A Message From the L.A. Local President

Dear Member,
As we continue to process the devastating impact of the recent California wildfires, our thoughts remain firmly with those who have been affected by this tragic disaster.

In the wake of this devastating blow, I am proud of how our Local came together to support the relief efforts and engage in our broader community. In January, Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher and National and Local board member Sean Astin programmed a meaningful panel on the important topic of mental health and resilience during this challenging time. Even if you were not directly affected by the fires, the panel dealt with issues of trauma and grief that all of us can benefit from. You can access this event on our SAG-AFTRA YouTube Channel. 

In the same week, the L.A. Local also hosted a Disaster Relief Town Hall with representatives from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the California Department of Insurance, the Motion Picture & Television Fund, the Entertainment Community Fund, and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation to make sure our local members had the information they needed. We also had local elected officials provide remarks as well as a special message from SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. In addition, we organized with Labor Community Services to pack over 1,000 boxes of food to be distributed to union families impacted by the fires, and to cap off January, we hosted a blood drive, donating over 75 pints of blood. Despite the challenges to our communities, we were resilient and found ways to persevere. Many thanks to our staff, our members and community leaders who made this all possible.

I know that recovery will be a long-term endeavor, and our Local Board and staff are committed to helping affected members find the resources needed to begin rebuilding and help our city rise from the ashes, which includes getting back to work!

On that note, we are part of an entertainment union coalition actively engaging in discussions to bring productions back to California. Relatedly, SAG-AFTRA Plaza was home to a press conference with California legislators announcing their plan to expand the state’s Film Tax Credit Program. We are optimistic that through collaboration and targeted efforts, we will not only restore the region, but also create sustainable growth and job opportunities for the entertainment community. Sign up for updates and ways to show your support. 

Currently, commercial negotiations are in full swing in New York City, and we are focused on ensuring that these efforts will lead to meaningful gains for our members. Please join me in sending our support and strength to the Commercials Negotiations Committee. Any updates regarding negotiations will be communicated via email. In the coming months, we will also hold a membership meeting, giving members a chance to speak and learn more about union activities from elected member leaders and staff. Make sure you are reading your emails, checking our Local website and attending events. Our Los Angeles Local cannot run without the engagement of members, and that includes YOU!

You may have seen the recent news; our local honored SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local members Elliot Gould, Clyde Kusatsu and Diane Ladd. They all have made an indelible impact on not only our organization, but on each and every member they touched during their tenure here. The Ralph Morgan Award serves as a token of our deep appreciation for their leadership and commitment to our SAG-AFTRA community.

Since my last email went out, we have celebrated Black History Month, Women’s History Month and International Day of Transgender Visibility. April is Arab American Heritage Month and Diversity Month. It is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This past February, our members had a chance to attend an Echo trauma and resilience training for this crucial cause. I want to acknowledge The L.A. Local Sexual Harassment Committee for its determination in bringing this training to our members.

These months of celebration and awareness of our stories not only educates us, but makes us better and stronger in who we are.   

Moving forward together, all good things.

Jodi