter without even knowing the lessons he was passing on. Dad was a Lieutenant with the California State Police. He worked dignitary protection for governors Reagan, Brown and Deukmejian.
With all of those years, all of that travel and all of those different personalities, he taught me a lot about strategy, how little party matters if the individual has integrity, how relationships could change like ocean currents, how to earn some one's trust and keep it. Most importantly, he taught me how much you can learn when you just shut up and listen. I loved talking politics with my father. We would discuss it as fathers and sons talk about sports. I wish he were alive now through the Arnold years so we could talk about how much things have changed.
He had a goofy side too. My parents came from a small town in Merced county, Los Banos. All of the family would visit each year and, without fail, Dad would give each group of visiting family members the "behind the scenes" tour of the Capitol. I must've seen Jerry Brown's personal office and bathroom 150 times one Summer (other kids went to Disneyland I think). He was also a pack rat. I have a museum's worth of political memorabilia in boxes at home. I pull it out every once in a while and remember the stories he told about each piece. My Mom jogs my memory when I can't place some of the interesting items he kept. My Dad, like many Dads, loved his family, his country, his job and had more integrity than most people I know. If you still have your dad, give him a hug for me.

A New Baby In Our House!
Thursday, June 14, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 6:19 PM

We have a new baby in the house! I know many of you are dog lovers and its been a long time since we've owned one so any advice you can give would be helpful. We've only had him home a few days but I had to tell you about the organization we turned to because they were amazing. We decided to become a dog family again thanks to our kindergarten daughter who has been begging us for a dog for the last three years. My husband and I both had pets as kids and know the value of such furry friends. We also know the work involved in integrating a new dog into the home...which is why its taken awhile for us to dive in. After researching breeds (and because we happen to know people who own them) we decided a golden would be best for us. Enter an great organization called, "Homeward Bound". I found out about the group through one of the founders, Pamela, who happens to work out at my gym. It has been an extraordinary experience. When we contacted the group, they set us up with a volunteer who makes a home visit and asks questions about your lifestyle. Marilyn was so kind and encouraging, answering many questions before I had the chance to ask. She then picked out a dog she thought would fit our lifestyle and we took the drive to Elverta to visit the ranch. Its like dog heaven out there. Jody and Mike have created a wonderful place for abandoned or recovering dogs to rest, feel loved and have the best chance of finding new homes. There is never any pressure...the volunteers want whats best for you, knowing it will also be best for the dog.

We've only had Reagan home for a few days but so far he is loving, house trained (yes!), and minus a few bouts of separation anxiety is well behaved. We're still working on the anxiety thing but I knew when I saw our 9 year old cuddled up on the couch with him sleeping...I knew this was a match made in dog heaven.

Teacher of The Year
Wednesday, June 6, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 9:53 PM

What a great night! We do many events throughout the year at News10 but this one is my favorite. We honored 12 teachers and named one the "Teacher of The Year".
Our partners each year come up with amazing gifts for the award winner. This year it was airline tickets and $5000 in cash. Its always fun to meet the teachers and their families. Most are blown away at the evening. They get to bring family and friends to the IMAX for a great dinner, a movie, the awards show and everyone leaves with gifts. State Superintendent of Schools Jack O'Connell was there again this year to deliver some remarks. I have to say, I was impressed. Most politicians blow and in and out of these events due to hectic schedules. O'Connell stayed through the entire awards show, even enduring some impromptu stand up by Dale and I when one of our award nominees was late. Thats class.

Krav On...
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 6:59 PM

...that's how Dale has said goodbye to me for our dinner break, a couple of times a week, for the past several years. He knows when he sees the hand wraps and a ponytail that I'm heading out to my Krav Maga class. I fell in love with the sport while doing a fitness series for News10 in January of 2003. I continue doing it because its an exciting mix of cardio and self defense. It forces me to use my body differently and it makes you feel like a kid! Unlike running or cycling (where you can let your mind wander) you have to be in the moment in Krav or you risk getting smacked, choked or kicked. We're doing a story on Krav Maga and boxing tonight at 11. If you miss it, check it out on the website (Fighting For Fitness). I'm lucky to train with some very talented men and women at Kovars in Roseville, but there are Krav centers in El Dorado Hills, Stockton and Fair Oaks as well. Our story also features boxing. I got my first taste when we visited Primetime boxing. Cary is one of the owners who put me through a workout. She is a great instructor and tough! I learned to throw punches in Krav so switching my stance and technique was challenging but that didn't stop her from making me sweat. As I was warming up I watched the last part of a class at Primetime. Its a great workout and everyone was smiling as they left. Whether you love the technical feel of boxing or the adrenal stress training of Krav...either sport would be great to include in your routine.
I'd like to do another fitness story on fitness clubs. These are small groups that go on daytrips or mini fitness vacations. We recently followed one called, "Breakout Fitness & Adventure Club" to Calistoga. Despite the vacation feel the trainer kicked everyone's butt...early and often. What is your favorite workout? Training/nutrition are passions of mine so if you have something new to share...please email!

Why I Iove Radio People
Tuesday, May 22, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 6:48 PM

We had a great morning at the Chocolate Festival in Oakdale (found some great cherries, blueberries and strawberries at Costa's Farmers Market.) We hung out with our radio partners KAT Country out of Stockton. I had a chance to chat with morning news guy Ryn Stephens, one of the true survivors in radio. Like so many of the good ones, he's outlasted ownership changes, new program directors and consolidation because he's good, willing to change and loves his business. I don't know him well but like other radio folks I've talked to, his passion for his job comes through in casual conversation.
I spent a few years in radio doing news for music stations (as did Dale) and we talk about the fun we had. Its such an intimate medium. The people you're talking to are often alone in their car, or wearing headphones or getting ready for work. You have only your voice to rely on to convey the message and no one knows how damn hard it is to be funny or entertaining until you're alone in that booth with a mic and :10 till the next break.
The wave of corporate consolidation hit radio first, which means the survivors you hear today are truly tough. I was consolidated out of a few jobs as music stations cut and eventually got rid of their news departments. Luckily, I fell in love with television journalism and found I could feed my passion with video. However, I'm still a huge radio fan and scan the dial daily.
Sometimes our viewers will say, "I was on a trip and I missed having you and Dale around for a few days". For me, the voices on the radio tell me I'm home. Whether its Tom and Kitty in the afternoon or A&G while on my morning run, or Phil or Bob Keller...(who could tell you 10 facts you didn't know about ANY of your favorite rock bands). These are the voices that tell me I'm home. Who are yours?

Its Friday, congrats you made it through the week
Friday, May 18, 2007 posted by Cristina Mendonsa at 10:02 PM

There are two ca