Archive for October, 2015

SPECIAL: MEMBERSHIP MEETING REPORT

Tuesday, October 27th, 2015

Local 47 meeting 10/26/15

Small crowd for the meeting tonight, but we did have a quorum… 51-53 attending.
Pathetic considering the importance of the subject matter.

Called to order at 7:34.
Pledge – Roll call – 50 year pins – Minutes approved

Special Guest – State Senate Candidate – Anthony Portantino spoke.
Democrat – Seeks local’s endorsement.

OFFICER REPORTS

President – officer’s offices are always open. Use the local, tell them what you think.

NEGOTIATIONS:
Completed negotiations with
1) Symphony in the Glen
2) Center Theater Group – 10% increase over 2 years
3) Magic Mountain contract
4) New Beverly Hilton Hotel CBA for Pianists. (4 rotating players)
5) Redlands Sym – 9% increase;
6) New contract – Experience Carrie LA; (trying to get more money for scoring.)

Have visited with 5 senators for support AB 1199

NLRB Charge against Local has been dismissed. President called them frivolous.
Have been meeting with City of LA reps, counsel members –
discussing sick pay laws; minimum pay laws.

Want nominations for a “Building Committee”. To find out what member want
out of the new building.

Discussing a finance committee if building sale goes through.

HEALTH INSURANCE
H and W front – Getting out of Healthnet going to Blue Shield.
99% of coverage will be identical. Premium should be almost the same.

UCLA – Historical Project – Working with the Local Concerning the
767 (African-American Local) and Local 47 History.
Lots of documents found downstairs.
UCLA wants to digitize and make available the archive

SALE
Referendum: Close of sell vote is Feb 1st, 2016.
timeisnow47.com has info on what’s going on from their perspective.

———————————-
SALE QUESTIONS:

Meeting opened to questions from members about sale.

3 minutes per speaker.
MEMBER:
1) Last meeting had a straw poll on the postponement,
vast majority (about 95%) wanted to delay vote.
Why was it not delayed.
A: Board considered it and dismissed it.
Started talking about it in Feb 2015 in the overture.
(In officer reports)

2) BALLOT: Problem with wording – to sell building for 22 million
or best successful bidder.
A: Counsel wanted wording set that way.
(Important to state the amount)

MEMBER:
Do you intend to sell all the parcels (4) 817, 823, and two
Lillian way plots.
A) Selling it all. Language does not specify that it’s ALL of the site.

Opinion: If it’s just to sell one of the parcels it is not legally bidding.

MEMBER: 1) To tell people not to vote is a problem. If you don’t
have enough information, the answer should be no.

2) What is on the ballot is unclear. It could have been better
addressed if it wasn’t rushed through.

3) How can you set a budget for a build out when you don’t know
what the actual cost will be? Membership should have been
involved (not just notified) far earlier.

Answer: No precedent in Club 47 bylaws on how the sale should go.
Disagree that it’s the wrong time to do this.

MEMBER:
Sale was no surprise, but many members are shocked to hear about the sale,
since it was only mentioned in officer reports and offhand comments in the
minutes of board meetings.

MEMBER:
Comments: When I arrived in Hollywood I saw the Local 47 building and was
thrilled. This is what represents us. It’s a great building. Selling this building
is a mistake. It’s a place we can be proud of. We can have two orchestras
at the same time here.
New Building looks is a strip mall.

DIRECTOR: With the money from the sale we can hire more people to help
get us work. We don’t have the money to hire the folks we need and will be
expensive.

MEMBER: It would not cost a lot if we could get the small segment blocking
process out of the way. RMA drives the bus on contracts.

After much consideration, I cannot support the sale unless the local is
Restructured and the contracts are made competitive again by allowing buyouts
For low budget films, trailers, libraries and samples among others.

If all the dark dates were able to be done on a buyout contracts, there might
Not be a alleged need to sell.

The Local has trimmed around all the edges it can, but won’t head to the
heart of the problem. We’ve lost over 80% of our work because of
Contracts out of date with the world. Some hard core RMA don’t care
What happens to anyone else as long as their July checks are fine and
Are making sure the IEB does nothing to fix the problem.

MEMBER:
Balloting should be done by outside organization.

Q: What comes into the union and what goes out.
Answer: Pull in about 4 million dollars or so in dues every year.

DIRECTOR: Cannot have 2 orchestras at the same time.
Downstairs in no longer available.
Lots of talk of money: Statistic –
in last year we took in $108,000 less in dues.
Spend 408,000’s less. Laid off 3 people.
Froze Officers Salaries.

MEMBER: FMA Member comments:
What is the geographical center of all current local 47 members? Is it Burbank
What is the … of all ACTIVE Local 47 members.

A) 5,495 in ca.
563 outside ca
2,400 members live along the Burbank corridor.
403 life members live in Burbank corridor
742 on the westside: 281 would have a challenge getting to Burbank.
Over 50% of membership lives in the Burbank Corridor.

Giving more consideration to Active members?:
Talked about it. All have equal right to building, active or not.

Q: Given the electronic age, why is local of other trade unions a consideration.
A: It’s not a consideration. Time is now to sell – it’s a seller’s market.

Q: Why are we not looking at existing office building rather than
refurbishing a strip mall.
A. Would be MORE expensive to refit existing office
space than to retool a new (to us) Building.

PARKING
108 parking spots presently, proposed site has 160 parking
spaces. (Currently the Local has rented out our parking lot
for the next three months, so parking for members is a
problem during the day.)

Will be no challenge for parking at the new site. It will be a
spectacular space. Current owner is in his 90’s, on market for
2 years. (But apparently has sat empty for 7 years.)

Is the realtor the seller’s agent, the buyers agent?
A: No, they are different.

MEMBER: I have nothing against moving.
We were very careful to find a NY local for our building.
(mid-Town, not Downtown).
Locale should still be considered.

Q: Has there been talk of building a parking structure.
A: We don’t have the capitol to do it, and there is a height
restriction for building.

MEMBER:
Comment: Income and outflow – Money they have not
spent is in the building. Have you looked at getting a loan
on the building.

A: We’ve not talked about that. Why go into debt when
we can have a surplus.

DIRECTOR: Office buildings? Would cost more than
outfitting a separate building.

We’ve done research on what it needs. The needs cannot
be seen visually. Roof, Handicap accessibility. We don’t
want to lose the legacy of our history.

Have a growing concern is what we will do to protect the
future. Selling the building and having a surplus is
protecting the future. Hollywood no longer the entertainment
center.

TRUSTEE: Someone asked about how we can budget
without all the info. Have had several companies come
through and give us estimates. Union, Non-union,
Architectural company.

Sealed studio $350 dollars per square foot. We have
lots of info.

MEMBER: Do we actually need 30,000 square foot?
Smaller place could be better.
A: Now we have 40,000 square ft.

MEMBER: We had plenty of notice.
Club 47 met three times last year.

MEMBER: Go no direct info about sale.
Anyone who has questions or problems with it could
not ask questions and have those concern answered

MEMBER: We spent 1 million over last 10 years to
upgrade building. Why did we bother?
Building is paid for.

THE FIX IS IN TO DISENFRANCHISE THE MEMBERSHIP

Member makes motion: Postpose vote until the membership
has more information.

PARLIMENTARIAN:
Not appropriate because it’s not a CLUB 47 meeting.

——————

A REAL BOTTOMFEEDER MOVE.

MEMBER: At the October 5th meeting, members were told
they could not make a motion because they were not allowed
at Club 47 Meetings, which are far more restrictive on member
participation.

Last night the member was told they could not make a motion
Because it was a Local 47 meeting, and not a Club 47 meeting.

This incensed a number of members, who knew it was a game
to shut down dissent.

The fix is in: Unless it’s a Club 47 meeting, no motion to delay
can be presented.
They’ve tried to guarantee that no motion can be made until
after the deadline.

MEMBER: In all the years I’ve been a member (32 years) I’ve
NEVER been to or heard of a Club 47 membership meeting
until last October 5th.

CAN A MEMBER CALL FOR A SPECIAL OR REGULAR
CLUB 47 meeting?

PARLIMENTARIAN: Yes, if you get 10 members to sign
the request, And the request makes it clear what is to be
discussed and voted on.

“BINGO!” Exclaimed the member.
That’s exactly what we’ll do.

[EC: Isn’t it pathetic that the membership has to find a
way to do an end run around rules that are designed
to prevent the membership from having a say?]

——————-

Member: Campaign handled terribly. This will come
up at some point. 1996 Ludlow [Owner of Bridgestreet,
INC.] was sentenced to 3 years for defrauding union
of funding. This is the person who owns the company
running the ‘Time is Now’ campaign.

We have a crisis of trust, campaign needs to be crystal
clear, there cannot be a hint of corruption.

