I. MEETING REPORT
\nII. BILL PETERSON COMMENTARY
\nIII. COMMENTS
\nIV. 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
*** NEXT MEMBERSHIP MEETING IS TOMORROW, JANUARY 25TH ***
\nA resolution requiring a balanced budget will be voted on. Please be
\nthere to make the local be more “RESPONSIBLE”.<\/p>\n
===================================<\/p>\n
I. 1\/25\/16 MEMBERSHIP MEETING REPORT <\/p>\n
LOCAL 47 meeting \u2013 7:30 1\/25\/16
\nQuorum Barely reached.<\/p>\n
HIGHLIGHTS \u2013 or LOWLIGHTS
\n1) Amount spent on \u201cTIME IS NOW\u201d – $50,000
\n(Not including Officer\/Staff time)
\n2) Most important question not answered:
\nIf you get the 50% plus 1, but find that the number of
\nmutilated, blank or otherwise bad ballots bring It below
\n50%, will you still consider the 50% plus 1 reached?
\n3) Number of LOCAL members eligible to vote \u2013 6,059
\n4) Revenues 3,462,589 \u2013 down from last year.
\n5) $276,000 in deficit spending in the typical year.
\n6) When asked if any members had requested the info
\non who has and hasn\u2019t voted, the president answered
\nno, when he knew in fact a member in good standing
\nHAD asked for the info.
\n7) President was asked who he nominated for the
\nfinancial committee.
\nHe named THREE people with a long history in the
\nleadership of the RMA (Past or Present) and these
\nare the only ones President Acosta nominated or
\neven thought to nominate?…
\nPeople from the very group that is the most
\nresponsible for Local 47\u2019s financial plight?<\/p>\n
MEETING DETAILS<\/p>\n
Roll Called<\/p>\n
Reports:
\n2 resolutions for the evening<\/p>\n
PRESIDENT:
\nSays we cannot vote on the (Balanced Budget) resolution
\nbecause there had not been the 21 day notice to inform
\nmembership.<\/p>\n
PRESIDENT: \u201cIf the body wants to vote on it they can.
\nWill be implemented in May, so April meeting could work.\u201d<\/p>\n
PARLIAMENTARIAN: Not up to the body, the 21 day notice
\ncannot be waved, so there\u2019ll be no vote on it tonight.<\/p>\n
CO-WRITER OF RESOLUTION
\nCo-writer of Resolution \u2013 There is 21 day notice to vote
\non a resolution, but also there has to be 15 days notice
\nof any meeting, which didn\u2019t come out in time. If we
\ncannot vote on the resolution, we cannot have a meeting.
\n[EC: Was also told later that the local never called them
\nto tell them the resolution would not be voted on.]<\/p>\n
50 Year pin presented<\/p>\n
PARLIAMENTARIAN: says there is NO notice requirement
\nfor club meeting.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: You\u2019re wrong. Section 5 article 1, does require
\nnotice. If we transact business it can be challenged, the
\nissue must be resolved.<\/p>\n
Article. 5 section 4 under secretary duties, yep,.. the
\nnotice is there.<\/p>\n
Parliamentarian was wrong and correctly by member.<\/p>\n
Point of info: Where is it in the bylaws that the day
\nthe overture is brought to the post office is the
\ndate that counts, rather than when the members get it.<\/p>\n
COUNSEL \u2013 says when it\u2019s mailed is the date.
\nMember tries to speak and
\nPRESIDENT tries to limit debate by calling for a
\nlimit on debate, is stopped by member because
\nmember has the floor.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: Perhaps have the officer reports given,
\nthen go to Club meeting. If it is the choice of the
\nofficers to postpose the resolution the writers
\nwill not object at this point but reserve the
\nright to file complaint later.<\/p>\n
President moves to limit debate, majority vote
\nin the affirmative.<\/p>\n
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
\nLegislative committee chooses to delay report
\nuntil the resolution can be voted on.<\/p>\n
Minutes from special meeting corrected, moves
\nto adopt the minutes.<\/p>\n
Minutes are approved.<\/p>\n
PRESIDENT\u2019S REPORT<\/p>\n
Task force about recording contracts was formed.
\nAfter research, task force recommends to IEB July
\n2015 meeting.
\nResults are on website.
\nSince then met with members of IEB and Video
\nGames companies. Lots of discussion, agreed to
\nkeep talking. Will continue to talk.<\/p>\n
Created Composers Caucus \u2013 Issues that effect
\ncomposers.<\/p>\n
Fi-core, non-union. \u2013 No mass exodus from Local
\noccurred.
\n[EC: Why bother, the union is not going after non-
\nunion recording as long as it\u2019s kept down low,
\nthough the opposite is professed.]<\/p>\n
Lots of nego, 24 collective bargaining agreements
\nsigned. Greek theater will keep covering musicians.<\/p>\n
Gave cudos to employees who helped.<\/p>\n
Additional drop of $100,000 in income.
\nReduced Local\u2019s costs by .5 million dollars
\nIn 2016 we\u2019ll continue the functioning of
\nour Local. <\/p>\n
VP REPORT<\/p>\n
Echoes what John said about employees.
