“Our management at the Southern California News Group likes to say that ‘Local. News. Matters.’ … Every move they've made in the last three years belies that statement.”

“Newspaper watchdog reporters sometimes are the only truly independent check on local government. That is why it has been awful to watch the paper’s hedge fund owners squeeze the newspaper for short-term profits and deprive it of the resources it needs for sustainable success.”

“It’s a gift, an honor and a miracle to land a long career in journalism.”

“We have a voice in the future of this paper. It makes a world of difference.”

“Our communities depend on good journalism, and good journalism depends on good journalists. Every year we have less of both, but we can fix that together.”

“I support the union at the Southern California News Group because its staff already does so much, and it should not be expected to do even more without getting any additional help.”

“We are all passionate about our jobs and if COVID-19 has taught us anything about our industry, it is how essential we are to the communities we cover.”

“We have the right to speak up for each other and to change the status quo — that's what the Guild has taught me.”

“We need a seat at the table.”

“Our industry isn't easy, and certainly it's not getting easier, but pursuing collective representation ensures that there is necessary support for journalists as they work toward a brighter future.”

“If Media News Group management truly cared for its boots-on-the-ground employees, we would know it.”

“It would be great for all journalists to have an advocate in the process who will stand up for their best interests and for the most equitable outcome for the group.”

“As both a native Southern Californian and a journalist whose first two jobs were with SCNG newspapers, the continued health and viability of the news group is one of profound importance to me — and your readers.”

“… The Orange County Register’s reporters and editors are under siege by our own company and its owner, Alden Global Capital.”

“We need a nurturing environment where journalists who have long served with passion and commitment are valued, and where a new generation of journalists can grow.”

“…Local news can't survive when newsrooms are gutted, employees are asked to do several people's jobs and reporters don't have a seat at the table …”

As we wait for the board’s decision, all of us will keep supporting one another. Our hearing testimony was strong, and we hope that the election vote will take place soon.

We reject the company’s attempt to stall the unionization process and create a dividing line in our newsroom.

“The public might not always understand or appreciate what copy editors do. But most reporters and editors do. And any news organization's management should too.”

“Long Beach, like the rest of the communities covered by the Southern California News Group, deserves a newspaper with a large, diverse staff, and those staff members deserve to be well-compensated and well-treated.”