Here's wishing all that pass through this portal a safe and happy new year.
2012 has got to be a better year!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Former Pressman Bill Widner Hospitalized
(From left) John Garay, Gordon Brown, Bill Widner, Vernon Stevens, and Billy Deuel.
Photo taken in May, 1987
Photo taken in May, 1987
Emmett Jaime sent word that former Los Angeles Times Pressroom supervisor Bill Widner was admitted to the hospital recently. Let’s send prayers for a speedy recovery for Billy Widner.
From Emmett Jaime: "Hi folks, hope you all had a nice Christmas. My son told me that Bill Widner was in the hospital. So I called Roger Howe to let him know, Bill is in Upland hospital which is in Upland, he said it was close to his house and that he would call Rose to find out how Bill's doing. He got back to me and said Bill had bleeding ulcers, his blood pressure was elevated and that he needed blood transfusions. Roger said they expect to move Bill to a private room soon and when they do we will go visit him."
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Los Angeles in 1954
Motoring through LA in the early 1950s one's shocked to see freeways that are wide open, streetcars, even Model A Fords still on the streets, a bustling downtown and the first malls, a Ford and Chevrolet Factory and it all looks so clean.
Condolences to Martin Alvarez and Family
Our condolences to Martin Alvarez and family on the passing of his mother last night, may she rest in peace.
In Martin's own words:Monday, December 26, 2011
Monday Afternoon in the Blogosphere
Frank Lind (left) to be let go after 27 years at the newspaper. Also pictured Keith Denson
- L.A. Times paywall talk resurfaces - News & Tech
- How to ace a Gannett job interview - Gannett Blog
- Wall St. Fooled by Newspaper Industry - 24/7 Wall St.
- Ad Spending Slowed to a Crawl in the 3rd Quarter - NYT
- Small newspapers anxiously eye USPS - Hays Daily News
- Shuttering Newspaper Production Plants 2012 - News & Tech
- Why Publishers Can't Afford To Forget Customer Service - E&P
- Berkshire Completes Newspaper Purchase - Wall Street Journal
- New York Times Co. Calls Union Back to Negotiations - Bloomberg
- Confessions of a British tabloid newspaper reporter - Indian Express
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Los Angeles Times re-hires Drex Heikes
The Blogging Pressman meets Drex Heikes
By Kevin Roderick at LAObserved
A familiar face was spotted in the Los Angeles Times newsroom today, being reintroduced. It was Drex Heikes, the former editor of the LAT Magazine, and recently departed editor of the LA Weekly. In his previous stint at the Times he was an editor on the National and Metro desks, and in the late San Fernando Valley edition, among other assignments. He's apparently coming back in January to help edit projects and specialist reporters.
Christmas Eve in the Blogosphere
Emmett Jaime (left) to be let go after twenty-four years at the Los Angeles Times
- End of an era - The EXPOSITOR
- What is it with billionaires and newspapers? - Forbes
- Santa's gremlins: A Christmas Story - The Daily News
- Old Gray Hag Does Edward Padgett a Favor - Mayor Sam
- Yes, Virginia, there may be no more editorials - Gannett Blog
- Newspaper that helps homeless is thriving - Tampa Bay Online
- Arizona Republic intern jumps off newspaper building - Romenesko
- Historic newspaper used to cover a window in Torrance - Kevin Roderick
- On Brink of Closure, California Weekly Points Finger at Gannett - Fishbowl
- The Great Retrenchment Among Newspaper Publishers - Editor & Publisher
Friday, December 23, 2011
Save Our Trade: IMPORTANT NOTICE
By Ronnie Pineda
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The company has notified the union that there have been numerous questionable events taking place in recent months that lead them to believe that there are employees possibly creating dangerous and costly downtime incidents during production. For the record, the Union denies any such behavior.
It was brought to my attention that a reel arm bolt wrench found its way into the compactor and the wrench was propelled from the machine at a dangerous speed causing damage to the compactor, and more importantly, could have caused a serious injury, or possibly even death to employees that were in the area at the time. No one is being accused of intentionally placing the wrench in the waste container but management does not consider this an accident.
In the name of safety and cooperation, I must remind all bargaining unit employees that the Union does not condone nor do we support any behavior that would place another employee in harms way or interferes with production. Furthermore, the Union will not defend nor represent any individual found guilty of participating in any proscribed activity.
The following language pertains to this notice and should be understood and followed.
Section 3.1. No Strike. (a) During the term of this Agreement there shall be no strikes,
sympathy strikes, work stoppages, slowdowns, boycotts, intentional interruption of
production, delays or suspension of work of any nature, and no other acts that interfere
with the Company’s operations or the production or sale of its products or services by the
Union, its officers, agents or members, or by the employees. During the term of this
Agreement there shall be no lockout of any employees by the Company.
(b) The Union agrees that it will take every effort possible to discourage, prevent and
end any strike or proscribed activity and will inform all employees who participate in
such activity that it is their individual responsibility.
