Upload
sag-aftra
View
228
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
SAG-AFTRA San Francisco - Spring/Summer 2012
Citation preview
Spring/Summer 2012
SAG, AFTRA Members
Approve Merger to
Form SAG-AFTRA
On Friday March 30, 2012,
members of the San Francisco
AFTRA Board, SAG Council,
volunteers and staff gathered in the
Bill Hillman Conference Room in
anticipation of witnessing, via live
stream, the soon-to-be-historic
announcement of the third attempt
at merger. By the time the video
and audio came together after fits
and starts, the waiting had become
almost unbearable. The entire room
erupted in hoots, howls, cheers,
tears and hugs as the announcement
was made, once and for all, finally
... one union, SAG-AFTRA!
Click here to see the full press
release
Co-President’s Report Kathryn Howell
Greetings fellow SAG-AFTRA
members! I just love saying that —
"SAG-AFTRA!” We all worked so
hard to make the dream of merger
come true and here we are – SAG-
AFTRA! On March 30, when the
results of the vote were announced,
your elected leaders and volunteers
gathered in the AFTRA/SAG office to
watch the live stream
announcement. It was a very exciting
moment when Presidents Reardon and
Howard announced the overwhelming
membership approval — 86%
(AFTRA) and 82% (SAG) — of the
merger of SAG and AFTRA.
This is my first report as your co-
president of the San Francisco SAG-
AFTRA Local. We had our first
Board meeting with the new Interim
Local Board, made up of the former
members of the SAG Executive
Council and the former members of
the AFTRA Local Board. It was
wonderful for all to meet
together. Surprisingly perhaps, the
SAG-AFTRA Local Board agenda
was very similar to that of the AFTRA
Board and SAG Council. For me, as
former SAG president, it was very
interesting to learn details of
broadcast issues and other work
categories not previously addressed by Continued on page 2
Co-President’s Report Maria Letica Gomez
On March 30, 2012, the members of
SAG and AFTRA wrote a new
chapter in the history of labor in the
United States. That day we were
informed that the plan to form one
new union was ratified by more than
80% of the members who voted on the
referendum both in AFTRA and in
SAG. The official announcement was
made in Los Angeles, and it was
streamed live nationwide. Here in the
Bay Area, the leadership from both
unions joined to watch the
announcement in the San Francisco
Local office. In attendance were
several past and present leaders (both
members and staff) who have been
involved with our unions for decades,
and who had seen previous attempts to
merge fail twice before. We toasted to
the joy of finding ourselves united
under one new union: SAG-AFTRA. I
am delighted to see that the vast
majority of the members in both
legacy organizations understand that
when we come together because we
believe in something very strongly,
great things can happen. One of the
most prominent union leaders in
American history, César Chavez, once
said;
“We cannot seek achievement for
ourselves and forget about progress
and prosperity for our community Continued on page 2
HAVE YOU MOVED RECENTLY?
Do we have your new address?
Email address?
You can update your contact information the following ways:
Telephone the local office at (415) 391-7510 to request a change of address form
Mail us a letter with your new contact information, including your SAG-AFTRA number, signature and date
Continued from page 1 – Howell Report
the SAG Council. It truly reaffirmed the commonality
we all share and how correct it was to have made this
merger happen.
We are forging ahead to make merger a reality in
everything we do. But we must also continue to move
forward with the work we were doing pre-merger –
looking to create work opportunities, reaching out to
our members in new and different ways, making
community partners, strengthening our collective
bargaining agreements with the goal of achieving better
wages and working conditions, etc. I am excited to be
part of this amazing time in the history of SAG-AFTRA
and look forward to proactively participating in the
process of moving forward as one union.
Several staff notes: We honor our retired SF Executive
Director, Frank Du Charme, who has been a stalwart
advocate for all San Francisco members, both SAG and
AFTRA, for 15 years. His wisdom and service are to be
admired and will be sincerely missed. Frankly, Frank is
one of a kind! On the other hand, we are lucky to have
hired a new executive director with much related
experience in the industry, Len Egert. Len is an
experienced and open leader, whom I have no doubt
will serve us well. On another note, I would be remiss if
I didn’t comment on the departure of SAG-AFTRA Co-
National Executive Director Kim Roberts Hedgpeth.
Everyone who worked toward merger has no doubt of
her dedication to the members of AFTRA and SAG and
to the idea of what it means to be part of a bigger whole
– working toward achieving better wages and working
conditions that only a union contract can achieve
through the collective bargaining process. Kim served
as the San Francisco executive director, so she has a
special place in our heart. We all wish her well as she
finds new goals and continues to fight the good fight.
San Francisco - Open Mic 2 San Francisco - 2
Holiday Schedule for 2012 July 4
Independence Day
September 3 Labor Day November 12 Veterans Day November 22-23
Thanksgiving
December 24-25 Christmas Holiday December 31 New Year’s Holiday
Continued from page 1 – Gomez Report
Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the
aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and
for our own.”
Realizing that we belong to a vast community of
performers whose lives are inevitably intertwined
gave way to the formation of a new, stronger union
that will prevent our members from being pitched
against each other at the negotiation table. It is now
our responsibility to stay involved in order to
capitalize to the maximum on what SAG-AFTRA
has to offer its members – provided they remain
engaged.
The formation of our new union was welcomed from
coast to coast. Unfortunately, it came accompanied
by a piece of surprising news that many of us are still
trying to digest: an exemplary leader, a woman who
was pivotal in making this merger become a reality,
decided to step aside. The co-national executive
director of SAG-AFTRA, Kim Roberts Hedgpeth,
announced that, on April 30, 2012, she would retire
after working for AFTRA for 31 years. Kim grew up
in a union household. Her parents were able to
support the family because they were both AFTRA
members and earned union wages and benefits. Kim
has always understood what we do and what we
believe in. During a meeting of the Initial Executive
Committee in New York City, Kim was awarded the
first-ever Certificate of Recognition presented by
SAG-AFTRA. It read:
“In grateful recognition for 31 years of excellence in
service to performers, recording artists and broadcast
professionals, and for dedication to the ideals of
trade unionism. Your brilliance, humanity, and
profound sense of ethics are appreciated and proudly
acknowledged on the occasion of your retirement as
co-national executive director.”
Under the leadership of David White, SAG-
AFTRA’s Executive Director, we are now all part of
an exciting moment in history for the performing
unions and we must get to know one another as
colleagues so that we can work together to achieve
better wages and working conditions.
The San Francisco Local has a
Facebook page.
