Column: CMTV’s Brad Long helped keep the community informed

I was saddened to hear of the Nov. 26 passing of longtime Costa Mesa city employee Brad Long of CMTV.

Seeing the posting on Facebook was shocking. I had no idea Long, who died of complications related to a blood disorder he’d been fighting for the past several months, was sick.

Costa Mesa Public Information officer Tony Dodero told me Long didn’t talk about his illness, and those who worked with him at the city are still trying to process the loss.

In this week’s City Hall Snapshot Update, Dodero wrote:

“While Brad had been sick for a while, his sudden passing was still a surprise to his family and friends that knew of his situation. He went to the hospital a week ago Friday, and his doctors discovered an alarmingly low platelet count, which they tried desperately to remedy with numerous transfusions, but unfortunately his body rejected them every time. The low platelets led to other complications, and Long passed away peacefully on Saturday with tons of love and support from his family.”

He was also remembered for his top-notch work on the city’s public-access TV station.

“Brad was an extremely talented videographer and a master of interviews and storytelling,” Dodero wrote. “His film and video work could be seen regularly on CMTV, and the city’s YouTube channel, and collectively that work is a historical treasure trove for the city of Costa Mesa, which he dearly loved.”

He turned his lens on multiple events.

“Over the years, Brad chronicled major events in the city like the Lions Club Fish Fry, the OC Fair Cattle Drive and Snoopy House and produced features on historical city landmarks like the Estancia Adobe and Fairview Park,” Dodero wrote. “His handiwork can be seen on police, fire and city recruitment videos and public service announcements about fireworks and coyotes. He won multiple awards for his work.”

Dodero interviewed Long earlier this year.

My “favorite part of working for Costa Mesa is without a doubt, the people, our leaders, educators, business people, co-workers (past and present), and, of course, our residents,” Long told Dodero. “Telling their stories is a close second.”

Long listed among his favorite Costa Mesa stories the first Cattle Drive in 1997.

“All they had to do back then was come out of the old Costa Mesa High Farm and head down Fairview into the parking entrance, just before Fair Drive,” Long said. “Well, all heck broke loose, and it was like a stampede of cowboys, cattle and press vehicles down Fairview Road trying to get through a funnel. It was a pure adrenaline moment for sure.”

But Long said “my proudest project would be “Echoes From the Fields: The Costa Mesa Story,” which can be viewed online at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tam6isHm_fc

“It’s a history of the city of Costa Mesa that took us nearly three years to complete,” he told Dodero, “but it was a labor of love and also a lot of fun to do.”

An employee of CMTV for 24 years, Long touched many lives, as is evident by reading all the heartfelt posts on his Facebook page.

I got to know him in 2010, when planning the first Feet to the Fire Forum, a candidates’ debate, at the Costa Mesa Community Center.

CMTV was one of our first partners to jump on board for this new concept.

Long and his supervisor, Dane Bora, worked with me on how to shoot the show for broadcast and remained creative and supportive over the years.

As the 2018 election season approaches, the entire Feet to the Fire family will be thinking of him.

Long and his camera were a staple at city events, and when I’d run into him he was always smiling and welcoming.

We had many chats about the good ol’ days of cable access television. He was a fan of my former comedy cooking show, “At Home on the Range,” and we’d giggle about those crazy days.

Long’s passing leaves a hole in the heart of those with whom he worked, especially Bora.

“He was a shining star in the organization, and he loved working for the city and loved being a part of the community,” said Bora. “Brad was kind, empathetic and respectful of all, and he will be greatly missed by his fellow city employees as well as the entire community.”

Dodero said Long’s family is still coping with their loss and “is undecided about any future services.”

He told me the city will be planning a memorial for city employees to honor Long, and he’ll keep me posted when there’s a firm date.

Long holds a special place in the hearts and minds of those who knew him.

Rest in peace, Brad.

BARBARA VENEZIA lives in Newport Beach. She can be reached at bvontv1@gmail.com.