(c) Any or all employees participating in any such activity proscribed herein shall be
subject to disciplinary action, including discharge. In the event that a grievance is filed
with respect to activity proscribed herein, the only question before the arbitrator shall be
whether the employee engaged in such proscribed activity. If the arbitrator finds that the
employee engaged in the proscribed activity, s/he shall have no authority to rescind or
otherwise modify the discipline imposed by the Employer.
In Solidarity,
Ronnie Pineda
President
GCC/IBT Local 140-N
Save Our Trade: IMPORTANT NOTICE
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The company has notified the union that there have been numerous questionable events taking place in recent months that lead them to believe that there are employees possibly creating dangerous and costly downtime incidents during production. For the record, the Union denies any such behavior.
It was brought to my attention that a reel arm bolt wrench found its way into the compactor and the wrench was propelled from the machine at a dangerous speed causing damage to the compactor, and more importantly, could have caused a serious injury, or possibly even death to employees that were in the area at the time. No one is being accused of intentionally placing the wrench in the waste container but management does not consider this an accident.
In the name of safety and cooperation, I must remind all bargaining unit employees that the Union does not condone nor do we support any behavior that would place another employee in harms way or interferes with production. Furthermore, the Union will not defend nor represent any individual found guilty of participating in any proscribed activity.
The following language pertains to this notice and should be understood and followed.
Section 3.1. No Strike. (a) During the term of this Agreement there shall be no strikes,
sympathy strikes, work stoppages, slowdowns, boycotts, intentional interruption of
production, delays or suspension of work of any nature, and no other acts that interfere
with the Company’s operations or the production or sale of its products or services by the
Union, its officers, agents or members, or by the employees. During the term of this
Agreement there shall be no lockout of any employees by the Company.
(b) The Union agrees that it will take every effort possible to discourage, prevent and
end any strike or proscribed activity and will inform all employees who participate in
such activity that it is their individual responsibility.
(c) Any or all employees participating in any such activity proscribed herein shall be
subject to disciplinary action, including discharge. In the event that a grievance is filed
with respect to activity proscribed herein, the only question before the arbitrator shall be
whether the employee engaged in such proscribed activity. If the arbitrator finds that the
employee engaged in the proscribed activity, s/he shall have no authority to rescind or
otherwise modify the discipline imposed by the Employer.
In Solidarity,
Ronnie Pineda
President
GCC/IBT Local 140-N
Save Our Trade: IMPORTANT NOTICE
Los Angeles Times Christmas Purge
Victor Banuelos with Sam Zell
The Los Angeles Times Christmas purge is ongoing, as several pressmen have been notified today that their services are no longer needed for tonight’s shift. A total of thirteen pressmen will be laid off by December 31st, 2011, or sooner as the advertising in the newspaper has lightened with Christmas just two days away. I wish my former colleagues the best.
Geoff Hemenway
Victor worked for the newspaper for over 25 years, and Geoff 24 years
Los Angeles Times Pressmen Gathering 2012
From Emmett Jaime:"Hello again and Happy New Year, we hope you and your families had a great Holiday Season. Now its time to get together again for our first Retirees Breakfast of the new year. I hope you can attend, the last breakfast we had brought us some new ex-press people we had not seen since we left the workplace and it was the biggest turnout so far so please try to make this one as we hope to see new faces that might show up. If you plan on bringing somebody with you please let me know".
Place: Carrows Restaurant
Address: 21130 E. Golden Springs
City: Walnut, CA. 91789-3923
Phone: 909-598-5359
Date: January 17th, 2012
Time: 9:30am
Former Los Angeles Times Colleagues Meet
Last Friday I gathered with four former Los Angeles Times Employees at Brixton’s in Redondo Beach for our fill of music from the past. I was the guest of Fan Halen, which you probably already guessed is a Van Halen tribute band that plays around the country.
The line up included Dance Hall Pimps, Without Warning, True 2 Crue, and Fan Halen, and each group had their own followers, which filled the club to the max. I was seated in the VIP Room, which was slightly raised, and far enough back that the music wasn’t to loud. Each band was very entertaining with their own styles of music and dress.
The Berru Family joined me about 10:00 PM to enjoy their cousin Eric Berru singing in the Fan Halen Group. We had a blast especially seeing my former colleagues after many decades.
Fan Halen will be at Romano's
5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 58, Riverside, CA 92507-6318
on January 7th, 2012, I’ll be there in the back of the room.
The line up included Dance Hall Pimps, Without Warning, True 2 Crue, and Fan Halen, and each group had their own followers, which filled the club to the max. I was seated in the VIP Room, which was slightly raised, and far enough back that the music wasn’t to loud. Each band was very entertaining with their own styles of music and dress.
The Berru Family joined me about 10:00 PM to enjoy their cousin Eric Berru singing in the Fan Halen Group. We had a blast especially seeing my former colleagues after many decades.