Give us a like
2 San Francisco - Open Mic San Francisco - 3
It is done. We had a family wedding and we are
now SAG-AFTRA. The leadership of SAG and
AFTRA spent much of the last year (and much
of the first full week of January 2012) debating,
designing, drafting, diagramming and otherwise
drawing up a plan and structure for a new,
successor union. The board representatives and
union members overwhelmingly voted it up. It
is clear that one union means we won’t be
competing against each other, and that a single
entity will have greater leverage in negotiating
with the large corporations that are our
employers in the news, music and entertainment
areas. There will be some odd seams that need
re-sewing and some loose threads that need to be
snipped in the first few years, but the successor
union will have the chance to build a new culture
to accommodate our very diverse population.
As San Franciscans, we were well represented in
the planning process, with both broadcasters and
actors at the table to stand up for our members.
And the merged Local Board continues to stand
up for San Francisco’s voice. There will be
growing pains, but I hope you will support this
new direction we are taking. See you on the set.
Finally SAG and AFTRA have merged. It’s time
to get on with the hard work of increasing SAG-
AFTRA’s footprint and density. It is the union
that provides the things that make acting a career
and not a hobby: pension, health care, great
wages and working conditions and much more.
All entertainment workers who are operating at
the top of their craft deserve to be included and
to share in those benefits.
One of the main thrusts of SAG-AFTRA will be
organizing. To that end, San Francisco is
welcoming a new employee dedicated to that
task right here, i.e., an organizer. This is a huge
step forward and I am looking forward to
meeting and working with her.
I view SAG-AFTRA as the ultimate response of
two vaunted organizations to the consolidation
of media conglomerates on the other side of the
negotiating table. That’s good news for union
members and those who will become union
members. There is no better way I know of to
fight corporate greed than to band together for
strength as proud American unions have always
done.
ONE UNION Denny Delk,
Treasurer/National Board
Member
National Board
Report Tom Chantler, National
Board Member
OF NOTE…
Hank Plante, former long-time KPIX political reporter, was honored by the Associated Press Television and
Radio Association with the 2012 Stan Chambers Award for Extraordinary Achievement on June 2 in
Pasadena, Calif. For more information…
Congratulations to NLGJA Hall of Famer Hank Plante
on Receiving the 2012 Stan Chambers Award for
Extraordinary Achievement
San Francisco - 4
At what turned out to be an
historic event, i.e., AFTRA’s last National Board
meeting prior to merger, AFTRA National
President Roberta Reardon presented Belva Davis
with the AFTRA Founders Award. Belva is
retiring after 60 years as a newsperson. Among
her many achievements: president of the San
Francisco AFTRA Local Board, AFTRA National
vice president, chair of the AFTRA National EEO
Committee, and recipient of the George Heller
Gold Card — AFTRA’s highest honor. The
President’s Founders Award was established in
2002 by then-AFTRA National President John
Connolly “to recognize the important
contributions that people make which affect the
lives of unionists and make a difference in the
industry…to show the people who have served
AFTRA long and well, everyone’s full
appreciation, love and respect.”
Belva Davis
Honored with
Founders
Award
I had the opportunity to attend an awards screening of
The Help in the Stag Theatre at Skywalker Ranch,
sponsored by Variety. The theater is among the best
facilities for sound and screen film enjoyment! Two of
the film's stars, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, as
well as producer Chris Columbus and director Tate
Taylor, were so gracious and accommodating in the
Q&A that followed the screening. It was a truly
fantastic evening!
[Photo] L to R: Viola Davis, Phillip Ramirez, Octavia
Spencer and Chris Columbus
Screening
The Help at
Skywalker Ranch By Phillip Ramirez, Chair
Conservatory Committee
Mark Your Calendar for the 8th
Annual Faith Fancher
Breast Cancer Challenge
August 25, 2012
"When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, she
is placed in unknown territory. Women without means
suffer the most and often need additional support.
There are many grassroots agencies out there to help
these women, but they need the funds to provide
services to low-income women. This is where Friends
of Faith is available to help in awarding grants to
agencies so they can continue to do this good work."
Faith Fancher (1950-2003)
Friends of Faith, Inc. - Mission Statement: Faith's
mission and ours is to provide support and information
to women who are diagnosed with breast cancer —
especially uninsured and underserved women.
Visit the Friends of Faith http://faithfancher.org/index.html
site for more information.
Photo courtesy of Ron Fell Photography
Carla Hatley Steps Down as Program
Coordinator of the San Francisco
BookPALS program
After six years as the San Francisco
Coordinator of BookPALS, effective May 31,
2012, Carla closed this chapter of her life, to
be replaced by Lynne Maes. Many thanks to
Carla for her dedication and service over the
years. BookPALS is a children’s literacy
program of the SAG Foundation.
San Francisco - Open Mic 5 San Francisco - 5
Black History Month –
San Francisco Salutes Della Reese
In conjunction with her appearance at the Rrazz
Room in San Francisco’s Nikko Hotel after an
absence of many years from the Bay Area, and in
the spirit of Black History Month, the AFTRA
Local Board and SAG Council recognized Ms.
Reese’s contributions as a true pioneer and a
groundbreaking entertainer for over 68 years.
The union’s recognition was in addition to those
from such notables as U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi,
California State Senator Mark Leno and
California Assemblyman Tom Amiano. Ms.
Reese is pictured holding the resolution passed by
the unions.
SAG-AFTRA CONGRATULATES
THE WINNERS OF THE 30TH
NOR-CAL RADIO-TELEVISION
NEWS DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
AWARDS KTVU-TV
News Broadcast-60 Minutes , "The 10
O’Clock News," Julie Haener, Frank
Somerville, Anchors
Public Affairs Program , "Remember Them
Champions for Humanity," Mike Mibach,
Claudine Wong, Anchor/ Reporters
Sports Program/Special, "Giants Win,"
Mark Ibanez, Anchor
Investigative Reporting, "Napa Hospital,"
John Sasaki, Reporter
News Reporting 2, "Mehserle," Rita
Williams, Reporter
KPIX-TV
Multi-Part Series, "Tenant Nightmares,"
Reporter; Craig Franklin
Specialty Reporting, "Consumer Watch
Investigates," Julie Watts, Reporter
Weather - Segment/Story, "Roberta Gonzales
Weather," Roberta Gonzales, Weather Anchor
Traffic-Segment, "Cars Torched-Traffic,"
Elizabeth Wenger, Traffic Anchor
News Writing, "Vietnam -The Legacy," Thuy Vu,
Writer
Video Journalist/Multi-Media Journalist, "Julie
Watts Composite," Julie Watts, Multi-Media
Journalist
KGO-TV
Sports-Segment/Feature, "Posterize,” Mike
Shumann
KCBS Radio
"KCBS 6AM News," Stan Bunger, Susan Leigh
Taylor, Anchors; and the KCBS News Team
Breaking News, "Firestorm, The San Bruno
Pipeline Explosion," The KCBS News Team
Public Affairs Program, "KCBS In Depth
Revolution in Egypt," Jane McMillan, Ed
Cavagnaro, Sheryl Raines
Sports-Segment/Feature, "Dodgeball," Mike
Sugerman, Reporter
Traffic-Segment, "KCBS Traffic," The KCBS
Traffic and News Teams
KGO-AM
Sports Program/Special, "Cut Man," Scott
Lettieri, Reporter
Weather-Segment/Story, "March Storms," The
KGO News Team
Use of Sound, "Cut Man," Scott Lettieri,
Reporter
KQED-FM, Public Radio
Multi-Part Series, "33x20 California's Clean
Power Countdown," Lauren Sommer, Amy
Standen, Craig Miller
News Reporting, "Proposition 8," Scott Shafer,
Reporter
Specialty Reporting, "Science & Health," Amy
Standen, Reporter
News Writing, "Counting the Homeless," Krissy
Clark, Writer
AFTRA H&R – 2011 in Review
Wellness Benefits: Effective December 1, 2010, annual dollar maximums were eliminated for the Plan’s wellness
benefit for preventative services.