PRESIDENT: Ludlow owns Bridgestreet and has
redeemed himself in the Labor community.

We are the elected officers of the Local.
[This trope has come up again and again by directors
and the president, YOU elected us. [Fact is, most were
“elected” unopposed. Only the membership is to blame
for that.]

MEMBER:
Are there any plans to reach out to those who are not on
email for the survey?
A: Not yet.

DIRECTOR: Club 47 special circumstances brought up
by this sale. Some thing that should have been addressed
before, but wasn’t.

If we do concentrate on new building, there’s got to
be something to be proud of.

If we don’t figure out ways to get to new work,
moving is for naught. Trying to represent people
as best we can.

TRUSTEE: About not going straight at the problem.
We don’t have enough money as the local to organize
us as members. If we were to get a CFO for the entire
membership we could maybe get something done.

Need to hire people to represent us.

MEMBER: Trust issues are real.
Club and Local have same board. Did club pay for
$5,000 did mailing cots come out of Local or Club,
was referendum funded by club 47.
A: Funded by Club.

John said they started in Feb 2015, Only discussion
of real estate aspect, not specifics.

Members should vote to have more info.

MEMBER: Agrees with motion stopping the
motion. Any appeal should have been done
right away. Member of the musicians club and
local are the same. As an alternative, chair could
make a motion to suggest that the voting be postponed.

(nothing was done)

MEMBER:
Answer questions. Why didn’t we elect a body
before the process started?
A: The board is that entity.

MEMBER:
What long term plan were they thinking of when
they renovated the building.
A: Was renovated in 2005

DIRECTOR:
John only became president last January.
Will be doing phone banking.
Much better to start with new building to
give us more possibility’s.

MEMBER: Election board: People keep
bringing up that a separate
entity should do the counting. Election
board is trustworthy.
I was on it for 6 year.

MEMBER: What part of the property was
sold without the member’s permission. Part
of it was sold during Fleisher’s time.

A: Were not trying to pull a fast one. We
want what best for the membership.
Not just one section of membership
is responsible for work loss.

Task force decided buyouts were not a good idea,
they spent for 4 months on it.
(Many RMA members were on the Task Force)

MEMBER: Had a task force, got us Butkus.

VP REPORT

Went to SRLA Negotiations – with RMA leadership.
Was an eye opener. Spoke of musicians with total lack
of respect. We kept reminding them of how important
we are. Been working on that contract since 2004.
Was never signed then.

Contract was signed at the end of the week. Took 12 years.

Two more rounds of discussions: In New York and
Los Angeles.

Went to PBS Negotiations – 15 heads of different
PBS areas, contract not changed since 2004. Ask
for 18 % raise to cover12 years, plus additional 3.5
percent over the next 3 years.

Will be another round in December.

Has been involved with 24 different negotiations for
this union. All successfully negotiated.

People across the table just don’t want to admit
they know how important music is.

MEMBER: Recording Nego. 1st National Contract
Ray Hair negotiated.

When negotiations happen in Los Angeles will be
first time its done here.

-Greek theater honored Nederlander for 30 years of shows.
Presented a plaque along with Arthur B. Rubinstein.
Iatsi presented plaque as well. It was a family feel.
Everybody cared.

SMG is taking over Greek Theater
Other board members helped with presentation.

Member requested to speak, was told they couldn’t
during officer reports.

SECRETARY REPORT

All sales letters received will be published.
Financials:
TAKEN IN: Approx. $2,700,000 dollars
Paid out: Approx. $2,132,000
Approx. $474,000 surplus

Are in the black for the 3rd quarter.

As Treasurer, as to building sale, financial life
goes up and down. It’ll be win/win, to have brand
new building with state of the art facilities.

With 10 millions to invest, can have a reliable
source of income for decades to come.

Once again we received some labor media awards:
For Linda Rapka –
for Local 47 Beat – 1st place for electronic newsletter,
2nd place in writing award for Linda Rapka.
3rd place in internet design for new website.

Gig Junction is hosting a meet and greet,
November 4th in auditorium at 7pm

PROMUSICDB.org
Cristy Crowl presentation on ProMusicDB.org –
to preserve everyone’s legacy and what we do.
Record info, players lists and suc

Can include all your pictures as well and populate
your page with them. Will be safe in perpetuity.
Can track calendar and events.
Easy interface to use must be associated with a
union or a PRO.

Been working on it for 3 years, will be released in
March at
NXNW 2016.

Creation was supported by Engineer Damon
Tedesco (Wrecking Crew) and AFM, LOCAL 47
among others.

Questions for PROMUSIC DB
Member: Live folks do a lot of this kind of thing.
1) When does it start? A: March 2016
2) IMDB is $150 a year. What’s the process to do
it on ProMusicDB?
Far easier than with IMDB
3) All music.com is the only place to go and they’re
slow and can take 3 years.
We need to be part of Data test

OLD (UNFINISHED) BUSINESS:

MEMBER: Would be investing 10 Millions, last time it was
11 millions. Why the Change,
A: We’re talking generalities. Don’t have exact numbers yet.

MEMBER: No one’s blaming this RMA but LOS ANGELES
has major influence on the contracts. Not a question of them
respecting us, it’s capitol and supply and demand, we need
to look at improving the contracts to get work back.

This union building CAN hold 2 full orchestras.

NEW BUSINESS:
Nominations for Building Committee: Board will confirm
tomorrow.
1) Lisa Haley
2) Mike Barron
3) John papenbrook
4) Randy Alcroft
5) Michael Davis
6) Paul Sternhagen
7) Alan Fogel
8) Charles Fernandez

Leanne Powers – Musician and New Marketing
Director for the Credit Union.
Some things to point out.
1) Credit Union and the Local are separate.
2) Paid by credit union not Local 47.
3) Worked in marketing for more than 20 years.
4) This position gives me the opportunity to help
musicians in the financial arena.
5) Loans for instruments
6) Establishing a credit history
7) Is a member owned co-opt
8) Mobile/Online banking – 12 employees.
9) We know our members.

MEMBER:
Comment on the overture – used to read it.
Then started going on line – tried to download it
on the phone. Now that’s it’s online, I don’t have
the time to read a whole overture

How much money is saved by not having the
monthly print edition.
A: Saving approx.. $40,000 a year. One of the only
locals that is still published monthly, along with New
York. Online is the new direction the world is going.
We’re striving to get everyone’s email address.
Still have a long way to go.

It’s a transition period but it does save us some money.

Meeting Adjourned at 10:15 PM.

MEETING MONDAY! / LUNCH MEETING REPORT / SALE / EVENTS

Sunday, October 25th, 2015

I. LOCAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING TOMORROW NIGHT! – OCTOBER 26
II. TUESDAY LUNCH MEETING REPORT
III. COMMENT ON THE SALE
IV. EVENTS

…Absolutely guaranteed anonymity – Former Musician’s Union officer
…The one voice of reason in a sea of insanity – Nashville ‘first call’
scoring musician
…Allows us to speak our minds without fear of reprisal – L.A. Symphonic musician
…Reporting issues the Musicians Union doesn’t dare to mention – National touring musician

Name Withheld

===================================

I. LOCAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING TOMORROW NIGHT! – OCTOBER 26

Tomorrow night at 7:30, Local 47 will be having their general membership meeting.

No doubt there will be much discussion of the vote whether or not to sell the
building. If you don’t feel you know enough about the situation to knowledgeably vote,
this should be a perfect chance to learn more.

SEE YOU THERE!

===========================================

II. TUESDAY LUNCH MEETING REPORT

Disappointingly, while there were some different members there for “lunch
with the board” less than 10 decided to take part.

It was quite interesting even getting to the meeting. The entire parking
lot was closed off, front and back.

PARKING

As we learned later, the Local has taken to renting out the entire parking
lot to businesses (Studio, Construction and Production) for the next three
months. While that’s fine to make money for the Local, there were no spots
reserved for those musicians wanting to use the rehearsal rooms, especially
those with larger instruments, if the access to the lot is blocked. Otherwise,
they have to park on the street.

This really should be addressed.

WE GOT TROUBLE

The board and others really worked hard to paint the picture of the Local
in dire straights. They’ve frozen officer’s salaries, rented the parking lot,
rented every square inch of the building. Many members at the meeting
were not convinced of the need to sell the building, noting that the building
is owned outright.

There was much talk of upcoming needed repairs to the Local. Roof
replacement and that if we add an elevator the upstairs bathrooms need
to be brought up to code with ADA (Americans with Disabilities). It was
pointed out that as the building is as old as it is. many of those fixes
are NOT required, but voluntary, since we are grandfathered in.