\nInvolved with many negotiations.
\nHave learned: All musicians have a voice, all
\nhave ideas, but main thing we\u2019re still all
\nmusicians and all care about the business
\nand industry.<\/p>\n
Took part in SRLA Nego. in New York. Lots
\nof different ideas. Very tough negotiations.
\nWent with Eric Dawson, who has done it for 8 years.
\nWill be 3rd round here in LA. Hoping to have
\nusable contract for all.<\/p>\n
Went to PBS Negotiations in New York. Attitudes
\nwere more helpful. Round 2 is happening tomorrow.
\nAll have high hopes.<\/p>\n
Attended NAMM Show\u2026 it\u2019s asinine that we have
\nno presence there. Next year we will.
\n(Applause from members)<\/p>\n
Went to writer\u2019s guild awards, will attend the
\n\u201cMade in Hollywood Awards\u201d, for those who
\nmade movies in Hollywood.<\/p>\n
Took building committee to Burbank site.
\nToured the site. Note read from building committee
\nmember about sale. Much of the speech is the
\nsame we\u2019ve heard for months. Nothing new.
\n[EC: almost identical to the FMA Report sent
\nout last week by the blog.]<\/p>\n
Day after special October meeting,.. the day with
\nrain we had a huge leak in the auditorium.<\/p>\n
Attended Gold Golf Classic meeting \u2013 at Mountaingate
\nCountry Club hopefully.<\/p>\n
Dick Nash\u2019s birthday is tomorrow. Please wish
\nhim well for his birthday.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: We don\u2019t need a full elevator. We need
\nsecure parking, new building does not have secured
\nparking.<\/p>\n
VP: There are 50 spaces that are fenced at the new
\nbuilding. Less than full elevator would not be ADA
\ncompliant.<\/p>\n
SECRETARY\u2019S REPORT<\/p>\n
Report on 3rd quarter
\nRevenues 3,462,589 \u2013 down from last year.
\nCosts $3,225,293 \u2013 Reduction of over 500,000
\nLeave us a surplus of $236,596<\/p>\n
Report was cumulative year to date, not just the quarter.<\/p>\n
2016 dues are due<\/p>\n
Monthy Jazz sessions \u2013 1st Saturday of every month
\nare happening. \u201cAll union\u201d internet music station
\ncan be linked from website or download app \u201clive 365\u201d <\/p>\n
We have free notary service for all members 323 993-3159.<\/p>\n
DIRECTOR: About whether it\u2019s a valid meeting\u2026 the Local
\n47 beat was emailed out more than 21 days before, and
\nall meetings have been announced previously.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: Posting something on the website or through
\nemail does not meet the notice requirements.<\/p>\n
MEMBER Was the October Overture sent out on time?
\nMEMBER (Has Oct overture) \u2013 Page 7 \u2013 notice for special
\nmeeting and membership meeting. NO mention of January
\nmeeting. So there was no notice of the January meeting.<\/p>\n
Until bylaws are changed, email or electronic notice
\ndoesn\u2019t count.<\/p>\n
DIRECTOR:
\nMoves that no formal business be conducted during
\nmeeting.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: Let\u2019s not create another problem.
\nMotion rescinded<\/p>\n
MEMBER:
\n-Last year discussed having awards ceremony
\nfor $80,000. That was the cost of replacing the roof!
\n-ADA Compliance \u2013 we are grandfathered in, do NOT
\nneed ADA compliance, though it is often said otherwise.<\/p>\n
NEW BUSINESS:
\nMEMBER:
\n-Troubled by all the inconsistencies of the plan to sell.
\nArea is being gentrified, not going downhill, as was
\nsaid at the previous meeting.
\n-Developer is planning new huge complex near Arclight.
\nIf it\u2019s worth 24 million now, will be worth 30 million
\nin a few years.
\n-Too many inconsistencies. Are being bombarded
\nwith calls, radio appearances\u2026.
\n-I\u2019m insulted by the whole thing.
\n-As former member of election board, we always had
\na PO Box to keep ballots, not kept in the Secretary office.
\n-With all the realtors out there, why is one of ours a
\nmember? If there\u2019s no building chosen yet, why have
\nall these drawings been made. Who\u2019s going to hold
\nthe money? Sounds like we\u2019re just handing over millions
\nto the Officers of the Local.<\/p>\n
PRESIDENT: Wants to form Financial Committee of
\nqualified people. Already met with attorney, If sale
\ngoes through, investments will be put into an
\n\u201cEndowment\u201d so it is kept safe and cannot be spent
\nother than appropriate costs.<\/p>\n
Can\u2019t put deposit on building until the referendum
\nis passed. It will be a long process.<\/p>\n
ELECTION BOARD PERSON:
\n50+1 must vote; then 50 plus 1 must say yes.
\nBallot Process:
\n-Keep track of number of ballots
\n-Have PO box 9399 at Cherokee St. Post Office
\n-Can also bring them in and drop them in locked
\nbox at the guard desk.
\n-Once a week PO box is emptied, but keep track
\nof bar code on envelope so they know who\u2019s voted.
