Editorial: Matthew's 2014 Year End Thoughts

NOTE: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the California Conventions Blog or its associates.

The following piece is not a "end of the year" review as done in year's past. This is more of my overall thoughts of state of the blog as 2014 comes to a close (thus, the Editorial disclaimer because some of these thoughts may not resignate with the other associates who work with me). This also may be confusing because I'm laying down my thoughts as they come along but hopefully it's all sorted out.

It may finally be my time...

Well it finally happened. Due to a combination of lack of transportation, uncertain finances and slowly declining health, I must announce my retirement from the blog, effective January 27, 2015.

I was onboard from the inception of this blog, but I never wrote very much. I was more of a tagalong at times, and I never found the time to fully integrate with the group. It was thanks to Matthew that I stayed on all this time, and honestly, I thank him for this chance, as well as  everyone over the years for supporting us.

Once again, I am announcing my retirement from the California Conventions Blog, effective January 27, 2015. Sayonara, minna. This is Tom Gifford, signing off into the sunset.

Cara's PMX 2014 Report

The second weekend of November was Pacific Media Expo, hosted at the LAX Hilton.

Why am I always late? A PMX Review

Pacific Media Expo. My journey starts off with finding a parking space. PMX is held at the Hilton hotel near Los Angeles International Airport, so any parking you find is at a premium price. I wound up paying 20 dollars at the structure next to the hotel for one day, if that’s saying anything. I was only able to go for one day, so this review might not be the longest.

Anime California 2014 Review

I know this is a bit late but better late than never right? I wanted to go over be review one of Southern California's newest conventions.

Nate Reports: SacAnime Summer 2014 (Friday only)

With last weekend at Japan Expo in San Mateo happening, it was a tough decision for me to attend summer Sacanime since JX did take a toll in my expenses. But with the amazing lineup of guests they have for the con (Johnny Yong Bosch and Eyeshine, Christine Cabanos, Christina Vee, Yuri Lowenthal, etc,), I was eager to attend; for only a day unfortunately. There was already plans I've already arranged before attending Sacanime and to my luck, they were during that same weekend. But I was able to grab Friday of that con off and to everyone who's seeing this report, it will only be about Sacanime Friday unfortunately. So even if I don't inform you guys much about this season's Sacanime, just note I only attended a day so yeah you won't see much. But anyways, let's get on this report!

Ray Reports: Sac-Anime Summer 2014

Sac-Anime is the second largest anime convention in Northern California, after Fanime. As its name suggests, it's located in scenic Sacramento, the very capitol of the state. It seems like yesterday that it had its first run at the Sacramento Convention Center in January 2013, a major leap from its previous location at the Woodlake Hotel. As for me, it definitely feels like yesterday, as I was unable to attend Sac-Anime's Summer 2013 iteration due to financial concerns after having attended Anime Expo and Japan Expo USA earlier that summer, and was also unable to attend in Winter 2013 due to being on vacation out of the country at the time. That being said, let's take a look at how things have changed and remained the same since then.

Matthew's SacAnime Summer 2014 Report: Part 5 - Closing Thoughts

It was only yesterday that the announcement that SacAnime was moving to the Sacramento Convention Center.

Then you realize that it was Winter 2013, moving up a convention slot.

Matthew's SacAnime Summer 2014 Report: Part 4 - Day Three

The secret to commuting at SacAnime is to get there early on Sunday and find street parking because PARKING IS FREE ON SUNDAYS.

Iced coffee and a breakfast burrito from a local food spot on the last day of the convention.

Matthew's SacAnime Summer 2014 Report: Part 3 - Day Two

Day Two started in the most unlikely place: work.