SAG-AFTRA San Francisco - Northern California Local Newsletter

SAG-AFTRA SAN FRANCISCO-NORTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCAL

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Co-Presidents’ Report

1

National Board Report

2

Broadcast Notes

3

SAG Awards

6

H&R Update

7

Legislative Corner

7

S P R I N G

Contract Corner

8

Committee Reports

9

Of Note

11

Photo Gallery

13

In Memoriam

14

New Members

15

Office Holidays

15

SAG-AFTRA SAN FRANCISCO-NORTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCAL 350 SANSOME ST., SUITE 900 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104 P:(415) 391-7510 FX:(415) 391-1108 sf@sagaftra.org www.sagaftra.org/SF Facebook EDITOR: Karen H. Lipney

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Co-Presidents’ Report Maria Leticia Gomez and Kathryn Howell The year is going by quickly. It’s already April and we are moving full-steam ahead. The spring general membership meeting is upon us: Save the date for Monday, April 29 at 7 p.m. The membership orientation will begin at 6 p.m.

pages. We know our talent is excellent — and we want others to know too!

Staff changes continue as the local restructures to meet the needs of the membership. Lori Shockley replaces Joel Reamer as the theatrical/ TV business representative, and former executive assistant Jessica Bowker takes up the mantle of business representative focusing on broadcast. In accommodating these changes, when you visit the local, you may note newly occupied offices and the relocation of the New Media Room.

SAG-AFTRA SPRING MEMBERSHIP MEETING

We have elections coming up this summer, followed by the first SAG-AFTRA convention scheduled in the fall. We are taking it one day at a time Commercials contracts negotiations are underway and invite you to join us as we define the path to as this issue goes to press. Negotiations began follow in order to strengthen our local’s ability to February 14 in New York. Look for the report by help workers in the broadcast and entertainment National Board member Tom Chantler in this industries. issue.

SAG-AFTRA REACHES TENTATIVE DEAL ON Health benefits are at the top of the priority list SUCCESSOR COMMERCIAL AGREEMENTS for members. Denny Delk, AFTRA H&R trustee and local vice president, provides a report on the Click here for the entire press release issue of reciprocity being discussed between the AFTRA H&R Funds and the SAG-Producers Pension & Health Plan.

Organizing continues to be a top priority in both broadcast and acting markets. You can read more about the organizing efforts in this newsletter. The work of the Communications Committee has come to fruition in its development of a talent pool Web page touting Northern California talent. If you’ve not seen the page, take a look. The plan is to have a link to it on film commission sites and other industry-related Web

MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2013 Marriott Hotel Union Square 480 Sutter Street San Francisco, CA New Member Orientation 6 p.m.

Membership Meeting 7 p.m.

This meeting is only open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. Unfortunately, no guests allowed. Parents/guardians of younger performers under 18 years old are welcome. No RSVP necessary.

SAG-AFTRA MEMBERS, PLEASE BRING YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD (paid thru April 30, 2013) FOR ADMITTANCE.

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Commercials Contracts Negotiations - Reporting from New York

By Tom Chantler, National Board Member As your San Francisco-Northern California representative to the SAG-AFTRA National Board, I have been fortunate enough to serve on the Commercials Contracts Negotiating Committee both in 2008 and again this year.

In a SAG-AFTRA press release, it was reported that the SAG-AFTRA National Board of Directors, meeting in video plenary session on February 2, “… approved a package of proposals for commercials negotiations presented by Assistant National Executive Director for Contracts Ray Rodriguez. The proposal package was recommended by the W&W Plenary Committee and Commercials Negotiating Committee.

director), Mathis Dunn (associate national executive director), Ray Rodriguez (assistant national executive director, contracts) and John McGuire (senior advisor), all seasoned negotiators with years of experience. We are all in turn supported by other staff: David Viviano (chief economist) and Sandy Kincaid (national director, commercials contracts), among others.

Across from SAG-AFTRA at the negotiating table sits the JPC of the AAAA and the ANA. It is the negotiating team representing the myriad advertisers and advertising agencies who hire us.

Each side submits a package of proposals to the other.

Our proposals are the result of the Wages and Working Conditions process, which takes place prior to all national negotiations, and in which many of you participated.

Following that process, the final proposal package to be negotiated was approved by the National Board of Directors.