\n-Scan ballot number to see who\u2019s voted and keep
\na list,\u2026 then kept in the Secretary\u2019s office. Election
\nboard has only key. That is where they\u2019re stored.
\n-Phone bank operation to call those who\u2019ve not
\nvoted\u2026 hence multiple calls.
\n-When Feb 2nd comes along \u2013 All ballots will be
\nput in numerical order, will take the later ballot
\nwhen there are two for a member.
\n-Then: once duplicate ballots are removed.
\nElection board will open all the envelopes, move
\nprivacy ballots into another container, then they\u2019ll
\nall be mixed together to protect ID\u2019s. Privacy
\nenvelopes will be opened, votes will be counted twice.<\/p>\n
Then results will be announced.<\/p>\n
Questions:
\nMEMBER: PRES of RMA: RMA made decision not
\nto take a stance on the referendum.
\nDoes anyone outside have access to the list of
\nthose who\u2019ve voted.
\nOnly those directly involved. – 8-10 folks.
\nIssues \u2013 Contractors could get the info to choose
\nwho they hire, Members on Orch committees, are
\nalso at risk,\u2026<\/p>\n
When I was on election board always had an
\noutside co. Why was there no outside company
\nbrought<\/p>\n
PRESIDENT: The executive board decided that.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: Ballot wording is bad.
\nPresident: Yes means yes, no means no. there
\nis no problem.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: No faith in vote. On Nov 3rd \u2013 sitting
\non desk were 75-100 ballots saying return to
\nsender, not locked up. What happened to ballots
\nthat were returned to sender.<\/p>\n
EMPLOYEE: Returned ballots are stored across
\nfrom reception, and are still there.
\nTrying to contact those members.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: People are being called and asked
\nto vote yes,\u2026. Not just to vote, but to vote yes\u2026
\nthat\u2019s not ethical.<\/p>\n
PRESIDENT: That concern has been raised a few times.<\/p>\n
PRESIDENT: Everything we did was vetted legally.
\nSo they CAN lobby members to vote yes. You may
\nnot like it but it\u2019s legal. No precedence for this
\ntype of action from the local.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: I don\u2019t mind being called to get the
\nvote out, it\u2019s that they try to convince you HOW
\nto vote.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: How many ballot have been turned in?
\nSecretary reported 2800.<\/p>\n
Do you count returned to sender ballots as votes?
\nAnswer NO.<\/p>\n
Who has access to the info of who\u2019s voted, to
\nexecutive officers, board members, phone banks folks.
\nAnswer: If there were concerns about confidentiality
\nthat\u2019s where you\u2019d look.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: Number of eligible voters as of cutoff date?
\nSecretary reports: 6,059
\nAccording by election board \u2013 what were the thousands
\nextra ballots about \u2013
\nhow many of the extras were used? Is there tracking
\non those ballots?
\nName must be attached to a number for it to be valid.<\/p>\n
Why were members asked how they voted if it was a
\nsecret ballot?<\/p>\n
PRESIDENT: We wanted an idea of how the vote was going.<\/p>\n
Do you have an up-to-date accounting of expenses
\nfor the \u201cTime is Now Campaign\u201d?
\nSecretary: Approx. $50,000 (fifty-thousand!)<\/p>\n
MEMBER: Wouldn\u2018t this discussion be better in
\nthe club meeting.<\/p>\n
DIRECTOR: Try to understand the position the board
\nhas been in. Hearing a great deal of wanting to know
\nabout ballot process and anger that the board knows
\nwho has voted and who hasn\u2019t. How can you keep
\ntrack of who\u2019s voted. No one\u2019s asked me,\u2026 we were
\nelected. And we have the info.
\n\u2028Can\u2019t have strict accounting without the info.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: Shouldn\u2019t those who are against the sale
\nhave the same amount of funds? The same use of
\nfacilities. If it\u2019s ok for the Local, the members
\nshould have the same access to get their point across.<\/p>\n
About PO Box \u2013 Once the postmark goes on the
\nenvelope, that is when it\u2019s good? Board said when
\nit\u2019s postmarked,\u2026 but not when it arrives.
\n\u2028PARLIAMENTARIAN: Date of notice is when it\u2019s
\npostmarked. Not when it\u2019s received.<\/p>\n
COUNSEL: The Post office decides when it\u2019s
\npostmarked. The organization decides when
\nit has to be received.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: You listed who had access to the
\nvoting info. If you have 50% plus one ballots,
\nbut some are found to be bad, can you still
\nsay you have the 50% plus 1<\/p>\n
QUESTION NOT ANSWERED<\/p>\n
LOCAL MEETING ADJOURNED<\/p>\n
——-<\/p>\n
MEETING MOVE TO CLUB SIDE<\/p>\n
CLUB MEETING<\/p>\n
Member: Typo in resolution. Noted.