Dental Benefits: Effective December 1, 2010, the $1,000 annual maximum was eliminated with respect to pediatric
(children under age 19) dental services only.
Prescriptions: As of January 1, 2011, if you are already taking one or more long-term medications, or if you receive a
new prescription for a long-term medication, you can fill each prescription twice at a network retail pharmacy. All
subsequent prescriptions for each long-term medication however, must be filled through Medco Pharmacy. If you
continue to purchase a long-term medication at a network retail pharmacy after the first two fills at the retail pharmacy,
you will pay the entire cost of that prescription medication.
Limitation on Earnings Inquiries: Effective January 1, 2014, there is a new rule that limits the time period during
which a performer may request a covered earnings inquiry. As of that date, performers will have a maximum period of
five (5) years from the end of the calendar year in which earnings were, or should have been, credited to request a
covered earnings inquiry and submit documentation to H&R for consideration. A new Performer Earnings Tracking
Sheet is available on the H&R website.
New Health Plan SPD: In the summer of 2011 a new Health Plan Summary Plan Description was issued. It is
available online.
Benefits Information via email: Help AFTRA H&R do its part to save resources and go green! You can choose not
to receive a paper copy of the new 2011 Health Plan SPD and future Benefits Updates, as well as certain other AFTRA
H&R information and notifications, and instead receive these documents via e-mail. This will help conserve resources
and ensure that you receive information about your benefits as quickly as possible. Opt in to receive information about
your benefits by e-mail.
New Premium Invoicing System:
Premium Payment Mailing Address: Effective August 1, 2011, participants were notified of a new address to send
premium payments: AFTRA Health Fund, P.O. Box 5034, New York, NY 10087-5034.
Premium Due Dates: Premiums are no longer due by the 15th of the month prior to the start of a new quarter.
Premiums are due as indicated on the invoice.
Premium Invoices: Only one quarterly invoice will be mailed. Premiums can be paid online until the due date.
Reminder letters will no longer be mailed before the invoice due date. However, approximately three weeks before the
start of each quarter, an e-mail announcement about the approaching quarterly regular premium due date will be sent to
those who have previously paid their health plan premiums online and to those who have signed up to receive updates
online. You will also notice that the invoices have a new, more user friendly format.
Premium Conversion Plans: Those stations where premium conversion plans have been negotiated (allowing
members to pay AFTRA Health Plan premiums with pre-tax dollars) are using a new electronic group billing process
which provides employers the ability to pay premiums via electronic transfer of funds.
Annual Health Plan Premium Increase: The Health Plan’s annual 5% increase went into effect January 1, 2012.
Members are reminded each year of the annual increase in order to timely notify banks for purposes of online bill pay.
Additionally both members and employers who participate in negotiated Premium Conversion Plans are notified to
allow for timely changes in deductions.
Don’t forget to keep the AFTRA H&R Funds advised of your current address. You can accomplish this electronically
by going to the Members Only section of the AFTRA website and updating your address for both the Union and the
Funds at the same time. Continued on page 7
San Francisco - 6
San Francisco - 8
San Francisco - 7
When Should A Photo Shoot Be Covered by a Union Contract?
Be aware that a photo shoot may fall under the jurisdiction of a SAG-AFTRA agreement. Digital cameras
are capable of more than still photography — they are also capable of recording moving images. Even
though still photography used for modeling or other print ads is, and traditionally has been, outside the
jurisdiction of the SAG-AFTRA contracts, the recording of your moving image is not considered still
photography. The use of the video or digital recording function may bring your photo shoot under the
jurisdiction of SAG-AFTRA which means the portion of a photo shoot which is recorded as other than still
photography should be covered under the applicable SAG-AFTRA agreement.
If you are called to a photo shoot that is also recording digital or video footage, you are entitled to a
payment under the Corporate/Educational and Non-broadcast Code. The applicable rates will depend upon
the use the producer intends to make of the footage.
As a member of SAG-AFTRA, the work you perform must be covered by a union contract. This means that
you should receive a written contract and/or you should submit a member report. Your agent or the casting
director should advise you in advance whether a photo shoot will include recording moving images. If you
arrive on location or at the studio and you see that moving images are being recorded, call your agent or the
union office in order to confirm that the work is correctly covered. You may also wish to inform the
production staff that you are a SAG-AFTRA member and that work performed involving motion picture
recording requires a union contract. Most reputable producers, once informed, will respect your union
membership and you will not be recorded.
Beware of releases. A release for motion picture recording (or other uses that are covered under SAG-
AFTRA agreements) should not be required of you at a photo shoot. Under the Corporate/Educational and
Non-Broadcast Code, releases for all uses in perpetuity are not permitted and, while they may be voidable,
you will avoid problems down the line if you do not sign them. If you are presented with any release,
including one for motion picture recording or video, call your agent or the union office. The release will be
reviewed upon request to confirm it is not in violation of the union agreement and is consistent with the
terms of booking.
Note: Barbara Massey is the San Francisco Local SAG-AFTRA business representative who administers
and enforces the terms and conditions of the Corporate/Educational and Non-Broadcast agreement.
Contract Corner
Continued from page 6
Reminder: If you have eligibility, claims or other benefits questions, call the San Francisco Local at (415) 391-7510.
Please note that this is not a complete list of all changes. For the most up-to-date information, visit the AFTRA H&R
website, including a review of the Benefits Updates.
SAVE THE DATE!
H&R WORKSHOP
Saturday
September 29, 2012
Meets The Eye ... New Peninsula
Production Facility
By Kathy Goodin
A new 12,000-square-foot production facility, two
and a half years in the making, has opened its doors
on the Peninsula. Meets The Eye, conveniently
located just off Highway 101 in San Carlos, is a
digital offering from the ground up, featuring two
state-of-the-art production stages, including one
with a green screen.
Meets The Eye was designed by owner Marshall
Spight along with his team of technical experts.