Member Charles Fernandez pointed out his frustration with the Local
trimming around every edge they can without addressing the main problem,
refusing to address the “elephant in the room”. The problem is it doesn’t
matter how much you cut unless you restructure the Local and update
contracts to allow libraries, video games, sampling and of course buyout
options. There’s no point in selling the building to buy an new one unless
you do that. if you don’t you’re only delaying the inevitable demise of the
Local, owing to the loss of 80%+ of our recording work thanks to unworkable
contracts, as well as membership atrophy.

CONSPIRACY

In 1950 there were 13,000 or so members, now there are about 7,500.
If the local becomes insolvent, some believe that the building and assets
must be sold and the revenue split among the Club 47 members.

Unfortunately for those who believe this little conspiracy, it’s not true.
The bylaws make it clear that only if the membership in the Local falls
below 16 (sixteen- yep, that’s right, sixteen) can the Local be dissolved,
thus enabling the sale and dissemination of the profits.

If we lose the building, which is by no means guaranteed, a small
store front would have to be rented or bought to carry on the Local’s
business. NO group of members could suck up the profits.

Member Fernandez also pointed out that the sole group standing in the way,
blocking any progress in contracts in getting any work back were the
few hardcore RMA Leadership and their allies on the IEB who would just
as soon see everyone else starve rather than touch their precious July
residual checks.

It was pointed out that the contracts are national and cannot be changed
at the Local level, but it was in turn pointed out that the RMA holds
the leash of the IEB when it comes to recording, so any progress is
blocked from Los Angeles, and perhaps a bit by New York.

It comes down to this. Either the AFM shows the RMA the door, removing
them from controlling interest in recording contracts so we can make true
progress, the first real progress in 15-20 years, or admit that they (the
afm/local 47) do not have the cajones to stand up to the RMA, keep the
building we have till the money runs out, then get a storefront.

THE REST OF THE MEETING

Other than that, there was much talk of getting folks to vote, many
members not happy with the location and perhaps arranging a day
when members can come out to tour and see the potential new
building.

THE MEMBERSHIP…

…needs to be presented with a list of reasons FOR and AGAINST the sale,
so the rank and file can make an educated choice.

THE COMMITTEE

===================================

III. COMMENT ON THE SALE

RE: Realtor pledges to gift part of sales commission back to the union.

Outrageous!!! Wait a minute! The real estate agent IN CHARGE OF THE
SALE of our property attended the “informational” meeting at Local 47
and had the nerve – or was it stupidity? – to stand up and say that there
was already an offer of 24 million dollars on our home, AND that when
the sale goes through his company would give Local 47 a $100,000
donation, from the millions in commission that his company would earn.

DOESN’T THAT SOUND LIKE A KICKBACK FOR THE SALE OF OUR HOME
THAT SHOULD NOT EVEN BE ON THE MARKET YET!!! And if that’s the
PUBLIC “donation” that he’s bragging about, what kind of “donation” do
you think is going on BEHIND CLOSED DOORS??? And to whom??? Do
we really need to guess… This stinks.

[EC: TO be fair: the realtor’s profit from a sale is typically between
two and five percent, depending on how many realtors are involved.

So the fee earned IF the Local building is sold for 24 million will be
between $480,000 and $1,200,000, not millions.]

=================================

(more…)

WANNA TALK? / MEETING / PROCEEDS / EVENTS

Sunday, October 18th, 2015

I. WANNA TALK? HERE’S YOUR CHANCE,…. DON’T BLOW IT!
II. THE RECENT MEETING
III. COMMENT ON THE PROCEEDS
IV. EVENTS

…Absolutely guaranteed anonymity – Former Musician’s Union officer
…The one voice of reason in a sea of insanity – Nashville ‘first call’
scoring musician
…Allows us to speak our minds without fear of reprisal – L.A. Symphonic musician
…Reporting issues the Musicians Union doesn’t dare to mention – National touring musician

Name Withheld

===================================

I. WANNA TALK? HEAR’S YOUR CHANCE,…. DON’T BLOW IT!

Last Tuesday, members of the board and the realtors met with
members of the Local to discuss and answer members questions
about the potential building. Unfortunately, only nine members
took advantage of the opportunity.

Don’t let apathy reign.

THIS COMING TUESDAY members will have another chance to
discuss the proposed building and ask questions. Don’t miss
this chance. As a Local 47 Member it should be considered your
responsibility, if you are available, to come down and learn all
you can, as well as ask all you can.

VOTING DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 1ST, 2016

If you received the recent email, you know know that the
board has set a voting cut off date for February 1st for ballot
returns.

ANOTHER REASON TO ATTEND: THE FUTURE

If the local does not receive the votes needed to sell the
building, some serious planning for the future of the Local
and how we can keep it must take place.

They need your ideas.

LUNCH WITH MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, THIS COMING
TUESDAY, 12:30-1:30 in the auditorium of Local.

Lunch is being provided by the Local.

————

AS TO LAST TUESDAY’S LUNCH MEETING

The one thing that was somewhat disturbing was that
most of those who spoke seemed to take for granted that
they’d get the votes to sell the building.

This is by no means a done deal.

What will be equally important is that there be a “Plan B”
and “Plan C” for what to do considering the Local’s finances
should the sale NOT be allowed.

Up the rents for the organizations using the 2nd floor?
Build a multilevel parking structure that can be rented to
nearby studios for additional revenue? Force the acceptance
of buyouts to increase dues to the Local?

MORE FORWARD THINKING

Additionally, there will need to be, new building or not,
plans for changing our contracts to make them more
competitive and bring us more in line with the world outside
the AFM. Certainly a lot of recording is going on in LA, it’s just
mostly in the shadows. The local sees zero from this.

Frankly, if we’d not lost 80%+ of our work here because of
technology and the lack of buyouts (Buyouts blocked by the
RMA and the entrenched unwillingness to think of anyone else),
we might not even need to consider selling the building.

It is the loss of dues, atrophy of the member ranks because of
the lack of support for the rank and file even remotely close to
the influence and cow-towing to the RMA in the past, and
horrendous relations with producers and potential clients thanks
to the arrogance of the elites and the conduct of Ray Hair that
have gotten us into this financial pickle.

DELAYING THE INEVITABLE

Further, If the sale does go through without revamping our
infrastructure and contracts, we will only be delaying the
inevitable demise of the Local by a few years.The only thing
the sale will guarantee, frankly, will be the paychecks of the
officers and employees till the sale surplus of 11 million runs out.

Change the future or just delay the inevitable, it’s up to all of us.

GET INVOLVED!

THE COMMITTEE

===================================

II. THE RECENT MEETING

Dear Editor,

The union has had less than 900k in the bank before and
still continued to operate. I don’t agree with your assertion
that the leadership would have had support for a sale “but for”
the blatant lack of transparency. There are many negatives
to the proposal.

In the Oct. 5 “informational meeting, “President Acosta gave
a presentation on what he perceives are compelling reasons
to rid ourselves of our iconic building in the heart of Hollywood.
Further, he tells us of all the bells and whistles we would be
getting at the Burbank facility. Having looked at the proposed
facility, (listed as one story), we will not have what we have
now that is used by working musicians…a functional auditorium
with a stage and a basement that can also hold a full orchestra
rehearsal.

In review of the minutes of the past year, it is very apparent
that the Board has focused only on a sale and purchase option.
At the very least, there should have been open meetings regarding
the  proposal where no doubt a discussion of restructuring
would have been raised.

The proposed property purchase is deeply flawed. Our running
overhead will be forever increased by the property taxes alone
without having dealt with the systemic issue that revenue is
raised by working musicians under union contracts.

If we were to approve a move to Burbank, two main causes of
concern are:
1) becoming the landlord over retail food establishments, think
property management and insurance liabilities, and
2) parking.

Even if, as we were told, the Burbank property can be rehabbed
for 3 million… and leave money in the bank, parking will be a
major issue.  Currently, we have a secured parking lot that we
do not share with the general public. We can pull right up to
either the auditorium or the rehearsal rooms and unload. When
we are at the local, we do not worry about our equipment or ourselves.

We were told the new location has plenty of street parking and
that we might use the parking at a local school….several blocks
away. We were also told that we might use the AAA parking. The
office manager at the AAA has no knowledge of any request and
referred me to Cushman and Wakefield ( a property services firm
that manages the AAA property). Did the realtors obtain any promises
for use of the AAA lot by us…if we purchase 1011 Alameda?

At the Oct. 5 meeting, President Acosta, citing past deficits, did
say that the Local was currently living within its means. Why would
we step off the cliff?

—————————————-

Congratulations on the Committee being right on target representing
the current on goings of local 47.

Musicians can’t take the union for granted because this is what
waste remains from not being involved with how the union is
really run. We all suffer in the end with no good choices presented.
And we only find out recently of the gloom and doom. How much
money goes to those folks to keep the union afloat?

