WE’RE BACK! SPECIAL COMMENT – share with all members
\nI. WHAT’S THE DEAL – BUILDING ALREADY LISTED!
\nII. MEMBER COMMENTARIES – BUILDING SALE
\nIII. A LITTLE CLUB 47 HISTORY
\nIV. ANSWER TO CRITICAL ANALYSIS
\nV. COMMENTS
\nVI. EVENTS<\/p>\n
…Absolutely guaranteed anonymity – Former Musician’s Union officer
\n…The one voice of reason in a sea of insanity – Nashville ‘first call’
\nscoring musician
\n…Allows us to speak our minds without fear of reprisal – L.A. Symphonic musician
\n…Reporting issues the Musicians Union doesn’t dare to mention – National touring musician<\/p>\n
Name Withheld<\/p>\n
==================================<\/p>\n
SPECIAL COMMENT FROM THE COMMITTEE:<\/p>\n
It seems the COMMITTEE haters have been working overtime, A few someones’
\ndidn’t seem to want negative comments about the possible sale of the Local
\n47 building to get out to the membership. In the past 3 weeks there
\nhas been a flurry of complaints trying to get the COMMITTEE site shut down, and
\nfor a short while they succeeded, which is why the mailing is late. Mailings will return
\nin the next couple of days.<\/p>\n
These recent actions, unfortunately make us even more suspicious of the building
\nsale attempt. Why does the Local, or someone at the Local, seem to want to
\nkeep any negative comments from the membership? Who stands to make the
\nwindfall here?<\/p>\n
For those who don’t want to find out what the membership really thinks or wants
\nto stay ignorant of what’s going on, there’s a remove button on every mailing we
\nsend. Please use it if that is the case, but don’t stay on the list then send complaints
\ntrying to get it shut down and keep information from the membership. That is
\nsimply pathetic and as intellectually dishonest as it gets.<\/p>\n
Please be there for the meeting on October 5th. Make sure the Local hears your voice.<\/p>\n
===================================<\/p>\n
I. WHAT’S THE DEAL?<\/p>\n
We’re supposed to vote, yet the building is already listed?!<\/p>\n
823 Vine St, Hollywood, CA, 90038 | Hilton & Hyland
\nwww.hiltonhyland.com\/real-estate\/823-vine-st-hollywood-ca…\/25346216
\nJul 7, 2015 –\u00a0For\u00a0Sale\u00a0\u00b7 For Lease \u00b7 International Listings \u00b7 Featured Listings \u00b7
\nNew Listings \u00b7 Recently …
\n823\u00a0Vine St, Hollywood, CA 90038 Price on request …
\nHome to the Musicians Club of Los Angeles and AFM\u00a0Local 47,
\nand Ideally located …
\nThe\u00a0property\u00a0occupies 4 separate APN numbers, 1.7 acres of\u00a0land, a 48,496\u00a0…<\/p>\n
Our source at the Local tells us they needed to list the building to get bids.
\nHowever, another source at the local tells us that they get regular offers to
\nbuy the Local every year, from area studios that want to expand.<\/p>\n
What if we vote no? \u00a0Any sale is contingent on the express
\napproval of the Musician’s Club stakeholders.<\/p>\n
We’re also getting reports of employees being told to talk up the sale of
\nthe building, whether they support it or not,… many don’t.<\/p>\n
————————————–<\/p>\n
II. BUILDING SALE COMMENTS<\/p>\n
The pamphlet sent by the President gave his point of view only. The idea
\nof eligibility is absurd. If a member is in good standing he\/she is eligible
\nto vote on this issue. There can only be one reason to demand \u201celigibility\u201d
\nand that is to keep members from voting. The pamphlet gave no details
\nabout how to become eligible indicating that October 1st was the cutoff
\ndate for one to be eligible to vote. There was no information on how to
\nbecome eligible. It said that this information would be available on
\nthe computer on the same day of the cutoff to apply for eligibility.<\/p>\n
What does this mean?<\/p>\n
We paid for the pamphlet which did not include other views. Now, we cannot
\nextend the date of eligibility and voting. The meeting is after this one-day
\nof eligibility. It will be too late for the Union paper to come out (after
\nthe meeting) with different points of view.<\/p>\n
It is a trick. We need more time.<\/p>\n
When an \u201cofficer\u201d was asked if he agreed with selling the building he said,
\n\u201cwe are all behind it.\u201d We are told money will be more than enough to
\ncover moving. This is not clear. How much? Where is the prospectus?
