Friday, December 31, 2010

Services for Owen and Marie Brennan

Services for Owen and Marie Brennan



Viewing: Friday, January 7, 2011, 1600 to 1900 Hrs

Rosary: Friday, January 7, 2011, 1900 Hrs

Cabot and Sons Mortuary
300 North Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 793-7159



Funeral Mass

Saturday, January 8, 2011, 1100 Hrs

Saint Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church
322 N Avenue 61
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 256-3041



Interment immediately following

Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
5835 West Slauson Avenue
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 836-5500

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Owen Brennan "SARGE" Rest in Peace

(from left) Richard Renchard and Owen Brennan


Just received word that retired pressroom first colorman at the Los Angeles Times for many years, Owen Brennan III, passed away last night.



Affectionately known as "Sarge" by his pressroom colleagues, he will be missed by everyone he touched.


Our condolences go out to his son Owen Brennan Jr., former Los Angeles Times pressroom supervisor.


From Owen Jr.: "Dad died at 10:07pm last night followed by my Mom at 11:55pm. We're sad that they're gone, but happy that they're not hurting anymore. I don't know what the other would have done without the other if one had survived the other."



Friday, December 24, 2010

Times publisher cites the year's highlights

December 23, 2010 3:58 pm

Publisher Eddy Hartenstein sent the following memo to Times employees:

Colleagues:

As we approach year-end, I want to thank each and every one of you for doing your part in this enterprise we call the Los Angeles Times Media Group.

And “doing” is the understatement of the year. Together, we have far exceeded our own stated mission of being the No. 1 source of news and information for Southern California. We have continually and methodically improved upon our goals of serving the diverse communities and constituencies of our immense geographic region, and done so throughout 2010 with distinctive style and, above all, heart and soul.

It is well worth the “ink” to highlight a number of our business and editorial accomplishments. They encompass giving our readers some of the best journalism anywhere in the world, with an emphasis on accountability reporting and news they can use, as well as creating new digital, event and distribution revenue streams. We are committing resources to areas that we know are of key interest to our readers and advertisers, and that make California the unique place that it is. All of these efforts are aimed at further distinguishing our coverage and reach in the crowded media landscape.

Continue reading here.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Tribune Profit Sharing Contribution

Romenesko Memos

A Tribune memo says the company will make a 1.5 percent profit-sharing allocation to the 401(k) accounts of eligible employees in February 2011. Also, the memo adds, company leaders will begin holding town-hall style meetings with employees in early 2011.

From: Tribune Communications
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2010 11:14 AM
Subject: Message from Nils, Don, Tony and Eddy/2010 Profit Sharing Contribution

As 2010 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank you for your hard work, effort and dedication throughout the year. Your focus on innovation, results and contributions to improve our company have made a huge difference.

In spite of a challenging economy, an increasingly competitive advertising environment, and a noisy bankruptcy process, our financial results this year have been very strong. We’re projecting the company will generate more than $600 million in consolidated operating cash flow in 2010—up about 27% from 2009. And when the company succeeds, Tribune employees benefit financially, as well.

Under our 401(k) Savings Plan, if Tribune exceeds certain financial targets, the company may award a discretionary profit-sharing allocation to eligible employees. We’re pleased to tell you that based on our estimated 2010 year-end results, the company will make a 1.5% profit-sharing allocation to the 401(k) accounts of eligible employees in February 2011.

The allocation amount is based on your base pay and commissions paid through December 31, 2010. You must be employed on the last day of the year in order to receive it. The profit-sharing allocation vests in two years, and past service counts towards that requirement.

The allocation will be made to the funds you’ve designated for any matching contributions you receive from the company to the 401(k) Savings Plan (if applicable). If you do not contribute to the 401(k) or have not designated a fund, the profit sharing allocation will be invested in the Vanguard Target Retirement Fund closest to the year in which you turn age 65.

This is one way of recognizing the work of employees across Tribune and reinforces what can be accomplished when we work together as one company. Your input, your ideas, your creativity and your energy are critical to our long-term success.

We also believe that two-way communication is important. In early 2011, we will begin holding town-hall style meetings with employees at our various business units. We’ll do as many as possible in person, but because of time and travel constraints, we’ll conduct some via satellite hook-up. These meetings will give us a chance to speak with you directly and take your questions. We’re working on a schedule now.