Marshall, who got his start in Silicon Valley’s high-
tech arena, has always had a passion for
filmmaking. It’s that passion that led to the
realization of Meets The Eye.
Brena Bailey, San Mateo County Film
Commissioner, states, “The newly opened Meets
the Eye production facility, with its two great sound
stages, is a fabulous new resource for San Mateo
County and the San Francisco Peninsula! Not only
will it be a wonderful addition to the greater Bay
Area filming community, it will be an added selling
point as the San Mateo County Film Commission
works to attract projects to our region.”
MTE offers a green room, high-speed networking
and prewired 3G-SDI connections, two stages with
ample space for equipment and actors, a nice-sized
makeup room and two kitchens for craft services.
In addition, Meets The Eye offers a REDS Virtual
Continued top of page column 2
San Francisco - 9
Set System, giving actors another great opportunity
to work in an environment with the latest
technology. MTE is a perfect spot for commercial
and corporate work, as well as independent and
feature films. Actors and producers will love this
new addition to the Bay Area community.
For more information visit Meets The Eye
Kathy Goodin holds a seat on the San Francisco
SAG-AFTRA Local Board, and is also a member of
the Local’s Communications Committee. Kathy is
pictured with Associate Executive Director Karen
Lipney at the opening of the Meets The Eye facility.
The Role of Film Commissioners By Michael O’Brien
Editor’s Note: Sadly, for the Bay Area, Ami Zins,
who is quoted in this article, is no longer the
Oakland Film Coordinator.
In Oakland, former Oakland Film Coordinator
Ami Zins was about to go forward with an
incentive program when she found out that the
mayor was recommending closing the Film Office
due to a budget crisis. The local film community,
including SAG-AFTRA members, rallied in
support of keeping the Film Office open. On June
30, 2011, only hours before the new fiscal year,
Oakland’s City Council approved a budget
resolution compromise that hopefully will keep
the Oakland Film Office open.
At press time, Susannah Robbins has been
meeting one-on-one with the San Francisco
Supervisors. “So far, I’ve met with six, and each
one I’ve met with is very pro-film and I’ve been
encouraged by that,” said Robbins. “Especially
Mayor Lee. He said anything I can do to help, let
me know, because I realize you’re about job
creation.” Continued on page 9
Continued from page column 8- Film Commissioner
In addition to the local incentives, there is the
California State film program, but with a cap of $100
million, it doesn’t go far. “Filmmakers apply on
June 1 and by June 2 it’s used up,” said Zins. By
comparison, competing states like Georgia, Louisiana
and, until recently, Michigan, have no monetary caps
on their film programs. New York is capped, but at
$420 million it’s more than four times greater than
California’s program. As a producer at a recent
hearing in Sacramento put it, “We’re going to go
where we find the best incentives.” Zins notes it’s a
shame to send productions away because of lack of
incentive funds, especially since, in a sense, they pay
for themselves by giving the money back.
“Our production is up,” reports Robbins. “Since
January, we’re up 12 percent. 2010 compared to
2009, we’re up 31 percent. So things really are
getting better. And I think we’re going to have a
good summer and fall.”
“I have three feature films that are interested and a lot
of them are just waiting to see if they will get the
California incentive money,” said Zins.
San Mateo production is slightly up from last year,
but the exciting news is a newly remodeled 12,000-
square-foot facility featuring two full-sized sound
stages, production offices and other amenities.
Does more production translate to an increase in
principal casting for Bay Area actors?
“I have heard the misperception that the talent pool
isn’t as strong as Los Angeles. I know that isn’t
true,” said Robbins. “It would be helpful to get the
word out about the talent and what you’ve worked
on. “
It was suggested that a SAG-AFTRA rep be at some
of the initial meetings with filmmakers to promote
the high quality of actors available in the Bay Area.
Brena Bailey, San Mateo County film commissioner,
said, “Then we have more ammunition.”
“Also, once they (filmmakers) make contact,” says
Ami, “we have a really high percentage rate of being
able to get them to stay here.” Top of page column 2
For more information about the San Francisco,
Oakland and San Mateo Film Commissions:
http://www.filmsf.org
http://www.filmoakland.com
http://www.filmsanmateocounty.com
Photo: L to R, Brena Bailey, Ami Zins, Susannah
Robbins and moderator Michael O’Brien
BookPALS REPORT By Carla Hatley
The San Francisco Local has more than 70 active
SAG-AFTRA member BookPALS reading in
schools, shelters and for special events.
BookPALS read to children in 23 schools
around the Bay Area and at three San Francisco
shelters twice a month — Raphael House,
Hamilton Family Emergency Center and
Hamilton Family Center.
On the first Saturday of each month,
BookPALS read to children visiting a parent or
relative serving time at Glen Dyer jail in
Oakland. And, on the last Saturday of each
month, we present books (reading theater-style)
on the Emerald Stage at Fairyland in Oakland.
BookPALS are also involved in numerous
special events for KQED, Super Stars Literacy
Continued on page 10
San Francisco - 10
Continued from page 9 - BookPALS Report
- Oakland, San Francisco Project Read and Read
Across America.
Besides sharing a love of reading, BookPALS are
dedicated to getting books to children who can’t afford
them. This year BookPALS received a $2,000 grant
from San Francisco First Book to purchase books for
underserved schools. With this grant and other
donations, BookPALS distributed 2,580 books to
children in the Bay Area.
BookPALS partnership with Green Apple Book’s
Book Angel Program has provided hundreds of books
for children in shelter programs. On December 3 at the
fifth Annual Wrap Party, we wrapped 300 new books
as holiday gifts for children living in shelters.
To become a BookPAL email: [email protected] or call
(415) 391-7510 x501.
BookPALS is program of the Screen Actors Guild
Foundation. Carla Hatley is the former program
coordinator for San Francisco BookPALS.
JUST SAY “YES” TO BookPALS! Carla Hatley, BookPALS
Program Coordinator 2006-2012
“There are people who prefer to say “No.” Those who
say “Yes” are rewarded by the adventures they have,
and those who say “No” are rewarded by the safety they
attain.” — Keith Johnstone
This quote from the author of Impro, Keith Johnstone,
was in the back of my mind when I took over the position
of program coordinator for SF BookPALS six years ago.
I had no idea the places I would go, the amazing actors I
would work with or the children who would touch my
heart, all because I told Tracy Heffernan “yes.” Continued top of next column
In 2006, Tracy decided to pass the torch as the
San Francisco program coordinator. She had
started the program nine years earlier with little
funding and a passion to share with kids her
love of reading. At that time, I had been a
BookPAL for eight years reading in
classrooms, as well as helping coordinate
workshops and special events. Because of my
experience in the San Francisco School District
I knew I could help the program grow.