“National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator David White said, ‘While there are difficult issues to negotiate ahead, we anticipate a productive dialogue with our bargaining partners and expect a result that is positive for During negotiating sessions, the negotiators sit across our members.” from one another at the table. When the negotiating sessions end for the day and the employer representa“Negotiations with the Joint Policy Committee (JPC) of the tives have left the building, the negotiating committee American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA) and and staff then “caucus” to discuss all aspects of the day’s the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) commence progress. Our job is to represent the membership as a on February 14 in New York.” whole, while at the same time making sure the local perspectives are heard, as we debate the finer points of The negotiations started on February 14 in New York City the proposals from either side. with the contracts set to expire on March 31, 2013. I’d love to tell you just what’s going on, but I can’t. I’d have Let’s just say we are not shy about expressing our to kill you. The entire process is done under a cloak of thoughts amongst ourselves in the privacy of our own confidentiality. Naturally, you wouldn’t want either side caucus. “negotiating in the press” and revealing sensitive negotiating positions or strategies. This is a basic tenet The negotiations are over when the parties have reached The parties agreed to prior to the start of negotiations. a “tentative agreement.” Once that has been achieved, the tentative agreement will go to the National Board for The SAG-AFTRA negotiating team has two main compoapproval, and if approved, the tentative agreement will go nents: staff and members. There are 17 members and to the membership for a ratification vote. Then I can talk nine alternates on the negotiating committee, some of and I won’t have to kill you. which are national board members, some are rank-andfile members, proportionately representing the small, In solidarity. midsize and large locals. In support of the negotiating committee is an impressive array of staff who serve as the actual negotiators: David White (national executive

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BROADCAST NOTES ORGANIZING WORK OPPORTUNITIES KPCC Votes “Yes” to SAG-AFTRA Representation The SAG-AFTRA San Francisco Local welcomes the reporters, producers, hosts and anchors of KPCC, a public radio station in Los Angeles, who recently voted to recognize SAG-AFTRA as their official representative for collective bargaining. Dedicated members from other SAG-AFTRA public radio stations, including our own KQED-FM, engaged in the campaign to educate their brothers and sisters at KPCC, highlighting their experiences as union members, and how unions can create a system through which to improve wages and working conditions at their stations. The progress being made in public radio was highlighted at the meeting of the National Broadcast Steering Committee in Philadelphia on March 2-3, which included a special session with members representing KQED-FM, KPCC, NPR, WNYC, and other stations.

Local Board Freelance Organizing Meeting At the end of 2012, the local hosted an organizing informational session for local board members. We began with the range of approaches to getting more work — from individuals flipping jobs to direct requests of producers to critical mass campaigns. We then examined a few examples of these strategies at work, including audiobook narrators and music video dancers. We plan to have another informational session in the near future. If you are interested in working with the local to cover more work under our union contracts, which will result in work opportunities, please contact Local Organizer Lauren Renaud at lauren.renaud@sagaftra.org.

Broadcast Roundup KSEE-TV (Granite/Nexstar) This Fresno-based Granite-owned station was recently sold to Nexstar effective March 1. Nexstar agreed to recognize SAG-AFTRA as the collective bargaining representative of producers and newspersons and assume all existing collective bargaining agreements, as well as personal services contracts. The local plans to bargain with Nexstar in the coming months.

KRON-TV (Young Broadcasting) Newspersons: Contract negotiations continue, albeit at a snail’s pace. SAG-AFTRA recently engaged in two federal mediation sessions in an effort to bring the parties closer together. The newspersons remain steadfast and unified in gaining reasonable wage increases and rejecting proposed concessions. A mediation session is scheduled as this newsletter goes to press.

Announcer/Directors and Writers: The first bargaining session recently took place. Stay tuned for more information as negotiations progress.

KTVU Newspersons (Cox Broadcasting) Newspersons: Negotiations continue over the terms for a successor agreement. The main issue is the company’s proposal to introduce multimedia journalists (MMJs) to the agreement. SAG-AFTRA is pushing for reasonable protections to cover MMJs based on industry standards across the country and locally.

Writers: The agreement was ratified by the writers, the local board, as well as the national SAG-AFTRA Executive Committee. The contract is in the process of being finalized for ultimate distribution to the writers.