We’re closing out a strong year; thank you again for making 2010 a success. Have a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.

Nils, Don, Tony and Eddy

SOURCE: Jim Romenesko

Brian Quintana To Enter California Senate Contest



Hollywood producer Brian Quintana who challenged United States Senator Barbara Boxer in the June 8, 2010 Democratic primary is preparing to run for California's 28th Senate District. The Co-Producer of Superman: Man of Steel received 338,442 votes from fiscally conservative Democrats, Latinos and younger voters. Quintana’s base, name ID and appeal to crossover voters could make him a formidable candidate. Further, he campaigned heavily for Lt. Governor-Elect Gavin Newsom , Superintendent of Public Instruction-Elect Tom Torlakson, Secretary of State Debra Bowen, and may have some chits to call in.


Quintana received more votes statewide and in Los Angeles County than Ted Lieu for Attorney General in the June primary. Quintana received more votes than Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa did in any of his elections, and received 118,948 more votes than (two-time) California Attorney General candidate Rocky Delgadillo which could make him California's rising star in the Latino community which accounts for 34.9% of the district's population. Further, he tied Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Chuck DeVore in Los Angeles County, proving his appeal to conservative white voters who adamantly opposed Barbara Boxer.


"I have met with local elected officials, the business community and neighborhood leaders throughout the district. I am leaning toward a run, and will make a formal announcement after conferring with family over the Christmas Holiday," stated Quintana who grew up in the South Bay. "I spent week-ends growing up there which means I spent week-ends along the coast from Redondo Beach to Venice. Each year I would stray farther and farther, and hope dad wouldn't notice." Quintana notes that, "Several immediate family members lost their jobs in the aerospace industry so I was personally affected. I have spent the last fifteen years working in the entertainment industry and with various sports franchises. As a State Senator, I will continue to lure those high paying jobs to the South Bay region."


The 28th Senate District includes the following communities: Carson, El Segundo, Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Lennox, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Angeles (Cheviot Hills, Harbor City, Mar Vista, Palms, Playa del Rey, Rancho Park, San Pedro, Sawtelle, Terminal Island, Venice, West Los Angeles, Wilmington), Manhattan Beach, Marina del Rey, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, and Torrance. The Governor has two weeks after the new legislative term begins to call a special election.

Quintana first ran to represent Hollywood in the State Assembly in 1992. His supporters have included entertainment mogul Barry Diller, Studio chief Sherry Lansing, producer Steve Tisch, actress Anjelica Huston, and Hollywood billionaire David Geffen. In January 2009 USA Today mentioned him as a prospective candidate to succeed Congressman Xavier Becerra who at the time was considering the post of President Barack Obama's Commerce Secretary. Quintana, an aide while in college to current House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, clearly intends to continue his political involvement for decades to come.

The Governor has scheduled the special election for February 15, 2011.

For more information please visit www.bqforsenate.com or call 323-850-1040.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

A CHUCKLE FOR YOU...

“The Supreme Court has ruled that they cannot have a nativity scene in Washington, D.C. This wasn't for any religious reasons. They couldn't find three wise men and a virgin.”
Jay Leno

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Pete Mastin's Farewell Concert tonight

Well, as it turns out, Pete's band will be playing
a farewell gig at The Horseshoe Lounge in
Riverside tonight for thier drummer, Tony. He is moving to Washington in January.

Come down and help send him off tonight at 9:00 PM.

4640 Galena St. Riverside, Ca.

They're gonna blow the roof off the place!

(Pictured)Ronnie Pineda, Pete Mastin, and Bill Conover

Friday, December 17, 2010

Recall Letter from former LA Times Pressman

Kathy Brokhausen shared the following email from former pressman Scott Bodily, thank you Kathy.

"Dec. 15th , Today I received a recall letter from Greg Malcolm saying that I
will be recalled the week of Dec. 26th.I was wondering if any one else also got
one. I hope so. Scott Bodily"

Friday Afternoon in the Blogosphere

From the left, Pandora Young, Edward, and Tina Dupuy



The List of 209 Tribune Company Managers Who Made Bank - FishbowlLA

By Tina Dupuy


We will spare you a quip about making lists and checking them twice. Naughty
execs? Not news. Naughty Tribune execs ditto. Seeing the list of who made what
while hardworking scribes – including a dude who lost his eye covering the Iraq
War for the LAT – were laid off, bought out or downgraded – very nice. Knowing
all those people on the list may have to give the money back – even better.


