VALLEY PEOPLE

* Jeff Williams was named Restaurateur of the Year by the California Restaurant Writers Assn. at the group’s annual awards dinner this month.

Williams owns Clancy’s Crab Broiler and JAX Bar and Grill in Glendale, and the Black Cow and Star Cafe in Montrose.

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* Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, a division of Walt Disney Co. in Burbank, promoted Manuel “Rod” Rodriguez to senior vice president and general sales manager.

Rodriguez will be responsible for handling sales and distribution operations throughout the United States and Canada for all motion pictures released under the Walt Disney, Touchstone and Hollywood Pictures banners.

Rodriguez had been vice president of Buena Vista’s Southeastern division, headquartered in Atlanta. He will report directly to Buena Vista President Chuck Viane.