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BROADCAST NOTES Cont’d from page 3

KOIT-FM & KBLX-FM (Entercom) KBLX-FM: When Inner City Media filed for bankruptcy, as part of the bankruptcy proceedings, KBLX was purchased

by Entercom. As a condition of the bankruptcy court for approval of the sale, and pursuant to a negotiated settlement, Entercom recognized SAG-AFTRA’s representation of the employees at the station. Entercom subsequently set initial terms and conditions that will remain in place until a new contract is negotiated. Negotiations began in March. Based on the response to pre-negotiation surveys from the members at the station, they are fully engaged.

KOIT-FM: This station is at, or near, the top of the ratings in the Bay Area. SAG-AFTRA has had several meetings with the members with the goal of preparing for negotiations, which began in March. As is the case with the members at KBLX, the members at KOIT are also fully engaged.

KDTV-TV (Univision) and KGO-TV (ABC/Disney): These contracts are currently being negotiated.

KGO-AM and KSFO-AM (Cumulus): SAG-AFTRA is preparing to resume bargaining, and the members are fully engaged in the process.

Outreach and Education Health & Retirement Workshop: The local held its annual workshop, Retirement 101: The AFTRA Retirement Plan and Making the Most of the AFTRA Health Plan, this past fall. Presenters included Lauretta Davis, H&R associate benefits director and ombudsperson, and for his expertise on Medicare, David Grant of the California Alliance for Retired Americans. As an added incentive to RSVP early for the workshop, members were able to request a pension benefits analysis, allowing them time for review and to prepare to ask questions at the workshop. Between the expertise provided by Davis and Grant, members learned what to expect as part of the transition to retirement, including key information and what questions to ask when the time comes. This workshop is held each fall. Stay tuned for 2013 details.

Negotiation Workshops: The local is in the planning stages for the annual workshop covering the negotiation of personal services agreements, understanding the collective bargaining agreements and the negotiation process.

Stay tuned for details.

Safety Following what has become a consistent pattern of criminal attacks against news crews in the Oakland area, the San Francisco-Northern California Local has taken several steps to help protect members in the field, including meeting with members, security experts and station management. Based on input gathered from these meetings, the local has distributed suggested safety measures to all Bay Area stations and continues to closely monitor the situation. This matter continues to get national attention. See In Oakland, Photojournalists Covering Crimes Become the Victims, published March 3 in The New York Times.

Internal Organizing and Structure The restructured local Broadcast Department is taking a team-based approach to engaging the members working in broadcast shops through increased meetings, events and outreach. The long-range vision and goal is to continue to strengthen the foundation upon which rests SAG-AFTRA’s ability to achieve quality wages and working conditions through negotiations and organizing.

BROADCAST NOTES

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SAG-AFTRA Congratulates the 31st Annual Radio Television News Directors Association of Northern California Award Winners Television Breaking News: KTVU Channel 2 Occupy Oakland KTVU Channel 2 News Staff Investigative Reporting: KPIX CBS 5 The Candy Kids Linda Yee, Grace Lee, Reporters Multi-Part Series: KPIX CBS 5 Hunger Challenge...Living on Food Stamps Budget for a Week Juliette Goodrich, Reporter News Reporting: KTVU Channel 2 Neglected Horses Rita Williams, Reporter Feature Reporting-Serious: KPIX CBS 5 Shattered Assets Elizabeth Cook, Reporter Feature Reporting-Light: KQED-TV International Orange Scott Shafer, Reporter Sports Segment/Feature: KTVU Channel 2 Conte is Back Rita Williams, Reporter Weather Segment Story: KPIX CBS 5 Show Me the Weather! Roberta Gonzales, Weather Anchor RADIO News Broadcast-Over 15 Minutes: KGO 810 News/Information The KGO 5 p.m. News Bret Burkhart, Chris Brecher, Part of KGO News Team News Broadcast-Under 15 Minutes: KQED Public Radio The California Report Rachael Myrow, Host, Nina Thorsen, Producer.

Breaking News: KCBS All News 740/106.9 Occupy Riot KCBS News Team Special News Program: KCBS All News 740/106.9 BART Fire KCBS News Team Investigative Reporting: KQED Public Radio Republic of Cannabis KQED Public Radio Staff Feature Reporting-Serious: KQED Public Radio Diversity in Silicon Valley Amy Standen, Andrea Kissack Feature Reporting-Light: KGO 810 News/Information Shakespeare in San Quentin Scott Lettieri Specialty Reporting: KQED Public Radio Arts & Culture Musiker Cyrus Musiker Sports-Segment/Feature: KQED Public Radio Oakland and San Jose Vie for the A’s Nina Thorsen Use of Sound: KCBS All News 740/106.9 Golden Gate Music Doug Sovern For complete information visit the RTNDA website and click on Winners Press Release.

The AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union is the premier source for financial services and support among entertainment industry professionals. Since 1962, ASFCU has stood side-by-side with hard working performers like you as a provider of superior benefits, from auto and home loans, to custom savings plans, Coogan accounts, Young Performer and Teen Access accounts, investments, retirement and estate planning.

You’re in Good Company The perks of AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union membership are reserved for a very select group; professionals in the business of entertaining. Perhaps the biggest advantage we offer is that membership gives you an ownership interest in the Credit Union. Unlike traditional “for profit” banking institutions, profits earned at ASFCU are returned to you in the form of better rates, better products, better benefits and better service.

Services are administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. Questions must be handled by the providers. SAG-AFTRA does not endorse any of these services.

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OTHER NOTES SAG Awards® a Big Hit On Sunday, January 27, the live simulcast of the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® on TNT and TBS drew a total of 5.2 million viewers, including more than 2.1 million adults 18-49, more than a plus-5 percent boost in that key demographic compared to last year. The show’s strong performance comes as TNT and TBS announce a new three-year deal with SAG-AFTRA for the SAG Awards.

“The SAG Awards are a perfect fit for TBS and TNT, giving us the opportunity each year to target comedy and drama fans with a star-studded night celebrating the best in television and movie acting,” said Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies. "We are thrilled that TNT and TBS will continue to be home of one of the awards season’s premier events."

SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director David White agreed that the partnership has been positive and has delivered significant benefits. “We are pleased to once again partner with TNT and TBS on the simulcast of the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Their support over the last 16 years has contributed to the tremendous popularity of our celebration of acting excellence,” White said. “TNT and TBS’ recognition of the SAG Awards’ unique place in the industry and its wide appeal to the global home audience has helped make it one of the most important events of the awards season.”

The SAG Awards was a big winner in social media, as well. On Twitter, #SAGAwards ranked as the top trending topic throughout the live simulcast, as well as during TNT’s 10 p.m. (ET) encore. The SAG Awards continued to be among the Top 10 topics on Twitter well into the day on Monday and experienced significant growth in its Facebook, Google+ and Instagram followers in the weeks leading up to the ceremony. Read the full SAG-AFTRA Press Release.

In a SAG-AFTRA press release dated February 2, following the meeting of the National Board of Directors of SAG-AFTRA in a video plenary session on February 2, SAG-AFTRA Co-President Ken Howard recognized the enormous success of the Screen Actors Guild Awards broadcast and congratulated all of the nominees and recipients, singling out SAG Awards producer Kathy Connell for her outstanding work.

“It’s always an exciting night, and this year’s show was a terrific way to let over 8 million viewers around the world know about the merger of SAG and AFTRA,” Howard said.

SAG-AFTRA Co-President Roberta Reardon said, “These awards were a milestone for our new union. The energy and excitement in the room, knowing we were all one union was something I will never forget. It was a proud moment for SAG-AFTRA and the SAG Awards.”

For complete information on the honors for outstanding film and television performances presented at the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, click here.

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H&R UPDATE Report of National Board Member – Health & Retirement Benefits

By Denny Delk, AFTRA H&R Trustee The merger of AFTRA and SAG into a new union is proceeding. New ways of doing things are being discovered as the past practices of the two organizations are melded together.

One of the ventures on the horizon is a means of crediting earnings so people can qualify for health care coverage.

A little history: In the past, performers who worked both AFTRA and SAG contracts would sometimes not earn enough under either union’s contracts to qualify for coverage under either health plan. But they may have earned enough to qualify for coverage if all their contributions had been made to one union plan or the other. The trustees of the AFTRA Health and Retirement Funds and the Screen Actors Guild-Producers Pension and

Health Funds have begun discussions to see if some sort of reciprocity can be achieved to grant a basic level of health coverage in situations like this.

This is by no means a slam-dunk. The two boards of trustees of the health plans, which are separate from the unions, are comprised of more than 60 individuals, plus attorneys, actuaries and other consultants. The first duty of the trustees is to make sure that the participants, those who have earned coverage under the current provisions, are not disadvantaged. And the earth beneath our feet is a little unstable, as the federal government begins to execute the provisions of the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare). There are still a lot of moving parts, and like any sensitive discussion, many things must remain confidential. But we’ll try to keep you updated on our progress.