So the adventure began with starting a
BookPALS Book Club for kids in San
Francisco’s Juvenile Hall. I’d seen jail from
TV’s perspective, but not up close. The sound
of steel against steel as the entrance doors
slammed behind me still echoes in my head
four years after the program ended. I will
never forget introducing myself to an 11-year
old boy with tears in his eyes; he was clearly
scared to be on the inside.
BookPALS reached out to more family
shelters; reading in the evenings to children
whose families could barely hold together the
strands of life. We partnered with Start With a
Story, an Alameda County Library program.
Once a month, BookPALS read to kids waiting
to see a parent or relative serving time at Glenn
Dyer jail. And we presented readers theater
versions of popular stories on the Emerald
Stage at Fairyland in Oakland. Our troupe
named themselves The Fairylanders.
Besides the places we went, there were the
kids, who were a constant surprise. One day I
was reading to a first-grade class at New
Highland Elementary in East Oakland – which
can be a tough neighborhood. Toward the end
of the story, I asked the kids, “What do you
think happens next?” A little girl sitting in the
back called out, “He gets shot.”
A few weeks ago I was reading an R.L. Stine
mystery to my 4th
graders at Bessie Carmichael.
The book was about time travel so I asked the
kids before I read the final installment, “If you
could go back in time, what age would you like
to be?” Most of the kids said ages 3 or 4,
because everything would be so easy. But one Continued on page 11
San Francisco - 11
This weekend, my new husband Art and I went to San
Francisco…where I spent a huge chunk of my life. All three of
my sons were born there, and it’s the place I cut my teeth in
major market radio…in large part because of the man who
mentored me and sat next to me for years on the 32nd floor of
Embarcadero One at KCBS radio.
Al Hart turned 84 this month, and we were invited for brunch at
his home by his wife, Pat, her daughter and his caregiver. Al
was his affable self … but the voice we’re so
used to hearing is diminished.
For 42 years, Al commanded the San Francisco
airwaves with his presence, and truly loved
every minute of it. I have never known a person
who so loved what he did, disseminating
information and stories to listeners, with a voice
so comforting and a persona that to this day
remains humble, despite his recognition
wherever he goes. I had the privilege to sit next
to him again, this time at the dining table, eating
wonderful food.
I shared my stories of our time together in SF,
Al ate. He heard every word, laughed, recalled
moments, and seemed to completely enjoy our
time together. Pat put on a CD of his
music. Yes, he recorded music as well! And Al
attempted to hum along to a few of his
songs. But the man we all used to hang on every
word for has fewer words to utter these
days. Instead, his gift of listening is the one he
now uses the most.
When Al and I shared morning anchoring duties
in the 1990s … Al was the most gracious co-
host … and taught me skills I use to this
day. Without his mentoring, suggestions,
corrections, encouragement, and sometimes
outright pushing, I would not have pursued my
career as I have.
He stuck with one station for 42 years. Who
does that? I’ve been privileged to stay in the
business for three decades, and I give so much
credit to this legend of a man who accepted
each of his milestones and piles of awards
quietly.
He is a man who always knew his place. Al
was in the news business, and he had to keep us
listening, so he entertained us as well …
somehow without drawing attention to himself
in an aggrandized way. Instead, you could hear
that smile, or that concern, or that urgency. And
his coaching has stuck with me.
As my husband and I got up to leave I thanked
Al for a beautiful brunch.
Continued on page 12
Yes, You Can Go
Home Again By Lois Melkonian
Continued from page 10
girl said she would like to be 6 because her mother read
to her. “Does your mother read to you now? I asked. She
shook her head and said, “no.” I told the class — that is
why we have BookPALS, because you are never too old
to be read to.
As I transition out of the Program Coordinator role, I’m
taking away hundreds of experiences I would never have
had if it weren’t for BookPALS, and will forever guide
my life: being in lockdown for over an hour with a room
of third-graders at New Highland, ducking and covering
with kindergartners at Yick Wo during an earthquake
drill or having a little girl at Hamilton Emergency Shelter
ask if she can read to me.
BookPALS plays an important part in our community
and I’m proud to have been part of this wonderful
program. It’s been a brilliant adventure all because of
“yes.” A huge “Thank You” to all the BookPALS who
allowed me to take this journey with them. BookPALS
are the best!
Say “yes” to getting involved and making a difference in
the lives of children in our own community by sharing
your talents as an actor. To find out more about
becoming a BookPAL, contact: Lynne Maes,
the new San Francisco Program Coordinator at
[email protected]. Or check out the new
BookPALS site at http://bookpals.net/.
San Francisco - 12
Continued from page 11- Home Again
“Did you pick up the bill?” he quickly quipped.
“No,” I replied, “But I’m leaving a good tip.”
After nine years away from SF, I realize I can go
home, in large part because of the man who
helped shape my life. Many of us have mentors in
our lives. I’m so glad I had the chance to thank
mine, again, for being my hero.
Editor’s Note: This is a blog written by Lois
Melkonian after a visit to Al Hart earlier this year.
She graciously gave permission to SAG-AFTRA to
print it in the San Francisco Local newsletter.
Thank you Lois.
Photo courtesy of Margaret Rotan
Lois Melkonian is an award-winning broadcast
journalist who's been reporting and anchoring on
radio and television for the past 30 years. People
are her passion, as evidenced in her special
reports from Bosnia, Serbia and Uganda, to the
streets of San Francisco, New York, Denver and
now Houston. Lois has covered presidential
elections, the high-tech boom and bust in the
Silicon Valley, local and national disasters and
focused on stories of people who have overcome
great odds.
Staff News
Len Egert officially started his job as executive
director of the San Francisco SAG-AFTRA office on
April 2. Len oversees the daily operations of the SAG-
AFTRA office, staff, and is responsible for the
administration of national contracts for TV, radio
programing, sound recordings, commercials,
corporate/educational non-broadcast productions, new
media and theatricals produced in the Bay Area, along
with the staff who currently administers these contract
areas. He also serves as chief negotiator for local
contracts, including broadcast station contracts. Prior
to joining the San Francisco Local, Len worked as a
founding partner (1998) at the New York City-based
entertainment law firm of Egert and Trakinsk. His
experience includes litigation, contract negotiation,
contract drafting and general counseling for clients in
the TV and film industries, from production
companies to writers, directors and other talent.
Frank Du Charme formally announced his retirement
as executive director of the San Francisco SAG-
AFTRA office effective March 31, 2012. Frank has
been the executive director since 1998, and worked as
a business representative in the AFTRA/SAG office
for a year before that. His years of experience with
IBEW and familiarity with the business made him a
good choice for executive director when the job
became available in 1998. Frank will remain as a
consultant/advisor, as well as interim broadcast
director for a period of time to ensure continuity.