\nWe are being instructed to vote (if eligible) without knowing the circumstances.<\/p>\n
There is no guarantee that there will be money saved. It is just a promise.
\nPoliticians make promises. Will we give our building to a President as a gift?
\nA President and Board that is just passing through – who got less than
\n400 votes. Now they are hoping for a similar complacency from the members.<\/p>\n
The reason to have a large number of members on the Board is to get
\ndifferent ideas and points of view. They all agree with the President.<\/p>\n
Some points to consider:
\n-Vote \u201cno\u201d if an issue is not clear. It is up to the presenter of an issue to
\nmake it clear.
\n-Why would we vote in favor of officers who gave themselves a large raise
\nwhen the scales were not increased? They just took it without deserving it.
\n-Why is the President propagandizing us into selling our building? What is
\nthe price? Where is the prospectus?
\n-Why is the President so ardent to take our building away from us?
\n-The only slim possibility that we can stop the President and his followers
\nfrom taking control of our possession (our building) is to become eligible;
\notherwise he has us in a corner. We have not been informed how to do that.
\n– Keep what you have. It is a good building for our needs and, if kept, will be
\nours long after the President and his followers are forgotten. Perhaps this
\nwill teach us to have several candidates running for office to vote; as well as,
\nto have term limits for the Board members.<\/p>\n
Some additional things to think about:
\n-Why must a member in good standing have to \u201cbecome\u201d eligible to vote
\non keeping or selling his\/her property? Why is this not explained?
\n-Why isn\u2019t time being given to consider and discuss this issue before voting?
\nWhy are we being rushed?<\/p>\n
——————————–<\/p>\n
MORE ON THE BUILDING SALE<\/p>\n
The possible sale of the building is a feeble attempt to sell off our assets in a
\nfailing business model environment – a true sign of a failing business. It’s move
\nto raise capitol by the sale of what isn’t nailed down.<\/p>\n
I say take out an equity loan, put the money into revitalizing local 47 for whatever
\nit needs in the physical sense. In the marketing and business sense, take some
\nof the equity money and hire a team of Harvard MBA grads to be the “face” of our
\nlocal and Federation and have them learn our recording and live contracts and
\nnegotiating business then send them out to get the people on the other side
\nof the table to “like us” in order for them to start hiring us again.<\/p>\n
Also get those MBA folks to figure out what needs to change with our existing
\nrecording contracts in order to entice new clients and past resistant clients
\nto hire us again…but at least get them to get “the other side” to start talking
\nto us again – the answers to runaway recording are complex but not unsolvable…<\/p>\n
I’m sick of seeing LA based composers taking “selfies” in front of the Abbey
\nRoad Studio door step.<\/p>\n
—————————————–<\/p>\n
Why is the election board counting the Votes. If this is going to be counted
\nby hand why do we not have a separate recognized body to administer the
\ncount. This vote is to important for inside counting or go back to old reliable
\nwhich just be unreliable.<\/p>\n
We need a separate intervening body to do the count. We won’t get a second
\nchance.<\/p>\n
So far the union has already decided to sell because there is no mention of
\nan alternative being offered?<\/p>\n
If union minds are made up to sell, have the votes already been counted
\nbefore the election?????<\/p>\n
[EC: Frankly, In our view there are several folks on the election board
\nwho we consider above reproach. We’ve gone back and forth on this, but
\nour feeling is having the election committee count the votes is a safer bet
\nthan an outside company that might not recognize the games our election
\nboard would, and those with integrity on the election board have the back
\nbone to keep the others in line if necessary.]<\/p>\n
==========================================<\/p>\n
III. A LITTLE CLUB 47 HISTORY<\/p>\n
It was always a rumor we heard since moving here that if the building were sold the
\nmonies were supposed to be divided up between all the members of club 47, i.e.