Michael Miner at the Chicago Reader writes:

All told, the Tribune Company payments came to about $180 million.
That’s a serious piece of change — especially to someone who worked there for years
and didn’t share in a penny of it; and most definitely to someone whose humble role
in the privatization process was to get laid off.

Here’s the PDF I was forwarded — it shows what everyone got. A few high-fliers,as the expression goes, made out like bandits. For instance David Hiller, CEO of the Los Angeles Times before he left the company in July of 2008, got $3,972,558 in a deferred bonus, $2,328,067 for his stock, $2,083,333 in phantom equity, a total of $3,050,523 in excise tax gross ups, and $3,960,000 in executive transition. That comes to nearly $15.4 million. Then again, it’s a trifle compared to what Dennis FitzSimons, CEO of the entire company, walked away with — $28.7 million.



See the list and read the rest of the piece here.


The List of 209 Tribune Company Managers Who Made Bank - FishbowlLA

Eddy Hartenstein Buys Employees Dinner

Employees at the Los Angeles Times have witnessed many changes under the ownership of the Tribune Company the last ten years, which the company representatives blame on the Internet.

Just like a hospital, fire station, and police department, the newspaper always has someone working twenty-four seven, weekends, and holidays.

One of the bright ideas from Tribune Towers in Chicago, to conserve funds, was the elimination of the free meals for employees working on Thanksgiving and Christmas, while the company gave out lucrative bonuses to the executives.

This year was much different from many as the publisher of the Los Angeles Times, Eddy Hartenstein, bought Thanksgiving dinner for the employees that worked the holiday.

This was appreciated by most and I would like to thank Eddy for this move in the right direction.

DAILY MOTIVATOR 12-17-2010

One decision away
+++++++++++++++++++

You're just one decision away from being free of the limiting demands of your ego. Living your life at the highest level is a choice you can make right now, in this moment.

Accept the positive power that has always been yours. Take the initiative and make full use of the unique power that comes with being you.

In times of unquestioned joy you've glimpsed your true purpose. Take the opportunity now to express that purpose and bring great new value to life.

Worry and fear can no longer pull you down or hold you back.
Though life is relentlessly demanding, you have chosen to be even stronger.

Because you have chosen to persist, you will. Because you know why you must succeed, you do.

Every moment is a decision, and therefore every moment is an opportunity of incalculable value. Decide now, and again and again, to bring your highest possibilities to life.

Ralph Marston

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Tribune is bankrupt, but Hartford Courant staffers still get a Christmas bonus | Poynter.

by Jim Romenesko

Tribune is bankrupt, but Hartford Courant staffers still get a Christmas bonus Poynter.

It’s not much, but still… “As a small token of appreciation and in the spirit of the season, we are offering employees one $15 voucher for the Broad Street café good for Dec. 20 to Dec. 23,” says a memo (click MORE to read) from Rich Graziano, publisher of the Tribune-owned Hartford Courant. At Landmark Communications’ Greensboro News & Record, staffers did a bit better. Editor John Robinson tweeted yesterday: “Distributing $50 gift cards to newsroom staff makes this one of the better days of the year.” Did your media organization give a Christmas bonus? Let us know in Comments.


From: Graziano, Richard
Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 5:14 PM
To: zzWTIC.Everyone; HC-ALL Courant and Subsidiaries
Subject: Happy Holidays CT1 Media Employees

Thank you for your hard work and everything we’ve accomplished this year. As a small token of appreciation and in the spirit of the season, we are offering employees one $15 voucher for the Broad Street café good for Dec. 20 to Dec. 23 (café is closed on Dec. 24).

To pick up a voucher, please come to the entrance of the café (under the TV) on Thursday, Dec. 16 from noon -2 p.m. or Friday, Dec. 17 from 9-11 a.m. If you are unable to pick one up during these times, please stop by Chelsea Roy’s desk here on the 4th floor.

Only one voucher will be issued per employee, so please do not lose or misplace it. You’ll be required to sign for the voucher upon receipt.

We hope you will visit the café next week (Dec. 20 – Dec. 23) and enjoy the food. Thank you for a great year and here’s to 2011. The opportunities are limitless. I wish you and your families a great holiday season, and a safe and happy New Year.