Barry Schimmel was hired as a business
representative in September 2011 to replace Michael
Bracamonte. Barry is responsible for the enforcement
of the AFTRA freelance contracts, including the
Network Code, Sound Recordings, Cable and
various local freelance agreements. His background
includes 20-plus years of experience in labor
advocacy, negotiations and organizing. Barry
previously worked as an international representative
for the Teamsters Airline Division and was also the
business representative for more than 2,000 members
of Local 135’s Airline Division bargaining units in
Indiana.
Marifel Fuentecilla was recently promoted to the
position of SAG-AFTRA membership coordinator,
filling the position vacated by Tia Baur. Marifel has
been with the Local for three years, starting as the
receptionist. She is fully expected to enhance the
Membership department with her knowledge. Previous
positions held by Marifel include receptionist,
membership clerk, freelance administrator and records
management.
Vicki Aronson rejoins the SAG-AFTRA staff, filling
the receptionist position recently vacated by Marifel’s
promotion. Vicki worked at the AFTRA/SAG office in
the ’90s – before the move to Sansome Street — under
the direction of multiple executive directors and a stint
with the theatrical department. She rejoined our staff
in October and will be assisting Karen Lipney in the
Communications Department.
Continued on page 13
San Francisco - 13
Continued from page 12- Staff News
Concepcion Castillo joined the staff on April 2, 2012,
filling the position of receptionist. She will be
assisting the Membership department. Concepcion was
the first new SAG-AFTRA San Francisco Local
employee.
Lauren Renaud joined the SAG-AFTRA staff
effective April 14, 2012 as the first Local organizer.
This is a new position created consistent with the goals
of the new union to reach out to members and organize
new work opportunities. Lauren spent time training
with the National Organizing department and has
already hit the ground running.
Luke McLaughlin is the newest member of the staff,
starting May 8 in records management.
Your Union Membership
“Pays”
at Work and at Home
The AFL-CIO created Union Privilege in 1986 to
provide union members and their families with
valuable consumer benefits. With Union Plus
benefits, your union membership "pays" at work
and at home.
By using the collective buying power of unions,
Union Plus is able to offer valuable, discounted
products and services exclusively to working
families
Visit www.unionplus.org and learn how you can
take advantage of your union membership.
Services are administered by entities
independent of SAG-AFTRA. Questions must be
handled by the providers. SAG-AFTRA does not
endorse any of these services.
The TTN Bargaining Committee, from left, Rodger
Brand, St. Louis; Anton Peters, Chicago; Marc Ernay,
New York; Ron Cervi, San Francisco; Nicole Davis,
Boston; Sam Clover, Philadelphia; Jose Peñate, Los
Angeles; and Alex Meyer, Seattle.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS SAFETY INSTITUTE -
SURVIVING THE STORY
The International News Safety Institute (INSI) is an
international, nonpolitical, nonprofit organization,
dedicated to offering safety training and information to
reporters and media staff in dangerous situations. INSI was
launched officially on World Press Freedom Day 2003.
Concerns about safety in journalism have never been
greater. The dangers faced by journalists across the globe
hit home hard in North America this year.
The freedom of the press is under threat when fears of
murder, rape, maiming and unjust imprisonment loom
large. For this reason, INSI expanded its operations to train
and inform media communities in the United States,
Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Built on INSI's near
decade of experience training and advising media
professionals around the world, the INSI-North America
office was set up in October 2011 to deepen work in this
hemisphere. The decision was prompted by a particularly
bad year in journalism safety, which saw nearly a dozen
Mexican journalists killed and American correspondents
endangered by foreign conflict and unrest at home.
INSI-North America is committed to building a network of
trainers, who will offer training on cyber security, rape
prevention, natural disasters, emotional self-care, and
protection of sources, risks, risk assessment, situational
awareness and combat medical care. Since its foundation,
INSI has:
Continued on page 15
San Francisco - 14
Take a Walk on the Wild Side… …With Mark Jones atop the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge
Everybody that works on California bridges - that’s Caltrans workers and contractors - is required to take fall
safety classes. It’s a combination of classroom safety instruction and a final test, which takes place during the
climb of one of the state-owned bridges, decked out in full harness gear.
Since I am now documenting the construction of the new Bay Bridge, I had to take safety training for working
inside confined spaces, as well as fall safety.
These pictures highlight the final class, as we climbed the second tower of the West Span of the Bay Bridge.
It looks terrifying, but it’s perfectly safe. The harness has two safety lines and one must be connected with at
least one of the safety lines to the bridge at all times.
Our instructor, Caltrans Veteran Safety inspector Fernando Leon, has taught 800 workers how to safely climb
bridges - no one has ever been hurt.
It’s not a stroll in the park however.
Just remember to take a deep breath, and don’t think about what you’re doing. And once in a while, stop and
enjoy the view.
Mark Jones
Video Journalist
San Francisco - 15
Continued from page 13 – INSI
• Set up a global safety information network in
support of all news media.
• Provided safety training free of charge to
almost 2,000 news media staff and freelancers in 21
countries in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America,
Asia and other hot spots in a continuing program.
• Conducted a global inquiry into the causes of
journalist deaths around the world.
• Secured the passage of UN Security Council
Resolution 1738 in 2006 on the safety of journalists in
conflict.
• Set up a global kidnap/hostage help facility to
aid organizations and individuals confronted with this
crisis for the first time.
• Sustained behind-the-scenes talks with
militaries. Coordinated a safety information exchange
for major news organizations with teams on the ground
in dangerous situation.
Excerpted from the INSI website
An interview with Louise La Muth,
SAG-AFTRA member – 97 years young
We received a call from a member asking what
year the movie The Jazz Singer was produced and
out of habit, the reply was “you can Google it” and
“look on IMDB.” This caller, however, insisted
she did not have access to a computer. As staff, we
sometimes get a bit skeptical about responses like
that – we are so busy dealing with claims and
contracts, etc. But this particular caller was
insistent and compelling and after further
conversation, we learned that Louise is 97 years
old, sight impaired, a SAG-AFTRA member and a
lifelong San Francisco resident. What a treasure.
Naturally, the first thing we did was schedule an
interview with Louise. That was the start of the
adventure. Louise’s home is not easy to find and,
of course, Murphy’s law sprang to life and we left
the camera in the taxi on the way to see her.
Luckily, we had a video camera, but as it turned
out, the tripod was not working properly. It was
just one of those days. When we finally found
Louise, or rather, her caregiver found us
wandering the block, she graciously welcomed us
into her home and was fully prepared for the
interview. She’d found what paperwork she could
relating to her history with the union and the work
she’d done. Her lovely pink sweater gave her a
healthy glow, which matched her upbeat
personality and lively mode of communication. I
think we enjoyed ourselves more than Louise did.
Louise came to her acting career later in life, after
she retired from the Bank of America. It was a
Lana Turner-like discovery. According to Louise
she was walking down the street and was
approached by someone casting for a commercial.