\nMinutes approved.<\/p>\n
VOTED TO AMEND THE BYLAWS –
\nLIMITING PRESIDENT\u2019S POWER IN NATURAL EMERGENCIES <\/p>\n
Resolution read by VP Baptist.<\/p>\n
Basic Motion: Article 9, sec. 1
\nAccording to the present Club Bylaws – Between
\nmeetings the president can make emergency
\ndecisions on all matters. Whenever a quorum
\ncannot be convened, the president can decide
\nduring emergencies,\u2026 i.e. natural disasters, etc.<\/p>\n
RESOLUTION CO_WRITER: Amendment: Is really
\nto bring the CLUB more into alignment with the
\nbylaws of the Local. <\/p>\n
In old club bylaws the president can decide all
\nmatters between the meetings.
\nWith this change, he cannot,.. it must be an
\nemergency. Wanted to bring it over from the
\nLocal\u2019s bylaws. <\/p>\n
COUNSEL: Part of the statement could be in conflict,\u2026
\nPut Period after \u201cUnited States of America\u201d<\/p>\n
PARLIAMENTARIAN: AMENDMENT TAKES 3\/4 vote:
\nWriter accepts change. <\/p>\n
MEMBER: Tried to ask question, called out
\nof order by board member.<\/p>\n
SAME MEMBER: Was there something that made
\nyou think of doing this?<\/p>\n
WRITER: 1992 was the last time the club bylaws
\nwere amended. In the former Local bylaws, the
\npresident could do anything he wanted. This is
\nmostly housekeeping, though the club bylaws
\nreally have a lot of inaccuracies. This is an
\nimportant time, it\u2019s best that there be more
\ncontrol over what the president can and cannot do.<\/p>\n
Since the boards (for Local 47 and the Club) are
\none and the same, they should have the same
\npowers and same limits.<\/p>\n
MEMBERS: Clarification \u2013 if there was an earthquake,
\nthe president would not be authorized to make a
\nneeded decision.<\/p>\n
CO-WRITER: This definition was drafted directly
\nout of Corporate code. It is standard language.<\/p>\n
COUNSEL: Corp board code talks about transferring
\npower to president from board in emergencies.<\/p>\n
BREAK TO VOTE \u2013 5 minutes.<\/p>\n
RESULTS:
\nResolution votes: required 75 percent
\n55 voted
\n39 yes
\n16 no,\u2026.<\/p>\n
Does not pass.<\/p>\n
MEMBER:
\nComment about ballot wording: In the 4 page
\nmini-overture the wording of the ballot question
\nwas perfect. Putting the building price in the
\nwording made the only difference between voting
\nyes and voting no is the price point. Cannot be trusted.<\/p>\n
COUNSEL: The definition of the meaning of the question
\nis up to the drafter \u2013 No means NO and Yes means YES.<\/p>\n
Question: How did the realtor who is not on the
\nboard, or election board or in the administration
\nfor the local in any way, get that private info on
\nwho has and hasn\u2019t voted to use to send out
\npersonalized emails?<\/p>\n
DIRECTOR: Phone banking is open to all members
\nvolunteering.<\/p>\n
COUNSEL: Members have free speech.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: Well the realtor member, who is not on the
\nboard or in the administration in any way shape or
\nform, got the info and used it to send personal emails.
\nWho\u2019s to say any of those doing the phone bank can\u2019t
\nuse that info as well, or give it to anyone they want,
\nsince it\u2019s freedom of speech? All you have to do is
\nvolunteer for the phone bank and you can get the info.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: Talked to President personally. We\u2019re in great
\nposition. Am surprised that the election process is
\ncausing so much controversy. Also surprised that the
\n\u201cstay where we are\u201d position has not been put out
\nthere as much.<\/p>\n
As to the Building committee members long support
\nstatement, should be here to answer questions about
\ntheir position.<\/p>\n
Shouldn\u2019t say THE SALE, should say the \u201cProposed\u201d
\nsale. The board should be neutral and not so
\nvehement for the sale.<\/p>\n
Couldn\u2019t we get a variance on the height restriction.
\nWouldn\u2019t that we Let\u2019s talk the city and state into
\nputting more cash in the area.<\/p>\n
Commission will be 1 million.
\nTakes thousands of gigs to equal that.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: 1.5 million in the club, bylaws currently
\nstate that excess go the local.
\nWhen talking about the costs, you said you had a
\nplan to create finance committee.
\nYou have a lawyer write endowment papers
\nand limited trust.<\/p>\n
Right now the trustees are the only ones who
\ncan decide where the monies go and keeping
\nthe investment documents,. AND the trustees
\nneed to be able to access their investment funds
\nif the local comes up short on being able to pay bills.<\/p>\n
BUDGET
\n$276,000 in deficit spending in the typical year.<\/p>\n
The bylaws are in conflict with your plan for the money.<\/p>\n
Campaign has been totally lopsided, dissenting
\nvoices have not had the chance to be heard. It
\nhas all been weighted on the yes side.<\/p>\n
PRESIDENT: May need to come back and amend
\nthe bylaws to set up the financial situation if
\nthe sale goes through.
\n-Have addressed the campaigns lack of equality
\nmany times,\u2026. Will not again.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: As more questions come up, there are
\neven more questions. Who has access to the
\nvoting info. What would happen if a member
\nwere to request that info.<\/p>\n
PRESIDENT: Not aware of a request.