Members would like to know who is advising and influencing the board.
All members should be made aware of this.

Not like the silent treatment SOP that got us here in the first place.

=================================

III. COMMENT ON THE PROCEEDS

If the building is sold, the money, after what has to be used to
set up new headquarters, should be held in a separate account
and none of it should be spent except as approved by vote of
the full membership. It should not be subsumed by the general
fund.

=================================

IV. EVENTS

DEAN AND RICHARD

DEAN AND RICHARD are now playing every third Friday
at Culver City Elks 7:30pm-10;30pm,
11160 Washington Pl.
Culver City, 90232
310-839-8891

————————————-

LA WINDS JAZZ KATS 584

NO COVER, NO MINIMUM.
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at Viva Cantina
7:30-10:00.
900 Riverside Drive, Burbank.

Free parking across the street at Pickwick Bowl.
Come hear your favorite charts played the way they
should be.

We are in the back room called the Trailside Room.

Come on down. Guaranteed to swing.

————————————

10/19/15

KIM RICHMOND CONCERT JAZZ ORCHESTRA AT TYPHOON

Just one show (8 PM) and we will premiere two new compositions
but also play some old favorites.
THIS IS AN EVENT YOU SHOULD NOT MISS.
Please come out and support our efforts.
WHAT: The KIM RICHMOND CONCERT JAZZ ORCHESTRA, 23 piece ensemble
WHEN: Monday, October 19, 8 PM (1 set, 90 minutes)
WHERE: Typhoon Restaurant & jazz venue,
3221 Donald Douglas Loop South
Santa Monica Airport
WHO: Woodwinds: Billy Kerr, Bob Crosby, Glen Berger, John Yaokum, Allen Savedoff
Trumpets Bob O’Donnell, Ron King, Jonathan Dane, Josh Aguilar
French horns: Brad Warnaar, Suzette Moriarty Fowler
Trombones: Scott Whitfield, Joey Sellers, Steve Tyler, Craig Gosnell, Bill Roper (tuba)
Rhythm: Tom Hynes, guitar; Daniel Szabo, keyboard; David Hughes, bass;
Ralph Razze, drums; Dave Johnson, mallet percussion; Scott Breadman, hand percussion
PARKING: Plentiful
ADMISSION: $10
FOOD: excellent, mostly Asian

————————————

10/25/15

Hi Flutists!

I’m giving a Body Mapping Workshop for Flutists: How to Improve
Your Sound and Reduce Tension on Sunday, October 25 from
3:00-6:00 pm in La Crescenta.

Some of you may know about body mapping and others not. It’s a way
to improve playing and avoid injury by finding out how your body is put
together and designed to move. It’s based on the concept that we have
a body map which is the perception (map or self-representation) in our
brain that tells us how we’re put together. If it’s accurate, then movement
is good, free, and efficient,  but when it’s not accurate, movement is not
good causing limitations, tension, pain and injury. Body Mapping is the
process of identifying your body maps and refining and correcting them
as needed.

It’s a very effective way to learn how to improve the quality your movement
to produce better sound and to prevent tension, pain and injury. In fact,
some musicians credit Body Mapping with saving their careers!

I was introduced to Body Mapping at a time when I was frustrated by not being
able to perform my best and was also feeling lots of tension and pain. It helped
me so much that I went on to train and became a Licensed Andover Educator in
2010. I’d love to be able to share with you the benefits of Body Mapping.

The class will be small with a maximum of eight participants. You can read more
about it on my website www.flutemuse.com and the Andover Educators website
www.bodymap.org. I’ve attached the flyer below.

Please contact me with any questions and to register for the class. Feel free to
forward the flyer to other flutists.

Thanks!

Ruth Kasckow
Flutist, Flute Teacher, Body Mapping Educator
Licensed Andover Educator www.bodymap.org
www.flutemuse.com
626 840 9716

————————————

11/7-8/15

LISA HALEY ADN THE ZYDECATS

Veterans Day Weekend Celebration
Saturday 11/7/15
Lake Arrowhead, California – 2PM
Americana Veterans Village
www.friends2veterans.com

and

Sunday 11/8/15
Lake Arrowhead, California – 2PM
Americana Veterans Village
www.friends2veterans.com

================================

You can read all previous offerings at:http://www.responsible47.com
UNTIL NEXT TIME,
THE COMMITTEE FOR A MORE RESPONSIBLE LOCAL 47

FACING THE MUSIC / THE OPPOSED / NEW BUILDING COMMENTS / CLUB 47 / EVENTS

Sunday, October 11th, 2015

I. FACING THE MUSIC
II.THE OPPOSED SPEAK OUT – 10 MILLION FOR A STRIP MALL?
III. THE POTENTIAL NEW BUILDING COMMENTS
IV. RECAP: A LITTLE CLUB 47 HISTORY
V. EVENTS

…Absolutely guaranteed anonymity – Former Musician’s Union officer
…The one voice of reason in a sea of insanity – Nashville ‘first call’
scoring musician
…Allows us to speak our minds without fear of reprisal – L.A. Symphonic musician
…Reporting issues the Musicians Union doesn’t dare to mention – National touring musician

Name Withheld

===================================

I. FACING THE MUSIC
 
A few quick facts.
 
-The local has less than a million dollars left in the bank.
-They could have gotten the membership on their side with the sale
if they’d not chosen to be secretive and underhanded.

For example:
The membership should have been told IN JULY that the building was
going to be listed to get a sense of it’s worth.

-The board created suspicion by taking down the main listing a couple
of days after a member asked about why it was there.

-The board created major distrust by purposefully pulling a bait and
switch of the meeting on October 5th, taking what was definitely billed as
a Local 47 meeting and changing it to a “club 47 meeting”, restricting the
member input. The only evidence was the inside cover of the overture
which was conveniently sent out one day before the 5th. A really
underhanded, calculated and conniving move.

-Misdirection again and again and frankly, abhorrent conduct on the part
of the board and their mistreatment of the rights of the members to
know what is being done in their name.

NO CUT-OFF DATE
 
Additionally, they conveniently leave off any sort of cut-off date to
the balloting to sell the building, another ethically questionable
move further alienating the membership.
 
Only the board is responsible for the distain in which they are currently
held by a majority of the membership because of their underhanded
tactics. Their conduct will lead many to say, “If it’s what they want I’m
against it even if it IS good, because they cannot be trusted”.

And we frankly can’t blame them for feeling that way.

THE ROOT
 
 But what got us in this situation? The 80-85% loss of work? The
shambles of our relations with Video Game and other producers?
The tanking of work dues? The loss of work to every corner of
the world?

Technology has played a role to be sure, but the major reason we all
know. If you don’t know by now, you simply have not been paying
attention.

PAY ATTENTION!

Selling the building and buying another one without wholesale
changes to the contracts, power structure and personnel will simply
delay the inevitable collapse of the viability of Local 47.

THE COMMITTEE

=================================

II. THE OPPOSED SPEAK OUT – 10 MILLION FOR A STRIP MALL?

Well, the membership attending the ‘informational meeting’ of October 5,
was overwhelmingly opposed to a ballot being sent in four days from the
meeting…because too many members expressed there was little in-depth
information on which to base a vote. The president’s presentation didn’t
help.

The Board says there is an offer for 24 Million. The Local 47/Club 47 has
located a new location in Burbank for 10 Million. The main property has
been vacant for years and we will have restaurants for tenants. REALLY!?
Also, they informed us of arrangements for some free rent and lease-back
after the sale.

The proposed new location is a strip-mall. Even if properly renovated,
it cannot compare with what we have. Why would a union of professional
musicians choose to become less visible and lose their historically
significant home on Vine Street in the heart of Hollywood?

We were told, after expenses of the sale, purchase, and renovations,
Club 47 can give 11 Million to Local 47 to avoid Capital Gains Taxes.
This is just a bandaid on a systemic problem.

Our property taxes will reflect an increase based on the purchase price.
Do the math…we now pay less than $44,000. per year for our Vine Street
home. Under Prop. 13, what is that 1%  even without added tax levies
(schools, yada, yada) on 10 Million? Why would we guarantee an increase
in our overhead without a clear plan to increase our income?!

The presentation was about “Securing Our Future.” Without embracing
change in the global business model, the only future we will be securing
is the salaries of our elected officers. We have had to adjust our lives to
the new reality of professional music. We have had to learn to live within
our means. The membership has the power to see to it our union does
the same.

Perhaps the best observation of the evening was… “OMG you have got
to stop the sale of the building…in 10 years there will be no music
business, but the property will be worth 50 Million!”

The voting process was also an issue. We were told members will have
a barcode attached. If a member has not returned their ballot, the
Union will (by phone tree) urge you to vote. No cut off date was
determined. However, the spokesperson for the Election Board
said, that when 50% +1 was  achieved…the vote would close.