LEGISLATIVE CORNER Marie Shell Sworn in as Delegate to the San Francisco Labor Council In a ceremony witnessed by delegates to the San Francisco Labor Council (SFLC) at its monthly meeting on January 14, member Marie Shell was sworn in as the newest SAG-AFTRA San FranciscoNorthern California delegate to the SFLC, replacing longtime local board member Ed Vasgersian. Ed honorably served as a delegate to the SFLC for a decade, along with Associate Executive Director Karen Lipney. Ed attended the swearing in, graciously handing the baton to Marie to carry on the legacy of representation. Both Marie and Karen will serve as delegates to the SFLC on behalf of SAG-AFTRA.

opment in San Francisco, union organizing and community service and training programs. The SFLC is also the communications hub for labor news and events and provides strike sanctions for local unions.

The SFLC is the local body of the AFL-CIO, a membership organization with more than 150 union affiliates, representing more than 100,000 union members and their families. Its mission is to bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to the nation through political and legislative education and action, economic devel-

Marie grew up in San Francisco and is the granddaughter of ILWU founder Harry Bridges. “It is an honor and privilege to serve members of SAG-AFTRA as their representative on the SFLC,” says Marie.

A SAG member since 1986 (and AFTRA since 2003), Marie also recently joined the local Communications Committee. She is currently serving her second three-year term on the Actors’ Equity Bay Area Advisory Committee, for which she also served as chair of the Education Subcommittee. Additionally, she has volunteered for the ILWU on an organizing campaign for Rite Aid and is a longtime participant in LaborFest (performing with Ry Cooder at LaborFest 2012). She is currently enrolled at U.C. Davis Extension in the Labor-Management Relations Certificate Program.

Photo: L to R: Marie Shell and Connie Ford, SFLC Vice President for Political Activities.

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CONTRACT CORNER

Know Your Contracts – Part One This is the first in a planned series of articles addressing contract topics common to many of the SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreements.

It is important to know the key provisions of the SAG-AFTRA contracts under which you are booked for work. Among the important matters included in the contracts are: the minimum amount you must be paid for the work you are hired to do (“scale”); the type of work covered by the role you are hired for (e.g., stunts, background, extra, principal, etc.); the timelines for payment; whether you are entitled to wardrobe, prop or wet pay allowances; and when overtime kicks in. While each of the SAG-AFTRA contracts cover different areas of work (i.e., commercials, theatrical, TV, non-broadcast, sound recordings, etc.), all provide for basic wages and working conditions, each with slightly different terms. This is why you want to know the specifics of the contract under which you are performing.

When you know your contractual rights, you will be able to better prepare for and avoid pitfalls on the set.

You may even be able to avoid contract disputes if you know some of the basics.

Any number of questions can arise during the course of your employment, from the most basic, such as what the scale rate is for the work you’ve been hired to do, to a more complex question, such as what your recourse is if a clip from the production you worked on is moved into another platform such as an Internet commercial.

What if something happens on a set and you don’t know if the contract covers that situation? In the following actual scenario, a member was hired to work on a commercial and was asked to park his car on a street where special effects explosions were being recorded. His car was inadvertently burned in one of the explosions. The member was not sure if the damage to his car was covered, so the union was contacted and the situation was successfully resolved.

In addition to knowing your contracts, also remember that the local union staff is here to answer your questions and support you throughout your performing career. The staff can provide you with a means of communicating contractual concerns on set to employer representatives, assist you to determine the best means of resolution and guide you through the process of filing claims if needed.

The local staff is available to help you understand the SAG-AFTRA contracts — just a call, email or click away. Calls from a set receive top priority.

Give your friendly local business representative a call if you have any questions about your contract.

Next newsletter: member reports and contracts.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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The Conservatory is Marching Along

By Phil Ramirez, Chair With at least two events planned each month, the Conservatory Committee continues to bring great workshops and classes to the membership. January saw Acting Success Now presented by Robert and Michelle Colt. February came on strong with three events: Using Imagery in Acting with Ed Vasgersian, Comedy Scene Study with Michael D. Cohen and Audition to Book the Job with Shari Carlson. March maintained the stride with two more workshops including a table read of 12 Angry Men with Lucrecia Russo and Tapping into Your Imagination presented

by Robert Weinapple.

bers. Those who simply don’t show up have taken up a seat that could otherwise go to someone on the waiting list. Presenters feel disrespected when there are too many no-shows, especially since class sizes are intentionally limited to allow for the ultimate experience and participation. If you have to cancel, contact the office. There is always someone on the waiting list who wants to attend, even if you can’t.