\n[EC: In fact a request HAD been made by a member,
\nRobert Hirschman, who is also the Lawyer for other
\nmembers concerned about the sale. The President
\nasked the counsel if there had been a request. He
\ndirected the President to say no, when he knows
\na request had been made.]<\/p>\n
MEMBER interjects \u2013 Asked secretary About getting
\nthe vote \/ no vote info \u2013 was told the numbers he
\ncan be given but not the names. <\/p>\n
Trustee makes recommendations, gives them to
\nboard, board decides. Talking about an endowment
\nis putting cart before the horse.<\/p>\n
[EC: President was asked who he nominated for the
\nfinancial committee.
\nHe named THREE people with a long history in the
\nleadership of the RMA (Past or Present) and these
\nare the only ones President Acosta nominated or
\neven thought to nominate?…
\nPeople from the very group that is the most
\nresponsible for Local 47\u2019s financial plight?<\/p>\n
If you ever needed proof that President Acosta is
\nin the pockets of the RMA, you\u2019ve got it now.
\nAbsolutely inexcusable and a real insult.]<\/p>\n
MEMBER: Always an outside company to handle votes.
\nLots of us are really fearful of the voting being handled
\ntotally in house. One of the most important decisions
\never made will be done in house?<\/p>\n
ELECTION MEMBER: Anyone who wants to can come
\nand observe the vote count. Find the inference a bit
\ninsulting.<\/p>\n
DIRECTOR: Election committee is totally trustworthy.
\nWe\u2019re all members of the same union, and I have the
\nutmost respect for you.<\/p>\n
MEMBERS: I am confident you\u2019ll do the job wonderfully,
\nit\u2019s just that this most important of votes is not done
\nlike the regular elections, with an outside company.<\/p>\n
Why would this adjustment be made? Hire an accountable
\ncompany to count the vote.<\/p>\n
SECRETARY: In general our elections may have as many
\nas 50 members running for different offices. In this case
\nit\u2019s either yes or no.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: Election committee will be up all night just
\nopening and sorting votes\u2026 I personally have total
\ntrust in the election board. They will be honest and
\nimmaculate and do it only out of a desire to help.<\/p>\n
To be a witness you have to apply within 5 days<\/p>\n
PRESIDENT: Not in this case, you can ask the day
\nbefore and be admitted.<\/p>\n
MEMBER: If we\u2019d had an outside company, there\u2019d
\nbe no problem with ballots being left out on desks.
\nWe\u2019d not have to be putting up with this. <\/p>\n
MEMBER: What about the 1000 extra ballots, can
\nyou account for them all.<\/p>\n
PRESIDENT: They stay at the Local until requested
\nby a member. <\/p>\n
MEMBER: I got no calls\u2026.Why is that? I\u2019ve been
\nhearing about repeated calls to members,..
\nbut I\u2019ve gotten no calls, Am I on some list?<\/p>\n
PRESIDENT: No<\/p>\n
MEMBER: I asked for money to make opposing
\nargument, for equal time, and was told no.<\/p>\n
No answer from President.<\/p>\n
Member calls for adjournment,…
\n(that\u2019s how you shut down discussion)
\nCall is made and passed.<\/p>\n
Meeting adjourned at 10:17<\/p>\n
=====================================<\/p>\n
II. BILL PETERSON COMMENTARY<\/p>\n
Bill Peterson was the President of Local 47 from 19 to 19<\/p>\n
I have recently written to many of you about my questions
\n& concerns about the sale of 817 N. Vine. Since I have been
\na member of Local 47 for over 50 years, and have been
\nan active member, playing trumpet & writing, of the live
\nmusic, and studio scene, then Business Representative
\nin Electronic Media engagements and have been an elected
\nOfficer of Local 47, as V.P. and President, I have a long
\nrelationship with Local 47 and it’s \u00a0members.<\/p>\n
I have had many questions asked of me from my fellow
\nmembers, which I have expressed to Pres. Acosta, V.P.
\nBaptist & Sec. Treasurer Lasley.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I note that there seems to be an urgent campaign to sell
\nthe building and adjacent property at 817 N. Vine St.
\nThis is the one and only asset Local 47 has, apart from
\nthe skills and talents of our membership. Aside from
\nphone-bank calls, and printed material urging the
\nmembership to vote, the reasons for this sale are obviously
\nnot apparent to our members. I choose this document
\nto make comment on the sale of the property. I will not
\nbe attending or speaking at tonight’s meeting, as I am
\nrecuperating from a total shoulder surgery and cannot
\ndrive or even play trumpet for a few weeks.<\/p>\n
Contrary to some comments I’ve received, I have no
\nreason or feeling that anyone is trying acquire wealth
\nthrough the sale of building & adjacent property.