She was a principal for several commercials and
had a few bit parts in movies. She retired from
acting due to health reasons, but continued to have
a full life thereafter and still does. Louise is
pictured below with a doll purchased for her in
Paris when she was a small child. For a 90-year-old
doll, it’s in really great shape, just like Louise.
Interviewing Louise was a once-in-a-lifetime
experience. Ironically, when Louise was a young
child, she had occasion to have a play date with a
very famous actor of the time, never knowing that
she too would one day be a union member. Louise
wrote an autobiographical piece about her
encounter. Please read and enjoy it.
My New Playmate By Louise La Muth
It was about eight o’clock in the morning on a
summer day. I had rolled up my bedroom window
shade and looking out, as usual, all was quiet on the
avenue. Parked in front of the house across the street
was a black shiny chauffeured limousine with what
looked like rattan on the side of it. In a moment, the
uniformed chauffeur drove off and I could see a
woman and a little blond-headed boy walking up the
concrete path to the door of the house.
The next morning, with my usual first daily
activity of rolling up the window shade, I saw the
little blond-headed boy sitting on the curb across the
street. I knew he didn’t live on the avenue so he must
be visiting someone. He looked so lost and lonely
and I felt sorry for him. Continued on page 16
After having my breakfast, I decided to go
out and play with him. I took my slate and red and
white chalk. I walked across the street and sat on
the curb beside him. I told him my name was
Louise and I was 11 years old. I asked if he would
like to play tic-tac-toe. He said, “Yes, please.”
While sitting on the front stoop of the house
playing tic-tac-toe, he told me he was visiting his
grandmother who lived there. He was a good-
looking little boy. He was gentle, soft spoken,
polite and smart. He seemed happy to have
someone to play with and I was happy to have
found such a nice new playmate. We were quietly
playing our game of tic-tac-toe when we saw and
heard a bunch of strange kids running up the
avenue screaming wildly. One of them yelled,
“There he is, that’s him.” At that moment my new
playmate jumped up, took a couple of leaps to his
grandmother’s front door, flung the door open,
jumped over the threshold to the inside and
slammed the door shut. I picked up my slate and
chalk and walked across the street to home.
Early the next morning I was awakened
hearing the words, “Louise dear, please come out
and play with me.” My new playmate was calling
these words over and over. I opened my window
and told him to please stop calling me. I would be
out to play with him after I had my breakfast.
During breakfast I decided I was tired of
playing tic-tac-toe and I would take my jump rope
and jacks for us to play with. Going down my front
stairs, looking across the street, there was my new
playmate sitting on the curb in front of his
grandmother’s house. When he saw me coming he
gave me his sweet smile and “Good morning,
Louise dear.” We played jacks and jumped rope. I
wasn’t very good at jumping rope. He reminded me
of this and with his gentle humor he mentioned he
had won most of tic-tac-toe games and the games
of jacks. He was right.
We weren’t playing very long, when again
we saw another bunch of kids running up the
avenue toward us, screaming. This time I grabbed
my new playmate’s hand, jerked him up saying,
“come on run.” We ran across the street to my
garage through to the backyard. There we had a
swing, a springboard and a tree to climb and we
still had the jump rope and jacks. We took turns
on the swing. The higher I pushed him on the
swing the more he liked it. Playing on the
springboard wasn’t much fun. Climbing the tree
and jumping off was the most fun.
That was what we were doing when I
saw a woman standing near the back door of the
garage. She looked tall. She had very white skin
and black hair. She wore bright red lipstick. She
was wearing a black dress with a white collar.
She held out her hand, saying, “Come, dear.”
My new playmate answered, “Yes Mother.” He
jumped down from the tree and walked toward
her outstretched hand as he turned back looking
at me. He smiled and said, “Thank you, Louise
dear, for letting me play in your backyard.” I felt
sad. I just knew it was the last time I would see
my new playmate’s lovely face, soft brown eyes,
sweet smile and beautiful blond silky hair that
shimmered in the light. A little boy, age 10,
named Jackie Coogan.
San Francisco - 16
Pre-Merger Hard at Work!
Before merger, AFTRA and SAG leaders met
numerous times. Pictured, from left, are AFTRA
Local and National Board member Denny Delk,
new Executive Director Len Egert, outgoing
Executive Director Frank Du Charme, SAG
Council President Kathryn Howell and AFTRA
Board President Leticia Gomez.
San Francisco - Open Mic
San Francisco - Open Mic 14
San Francisco - 17
IN MEMORIAM
WALTER JOHNSON 1924-2012 - FRIEND, ACTIVIST AND LEADER
Walter Johnson died in San Francisco of a heart attack on January 12, 2012 at the age of 87. Walter
devoted most of his career to the department store and retail clerks unions in San Francisco.
He also served as head of the San Francisco Labor Council for nearly 20 years. Walter was a genuine
humanitarian, friend, activist and labor leader. He will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him.
JAY M. JACOBUS 1921-2012, contributed by Jay William Jacobus
Jay M. Jacobus died after a short illness in Modesto on January 4, 2012. He was a longstanding member
of both AFTRA and SAG.
He enjoyed radio, television, acting and directing. He was a staff announcer at several local radio stations
and did freelance work as a football and basketball play-by-play announcer for the local colleges. He was
the announcer for KRON’s Science in Action from 1952-65, a show that won several Emmys in the early
years of television.
He acted in more than 25 theatrical films and was a regular player on The Streets of San Francisco. He
made several industrial films for the Armed Forces and served as the public address announcer for many
of the West Coast Intercollegiate Rowing events.
CLARENCE “CLANCY” CASSELL 1920-2012, contributed by Christina Cassell Small
Clarence “Clancy” Larkin Cassell, KCBS radio newsperson from the mid-1940s until 1983, when he
retired. My dad didn’t say much when we were growing up. I think it was because of those hours at CBS.
His afternoons were his time to sleep. Living in Palo Alto to take advantage of the good schools and
neighborhoods, he made the sacrifice for his family to get up every morning at 3 a.m. and hit the
Bayshore Freeway to the station in San Francisco.
My dad always wore a great-looking suit and tie to work every day. He was 6’2” with long arms and long
legs, and that signature space between his teeth. When he retired, the suits were gone and he lived in a red
V-neck sweater and khaki pants. The space between the teeth still remains however — I inherited it from
my dad, as did my brother and daughter.
“Poppy,” as his granddaughter called him, believed in unions and was a member of both AFTRA and
SAG. He joined both unions in 1952. I remember the year he went on strike at KCBS and walked the
picket line. At that time, KCBS was on top of the Palace Hotel. My recollection is that he was nervous for
his family and what was going to happen on the line. Then, the food trucks started to deliver to the
restaurant at the Palace Hotel. No way. The strikers had all the entrances covered and those men would
not cross the picket line with their trucks. The union also provided us with the best mail on the block. The
letters from Charlton Heston were always a thrill.