Does this seem right? What if the majority of the membership say
no, but are not the first 50% +1 to return their ballots?

Frankly there was a significant number that
1) Did not know they were members of the Musician’s Club or
2) Did not know that the Local 47 Board of Directors are the same
as the Board of Directors of the Club 47.

Kudos to Greg Huckins….the meeting of October 5 was not clearly
identified as a Club 47 meeting. The membership expecting to participate
as members of Local 47 (under the Local 47 by-laws) were disenfranchised
in violation of the Union Member Bill of Rights under Title 1 of the LMRDA.  

Enjoy your lunch. 
Sent from my iPad

=====================================

III. THE POTENTIAL NEW BUILDING

Not sure if you are aware but the sale of 47 realtor is not just Hilton & Hyland
but Darius Campo of Rhodes Realty (apparently is a team of 3 realtors) who
is a Violinist at Local 47 and RMA member.

This I have confirmed from multiple colleagues that he has told and seems
like he stands to make a 6 figure commission from the sale. Seems a little
bit of a conflict of interest, but perhaps they have been transparent about it,
I am not completely up to date. 

I am a recently retired member, don’t have a horse in the race, but would
nonetheless like to be kept anonymous.

——————————

I was distressed but not surprised to see that the new “building”
is nothing but a tacky strip mall! A building made to house five or
six businesses. As ugly and characterless as any mini-mall I’ve
ever seen.

The AAA building next door had a full parking lot when I went by
on Friday and the overflow obviously went to “our” proposed lot.

With “our” building empty and three eating places: Subway,
Japanese food and Little Caesar’s, the parking lot was 3/4’s
full, so where’s all this parking they’re talking about?

This building is a joke and I cannot help but wonder who stands
to profit from this deal. It certainly isn’t the membership.

Drive by and take a look for yourself:
1011 Alameda in Burbank.

————————————

If you go to colliers.com/p-usa100948 you will see a good pic of the building
they propose to buy, and stats.  Needless to say, we didn’t think the building
looked that good. It states 125 parking spaces (which need to be shared with
the three restaurants). If the building is upgraded in the front façade then the
restaurants will also need to be upgraded. NOTE THE PRICE $9,985,500 –
couldn’t this have been bargained down instead of up?

The following is the letter:

We drove past 1011 W Alameda following the meeting this evening. We were
surprised to say the least. This building is not suited to be presented as an
AFM Local 47 building. It does not meet the criteria and class for such a
building representing the musicians of Los Angeles. I could see the likes of 
all the past famous musicians, singers, composers and arrangers rolling
in their graves. This building has no character and even if character were
added to the façade I doubt if a few feet away, sharing the 125 parking
spaces in front, Little Ceasars Pizza, a Japanese restaurant and a Subway
add any decorum.

The building is listed at $9,985,500.00. Couldn’t our union have bargained?
Even if could obtained it for less monies, it would still be a shame to call this
our union. What is the board thinking of? What is in it for them that they
would stoop so low. This is an embarrassment to all union members.

—————————–

The quote of $130 sq ft to renovate this former CVS pharmacy strip
mall is laughable. We need to see that broken down and in writing
before moving an inch forward on this.

My sense is that the board is looking at this unrealistically, with
over expectations on the sale price, under expectations on the purchase
price (that building is listed at $10m, not “5-8million”) and grossly
underestimated refurbishment costs.

—————————–
“You must stop this sale.  In 10 years there won’t be any more
business but the building will be worth 50 million!”

——————————

The sale of the building, given the disastrously-run state of our
union, makes sense to me. What DOESN’T make sense to me is
the way they’ve gone about it. All done in secret, not allowing
comments, and not giving information other than a sales and
marketing pitch.

They just aren’t trustworthy.

Are they also running their own secret email server in the
basement?

—————————————–

Makes no sense at all.
we can only hope things get better. . .

======================================

IV. RECAP: A LITTLE CLUB 47 HISTORY

It was always a rumor we heard since moving here that if the building were sold the
monies were supposed to be divided up between all the members of club 47, i.e.
members of Local 47.

In truth, according to our sources at the local, that is only true if the Local itself
is dissolved, not if the building is sold.

1972 CLUB 47 BYLAWS

Here is everything that is mentioned in the 1972 bylaws of Club 47 concerning
liquidation of Club Property:

—–

ARTICLE XI – DISSOLUTION

Section 1
This corporation cannot be dissolved as long as it has sixteen (16) members
or more, and then only by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of existing members.

Section 2
In case of Dissolution, any property or funds of this corporation (Club 47)
shall be given unconditionally to the Musicians’ Union, Local 47, American Federation
of Musicians, of Los Angeles, California.

—–

We do not know if the bylaws were adjusted between 1972 and 1992, but there are many
more details in the Bylaws amended in 1992.

According to our sources, the bylaws were amended in 1992 because of a conflict
between the bylaws and Franchise Tax Board rules.

—–

1992 CLUB 47 BYLAWS

ARTICLE IV

SECTION 2: Subject to Section 1, of Article IV, above, only the membership of this
corporation (Club 47) shall have the authority to authorize or approve the sale,
transfer or hypothecation of that real property, located at 817 North Vine St.,
Hollywood, California (Hereinafter “the property”), to which the Musician’s Club
currently holds title. Such authorization shall be obtained or granted only through
a mail referendum vote in which all members in good standing of the corporation
shall be entitled to vote.

Provided, however, that any such referendum to authorize the sale, transfer or
hypothecation of the property shall only be effective and binding upon the Corporation
should (1) 50% + 1 of the members on good standing of this corporation vote and (2)
of those 50% + 1 voting, a majority thereof vote in favor of approving, authorizing
or affirming any such proposed sale, transfer or hypothecation of the real property.

Provided, further, that only the Board of Directors of the Corporation, upon a duly
adopted resolution, may call for any such referendum through which the members
of this Corporation will be requested to approve and/or authorize the sale, transfer
or hypothecation o the real property.

Provided, further that notwithstanding Article XIV, Section 1, this Article IV, Section 2,
may only be amended if (1) 50% + 1 of the members in this Corporation cast a ballot
on the question of amending this Article IV, Section 2, and ; (2) of those 50% + 1
members who cast a ballot, a majority thereof vote to amend this Article IV, Section 2.

—–

That is the sum and total of the verbiage concerning the sale of the property in
the Club 47 bylaws, amended in 1992.

—–

Whatever comment you send to us, please make sure you send it to the Overture as
well, and specifically demand it’s printing in the next edition.

We deserve a much more far reaching and balanced discussion before our building goes
up for sale.

THE COMMITTEE

=========================================

(more…)

Oh what a meeting!…. 10/5/15 LOCAL 47 MEETING REPORT

Tuesday, October 6th, 2015

UNION MEETING 9/5/15

Oh What an Interesting Meeeeeeeting…

Before the meeting, in discussion with a couple of Local 47 members,
one told us: You watch, they’re going to try to call this a “Club 47”
meeting and not a “Local 47” meeting”.

“Why?” we asked. The words “Club 47” didn’t appear on the post card
that was sent nor the four page special “Overture” (Official Publication
of Local 47), though references to Local 47 were blatant and prominent.

The only use of the words “Club 47” were on the inside cover of the
printed Overture, where few would see it,… and the electronic version
of the Overture (With the only direct reference to “Club 47”) came out
just YESTERDAY, one day before the meeting.
As Comedian Billy Connelly would say, “How Convenient!”
Yep, they knew exactly what they were doing.

“In any case, what difference does it make?” we said.

“A big difference”, he explained, “Because, the members have far
fewer rights to speak at a Club 47 meeting. The board controls it
completely, and you cannot make motions”. “Just wait, he said.”

Boy was he right. The first words out of the President’s mouth after
the pledge, once the meeting was called to order, were that it was a
“CLUB 47” meeting. They hadn’t even got out of the introductory
remarks and a bait and switch was pulled to shut down the membership
participation by way of motions. The chairman was called on it by a
member bigtime, but it made no difference, they simply ignored him.
Everyone there, however, took note of the willful deception. It would
not be the last of the evening.

In fact, the membership had been disenfranchised by the action, to
keep participation to a minimum in some ways. And certainly not
the best way to get the membership to trust an already very murky
subject.

Below you will find a synopsis of the meeting with the more
important comments framed by “**”

——————————

Meeting called by President Acosta at 7:31.
Pledge recited.

Roll call taken.

The Chairman tried to introduce the meeting s a “club” meeting,
which would limit the members participation.

Member: “It is not a meeting of the club, nothing about club
47 was on any of the mailings”. Members at Club meetings
have far fewer rights than at a Local meeting.
“Yes is was”, said the President.

Counsel says the same right for members in either type of meeting.
Meeting will proceed with Robert’s rules.

