Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Asterisks denote incumbents. Vote for no more than 7 (seven) candidates.
You need to be an Active, Corporate or Patron member in good standing to vote.
Click here to cast your vote! Ballot closes Friday, Jan. 24 at 5 p.m.
** Danny Bakewell, Jr., Los Angeles Sentinel (Executive Editor)
Being a member of the board over the past 5 years has been a tremendously rewarding experience that I hope to continue as the club moves forward. As a board, we have advocated to improve the rights of journalists throughout the city, state and nationally. We have expanded our outreach to bring about a more diverse membership and we have been able to mentor and uplift numerous up-and-coming journalist to help them get their “Foot in the Door” and assist them in expanding their journalism skills.
I am asking for your support and vote as we move into the next phase of growth both for the LA Press Club as well as expand our outlook and outreach for journalists throughout the Los Angeles Area.
Brett Callwood, Music Connection (Associate Editor), Culver City News/Gardena Valley News (Staff Reporter), Village Voice/LA Weekly Columnist), City News Service (Fill-in Reporter)
I’m a writer and editor with over 25 years of experience, initially in England, then Michigan, then Colorado, and now Southern California for the last seven years. Much of my experience has been within the realm of entertainment journalism, mostly music. But I’ve branched out as time has passed, and I regularly write about food, local and national news, film/TV, and more. I’ve been a member of the LA Press Club for years now, and have won a bunch of awards.
I wish there were more freelance services through the LAPC. It should cover the middle ground between the new reporters, and the “lifetime achievement” legacy reporters. It’s something I’d like to discuss and hammer out given the opportunity.
* * Cher Calvin, KTLA (Anchor/Reporter)
As someone who has had the honor of serving as your Vice President for several years, I, am proud to once again seek your support for this position. During my tenure, I have worked tirelessly alongside our Board and members to ensure the Club remains a cornerstone of journalistic excellence and a beacon for the free press in Los Angeles. Together, we’ve celebrated achievements in media, fostered community among journalists, and upheld the values that make the LA Press Club an essential institution in our industry. With our collective dedication, we’ve expanded the reach of our events, strengthened our programs, and created new opportunities for members to grow professionally and connect personally.
If re-elected, I will continue to build upon this strong foundation. My focus remains on championing press freedom, advocating for diversity and representation in media, and creating initiatives that empower the next generation of journalists.
Dawn Garcia, ATOD Magazine, Se Lever Magazine (CCO and Editor-in-Chief), Rise Together Media (Founder), Amazon/MGM Studios (Series Creator, Writer, Producer)
A Los Angeles native, 30 years in entertainment, 15 years in publishing, advocate of equality and true representation, creative, media maker, empire builder, lover of food that actually tastes like love, humanity cheerleader. I have built companies, launched editorial platforms, and have done just about every job imaginable. I’m a mom and partner, and if I can make the world better by bringing people together, then I’ve lived a good life.
My work ethic is bar none, and I truly believe art will save the world.
Past work: Sensi Magazines Southern California (Managing Editor), LAPALME Magazine (Travel/Arts/Culture Editor), Moto Spirits Magazine (Writer), Robb Report: Robb Vices (Writer), Argonaut Newspaper (Food Columnist)
** Francine Kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor (West Coast Bureau Chief)
I am the West Coast Bureau Chief for The Christian Science Monitor and a prize-winning journalist. I have extensive experience as a news reporter and editor in California, D.C., and Europe. I was appointed to the board in 2023 to fill a vacancy, and now I ask for your vote. As a board member, I’ve seen how vital the press club is to defending press access, supporting young reporters, and recognizing outstanding journalism. I have volunteered at the galas and responded to feedback by creating a new awards category. I would like to find ways to make newsmakers more available to the club and would be grateful for your support.
Janet Nepales, GMA-7 network (Correspondent)
I have been a Los Angeles Press Club member for 13 years. I have enjoyed participating in the journalism contests and events of the LA Press Club, networking, meeting new friends and keeping old ones. It’s time for me to do my share in helping LAPC as a champion of journalists and our rights. I believe I can contribute to LAPC with my years of experience on the board of several organizations, including the Golden Globes, Golden Globe Foundation, Asian World International Film Festival, SOHO International Film Festival NYC, and as a co-founder and board member of the Manila International Film Festival.
I have been in several positions that tapped my organizational skills and teamwork capabilities that I could use as a board member of the LAPC. I was an Executive Secretary, Treasurer and Board member of the Golden Globes. I am an Advisory Board Member of the Golden Globe Foundation and the LA correspondent and columnist of GMA-7 Network in the Philippines.
** George Pennacchio, ABC 7 Eyewitness News (Reporter)
I have enjoyed my time working on the board of the Los Angeles Press Club. We have a diverse group of journalists who all bring something different to the table. My work covering entertainment may be different than other board members but I love that the club has a seat for me at that table. With your support, I hope to continue for another term, volunteering my time, services and ideas.
I’ve learned a lot over the past several years, including the knowledge that L.A. Press Club really works for us.
** Bianca Rae, CBS (Reporter)
It has been an honor to serve on the board of the LA Press Club the last few years and I’d love the opportunity to continue. I report for CBS Los Angeles and host a medical TV show airing on CBS Local 2 Palm Springs. I also founded BR Media, a media and communication training company. Additionally, I’m the founder of the Bianca Rae Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit serving underprivileged youth in Southern California. More than 6,000 students have attended our signature program. I feel I bring a unique perspective based on my work with a lot of different demographics and a unique expertise of the philanthropic world. It’d be an honor to continue to serve!
** Lisa Richwine, Reuters News Agency (Correspondent)
Lisa Richwine is a media and entertainment correspondent for Reuters News Agency. She covers the movie and television business and topics such as the rise of streaming, artificial intelligence and awards shows. Lisa joined the Los Angeles Press Club board in 2017, and for the past five years has served as the club’s president.
“I believe strongly in the press club’s mission to support serious journalism. At a time when the profession is under attack, we counter that by supporting the important, fact-based work that can make a difference and mentoring the young journalists who will carry our profession forward. I would very much like to continue to play a role in this effort.”
** Catalina Villegas, Spectrum News 1 (Anchor/Reporter)
Since joining the Los Angeles Press Club Board of Directors in 2020, I have been a steadfast advocate for broadcast journalists, producers, reporters, and anchors navigating challenging times. My dedication shines through my work with the Foot in the Door Fellowship program, providing grants, mentorship, and industry connections to emerging journalists. I am often a co-host and key contributor to the Southern California Journalism Awards Show and the National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards. A co-founder of Rolli, empowering journalists with cutting-edge tools to combat misinformation and streamline workflows. My inspiring journey from asylum seeker to award-winning anchor with experience from CNN, CBS, and Univision, I think I embody resilience, innovation, and commitment to journalism’s integrity.
