NOTE FROM HAL: APTRA held it's first ever holiday parties in Northern and Southern California Saturday night November 23rd at Universal City Walk's Cafe Tu Tu Tango in Los Angeles and San Francisco's new Hard Rock Cafe. On HalEisner.com this week are pictures from the party and reflections from some of those who attended the sold-out Southern California party! Here are some of those thoughts!
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RACHEL AMBROSE
Associated Press Sr. Broadcast Editor
APTRA Secretary

"I will always be proud to say I went to the first APTRA holiday party in
Southern California. A tradition begins! What fun at such an electric
(neon, actually)setting. We had artists painting in our midst, oldies
but goodies music for the dance floor, live salsa music for the
balconies, fabulous food and drinks and time away from deadlines to meet
and greet."

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MICHAEL MARCOTTE
KPBS Radio News Director/San Diego
APTRA Board Member

"Great party!"

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NATALIE TEJEDA
KYMA TV Reporter/Yuma, Arizona
APTRA Academy Grad

"This was a great party. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was also the first
opportunity for my boyfriend to meet the people I am always talking about.
And even though he is not in our business everyone made him feel very
welcome. He was also very impressed with the caliber of people working in
our industry."

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SANDRA MATTHEWS
Ken Lindner & Associates

"The Southern California APTRA party was extremely enjoyable! Great music, tasty food, and delightful guests. It was wonderful to meet so many people willing to give advice and support to fellow broadcasters ... what a great bunch!! I will definitely attend next year’s APTRA party!"
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JIN KANG
Producer/ "This Week In Torrance"
Torrance CitiCable 3
APTRA Academy Grad

"David and I had a great time...food was delicious and it was great
opportunity to mingle and network."

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SHELL AMIGA
California Science Center/Los Angeles
Director of Communications

"I had a great time. The food was delicious, the band was fabulous and we met so many interesting people. I can't remember another party where each and every person was so easy to strike up a conversation with. This will top my list as one of the best parties of the holiday season!

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LANCE OROZCO & LIZ LAUGESON
KCLU Radio News Director/Thousand Oaks
Past APTRA President

"AWSOME!"

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GYLLIAN CARTER
Cal State Long Beach
APTRA Academy Grad

"As a college student eager to get involved in News Production, this was a opportune time
for me to meet and mingle with some of the greats. Thank you."

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ERNIE CASTELO

"Having a completely social event was what we all needed. Thanks to you and those who helped for putting this event together. I had fun singing for you guys.

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KIM HOLMES
Producer "Making It"/KTLA Los Angeles
APTRA Academy Grad

"Very nice party"

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COURTNEY HATHAWAY

"Thanks for throwing such a great party. I had an awsome time."

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JIM HOLCOMB

"Kim & I had a great time. We look forward to next year and the day when we will block off a whole section of City Walk for the annual APTRA Christmas Party."

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LARRY & ESTELLA FARMER
KTTV Photographer

"We had fun!"

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JONATHAN EVANS
PRNewsWire/Los Angeles

"Great party"

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GEORGE & AIDA MCQUADE

"As a former APTRA board member, besides the Disneyland Awards ceremonies, and trips to Vegas, one of the best memories when growing my career in radio and TV included the APTRA seminars and events. It was great to see folks I have NOT seen since the Rodney King Officer Trial days in Simi Valley (1992) ... It was a nostalgia night, and both Aida (Mayo) and myself enjoyed your event. The band was a great as the name implies "Full Throttle" which reminds me why I'm half deaf from loud music during my radio days. Some of us have "white noise" which is also not fun. But overall the venue was great, the party was a hoot, and count us in next time."