Thank you!

Rich

Rich Graziano

ceo, president & publisher hartford courant

general manager wtic/wcct

So You Want to be a Journalist?



h/t Tina Dupuy

Arbitration Report

From Union President Ronnie Pineda




Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Union and the Company, along with our respective legal counsel met to arbitrate grievances filed on behalf of the membership. On Monday December 6, 2010 Executive Vice President Denson, Attorney, Adam Stern and myself were prepared to present our arguments before the agreed Arbitrator regarding the assignment of crew positions in violation of the collective bargaining agreement.

The Company presented a defense that was never argued during the grievance process Steps 1, 2 or 3 and their defense is that this grievance was not an arbitral case under the language of the CBA. Obviously, we disagree and our Counselor, Adam Stern did a magnificent job stating that fact. The Arbitrator in this case will make a decision on whether this case can be arbitrated. We anticipate a favorable decision and look forward to presenting the merits of this grievance once his decision is rendered.

All parties again met on Wednesday December 8, 2010 to present our case regarding the Company’s hiring of part-time employee Marvin Crayon. The collective bargaining agreement has express language describing eligible candidates for part-time employment in our shop and it is our position that Mr. Crayon did not meet that criteria.

The Company’s defense in this case is that they were not notified that the Union sought to arbitrate this matter following their Step 3 denial of our grievance. That was disputed by our Counselor and we presented the document appealing their step 3 denial including our intent to arbitrate. The Company’s defense is that they did not receive the e-mail containing our response to their Step 3 denial. We possess the proof that the e-mail was sent to the Company and will present this evidence to the arbitrator in this case for her decision on Timeliness. The company never informed the Union of what the timeliness issue was and like previous arbitrations chose to present this defense the morning of arbitration. Upon receipt of the arbitrator’s presumed favorable decision, we are prepared to present the merits of this case at that time.

Each time we have met to arbitrate our grievances; the company has presented a different defense apparently in hopes of one of them sticking to the wall. Brothers and Sisters, it should be obvious that the company has no intention of resolving our disputes in a harmonious fashion as the contract states, and they agreed to. These defenses that the company is arguing are intended to stall and delay in hopes that the members will lose faith in the process and decertify the union next year. We have waited too long for resolution and we need to stand steadfast and allow the arbitration process to finally obtain the unbiased ruling on the true intent and agreements of our 1st contract. SVP Russ Newton and Tribune hopes there won’t be a second contract so all of these grievances will disappear and our fight against their punishment, disrespect and harassment for organizing will have been lost without a fight!!

In Solidarity,
President,
Ronnie Pineda

Additional messages can be viewed at Save Our Trade

Additional Downsizing at the Los Angeles Times

Several colleagues have called or emailed this morning regarding a voluntary separation package they received this morning via United Parcel Service from the Los Angeles Times.

The company is offering one week’s pay for every year of service, with the deadline for applying set at January 5th, 2011, and company separation to occur between January and March of 2011.

My separation package has not arrived, as of this moment, and not certain if this is company wide or just for pressroom employees?

This will not make the employees that were let go earlier this year from the pressroom empty handed very happy.

Will keep you updated as information becomes available.



Two Californias: A study of small towns and rural areas

"I note only that there are vast numbers of people who apparently are not working, are on public food assistance, and enjoy the technological veneer of the middle class."
Read more at Victor Davis Hanson's Private Papers Site

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Congratulations Ed!


Welcome Bentley Bryan Barsi!
7lbs 9 oz.
Nice touch to have him named after your son.
Third Grandchild for Ed!

Thursday, December 09, 2010

Tribune's ex-CEO wiped his drive on way out the door - LA Observed

Tribune Company has asked a bankruptcy judge to permit lawyers to gather information via discovery from former chief executive Randy Michaels, who the company says wiped data and e-mails from his company laptop and phone. That was with lawsuits pending, including one by ex-Los Angeles Times employees, and a complex bankruptcy proceeding underway.

Tribune's ex-CEO wiped his drive on way out the door - LA Observed

Thursday Afternoon in the Blogosphere



Tribune Company Bankruptcy never ending?

The Tribune Company bankruptcy was filed two years ago yesterday, and appears it will be continuing at a minimum of three additional months.