\nHowever, with respect to both sides in this matter,
\nI feel that the elected officials; Officers & Executive
\nBoard have been pushing for this sale as soon as
\npossible, without giving the membership a chance to
\nconsider what this would entail. This is borne out by
\nthe many members who are questioning the advisability,
\nand reasons for the sale.<\/p>\n
I sent a list of concerns & questions that members have
\nshared with me, along with those I felt needed \u00a0discussing
\nto Pres. Acosta & his assistant. Pres. Acosta told me he had
\nnever received this list. Knowing of the problems in
\ncommunicating by computer, I sent these questions of mine,
\n& the concerns of members to him again.<\/p>\n
He very promptly\u00a0answered this time.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I believe that the one tangible asset Local 47 has, is the
\n817 N. Vine St. property, along with our talented members.
\nI feel that such a sale, and the undertaking of building of
\nall the components we now possess at the Vine St. location
\nat a new site, would cost an unknown or undisclosed amount.
\nNo figure have been offered to the membership as to what
\nthese costs would be. No mention of the officials contacting
\na contractor, architectural designer or architect has been
\nrevealed. Would there be adequate parking,\u00a0such as is
\nneeded for tonight’s meeting, or simply going to the Credit
\nUnion, if that asset moves along with us?<\/p>\n
My point is a very simple & basic one, and it is this: <\/p>\n
If Local 47’s finances now consist of anywhere from $900 K.
\nto just over one mil K., and the if the amount of work dues
\ndoes not increase dramatically, then the officers have a
\nright to worry about re-roofing the building, or fixing
\nwhatever electrical items are needed. So far, all I’ve seen
\nwas a column by V.P. Baptist alluding to such a vast amount
\nof repairs that it makes good sense to sell our asset, and
\ninvest in a new location in Burbank. This sale of the present
\nbuilding, and investing in a new site, \u00a0where ever it is, will
\nentail a great deal of expense; \u00a0new construction, \u00a0tearing
\nwalls out and building rehearsal rooms, business & executive
\noffices, an auditorium, (which is rented occasionally at our
\ncurrent location), & considerable other rebuilding anew. I
\nam not aware of the amount of free parking or its proximity
\nto this new site. Would it really be comparable to what
\nthe Local has at present?\u00a0<\/p>\n
What I have brought to mind is that when I joined Local 47 ,
\ntransferring from San Bernardino Local 167 in the mid ’50’s,
\nI was told to go to the Palladium immediately, as a very
\nimportant meeting was being held. I arrived to find Phil Fischer,
\nthe AFM West Coast Representative, crying at the podium,
\npleading with the members who were forming a new bargaining
\nunit, The Guild. That very day, I met Uan Rasey, who explained
\nto me that the recording members have never been able to have
\naccess or say-so in the bargaining for Phono recordings, or
\nany other contracts under which they worked. Soon after, I
\ndid my 1st session in LA., \u00a0for Van Alexander, for Gordon
\nMaCrae at Capitol A . The session paid approximately $50.00,
\n& I was very pleased to receive the check, as well as have my
\n1st date with Manny Klein, Bobby Guy & Conrad Gozzo, as
\nwell as all the wonderful players, of whom I had only heard.
\n\u00a0
\nHowever, the Guild, as you know, got Sinatra & Reprise Records
\nto recognize the Guild as the organization with which they
\nwould negotiate. This meant that AFM President Petrillo &
\nthose who followed into the AFM Presidency, could not
\nfunnel increases in wages \u00a0into \u00a0the Caesar, & James C.
\nPetrillo Trust Funds, and the players who did the work
\ngot to raises, and would have a say in what was in their
\ncontracts. The very presence of the Guild made Petrillo
\n& Co., modify their high handed approach to our members. <\/p>\n
Incidentally the Phono Scale increased to $100.00.<\/p>\n
If we remember the past, we can better plan, work and move
\nforward to bring film, TV, game shows, recording, jingles,
\nand all the work that Local 47 has been a leader. I am not
\nsuggesting formation of another Guild. But I firmly believe
\nthat we can take measures to rebuild our place in as the
\nplace to score Films, TV, Game Shows, jingles & all other
\n forms of recording. \u00a0We must also remember that contract
\nnegotiations which are best conducted not by suing the
\nother side, but by recognizing that the other side has their
\nwants and needs, as we do.<\/p>\n
I know the Secondary Markets Clause has been factor that
\nhas caused \u00a0the big studios to forgo working here, and led
\n\\to scores being done in Seattle, London, Nashville, British
\nColumbia and Belgrade. I had dinner with our member, Jay
\nCooper, a prominent attorney, and fine woodwind player.