EXPLAINING THE VOTING
•Board Member- All members in good standing are eligible.
Inactive life members cannot vote nor can suspended members•

Local has rented PO Box to accept ballots, board member will
pick up ballots from the box.

*Need over 3200 ballots to have a legit vote. Need 50% plus 1 for
the vote to be legitimate, of that 50% Plus 1, 50% plus one must vote
to sell.*

Ballots will have bar code to verify identity. Locked box will be
kept in a locked cabinet in the Secretary’s Office.

On a weekly basis election board will gather and store ballots
without being opened.

If 50% of ballots are not reached the ballots will not be opened.
The Local cannot decide to change the bylaws to 50% plus one of
those who vote. It is federal law.

•Election Board will be counting ballots, not an outside company.•
There can be witnesses to the counting. Anyone who wants to
observe can. Counsel requests requesting to observe.

Member: All members of Local 47 are members of the club. Club
owns the real estate. Is there conflict of interest in officers sitting
on both boards?

Answer: Club has been set up so the board mirrors both organizations.
It’s always been that way.

Theory is if the Local is sued, the building is protected by the Club’s
ownership of the building. Also, AFM cannot take the Local.

How does the membership benefit from the sale? Member benefit by the
new building being bought and the use of it by members.

Member: When will the ballots be back in?
Answer: hopefully middle of December.

Member: How did you arrive at the decision to sell the building?
Who is the realtor, etc.
Asked to wait till after the president’s presentation.
[EC: Realtor is Hilton and Hyland]

•Member: Local has not set up a specific cut off date for the voting.
The board could wait till they DO have enough, since they will not
CLOSE the voting. Will keep it open till they get the votes.

Member: Create cutoff date. (EC: This sentiment was repeated several
times throughout the night, but since no motions could be made, it
could not be fixed. How convenient.)*

PRESENTATION BY PRESIDENT
1950 – 14,000 members, 52 Employees
2015 – 7,000 members, 22 Employees

In the 50’s the whole building was used
Now less than 50%, of the building is rented.

$ 761,000 deficit in 2014, though Local is in the black now.

2015 – Voluntary wage freeze for the Officers, cut salaries and expenses.

Building looks crappy – $80,000 to spruce it up.
Electrical is at capacity using $50,000
Roof needs to be replaced – $200,000 needed.
Elevator would cost $200,000.

Reserves are low, less than 1mil in bank.
One major lawsuit can break us.

Shows rendering of new building

WHY BURBANK?
Concentration around 134 Freeway, majority of members are in that area.
Increased services
Rewards program
Sound treated rooms.
Credit union on 1st floor
ADA Compliant (Handicap accessible)
Modern office space.
State of the Art Recording Studio
Ecofriendly Construction
Location near studios and sister unions.

130 parking spaces.

WHAT WILL BE DONE WITH THE MONEY?
Money goes into bank account.
24 million sale price
5-8 million to buy new building
3 to renovate the building
Leaving
11 million in bank
Currently the local has $975, 806.

After sale $11,975.806

From $186,366 to $891.790 annual earnings

QUESTION AND ANSWER
Member: Capitol Gains? Don’t we have to pay that?
Counsel: Not required to pay Cap Gains as long it’s reinvested or put
into another non-profit organization.

Member: What’s the breakdown to the use of the money.
Answer: Trustees would continue to oversee it, but an investment
manager will be brought in.
There’s no plan for where that money can go before we vote…
Once the money is transferred a plan would be created.

TRUSTEE: When you vote you vote for 3 trustees, 6 directors and officers.
History of the investments of this local are CD’s. We’d stagger the dates
of the cd’s. As of now we’re lucky to get 1 percent on those investments.
If we get them money they will invest as wisely as we can.

Talks up the sale.

Member: Sale has to be done. Bid is from a company called 5 points. Realtor
team is at the meeting. Some years ago, Red Studios offered to build new
union building. They were approached again and passed.

Member:
1) Is a big deal. It’s a boat load of money that comes in. I’d prefer to see IN WRITING a prospectus of what will be done. A Legal document
that shows all of our protections against the misuse of this money.
All laid out.

2) Good idea to clean up this election process.

Counsel: Officers of the local are financially responsible for misuse. Prohibited
by Musicians Club; Laws in California; Federal Labor Law; Prosecution by the
DOL if there is misconduct.

Member: Full court press to get the sale. What was the process to get you here?
Been in discussion for years. More acutely in the last year. Board was unanimous
to pursue a sale.

Member: Thanks the board. What is ecofriendly? Lots of the companies are
attached to the utility companies. Much more beneficial to BUY solar panels,
not rent. Other group was in same situation. Arranged with County to have
their forensic accountants to be involved to guarantee transparency. To
watch out for scams.

Member: Loves the idea. But will not vote for it unless we know what the
renovation will cost.

Answer: Cost was estimated to be 3 million dollars, 11million in profit is
after the renovation.

Member: Have any members been asked what they want in the new
rehearsal rooms? Because this place sucks. Need more members.

Member: Question of confidence in the leadership. Not so worried
about corruption, more concerned with cluelessness, follow through
on proposals, project management.

We do not have a great record on oversight. CONVINCE ME!

Member: Elephant in the room, unions way of doing business is not working.
If we sell building, and we have all this money, they’ll be even more
disconnected from the needs of the members. When model stops working,
the proceeds are sold and the profits go to that union. Are we best served
as members through the sale of this building?

Member: Just 12 folks are making these decisions for all the members. Never
came up when I was involved. Local has a history of deficit spending. Taken
in 24 million over 6 years, but spent 26 million. $290,000 last year. Building
brings in enough money to pay our bills. It’ a lot of trust,.. don’t have enough
trust to vote for the sale.

Member: Two issues – Transparency and Trust. Never had a board of
directors entrusted with 11 million dollars. We have to protect that investment
for a worst case scenario.
Transparency: Engage the members. Member must believe.
One meeting doesn’t cut it. have more meetings. We had three on non-union recording.

Member: In favor of sale. There have been many conversations. Everything will
be decided by the membership. [EC: Except the listing of the building last July and the finding of the new building.]

Member: Many things are wrong with the picture. Has been worked on for a couple
of months now (since July). No deadline set. Set a deadline. What’s the hurry?
RESOURCEFULNESS: No one has asked us what we want? No Survey.

Governance should come from the members, not thrown at the members.

Member: Property Tax? What will that be?
Realtor’s team answered – 1.25 percent of purchase price.
Income is 130-135 thousand from 3 surrounding restaurants.
No cap gains taxes.

Member: What is property tax hit on new building? What’s the
hit here? Tenants come and go, cannot count on them being there.
Answer: One of the restaurants has a 10 year lease.

Ballots are coming out too soon, we don’t have the info we need.

Member: At the local in Phoenix, money problems, partnered with
ballet company and created a Bingo night. Indian gaming came in the
whole thing left the bingo game high and dry,..
Local was looking at insolvency.

We need to explore. Not just look to a pot of money.

Member: Verify salary freeze – YES, Officer’s salaries are frozen.
Members were not told that the building was being listed, nor that
A building search was already happening.

The mailing, the board paid $5,000 of our dues money to a pr firm to
design, And an additional 5-6 thousand to mail, had no balance at all.
Was a total sales pitch. The Overture that came out today didn’t have
ANY letters to the editor, Nothing from the members on the sale.

Said there should be a Motion to have voting cut off date of March 1st,
2016. According to the Secretary, they’d not received any comments
from members about the sale.

Member: In the budget are you including – realtor fee? It comes off the
24 million. Budget: Cannot estimate till the members say what they want.

OFFICER: Realtor has schooled the board on the cost of a renovation.
* Address of proposed new building – 1011 Alameda in Burbank*

A block away from Team music. Insistent on having totally union labor.
$120 per square foot to renovate, building is over 30,000. One-story building.
Can make it what we want. Surrounding ourselves with the best team out there.
Go by and check it out! Parking is 50 spots for employees, 120 in the front.
AAA and School will provide extra spaces on the weekend.

The realtor is a member of Local 47 member. Him being a musician is an asset.

Realtor donating back $100,000 of their fee. $50,000 to the relief fund and $50,000 to music performance trust fund.

Member: We don’t know enough. One information meeting is not enough. It’s just not enough. We live by feelings, we can’t live that way about real estate.

One property suggestion? Really? Need more. Ballot should be delayed by 60
days while we find out where the skeletons are buried.

Member: Who gets the commission, and is that a conflict of interest?
The procedure is tying the membership’s hands.

•Member: “What’s the sense of the room?. Of the folks who are here who wants a delay?” President won’t let a vote take place.

The president is eventually forced to allow a show of hands.
Vast majority of those in attendance support a delay in the referendum (Over 95%)*

Member: Thought it would be a debate,.. not a one sided presentation.
Want to hear both sides.

