Publisher's Synopsis
After Chess Voice magazine (1968-1985) ceased publication and left a void in Northern California chess, Hans Poschmann stepped up to create and edit the California Chess Journal (1986-2004). The January 1989 issue brought a change of editor, with NM Peter Yu taking the helm. The very in-depth article "Berkeley Second to Harvard at Pan Ams" by Joel Salman about the Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Championship, took up over half the magazine. The March issue had an intriguing interview with Yasser Seirawan conducted by Bill Wall; "My first rating was Class C - Yaz." The April publication published the article about the 13th Annual Northern California Scholastics directed by Ray Orwig. 1st in K-6, Hillel Heinstein (Longfellow Elementary in Berkeley) tied with John Mini (St. Joseph Elementary) 1st in 7-8, Alan Stein (USCF 1705) 1st in 9-12, Andy McManus (USCF 2098) won on tie-break over Walter Tu and Michael Chan (USCF 1949) In the July periodical, the tireless Bill Wall interviewed GM Eugenio Torre, Philippine Champion and the first Asian Grandmaster. The February-March 1990 issue had the article, 'U.C. Berkeley Wins Pan-American Intercollegiates'. CCJ Editor, Peter Yu, was of course on the U.C. Berkeley team. The Journal changed its format to 8.5 by 11 inches for the August-September 1990 publication. The CCJ became the official magazine of the Northern California Chess Association or CalChess as of February-March 1991. The same periodical also had an article by Ganesan, 'World's Fastest Grandmaster'; about his meeting with Anand. The April-May issue brought in-depth coverage of the Pan-Pacific International by NM Jim Eade. Eugenio Torre of the Philippines won out over many GMs, including Mikhail Tal. The periodical also had the article 'Stein Sweeps Nor Cal Scholastics'. 1st in K-3, Kevin Simler (USCF 1410) 1st in 4-6, Jennie Frenklakh (USCF 1402) 1st in 7-8, Philip Dardik 1st in 9-12, Alan Stein (USCF 2211) The same publication also had a delightful article by George Koltanowski, "Have you played the Pope, George?" Carolyn Withgitt replace Peter Yu as Editor in Chief with issue August-September 1991. The October-November periodical had the article 'Alan Stein Wins Denker Tournament of State High School Champions'. The December 1991-January 1992 publication, showed Burt Izumikawa (USCF 2454) winning the First Palo Alto FIDE Futurity and had a full page ad for the musical Chess at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. It also had an article 'Jordy Mont-Reynaud Awarded Chess Scholarship' by Randy Mont-Reynaud. The CCJ Editor added, "In October, CalChess awarded eight-year-old Jordy Mont-Reynaud a $100 scholarship, as Northern California's most promising junior player." The same issue had a charming article by Leah Koltanowski entitled, 'My Game with Alekhine'. After she announced mate in eight moves, she whispered, "You gave me your name, let me tell you mine in complete confidence - I am the chess goddess Caissa." The April-May 1992 CCJ had the article 'Best in West Duel in San Rafael, State Scholastic Championship' by Ray Orwig and Carolyn Withgitt. 1st in K-3, Vinay Bhat won on tie-breaks over Jordy Mont-Reynaud 1st in 4-6, Andrea Peterson 1st in 7-8, Philip Dardik 1st in 9-12, David Peterson