The Conservatory no-show policy is as follows: In consideration of those on the wait list, if a member responds to a call for participation in one of the San Francisco-Northern California Conservatory workThe committee is planning a table reading program, shops and fails to cancel his or her reservation by the and continues the search for those who are willing to time specified on the flier or by 5 p.m. two (2) busishare their expertise with members. Presenters such ness days preceding the day of the event, the memas Elaine Clark, Robert and Michelle Colt, Ed Vasger- ber will be ineligible to attend another San Franciscosian, Shari Carlson and Robert Weinapple, to name a Northern California Conservatory workshop for a pefew, bring continuity and enlightenment to the exriod of six (6) months. Members are asked, whenever panding conservatory repertoire. possible, to cancel their reservations by email so that both parties have a record of the request.

No Shows As the Conservatory Committee ramps up its efforts The Conservatory Committee is contemplating a to bring workshops of value to the members, the restructure of conservatory opportunities, taking into problem of “no-shows” continues. Despite requests consideration the increase in no-shows, including a that members notify the local ahead of time if they stricter no-show policy or charging for events. can’t make it to an event for which they have reserved a seat, there continue to be those members The Good News: More Workshops who RSVP in the affirmative for a workshop, and The Conservatory has every intention of continuing then simply do not show up. The staff sends out to sponsor workshops and events, search for new reminders prior to each workshop. There is almost presenters and topics that interest the membership, no excuse for a no-show. Committee members, staff and request repeat performances from those and professional presenters work hard and put time presenters who receive positive feedback. and energy into bringing these events to the memHELP WANTED. PLEASE NAME THIS NEWSLETTER. Yes, dear friends, your SAG-AFTRA San Francisco-Northern California local newsletter, the one you’re reading at this very moment, needs a name. If you have a suggestion please email Vicki Balich at Vicki.Balich@sagaftra.org, subject line “Newsletter name.”

Thanks in advance.

Michael O’Brien, Co-Chair, Communications Committee

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COMMITTEE REPORTS One Book, Seven Actors, 385 excited young readers ... and SF BookPALS 15th Anniversary!

By Lynne Maes On March 1, Screen Actors Guild Foundation’s BookPALS (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools) gathered at Rooftop Elementary School for the annual Read Across America Day (RAA Day), a day that honors and celebrates the contributions of Dr. Seuss to children’s literature. After a morning spent sharing favorite Dr. Seuss books in each classroom, SAG-AFTRA actors took to the outdoor stage to perform Gerald McBoing Boing. Superb sound effects performed by Mary Dilts, along with the voice and character talents of Duncan Fife, Martin Ganapoler, William Hall, Roger Oyama and Martha Stookey brought the story to life.

This particular day marked BookPALS’ 15th celebration of RAA Day at Rooftop, which also happens to be the very school where Tracy Heffernan, former BookPALS program coordinator, launched BookPALS in San Francisco. BookPALS has been going strong in the Bay Area ever since!

“Rooftop School is a place that loves traditions, and one of our most beloved annual traditions is inviting BookPALS to join us for Read Across America Day. The children are so happy when we tell them it is time to celebrate reading and everything Dr. Seuss. This year’s BookPAL performance of Gerald McBoing Boing was received by our young audience with great enthusiasm — our BookPAL guest readers really bring out the spirit of what makes reading fun, and our kids eat it up every year,” says Tamra Marshall, Rooftop teacher/librarian.

Well, the joy derived from sharing books goes both ways.

When asked what Rooftop means to her, BookPAL Martha Stookey commented, “A few weeks ago, I couldn't get my car out of a blocked garage and so I walked three miles there and three back. I couldn't stand to miss that dear first grade, they are such a delight.”

Longtime BookPAL Mary Dilts believes that "There is no greater joy for me than sharing a book with the kids at Rooftop!

In my classrooms, their curiosity and enthusiasm encourage me to stretch creatively as an actor and find new ways to bring books to life for them. As a school, Rooftop has always embraced BookPALS as a valuable program, and the teachers couldn't be more supportive. I usually read to K-1 classes, but for Read Across America Day, I got a chance to share a book with fifth-graders. What a delight to see kids I had in class five years ago still open to the read-aloud experience and as involved and excited as ever!"