\nHe alluded to memos from the heads of many of the top
\nstudios to producers they were in business with, not to
\nscore here.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I feel that we all recognize that if we are to survive in this
\nbusiness, there has to be a way to bring this vital work
\nback to \u00a0Local 47. Of course I know too, that the RMA
\nwants to keep the secondary markets fund alive. This is
\ntotally understandable\u2026\u00a0I have benefitted from this Fund
\nfor many years.\u00a0But what of all the competent players that
\nget little or no work as things now stand? What are we to
\ndo, when the proceeds from the sale of the building is
\nused up, without being added to by new work dues, etc.?<\/p>\n
I am not a magician, but I have been a player, and an
\nofficer of our Union, and I think that we need to explore
\n& expedite other avenues with the Studios, and indeed
\nwith our own RMA members. It’s been said, “The only
\nthing you can count on is Change” \u2026 and that certainly
\nholds true in all phases of our lives, as well as in this
\nbusiness of music<\/p>\n
It is wonderful that John Williams & J.J. Abrams scored
\nthe new Star Wars film here. I understand that my old
\nfriend \u00a0John has another film with Steve Spielberg,
\nwhich begins scoring here soon.<\/p>\n
Just a note: When I was VP, I had plaques made inscribed
\nto John & Steve, from the Local, thanking them for scoring
\n‘HOOK’ here.<\/p>\n
Steve took this quite seriously, and as he descended from
\nthe podium in front of an orchestra of over 100, he looked
\nat me gratefully, and told me, “I can’t tell you how much
\nthis means to me!” Of course I know that plaques alone
\nare not going to persuade employers to come back to Los
\nAngeles & Local 47 musicians to score their films.
\nLawsuits are certainly necessary to enforce our contracts,
\nbut a compliment will do more to engender a working
\nrelationship than a slap.<\/p>\n
Without changes to contracts, and the implementation of
\nbetter relations with the employers we want to attract
\nback to the local scoring stages, the money realized by
\nthe sale of our single tangible asset, will be spent trying
\nto keep the Local going at some new \u00a0location in Burbank,
\nand those funds from the sale of the building & adjacent
\nproperty will be spent in a losing cause. Without the
\nregrowth of scoring & recording in this town, it will be
\nimpossible to keep Local 47 alive & viable!<\/p>\n
Just suing employers does not take the place of exploring
\nand talking with those from whom we wish to gain
\nemployment again.<\/p>\n
Yours for keeping the members’ needs, and Local
\n47’s fortunes at the top of everyone’s list!<\/p>\n
Bill Peterson<\/p>\n
===================================<\/p>\n
III. COMMENTS<\/p>\n
\u00a0
\nHello Again!
\n\u00a0
\nI received a call today from a member who wanted to
\nknow, if a\u00a0 member does not vote….can the Union
\ntake some kind of action against them? They have lists.
\n\u00a0
\nIs this what this referendum has come to?….
\nYou don’t choose to return your ballot (for
\nany reason) and because of the endless
\nphone calls and emails targeted at YOU
\n(member x)… now member\u00a0 x feels threatened
\nthat not returning the ballot might affect ones
\nfuture as a member?
\n\u00a0
\nThis perspective was also brought up at Monday
\nnights meeting, by the new head of the RMA no less.
\nEssentially, …What if Contractor X, wants to
\npromote the Local 47\/Club effort? (Example….
\nHi xxx, heard you haven’t turned in your ballot…
\nby the way, I have a double at XYZ studio on Feb. 2.
\n\u00a0
\nI told the parties it was time to chronicle these encounters!
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
————————–<\/p>\n
I would like to make a comment about last night’s 1\/25
\nUnion and Club meeting:<\/p>\n
In general I believe I think this sale is a good idea and I
\nguess I had better get my ballot in soon.<\/p>\n
There was a lot of emotion and ill will last last but I
\nthought that there was one set of comments that
\nwere more disgusting than others.<\/p>\n
The president of the RMA got up and said the RMA
\nhas no opinion on this sale, a first, but speaking for
\nhimself he didn’t like that people involved knew who
\nhad voted and this could be a scary thing for work
\nif a contractor found out.<\/p>\n
HOW OUTRAGEOUS! <\/p>\n
The biggest thing the RMA does is have a yearly
\nfundraiser where they have a contractor stand
\non the podium and say how important buying
\ntickets are, even if you don’t or can’t go still buy.
\nAnd the RMA only gives tickets to the “first” chairs
\nto sell in their sections. <\/p>\n
Are you kidding me? How outrageous this RMA
\npresident is! People complain that the Union is
\nspending too much money on this vote so they
\nare just trying to contact people who have not
\nvoted, many of which for one reason or another
\ndid not get a ballot.<\/p>\n
[EC: Pretty Rich the RMA complaining that folks
\nmight get blackballed for their actions, eh?]<\/p>\n
————————<\/p>\n
NO, NO, NO! Don’t sell our building. Not only
\nis it historical but it has so much potential
\nthat only non business people (i.e. our
\nofficers and board) would think of doing
\nsuch a thing. Unbelievable!<\/p>\n
\n===================================<\/p>\n
IV. 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
—————————————–<\/p>\n
1\/30\/2016<\/p>\n
SESSIONS AT THE LOFT:
\n‘IMPROVISATORY MINDS” –
\nChamber Concert<\/p>\n
1\/30\/16 – 7:30pm
\n2465 Ventura Blvd
\nCamarillo, CA 93010<\/p>\n
$25 (reception included)<\/p>\n
bree@sessionsattheloft.com<\/p>\n
—————————————–<\/p>\n
2\/3\/16
\nUnique Pairing
\nwith
\nCheryl Ongaro, violin – Lynn Grants, viola
\nYou don’t hear this music everyday!
\nJoin us for a wonderful work by Malcolm Arnold
\nfor flute, violin, viola, horn and bassoon.
