Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1543098
Spring 2026 – LOCAL695.COM 9 NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Volunteers from Locals 44, 695, 700, 728, and 800 with International Reps from the IA West Coast office. Above: Local 80 full of IATSE families enjoying games and the toy hall. LEAN IN & LEAN ON HOLIDAY PARTY & TOY DRIVE: 2025 RECAP Our 2025 Lean In & Lean On Holiday Party & Toy Drive on December 13 was an overwhelming success, thanks to the generosity of our members, volunteers, and sister Locals. Nearly 400 families—over 1,500 attendees— joined us for a day filled with smiles, community, and holiday cheer. With the help of 90 volunteers, we distributed 300 food boxes, hundreds of gift cards, and an incredible assortment of toys, ensuring meaningful support for our member families. The event also raised more than $42,000 to cover gifts, toys, and event costs, featured a new member-maker marketplace with vendors from multiple Locals, and included raffles, food, and festive treats enjoyed by all. From Santa's Workshop to churros, hot cocoa, and popcorn, the joy was undeniable. Thank you to everyone who helped make this growing tradition such a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together. Right: Santa on a ride through the outdoor activities, including bounce houses and food trucks hosting a variety of great food. OPERATION WARM: ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL DRIVE Hollywood-based locals partnered with Operation Warm to distribute coats to the children who attended Flory Academy of Sciences and Technology in Moorpark on December 17, 2025. Midwest and East Coast locals have been working with Operation Warm for years, and in turn, inspired the Hollywood locals to volunteer to help keep kids warm during winter. Operation Warm has been distributing coats and shoes to children for over 26 years. Their motto is to "Give the gift of warmth, confidence, and hope." FREE AVIXA TRAINING THROUGH THE IATSE TRAINING TRUST FUND Part association, part society, AVIXA provides training and certifications for the constantly evolving world of audiovisual (AV) technologies. Through the IATSE Training Trust Fund (TTF)/AVIXA partnership, their Elite Membership tier is free to access for all IATSE members, and includes online AV training. For additional classes, as well as the CTS exam, generous discounts are also on offer. To learn more about these resources and to register for your free AVIXA account, please visit: https://www.iatsetrainingtrust.org/avixa LOCAL 695 WELCOMES ITS NEW MEMBERS NEW MEMBERS Chad Algarin Projectionist Joshua Beg Y-9 Jess Daily Projectionist Michael Napoli Y-7a James Nelson Y-16a Cole Ryden Y-7a Bryce Stiell Y-4