On March 2, Roger “Roji” Oyama and Stephen Pawley delighted a few hundred more children and families at the San Francisco Zoo for Read Across America Reading Time-Out. Joining KQED and the Golden State Warriors, BookPALS staged a reading of Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs & Ham and If I Owned the Zoo. It was clear the adults enjoyed the reading as much as the kids did!

This speaks to the mission of SAG Foundation BookPALS — to awaken young imaginations and stimulate an interest in reading books. Without the motivation to open a book and read for the pure pleasure and joy of it, kids are at a disadvantage in school and in life. As BookPALS know very well, nurturing a child’s ability and desire to read means nurturing their entire being.

Photo: Rooftop students listening attentively to the reading of Gerald McBoing Boing. See the Photo Gallery on page 13 for more images of Read Across America Day at Rooftop and the zoo.

Lynne Maes is the San Francisco-Northern California SAG Foundation BookPALS coordinator. To find out more about the SAG Foundation’s children’s literacy programs, go to sagfoundation.org. To become a BookPAL, go to bookpals.net.”

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NOTE

Rita Williams was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the NorCal RTNDA Board of Directors upon her retirement.

Congratulations to Nathan Rodriguez (TTN) on his marriage to Carrie Andros on March 13.

The film Hark screened at the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose in the Shorts 3 Program: Choice And Effect category.

Nicos Sampaquita, a SAG-AFTRA short film, screened at the Landmark Embarcadero on March 28.

Kudos to Michael Sommers on his one man play "Vermont Boy in West Oakland - My True Story" which has been accepted into the "Marsh Rising" series. __________________________

THE WRITE STUFF The Communications Committee is looking for communicators.

If you’re interested in contributing to the local newsletters, have creative ideas for outreach you are willing to bring to fruition, and like working in a friendly team environment, then we’re the committee for you. We meet once a month at the union office. The chairs are comfortable and the parking is free.

Please contact Vicki Balich at Vicki.Balich@sagaftra.org. __________________________

Introduction of Monthly Newsletter – This Month/Este Mes Raise your hand if you read the first issue of the local’s monthly newsletter sent to all San Francisco-Northern California SAG-AFTRA members on January 28. Hands down. Raise your hand if you went to the local website on your own and read This Month/Este Mes. Hands down.

If you didn’t raise your hand and you’ve not yet had a chance to read the first issue of This Month/Este Mes, check it out. This newest addition to our growing communications and outreach arsenal will bring members current information – information members want to know as they eagerly await the arrival of the next quarterly newsletter.

Cont’d on page 12

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Cont’d from page 11

Local Staff Update The restructure of the local broadcast department continues with the promotion of Jessica Bowker to the position of business representative effective January 28.

Jessica previously served the local for five years in the role of executive assistant.

In her former position, Jessica gained knowledge of the broadcast shops through her work with the local board and the executive director. She holds two master’s degrees: Woman and Gender Studies, and Nonprofit Administration. Jessica’s addition to the broadcast department enhances the local’s ability to engage the broadcast membership through increased meetings, events and outreach. Her talent and enthusiasm will serve her well in her new position.

The local welcomes new business representative Lori Shockley to the TV/ Theatrical Department effective February 19. Lori brings to SAG-AFTRA her vast experience in the entertainment industry, including an extensive background in production, working with the major studios, networks and independent filmmakers. Lori has worked in Los Angeles, New York and the Bay Area, as well as internationally. She grew up on the East Coast and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Communications and Journalism. Her well-rounded experience makes her a natural for the job and an invaluable asset to SAG-AFTRA. Lori’s knowledge of the TV/Theatrical agreements stands her in good stead to represent and advocate on behalf of members. She has hit the ground running and with the added opportunity to train at the Los Angeles Local, it can only add to her wealth of knowledge. We will continue to expect the same high level of performance and passion she has exhibited thus far.

Special Thanks: When there are changes to the local staff, the local is grateful for and appreciates the patience and support members show as employees get up to speed and learn their respective jobs. In addition, special thanks are in order to the administrative staff who have stepped up to the plate to get the local through the changes that are not only taking place daily post-merger, but in addition, adapting to and playing a strong support role as staffing changes continue. We are all part of a team whose goal is to assist members the best way we can.

