A Letter From Your Los Angeles Local President

Dear Members,

It was a shock to hear of broadcaster Sam Rubin’s passing on May 10. The entertainment anchor of KTLA’s Morning News Show since 1991, he became an icon in the Los Angeles entertainment news scene, and helped so many of us promote our movies, TV shows and personal projects while always having his eye on fun and kindness. It was always a pleasure to go on his show. Sam was also a dedicated SAG-AFTRA supporter, serving as chair of the Los Angeles Broadcast Steering Committee and as an L.A. Local Board member. Our heartfelt condolences to his wife and family. He will be deeply missed by all.

On another note, I want to thank the TV Animation and Sound Recordings Negotiating Committees and staff for the gains recently secured in these contracts. It is only through member participation in our wages and working conditions process that negotiating committees can understand the issues that our members need addressed. Many thanks to all of YOU who participated and to our amazing staff and member team for guiding us. 

I have been working and traveling around the country these past few months. I was fortunate and grateful to be invited to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner as the guest of Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su. We had first met when I was speaking to her about A.I. legislation in D.C. and Sacramento — and then, there I was that night, in D.C. It was quite a night, especially because we were seated at the table right next to my favorite broadcasters at MSNBC. ☺ 

I also was given a private tour of the West Wing which was humbling and inspiring. As I walked through the energy of those hallowed halls, experiencing the work and the sacrifices that were made fighting for freedom and our democracy, it made me oh so grateful that my grandfather immigrated from Japan to these shores in 1900, as did my father from Australia many years later and that allowed me to be born an American. 

As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we recognize and honor the incredible achievements, contributions, rich cultural heritage and resilience of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. What began as the first ten days of May 1978 became an established heritage month in 1992. AAPIHM provides us with an opportunity to honor the diversity and stories of Asian Americans that have shaped our society in countless ways.

May is also Jewish American Heritage month, which was created in 2006 by President George W. Bush, and honors and recognizes Jewish American achievements and contributions to American culture, history, stories and more. 

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that it is also Mental Health Awareness Month. It has become apparent that now, more than ever, we need to shine a light on the importance of caring for our mental health. Our own Los Angeles Healthcare Safety Net Mental Health Subcommittee is also striving to find ways to better support local members in this area. 

Asking for help is a sign of strength. Your union is more than just a professional organization; it's a community of caring members. We have a wealth of resources, deals and discounts, and the Entertainment Community Fund all ready to support you on your mental health journey. Phew, May is a busy month!

June begins Pride Month, and then there is the Summer Solstice, when the long days of light start to recede again. Ah, such is life! 

No matter what specialty focus month you identify with, always remember you are not alone. Together, let’s embrace the spirit of unity, empathy and inclusion, not just for this month or any other month, but every day, creating a more equitable, compassionate world with Peace for All. 

Moving forward together, all good things,

Jodi Long
SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local President