DAILY MOTIVATOR 12-9-2010

Choose again
+++++++++++++++++++

You have chosen every thought, every feeling, every response and every action. Now you have the opportunity to choose again.

If you're completely satisfied with where you are, keep making the same choices that have brought you here. If you prefer to experience more valuable, fulfilling results, then make more positive, appropriate choices.

Any outcome is within your power to create because any choice is within your power to make. The priorities you choose determine the realities you get.

Every moment of every day you are exerting a powerful and effective influence on your world. Whether that influence is positive or negative depends entirely on the choices you make.

Not only can you choose, you can learn from what you choose and continually improve the quality of your choices as you make more and more of them. Because you're able to learn and adapt, nothing you truly desire is out of your reach.

So look deep within and become familiar with your most authentic desires. Then commit to making the choices that will fulfill every one of them.

Ralph Marston

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Thought For Today 12-7-2010

"What other people think of you is none of your business." GET A LIFE!!!!!!

Friday, December 03, 2010

DAILY MOTIVATOR 12-3-2010

The Courage to Fulfill

When you make a habit of expecting the best, you will occasionally be disappointed. Though it is a risk, it's a risk that's well worth taking.

The alternative to being occasionally disappointed as a result of your high expectations is to be continually unfulfilled. Which would you rather have?

Everyone has the ability to live a fulfilling life.
Unfortunately, many people fail to summon the courage to do so.

Working to fulfill your most profound desires is a risky thing because it opens you up to the possibility of disappointment. Sometimes it might seem attractive to simply lower your expectations and avoid the disappointment, but it doesn't work that way.

Sure, when you choose to expect the best, you risk being disappointed from time to time. However, when you expect nothing good from life, you put yourself in a state of continual disappointment that can eventually lead to intractable regret.

Go ahead, acknowledge and accept the fact that your high expectations will sometimes result in disappointment. Remind yourself that when those disappointments come, you can raise your expectations even higher, moving forward with more energy and determination than ever before.

Ralph Marston

Thursday, December 02, 2010

David Craddock's Wake


Time: Monday, December 6 · 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Location:
Angeleno Mortuary
5948 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91401

MAP: click here for directions

KODAK GENERATION NEWS System Demo

The KODAK GENERATION NEWS System provides both high productivity plate making and the stability, accuracy and repeatability of thermal imaging. Fast throughput and advanced automation let newspaper printers get to press quickly. Thermal KODAK SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology provides the excellent imaging quality needed for high-quality newspaper printing or expansion into semi-commercail business. Learn more at: Kodak



Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Wednesday Afternoon in the Blogosphere

Rest in Peace Brother David Craddock




Former Shareholders of Tribune Company

If you were a shareholder of Tribune Company (“Tribune”; NYSE symbol: (“TRB”) in 2007 and tendered or exchanged shares of Tribune stock in June or December 2007, you are likely a member of a potential class of shareholders named as defendants in the lawsuit described below (the “Defendant Shareholder Class”). Your legal rights may be significantly affected by this lawsuit.
Accordingly, please read this notice carefully.

The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Tribune (the “Committee”) filed a lawsuit in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on November 1, 2010, entitled Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of the Tribune Company v. FitzSimons, et al. (In re Tribune Co.), Adversary Proceeding No. 10-54010 (Bankr. D. Del) (KJC) (the Lawsuit”).

This lawsuit arises out of a leveraged buyout transaction (“LBO”) by which Tribune converted to a privately held company in 2007. The LBO happened in two steps: (1) in June 2007, Tribune executed a tender offer that resulted in shareholders tendering their Tribune shares in exchange for $34 per share, and (2) in December 2007, the remaining shares of Tribune were converted to a right to receive cash, also at $34 per share.

If you received proceeds in either step of the LBO, you are likely a member of the Defendant Shareholder Class, even if your name is not currently on the list of shareholders on “Exhibit A” to the Complaint, and you should consider consulting a lawyer to determine whether your rights are affected by this lawsuit.

A copy of the Complaint is available at http://www.kccllc.net/. If you have any questions, please contact Landis Rath & Cobb LLP at TribuneUCC@lrclaw.com or (302) 467-4428.

Thought For Today 12-1-2010

"Obstacles are those things you see when you take your eyes off the goal."