Member: 4 or 5 bids, highest of which one is 24 millions.
The PROJECTION is not accurate. We’re being asked to vote on a projection.
I see a lack of trust, didn’t give enough info, not allowing motions, only a show
of hands.

Want to know about rehearsal rooms. Get the info out and you might build
more trust.

Do not have an open-ended ballot, need a cut off date.
If we weren’t hurting, would we be asking to sell?
Officer: Absolutely. We’ve done our due diligence.

Member: Have you gotten a 2nd opinion?
Answer: We had four different real estate firms.
You still need to get more options.

Member: Is there an expiration date on the 24 mil offer?
Answer: No.
Was hoping presentation had more info, pictures of the neighborhood, SOMETHING. Should have had the meeting 6 months ago.

Member: I’m a realtor. Can understand this confusion. I’ve sold commercial, cathedrals.
1) Interest rates go up, sellers market will dry up.
2) Realtor has a good reputation
3) In my opinion, if you can sell for 24 mil, and buy for 10 and renovate for 3 million, move ahead now.
4) All these people are honorable.

•Member: Have total respect for all involved, but also lots of concerns. You’ve
spent months working on this when you SHOULD be working to improve our
work situation. Also, the contractor who did the auditorium rehab was non-
union. Why are we consulting the same company that used non-union on the auditorium?•
Answer: All companies give both union and non-union quotes.
Zip codes were used to chose a location? But how many of them are active musicians?
Need to do more research on locations.

Member: Am worried about the recording studio. WHY MAKE A STUDIO? $250,000 – $500,000 for board and nothing else…. Need more info and hard numbers.

Board Member: Whole board was put in by your votes. Everything is coming into place, time is now is valid. The Burbank building is our little gold mine. Prices for renovation could escalate. Send your proposals to the board. Timing is everything, and this is the time. The moment is valid.

Board Member: You elected us,… go forward. Four sets of realtors, talked to attorneys.
You want a budget… but we’ll present more at the next meeting. If you think starting voting 5 days is to soon, you might be right. Go ahead and let’s do it.

Member: In my retirement I had to look at a middle set of numbers, low sets of numbers and high sets of numbers. We need more and more info if you want an informed opinion.

Member: If there was not a height restriction here it could sell for far more.

Member: Musicians Club is in the black, can you separate it out.
Answer: Yes.
Club borrowed $584,000 from the Local for Rehearsal Rooms
and auditorium. How can you say we’re fine with a 584 thousand unsecured
loan on the books?
We need outside agency to do the counting.

Officer: 50-100,000 a year goes back to Local to pay back the loan.

Board Member: Have before us a unique opportunity. It’s about the relationship
of our musicians, finding new opportunities. Been a lot of effort and thought
put into trying to move this forward. It’s hard to see 14,000 members in 1950
but only 7,000 now.

We should have a building we have pride in. There are 1000’s of members that
are not here.

*Lease back option?: Realtor: We were told what you wanted to ask the buyers
to have a free lease back option for six months to give us time to renovate the
new building. If longer than 6 months, a small rent of $50,000 per month will
be asked for. There is a real estate attorney involved.•

Member: Don’t want an open ended ballot. Set a deadline 4 months. Count the
ballots, if they have the numbers have the vote. If not give it up.

Member: Deadline should be 4 to 6 months.

Member: Should set deadline to March 1st, 2016

Member: We need to get comfortable with the idea of leaving and selling.

Adjourned at 9:57

WHAT’S THE DEAL? / BUILDING COMMENTS / FMA LETTER / CLUB 47 HISTORY RECAP / EVENTS

Sunday, October 4th, 2015

WE’RE BACK! SPECIAL COMMENT – share with all members
I. WHAT’S THE DEAL – BUILDING ALREADY LISTED!
II. MORE MEMBER COMMENTARIES – BUILDING SALE
III. LETTER SENT FROM THE FMA
IV. RECAP: A LITTLE CLUB 47 HISTORY
V. EVENTS

…Absolutely guaranteed anonymity – Former Musician’s Union officer
…The one voice of reason in a sea of insanity – Nashville ‘first call’
scoring musician
…Allows us to speak our minds without fear of reprisal – L.A. Symphonic musician
…Reporting issues the Musicians Union doesn’t dare to mention – National touring musician

Name Withheld

==================================

SPECIAL COMMENT FROM THE COMMITTEE:

It seems the COMMITTEE haters have been working overtime, A few someones’
didn’t seem to want negative comments about the possible sale of the Local
47 building to get out to the membership. In the past 3 weeks there
has been a flurry of complaints trying to get the COMMITTEE site shut down, and
for a short while they succeeded, which is why the mailing is late. Mailings will return
in the next couple of days.

These recent actions, unfortunately make us even more suspicious of the building
sale attempt. Why does the Local, or someone at the Local, seem to want to
keep any negative comments from the membership? Who stands to make the
windfall here?

For those who don’t want to find out what the membership really thinks or wants
to stay ignorant of what’s going on, there’s a remove button on every mailing we
send. Please use it if that is the case, but don’t stay on the list then send complaints
trying to get it shut down and keep information from the membership. That is
simply pathetic and as intellectually dishonest as it gets.

Please be there for the meeting on October 5th. Make sure the Local hears your voice.

===================================

I. WHAT’S THE DEAL?

Some days after it came to light that members knew of the listing, the main listing
of the Local 47 building being for sale was removed from the web, but a smaller
version of the listing is still available.

Also, note that it was listed in July! How could they do that without permission
from the membership?

Rather presumptuous.

Page 1: The date Listed is 07/07/15.  The address is 823 Vine Street.  Photo
of the building. Price upon request.
Page 2: APN Numbers

823 Vine 5533-030-026
817 Vine 5533030-022
830 Lillian Way 5533-030-007
812 Lillian Way 5533-030-010

Find the listing here (as of Sunday night, October 4th at 10:12 PM):
http://hyland301.rssing.com/chan-50425563/all_p1.html

————————————–

II. MORE BUILDING SALE COMMENTS

The Committee’s take on the proposed building sale I find to be
spot on. One should be dubious of any idea that has no specifics
and no research. My recommendation is to follow the money.
That will tell you the real reason for selling the property.

————————————–

Whitewash

Our union administration is putting the hard sell on getting rid of
our home for many years.

I’m not buying it.

Is the union administration really giving a fair hearing to the pluses
and minuses of this money grab ?

It’s all “our future” … in a trailer park.

What happened to the idea of putting up a parking structure and
renting it to the nearby studios that so want that space for parking.

Once we lose this centrally located area in the heart of Hollywood
it’s gone for good.

Burbank is just not centrally located.

Because of their antagonistic attitude towards our employers,
composers and agents, the work dues have dried up to the point
where they need to buy themselves a few more years for their
failed tactics. What happens after that ? What can we sell next ?

Several meetings ago our current rehearsal rooms were described
as state-of-the-art.

I suppose if you like rehearsing in a non-sound proofed trailer park
that might seem the case. Go take a look for yourself. Is that what
we have to look forward to while a few pocket the monies in this
transaction.

Our union leaders need to take a hard look at why we’re in this
situation and correct it and not buy us out of the situation that
they’ve gotten them into.

Transparency is not exactly our union’s strong suit.

This sale is going to fill the pockets of a few people, by the way
who is the realtor that’s handling this deal and are they handling
both the sale and the buying of the other property ?

Who gets the contract to bring in the portable house trailers
and smear some stucco on them so it appears like we have a building.

Don’t let the current administration continue it’s RMA led money
loosing policies by buying them a few more years and selling our
history in the process.

Will the rank-and-file have to pay for a room (trailer) for the RMA,
a group that does not represent the majority of us.

Sorry, I’m just not buying it.

You can see all comments on this post here:

WE’RE BACK! / THE DEAL / BUILDING / CLUB 47 / ANALYSIS / COMMENTS / EVENTS

[EC: JUST FYI, The Local is not in debt, They reportedly have
about $900,000 in the bank at this time.

Also, the 18 Million Dollar appraisal was gotten in 2008,
7 years ago, so it’s probably far more now.]

————————————————

I have heard that legally the members of Local 47 do not own the building
in Hollywood, so who does? And back when it was purchased, did members 
funds pay for it? Does anyone know who is listed as owner on the title deed
to the Local 47 building? If we don’t collectively own it, why are we voting to
determine whether it should be sold or not if we don’t legally have the
power to decide that?

[EC: These are all excellent questions for Monday night.

From what we know, the building is owned by Club 47, of which we are all
members. The club was created, for among other reasons, to keep the AFM
from taking the building should they want to take over the Local. We sense
an RMA role in that.

We too want to know who’s name is on the title.]

