Today would have been Russ Cain’s 73rd birthday.  Russ was a member of this Local and an integral part of the volunteer leadership of the Guild.  Hailing from the Monterey Herald unit, Cain was a stalwart in the constant fight for media workers’ rights.  Read more about Russ by clicking here.

Russ passed away two years ago.  In honor of him, Guild members established the Russ Cain Memorial Student Aid Fund.  Out of that fund, the Guild awards scholarships to college-bound dependents of Guild members.  Funds are also used to help sponsor journalism students that participate in the Guild’s Bay News Rising mentorship/training program.

This year, the Guild selected three recipients for the scholarship funds: Laura Amador (daughter of Santa Rosa Press Democrat member Doug Amador), Savanna Birchfield (daughter of IGA unit leader Angie Birchfield) and Gracie Garcia (daughter of IGA member Rene Garcia).  Each of these young women has a passion for story-telling, whether in the media of film, creative writing or digital design.

We believe that Russ would have been proud of these students.  And he would not have wanted a big fuss to be made over him for his birthday. According to Guild executive officer, Carl Hall, “Russ would never tolerate a spotlight on himself so that is why we decided to honor his memory by putting the spotlight on others, especially students. Russ valued education and building for the future.”

We want to thank everyone who donated to the fund.  Congratulations to Laura, Savanna and Gracie.

If you would like to contribute to the Russ Cain Memorial Student Aid Fund, please contact administrative officer Kat Anderson at (415) 421-6833.