When I went into his room for the last time, I looked at his side table. There they were. He had lined up
his wrist watch, a battery operated clock, and a large face clock. He never went without a schedule and a
time for everything. I miss him. He was a very special man.
Walter Johnson
1924-2012
MY TIME WITH WALTER Contributed by Karen Lipney
Walter held a special place in my heart and I’d like to think it was mutual, but Walter held a special place in
thousands of hearts and I’m sure that was mutual too. We all feel special for having had him in our lives. Walter
did not wear his heart on his sleeve. Doesn’t mean he was not passionate about what he did and believed in. Just
the opposite in fact. Walter devoted a majority of his life to fighting and advocating for working men and women,
for equality and for justice.
Unlike me, Walter was not a “hugger.” And I know this because I got really excited about the outcome of an
election many years ago. It was at a gathering where we were listening to the election results. I was so happy
about winning that I hugged Walter and, judging from his reaction, I immediately knew I had crossed an invisible
boundary. I won’t say that Walter recoiled in horror, but he became stiff as a board and was unresponsive. I have
to admit that I didn’t hug him again for a few years, despite my inclination to do so. Forward to years later after I
got to know Walter much better. Needless to say, I hugged him intentionally every time I saw him knowing he
would be polite about it. That’s my sense of humor. Walter knew it was coming from a good place and he did learn
to sort of hug back after a time.
I was privileged to visit Walter in the hospital shortly before he died. He was not conscious for the most part, but I
took advantage of the situation and held his hand for a long time. And I told him in a joking, loving way (whether
he could hear or not) that I was holding his hand, and there was nothing he could do about it. To make up for it, I
promised him apple pie if he got better. Walter loved pie and coffee.
Walter had a great sense of fairness, integrity, humanity and a particularly wonderful sense of humor — rather dry
— and it could be wicked, but never unkind. If you read anything about Walter, you will find it is universally
known that he had a keen sense of humor. Even without that attribute, I’m certain I would have liked Walter
anyway, for he was an admirable man. But the wit was the icing on the cake and he would not really have been
Walter without it. Being in labor relations year in and year out, working on behalf of men and women who work
and live in the most dismal of conditions, dealing with employers who could care less whether you can pay your
rent or feed your children can take its toll. It can make one cynical, skeptical, insensitive, one-dimensional, grim,
ad nauseum. But not Walter. Maybe it was because he saw everyone as an equal. Maybe it was because he was
tolerant. Maybe it was because he was respectful even to those who did not share his opinions. Maybe it was
because he thought that given the opportunity, people want to do the right thing. Maybe it was because he was
surrounded by people with courage, people who wanted to change things for the better. Or maybe it was because
laughter is a universal tonic from which he drank — often.
How did I meet Walter? It was a result of the Great Commercial Strike of 2000. AFTRA and SAG were staging
rallies, putting up picket lines, reaching out to the community and most of all, reaching out to our sisters and
brothers in the labor movement. I found myself in Walter’s office asking for cooperation from labor to help the
performing unions in this struggle. He was then the executive director of the San Francisco Labor Council — a
position he held for at least 20 years. I didn’t know Walter from Adam and, at first glance, he looked like any other
senior citizen, so I was appropriately respectful. I found out there was no need to be respectful for that reason.
Honestly, I had the bar set pretty low in terms of expectations. But after I left Walter’s office, I realized three
things: This man gets things done, he trusted I would not treat his help lightly, and I learned that you don’t say
“no” to Walter. Walter sat there and made phone calls, he made things happen, he got results, and I’m not kidding Continued on page 19
San Francisco - 18
San Francisco - 19
when I tell you that if you got a call from Walter, you called back. And it was not because you were afraid of
him, it was because Walter was a man of his word, he treated everyone with respect, you could count on him, he
genuinely cared for people, he didn’t mess around, he was funny and you WANTED to help.
That was the beginning of me and Walter. He grew on me and I grew fond of him. I was concerned when he
retired from the San Francisco Labor Council, thinking I wouldn’t see him anymore. But we kept in touch. We
went out to lunch to Caesar’s or Delancey Street. I asked questions and learned about his life and I’m only sorry
I didn’t write it all down because memory, being what it is (or isn’t), I can’t remember as much as I’d like.
Walter sometimes picked me up at the office or drove me back to the office after a lunch. He had a certain
driving style and after a few rides through downtown traffic, I politely declined to get into the car with him
thereafter.
The funeral service for Walter was held in the beautiful Grace Cathedral. I had never been there before and the
place was packed. Ironically, it was also the third anniversary of my father’s death. I figured this would be just
another funeral with another person of the cloth speaking about the dearly departed with no real sense of who the
person was. But I should have known better — after all, it was for Walter. To my delight (if one can use that
word in this context), the Rev. Dr. Thomas Nibbe who delivered the homily (I had to look that up) knew Walter
well enough to capture his humanity and sense of humor. The reverend spoke of Walter respectfully, but all the
while conveying information in Walter’s style of humor. It wasn’t sad, it was funny and loving. Just what Walter
would have wanted. It was what everyone there needed.
The reverend spoke of a time in Walter’s young life when he earned money by picking fruit and vegetables for
very low wages. Years later, Walter met Cesar Chavez and asked Mr. Chavez, “Where were you when I was
getting paid only 10 cents an hour for picking apples?” to which Mr. Chavez replied “I was getting paid 7 cents
an hour for picking strawberries.”
Walter was celebrated and honored by so many organizations that I couldn’t begin to count. He was particularly
proud of the fact that he was named an honorary woman and an honorary lesbian and never failed to remind me,
which always brought a smile to my face. I never asked Walter how these honors came to be bestowed on him,
but at the service, Rev. Nibbe included these two accomplishments in giving meaning and humor to Walter’s life
and explained the “honorary woman” title. Apparently Walter had been in labor for so many years that he’d
earned the title of honorary woman! You don’t usually hear people laugh at funeral services, but this one was
different.
When I read Dick Meister’s salute to Walter, I learned how Walter became an honorary lesbian. According to
Meister, Walter was one of the first labor leaders to give unconditional support to the LGBT movement and he
played a key role in founding the LGBT group that later became Pride at Work.
The labor community is going to be a different place without Walter. He was one of the last of his kind. He got
things done on a handshake, respected working people, was kind and generous and was always there to lend a
helping hand if he could, didn’t look down on anyone, and had a great sense of fairness, justice and humanity.
Not to mention (yet again) his sense of humor. I’m going to miss that Walter. But I’m REALLY going to miss
the Walter who shared a meal with me and tried to be tolerant enough to let me hug him. And I owe a great
many thanks to Alexis Gonzales who was a great friend to Walter and helped us stay in touch.
SAG-AFTRA
350 Sansome Street, Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone (415) 391-7510 Fax (415) 391-1108
Fresno & Sacramento toll free (888) 238-7250
Editor: Karen H. Lipney