\nAnd a charming wind trio by classical
\ncomposer Jacques Widerkehr<\/p>\n
Wednesday – February 3, 2016 – 12:10-12:40 pm
\nGlendale Noon Concerts
\n*Glendale City Church*
\n610 E. California St. (at Isabel) \u2022 Glendale
\nFree Admission
\nwww.GlendaleCityChurch.org \u2022 818.244.7241<\/p>\n
Calico Winds bring refreshing lightness to music
\nthat is too often bellowed\u2026\u2028The quintet\u2019s suave phrasing, lively articulation
\nand rhythmic buoyancy are a delight throughout.\u00a0
\n \u2014 The Gramophone<\/p>\n
www.CalicoWinds.com<\/p>\n
—————————————–<\/p>\n
2\/3\/16<\/p>\n
Corbin Bowl and the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra
\nPresent Concerts at the “Bowl” in the “Corbin Lounge”
\nWednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm<\/p>\n
February \u00a03
\nThe SFVSO Jazz Band
\nPerforms standards from the Great American Songbook, featuring
\nJimi Dee, guitar;\u00a0Ron Singer, saxophone\/flute; Adrian Miller, trumpet\/
\nflugelhorn;\u00a0Larry Muradian, bass and Chuck Burkinshaw, drums<\/p>\n
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/p>\n
OTHER CONCERTS IN THE SAME SERIES<\/p>\n
February 10\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0
\nThe SymphoBlondiax
\nPerform music from baroque to contemporary\u00a0 by Bach, \u00a0Domine,\u00a0Vivaldi,\u00a0
\nTelemann, and others, featuring\u00a0James Domine,\u00a0guitar;\u00a0Ruth Bruegger,\u00a0
\nRuth Siegal, Carolyn Osborn, and\u00a0Florence Titmus, violin; Glenn Grab,
\n‘cello and Larry\u00a0Muradian, bass<\/p>\n
February 17\u00a0
\nThe Blues Bandits
\nPlay and sing the “Blues,” featuring
\nDavid Reo, guitar and vocals; Jimi Dee, guitar and vocals;\u00a0
\nLarry Muradian, bass and Chuck Burkinshaw, drums<\/p>\n
February 24\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0
\nThe Screaming Clams
\nRock ‘n’ Roll with music of the ’60s and late 70’s, featuring
\nJimi Dee, lead quitar and vocals; Joel Domine, keys and guitar;
\nLarry Muradian, bass; Nick Scarmack, drummer and Rebecca Ray,
\nvocalist extraordinaire<\/p>\n
“Lounge” at the Corbin Bowl\u00a0
\n19616 Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana<\/p>\n
Free Admission\/ONE Drink Minimum
\nPersons under 21 years of age not admitted<\/p>\n
“CONCERTS”\u00a0ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE<\/p>\n
For photos of the performers and the latest schedule updates, go to:\u00a0
\nhttp:\/\/www.sfvsymphony.com\/concerts_at_the_bowl\/<\/p>\n
—————————————–<\/p>\n
2\/6\/16<\/p>\n
EVENING WITH DICK WELLS AND FRIENDS<\/p>\n
7:30 PM
\nSessions at the Loft
\n2465 Ventura Blvd,
\nCamarillo, CA 93010<\/p>\n
$25 (reception included)<\/p>\n
bree@sessionsattheloft.com<\/p>\n
—————————————–<\/p>\n
2\/19,20,21\/16<\/p>\n
The EUROPEAN CONCERT TRIO
\n will present the premiere of Paul GIbson’s
\n“The Shepherd’s Lot”
\nin three February concerts.<\/p>\n
Harriet Fraser (soprano),
\nAmanda Walker (clarinet)
\nIrina Bazik (piano)<\/p>\n
Winners of the 2015 Beverly Hills National Auditions<\/p>\n
The European Concert Trio was formed in 2015 by
\nthree European-born, Los Angeles-based professional
\nartists, each having already established successful solo
\ncareers, to fulfill their passion for chamber music and
\nshare it with Southern California audiences.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Fri, FEB 19 \u2013 Encinitas \u2013 7:30pm
\nThe City of Encinitas presents
\nMusic by the Sea concert series
\nEncinitas Library
\n540 Cornish Drive
\nTickets: $13, plus fee. Purchase tickets in advance here.
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sat, FEB 20 \u2013 Torrance \u2013 3pm
\nClassical Crossroads &
\nFirstServe Community Services present
\nThe Interludes concert series
\nFirst Lutheran Church & School
\n2900 W. Carson Street
\nTickets: FREE, donations appreciated. Information here.
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sun, FEB 21 \u2013 Beverly Hills \u2013 2pm
\nMusic in the Mansion concert series
\nGreystone Mansion
\n905 Loma Vista Dr.
\nTickets: $20. Information here.
\n\u00a0<\/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":"
I. MEETING REPORT II. BILL PETERSON COMMENTARY III. COMMENTS 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 […]<\/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-152","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\/152","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=152"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/152\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=152"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=152"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.responsible47.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=152"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}