==========================================

III. LETTER SENT TO FMA MEMBERS

Dear Local #47 Members and FMA:
 
Subject: You decide: WHAT HAPPENS TO THE PROFIT FROM THE SALE
OF OUR LOCAL #47 BUILDING?!

Please read!! Be informed!!
 
As you most likely know, our Officers are holding a “Special Meeting”
to discuss:
“Selling our Local #47 property,” on this coming
Monday, Oct 5, 2015
6:30PM
Local #47 Auditorium

We are calling on ALL LOCAL #47 MEMBERS TO PLEASE ATTEND,
and BRING WITH YOU THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:

1) Your signed Local #47 Membership application, no matter how old it is!!
Please look back thru your files and dig it out
2) Your accompanying signed Membership in “The Musicians Club,”
Which you also signed the “day of joining” Local #47.
 
Why:
-The “Musicians Club” was a legal instrument created in 1972, To prevent
the AFM Federation office from taking over our Local #47 offices.

Details:
This was during a turbulent time. Sadly, our then-sitting #47 President
was accused of illegally skimming monies from the Health & Welfare
fund for other uses. (a Federal offense.).
-“Certain Local #47 members” ascertained that the AFM could have
legally taken ownership of our Local #47 building.
-To prevent this, the “Musicians Club” was created.

THE MUSICIANS CLUB:
-Each “Musicians Club” member is also a Member of Local #47
-Each “Musicians Club” member is a “Co-Owner” of the property.
-Now, 40 years later, this “Musicians Club” legal document has
“Serious legal repercussions”
-regarding JOINT OWNERSHIP IN THE PROFITS FROM SALE OF OUR BUILDING!

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
-The original intent of the “Musicians Club” was to prevent the AFM
from taking over our building.
-However, in 1992, some of those same “Certain Local #47 members”
began to plan to sell the building.
-They realized that each “Member in good standing” of Local #47 stood
to share EQUALLY the profits.
-These “Certain members” arbitrarily CHANGED THE TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP
in the “Musicians Club.”
-Legally, each Member in good standing is a Co-owner of the property.
Legally, according to Real Estate Law, whenever terms of ownership are
changed, those desiring to make that change MUST NOTIFY ALL CO-
OWNERS in writing, and –

1) Be able to prove notification to all Co-owners, (usually by signed
CERTIFIED LETTER;)
2) Be able to prove that all Co-owners were given an opportunity to
vote as to how ownership was to be changed.
3) Provide the results IN WRITING of the change.
 
However, in the case of the Local #47 building:

1) The only “Notice” given to the Co-owners was a 1992 document,
AFTER THE FACT, stating the “arbitrary changes,” and sent by regular
US Mail.
2) THIS WAS ILLEGAL UNDER REAL ESTATE LAW!
3) Fellow members, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT OUR BUILDING REAL ESTATE.

Please do the following:

1) If at all possible, come early to this meeting,
2. Hopefully armed with your “Musicians Club” document!
3. If you are a licensed Real Estate Attorney, please come
prepared to speak during Member comments:
-State the law as applying to this circumstance!
-Be aware that “Certain members” will attempt to prevent
any comment, “end discussion,” and “jump to a vote!”

Announcements are innocently stating that discussion will include:
-Selling our building
-“Reinvesting” some of the sale monies in a new building, and using
the balance for “Providing for future expenses”

While this is a worthy discussion,
-We must insist on FULL DISCLOSURE of our legal options under Real
Estate Law!
-Not simply allow the “Certain members” to dictate the outcome.
 
Please be there!
Please speak up!
 
Regards,
Lisa Haley
President,
Freelance Musicians Assn

[EC: A couple of small points:
1) We have been told repeatedly that
there will be NO VOTES taken at the meeting.
2) Unless they’ve pulled a fast one (or a curve), ALL
members in good standing, outside of inactive life
members and suspended members, are eligible
to vote in the referendum.]

 
======================================

IV. RECAP: A LITTLE CLUB 47 HISTORY

It was always a rumor we heard since moving here that if the building were sold the
monies were supposed to be divided up between all the members of club 47, i.e.
members of Local 47.

In truth, according to our sources at the local, that is only true if the Local itself
is dissolved, not if the building is sold.

1972 CLUB 47 BYLAWS

Here is everything that is mentioned in the 1972 bylaws of Club 47 concerning
liquidation of Club Property:

—–

ARTICLE XI – DISSOLUTION

Section 1
This corporation cannot be dissolved as long as it has sixteen (16) members
or more, and then only by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of existing members.

Section 2
In case of Dissolution, any property or funds of this corporation (Club 47)
shall be given unconditionally to the Musicians’ Union, Local 47, American Federation
of Musicians, of Los Angeles, California.

—–

We do not know if the bylaws were adjusted between 1972 and 1992, but there are many
more details in the Bylaws amended in 1992.

According to our sources, the bylaws were amended in 1992 because of a conflict
between the bylaws and Franchise Tax Board rules.

—–

1992 CLUB 47 BYLAWS

ARTICLE IV

SECTION 2: Subject to Section 1, of Article IV, above, only the membership of this
corporation (Club 47) shall have the authority to authorize or approve the sale,
transfer or hypothecation of that real property, located at 817 North Vine St.,
Hollywood, California (Hereinafter “the property”), to which the Musician’s Club
currently holds title. Such authorization shall be obtained or granted only through
a mail referendum vote in which all members in good standing of the corporation
shall be entitled to vote.

Provided, however, that any such referendum to authorize the sale, transfer or
hypothecation of the property shall only be effective and binding upon the Corporation
should (1) 50% + 1 of the members on good standing of this corporation vote and (2)
of those 50% + 1 voting, a majority thereof vote in favor of approving, authorizing
or affirming any such proposed sale, transfer or hypothecation of the real property.

Provided, further, that only the Board of Directors of the Corporation, upon a duly
adopted resolution, may call for any such referendum through which the members
of this Corporation will be requested to approve and/or authorize the sale, transfer
or hypothecation o the real property.

Provided, further that notwithstanding Article XIV, Section 1, this Article IV, Section 2,
may only be amended if (1) 50% + 1 of the members in this Corporation cast a ballot
on the question of amending this Article IV, Section 2, and ; (2) of those 50% + 1
members who cast a ballot, a majority thereof vote to amend this Article IV, Section 2.

—–

That is the sum and total of the verbiage concerning the sale of the property in
the Club 47 bylaws, amended in 1992.

—–

We want to know more.
1) Who is the realtor for the Local?
2) Are they affiliated with the Local in any way shape or form? (They shouldn’t be.)
If the building sells for 18 million the realtor stands to make between 2% and 2.5% of the
sales price ($320,000 to 410,000 dollars) or even more if the percent has to be split
between two realtors.
3) Shouldn’t an independent arbiter tally the membership votes on this matter?
4) What specifically will the general membership get out of the sale?… and the huge profit
to be enjoyed by the local? (Free rehearsal rooms?; Free dues for members for some length
of time?)

What questions do you have? Are you pro or con.

Whatever comment you send to us, please make sure you send it to the Overture as
well, and specifically demand it’s printing in the next edition.

We deserve a much more far reaching and balanced discussion before our building goes
up for sale.

The recent attempt to shut down the committee mailings speaks volumes about agendas.

THE COMMITTEE

=========================================

VI. EVENTS

DEAN AND RICHARD

DEAN AND RICHARD are now playing every third Friday
at Culver City Elks 7:30pm-10;30pm,
11160 Washington Pl.
Culver City, 90232
310-839-8891

————————————-

LA WINDS JAZZ KATS 584

NO COVER, NO MINIMUM.
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at Viva Cantina
7:30-10:00.
900 Riverside Drive, Burbank.

Free parking across the street at Pickwick Bowl.
Come hear your favorite charts played the way they
should be.

We are in the back room called the Trailside Room.

Come on down. Guaranteed to swing.

9/29/15
September 30
TBA

The “Corbin Lounge”
19616 Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana

Free Admission/ONE Drink Minimum
Persons under 21 years of age not admitted

—————

11/8/15
LISA HALEY AND THE ZYDECATS
SUN 11.8.15 LAKE ARROWHEAD, CA – 2PM
AMERICANA VETERANS FESTIVAL at Lake Arrowhead Village

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

MORE UPCOMING SHOWS
NOVEMBER
HUGE BUNCH more 2015 & 2016 Shows In the Works –
Everywhere! Canada, Europe, and Asia –
Come out and dance!!
CAJUN PROVERB OF THE MONTH: – “Go after what you love in life.
Don’t take no for an answer – just take the next small step!”

================================

You can read all previous offerings at:http://www.responsible47.com
UNTIL NEXT TIME,
THE COMMITTEE FOR A MORE RESPONSIBLE LOCAL 47