\nmembers of Local 47.<\/p>\n
In truth, according to our sources at the local, that is only true if the Local itself
\nis dissolved, not if the building is sold.<\/p>\n
1972 CLUB 47 BYLAWS<\/p>\n
Here is everything that is mentioned in the 1972 bylaws of Club 47 concerning
\nliquidation of Club Property:<\/p>\n
—–<\/p>\n
ARTICLE XI – DISSOLUTION<\/p>\n
Section 1
\n\tThis corporation cannot be dissolved as long as it has sixteen (16) members
\nor more, and then only by a three-fourths (3\/4) vote of existing members.<\/p>\n
Section 2
\n\tIn case of Dissolution, any property or funds of this corporation (Club 47)
\nshall be given unconditionally to the Musicians’ Union, Local 47, American Federation
\nof Musicians, of Los Angeles, California.<\/p>\n
—–<\/p>\n
We do not know if the bylaws were adjusted between 1972 and 1992, but there are many
\nmore details in the Bylaws amended in 1992.<\/p>\n
According to our sources, the bylaws were amended in 1992 because of a conflict
\nbetween the bylaws and Franchise Tax Board rules.<\/p>\n
—–<\/p>\n
1992 CLUB 47 BYLAWS<\/p>\n
ARTICLE IV<\/p>\n
SECTION 2: Subject to Section 1, of Article IV, above, only the membership of this
\ncorporation (Club 47) shall have the authority to authorize or approve the sale,
\ntransfer or hypothecation of that real property, located at 817 North Vine St.,
\nHollywood, California (Hereinafter “the property”), to which the Musician’s Club
\ncurrently holds title. Such authorization shall be obtained or granted only through
\na mail referendum vote in which all members in good standing of the corporation
\nshall be entitled to vote.<\/p>\n
Provided, however, that any such referendum to authorize the sale, transfer or
\nhypothecation of the property shall only be effective and binding upon the Corporation
\nshould (1) 50% + 1 of the members on good standing of this corporation vote and (2)
\nof those 50% + 1 voting, a majority thereof vote in favor of approving, authorizing
\nor affirming any such proposed sale, transfer or hypothecation of the real property.<\/p>\n
Provided, further, that only the Board of Directors of the Corporation, upon a duly
\nadopted resolution, may call for any such referendum through which the members
\nof this Corporation will be requested to approve and\/or authorize the sale, transfer
\nor hypothecation o the real property.<\/p>\n
Provided, further that notwithstanding Article XIV, Section 1, this Article IV, Section 2,
\nmay only be amended if (1) 50% + 1 of the members in this Corporation cast a ballot
\non the question of amending this Article IV, Section 2, and ; (2) of those 50% + 1
\nmembers who cast a ballot, a majority thereof vote to amend this Article IV, Section 2.<\/p>\n
—–<\/p>\n
That is the sum and total of the verbiage concerning the sale of the property in
\nthe Club 47 bylaws, amended in 1992.<\/p>\n
—–<\/p>\n
THE COMMITTEE’S TAKE<\/p>\n
We find it disturbing and rather intellectually dishonest that the local put out basically
\na RA-RA let’s sell mailing to every member without including dissenting voices.
\nThese voices should have been included or at least printed in the next overture.<\/p>\n
And now we find out it’s already listed for sale?<\/p>\n
As you can read from these pages, there are many members not happy with this
\nsituation, but these will only be seen by those who are online.<\/p>\n
To us there are far too many unanswered questions;
\nThe basic info we’ve gotten is this:
\n1) They expect to sell the property for Approx. 18 million
\n2) Some 8 or 9 million will be used to buy new facilities
\n3) That will leave Local 47 solvent for the foreseeable future.<\/p>\n
We want to know more however.
\n1) Who is the realtor for the Local?
\n2) Are they affiliated with the Local in any way shape or form? (They shouldn’t be.)
\nIf the building sells for 18 million the realtor stands to make between 2% and 2.5% of the
\nsales price ($320,000 to 410,000 dollars) or even more if the percent has to be split
\nbetween two realtors.
\n3) Shouldn’t an independent arbiter tally the membership votes on this matter?
\n4) What specifically will the general membership get out of the sale?… and the huge profit
\nto be enjoyed by the local? (Free rehearsal rooms?; Free dues for members for some length
\nof time?)
\n5) Can the sale of our building be tied to either a reduction in the officers’ salary or
\nprevention of automatic salary increased until or unless the fortunes of the Rank and
\nFile members appreciably improve? Certainly, NO OTHER EMPLOYEES should be laid off
\nunless and until Officer’s salaries have been reduced.<\/p>\n
What questions do you have? Are you pro or con.<\/p>\n
Whatever comment you send to us, please make sure you send it to the Overture as
\nwell, and specifically demand it’s printing in the next edition.<\/p>\n
We deserve a much more far reaching and balanced discussion before our building goes
\nup for sale.<\/p>\n
The recent attempt to shut down the committee mailings speaks volumes about agendas.<\/p>\n
THE COMMITTEE<\/p>\n
=====================================<\/p>\n
IV. ANSWER TO CRITICAL ANALYSIS<\/p>\n
Response to: Critical Analysis <\/p>\n
Assumptions and unsupported Facts: Yada, Yada, Yada….