Check out the San Francisco-Northern California Local Staff Directory online. __________________________ SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE (to members in good standing) John L. Dales Scholarship Fund - SAG Foundation Program George Heller Memorial Scholarship Fund - AFTRA Foundation Program Union Plus Scholarships - AFL-CIO

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San Francisco Photo Gallery BookPALS at Rooftop Elementary

BookPALS at San Francisco Zoo

Above and below L to R: Stephen Pawley and Roger Oyama

L to R: Directly above Mary Dilts, Ashley Wolff, Roger Oyama, Martha Stookey, Duncan Fife, Martin Ganapoler and William Hall take to the outdoor stage at Rooftop. Photos courtesy of Lynne Maes.

Belva Davis Tribute, February 23, 2013 Special thanks to SAG-AFTRA, the San Francisco-Northern California Local and the national Ethnic Employment Opportunities for contributions to the event.

Belva Davis with husband Bill Moore

Ysabel Duran and Dana King

Barbara Rodgers, Belva and Pam Moore

Photo courtesy of Cordetta Spells

Photo courtesy of Mike Pechner

Photo courtesy of Barbara Rodgers

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In Memoriam “Goodbye, dear friends, it was fun!”

— Cliff Osmond

By Kathy Goodin, Fred Pitts, Michael O’Brien The acting community lost a great talent this past December when Cliff Osmond, coach, friend and mentor to many Bay Area actors, passed away after battling pancreatic cancer. In addition to his many film and television credits, including work with director Billy Wilder, Cliff was also known as a gifted acting teacher who led a long-running scene study workshop in San Francisco. His popular classes provided a safe haven and spirited atmosphere for working on the craft.

Fred Pitts, fellow SAG-AFTRA member and longtime friend and student of Cliff, shared his thoughts on what made Cliff special. “If you are lucky, you get maybe one or two teachers that, later in life, you can safely say changed you or some aspect of your life. Cliff Osmond was the one.”

“He taught me to appreciate the gift of performance, to expect the best, to be honest and open.

‘Don’t whine, win!’ Anyone who has spent any time with Cliff is familiar with that phrase. I can say without a doubt that Cliff made me a better actor, but more importantly, he made me a better person. He was one of the bravest people I have ever met. And one of the nicest. I pray that everyone out there has an experience with a teacher like Cliff Osmond.”

Cliff’s memory will live on in each of us and the work we do. Actors can see and hear Cliff at any time, via the Internet. Over the course of this past year, Cliff recorded a series of short Web interviews, After Class, on a variety of topics. If you’ve not seen them. We invite you to spend some time.

The family requests donations be made for pancreatic research in honor of Cliff: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

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SAG-AFTRA San Francisco-Northern California Local Welcomes New Members July 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013 Abellon, Lowell Barnard, Cornell Biancalana, Jeff Borgzinner, Chris Casey, Sarah Elise Cauguiran, Cate Clarke, Andreena Codd, Jack Davis, Emily DeLong, Candice Dunne, Devin Franco, Betsy Free, Scot C. Gonzalez, Leon Felipe Griego, Michelle D. Griffin, Melissa Leigh Hansen, Heidi Ann

Harrington, Elissa Harrison, John Lennon Harte, Alexis Horn, Thomas Charles Johnson, Robb Kearney, Steven T. Keller, Matt Kim, Christina July Klapper, Kira La Coste, William Mason, Donn McCullar, Doyle McLean, Iris Mew, Andrew Montoya, Mahal Mulcahy, Frankie Louis Nakano, Lindsay

Noguchi, Irene Null, Jonathan Owens, Kel L. Payne, Hannah Reid, Alecia Rupert, Aliza Anne Scott, Michael Ryan Shaffer, Cassidy Smith, Cole Alexander Topolski, Jason Jtop Totis, Nicholas Veda, Amisha Velasquez, Julio Lopez Whitman, Geoff Wood, Thomas R.

The SAG-AFTRA San Francisco-Northern California Local will be closed in observance of the following holidays: Half-day early closure - May 24 May 27

Memorial Day

July 4

Independence Day

Half-day early closure - Aug. 30 Sept. 2

Labor Day

Oct. 14

Columbus Day

Nov. 11

Veterans’ Day

Half-day early closure - Nov. 27 Nov. 28-29

Thanksgiving

Dec. 24-25

Winter Solstice

Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve

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