Date: Thu, 15 Jul 1999 20:56:22 -0700 (PDT) From: Chuck Grimes <cgrimes at tsoft.com> To: lbo-talk at lists.panix.com Subject: Re: More KPFA
Here's the KPFA UPDATE bulletin. If this is considered tedious to lbo-talk, let me know and I won't forward this stuff.
Chuck Grimes
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UPDATE: PROTESTS CONTINUE AT KPFA, PACIFICA DENIES EXPULSION
OF STAFF IS A LOCKOUT
LEADING CALIFORNIA LEGISLATORS CALL FOR HEARING ABOUT
PACIFICA FOUNDATION'S ACTIONS IN LOCKING OUT STAFF,
CHANGING FORMAT OF KPFA, MISUSE OF FUNDS
BENEFIT CONCERT SCHEDULED FOR BERKELEY COMMUNITY THEATER
MONDAY 7/19 FEATURING JOAN BAEZ, DAR WILLIAMS AND OTHERS
(With apologies for missing a day of updates...our computer was down and we are all overextended in fighting this dreadful takeover...)
l. Protests continued tonight (Thursday) outside the now padlocked and plywood-panelled facade of KPFA and Pacifica. Pacifica executive director Lynn Chadwick and her staff have apparently moved out of their offices, possibly to downtown Oakland (a demonstration will be held there as soon as their new address is verified).
More than sixty riot-equipped police were present as the rally began shortly after 5 p.m. By 6 p.m., the crowd had reached at least 500 people (there were over 2,000 the night before, but there was less time to organize tonight's...). Several protestors tried to enter KPFA via a ladder to a second floor balcony, but Berkeley police pulled them roughly inside. Nine were arrested, bringing the total to 77 arrests in protests thus far.
A number of protestors said they would set up camp for the weekend.
A hip-hop community rally in support of KPFA staff is set for 5 p.m. Friday in front of the station.
Pacifica states that the lockout is not a lockout, but paid leave for everyone at KPFA.
Meanwhile pre-recorded tapes continue to be played by scab engineers. After failing to find anyone local to take engineering control, Pacifica imported another KPFT employee, chief engineer Bob Cham, to aid KPFT station manager Garland Ganter and Pacifica Program Service worker Mark Torres from Los Angeles in broadcasting speeches and music.
2. Sixteen California legislators, led by Senate pro tem President John Burton and Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa today released a letter requesting a hearing by the Joint Legislative audit committee into Pacifica's actions in this crisis.
Noting that Pacifica is "incorporated as a public service tax exempt corporation in California," the letter expresses concern that Pacifica "may violate its charter and tax exempt status" by disenfranchising local advisory boards and using fund for purposes inconsistent with its charter."
In addition the letter cites the "lock-out of station workers" in violation of Pacifica's contract with Communication Workers of America.
"When there are reasons to suspect that Pacifica is acting unethically or illegally, we believe a hearing is warranted," the letter concludes.
3. A benefit concert for locked out and fired KPFA workers will be held Monday, July 19 at the Berkeley Community Theater, featuring Joan Baez and Dar Williams. Ticket information follows tomorrow...BUT PLEASE PLAN TO BE THERE!
4. ARE YOU A UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE TEACHER?
If so, you might want to send a letter similar to one sent by University of California teacher Gray Brechin to Mary Frances Berry's academic superior at the University of Pennsylvania. ( see http://savepacifica.net/0716_brechin.html )
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