\nThe only one who needs to receive facts is the State’s Attorney.<\/p>\n
Many musicians made changes for the better others aim was for
\ntheir own personal financial gains that embodied self absorbed
\ndiluted personalities. They were the ones who chose to stand
\nin the way of professional musicians using the union’s elected
\nofficials authority to cut down musicians while employing the
\nunion to hide behind there deeds.<\/p>\n
This is not apathy. What you have chosen to grandstand shows
\na great degree of naivet\u00e9 of Democracy and the Federal Government
\nand it’s ineffectiveness in the L47 confine. <\/p>\n
Many of the Presidents behaved to suit a relative few misaligning
\nDemocracy from within 47 making sure to keep others out. Just
\nfollowing orders.<\/p>\n
If you really believe the union represents all professional musicians
\nand that Democracy has been administered then a rude awakening
\nawaits to the realities of how L47 has operated for at least the last
\nthirty years. Lets call it deceit and deception.<\/p>\n
Could all this Democracy be a culmination of reasons why they are
\nnow forced to sell the building???? Lets see how this one plays out.
\nEveryone will be watching. Lets see how far people will attempt to
\ngo to bend and misalign your Democracy.<\/p>\n
Name Withheld<\/p>\n
============================<\/p>\n
V. COMMENTS<\/p>\n
“In so many societies the elite made decisions that were good for
\nthemselves in the short run and ruined themselves and the societies
\nin the long run.”<\/p>\n
Sound familiar?<\/p>\n
=========================================
\n<\/p>\n
VI. EVENTS<\/p>\n
DEAN AND RICHARD<\/p>\n
DEAN AND RICHARD are now playing every third Friday
\nat Culver City Elks 7:30pm-10;30pm,
\n11160 Washington Pl.
\nCulver City, 90232
\n310-839-8891<\/p>\n
————————————-<\/p>\n
LA WINDS JAZZ KATS 584<\/p>\n
NO COVER, NO MINIMUM.
\nEvery 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at Viva Cantina
\n7:30-10:00.
\n900 Riverside Drive, Burbank.<\/p>\n
Free parking across the street at Pickwick Bowl.
\nCome hear your favorite charts played the way they
\nshould be. <\/p>\n
We are in the back room called the Trailside Room. <\/p>\n
Come on down. Guaranteed to swing.<\/p>\n
9\/29\/15
\nSeptember 30
\nTBA<\/p>\n
The “Corbin Lounge”
\n19616 Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana<\/p>\n
Free Admission\/ONE Drink Minimum
\nPersons under 21 years of age not admitted<\/p>\n
11\/8\/15
\nLISA HALEY AND THE ZYDECATS
\nSUN 11.8.15 LAKE ARROWHEAD, CA – 2PM
\nAMERICANA VETERANS FESTIVAL at Lake Arrowhead Village<\/p>\n
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/p>\n
MORE UPCOMING SHOWS
\nSEPTEMBER
\nNOVEMBER
\nHUGE BUNCH more 2015 & 2016 Shows In the Works – Everywhere!Canada, Europe, and Asia –
\nCome out and dance!!
\nCAJUN PROVERB OF THE MONTH: – “Go after what you love in life.
\nDon’t take no for an answer – just take the next small step!”<\/p>\n
================================<\/p>\n
You can read all previous offerings at:http:\/\/www.responsible47.com
\nUNTIL NEXT TIME,
\nTHE COMMITTEE FOR A MORE RESPONSIBLE LOCAL 47<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
WE’RE BACK! SPECIAL COMMENT – share with all members I. WHAT’S THE DEAL – BUILDING ALREADY LISTED! II. MEMBER COMMENTARIES – BUILDING SALE III. A LITTLE CLUB 47 HISTORY IV. ANSWER TO CRITICAL ANALYSIS V. COMMENTS VI. EVENTS …Absolutely guaranteed anonymity – Former Musician’s Union officer …The one voice of reason in a sea of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-125","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-committee-newsletters"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/125","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=125"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/125\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=125"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=125"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=125"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}