Fan Halen will be at Romano's
5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 58, Riverside, CA 92507-6318
on January 7th, 2012, I’ll be there in the back of the room.
Nash Berru Pressroom
Mark Berru Circulation
Deirdre Berru Advertising
Chris Berru Paper Handling
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Andrew Witkowski (1959-2011)
Funeral information:
Our Lady of Bright Mount Parish Polish Catholic Church
3424 West Adams
Los Angeles, CA 90018
Funeral Mass on Wednesday, December 21st
Viewing at the church from 10:00 – 10:30
Rosary 10:30 –11:00
Mass Starts at 11:00
Following the mass, there will be a police escort for the burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City.
A reception hosted by the Nario family will follow the burial.
Reception will be held at:
4654 West 120th Street
Hawthorne, CA 90250
Condolences can be sent to:
7553 Center Ave. Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
THE DAILY MOTIVATOR - December 21, 2011
You can do
+++++++++++
You can see, you can feel, you can imagine, and you can create. You can wonder, you can love, you can be amazed, and you can understand.
There is so much you can do. There is so much value you can bring to life in your very own, unique way.
When circumstances bring you down, you don't have to stay down. You can pick yourself up, and move yourself positively forward, again and again.
What you don't know, you can learn. What you must have, you can find or create.
You can forge meaningful, lasting connections with others, and greatly multiply the richness in life. You can cooperate and collaborate and bring about magnificent achievements.
Life can be challenging and difficult, and will ask much of you. That's a great opportunity, because there is so much you can do.
Ralph Marston
+++++++++++
You can see, you can feel, you can imagine, and you can create. You can wonder, you can love, you can be amazed, and you can understand.
There is so much you can do. There is so much value you can bring to life in your very own, unique way.
When circumstances bring you down, you don't have to stay down. You can pick yourself up, and move yourself positively forward, again and again.
What you don't know, you can learn. What you must have, you can find or create.
You can forge meaningful, lasting connections with others, and greatly multiply the richness in life. You can cooperate and collaborate and bring about magnificent achievements.
Life can be challenging and difficult, and will ask much of you. That's a great opportunity, because there is so much you can do.
Ralph Marston
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Los Angeles Times Terminates the Blogging Pressman
After working thirty-nine years, four months, and nine days for the Los Angeles Times I was informed over the phone by human resources that I was terminated on Monday December 12th, 2011. I had no clue I was under investigation, so it came as a shock to learn I was being investigated by human resources and terminated upon the completion of the so-called investigation.I’m not at liberty to share why I was terminated or what my actions in response will be at this time; so stay tuned as this unfolds.
Tuesday Afternoon in the Blogosphere
Andrew Witkowski with his daughter Emily
- Grim news for newspapers - Tucson Citizen
- LAT photo gallery from Iraq - Kevin Roderick
- Is it journalism -- or a press release? - Gannett Blog
- Record Tablet Sales Could Give Newspapers Hope - IBT
- Times Co. Negotiating to Sell Regional Newspapers - NYT
- NYT’s Baquet disses Chicago Tribune editor - Romenesko
- Media Companies show Dwindling Operating Profits - Poynter
- Can 1,400 Dailies Die in 5 Years? Yes - Newspaper Death Watch
- Santa Rosa Press Democrat Staff React to Sale - Richard Horgan
- Former Tribune Co. shareholders potentially on the hook - Michael Oneal
Los Angeles Times Memo: New Political Cartoonist
From: Stanton, Russ
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 11:31 AM
To: yyeditall; yyDCburo
Subject: David Horsey
Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist and columnist David Horsey is joining the Los Angeles Times political team in January. David will be re-crafting the “Top of the Ticket” blog with his unique combination of cartoons and written commentary.
David is leaving the Seattle Post-Intelligencer after a long career that took him to political party conventions, presidential primaries, Summer and Winter Olympics, the Super Bowl, on assignments in Europe, Japan and Mexico and to Washington, D.C. where he did two extended stints in the Hearst Newspapers Washington bureau. You can get a good feel for his thought-provoking work at www.davidhorsey.com.
He will work with 2012 campaign editor Cathy Decker and Asst. National Editor Steve Padilla as we re-launch “Top of the Ticket” for the primary season. David will jump into the fray with an early visit to South Carolina, a pivotal state that holds its primary on January 21st.
Since print publication of the P-I ceased in 2009, Horsey has provided cartoons and columns for the Hearst newspapers in San Francisco, San Antonio, Houston, Albany and Connecticut, as well as for seattlepi.com.
David won the Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning in 1999 and 2003 and was a finalist in 1987. In 1998, he received the National Press Foundation's Berryman Award for Cartoonist of the Year. He is a recipient of numerous other national and regional awards for both cartooning and writing, including first place in Special Topic Column Writing in the 2009 Best of the West Journalism Competition for coverage of the 2008 presidential campaign.
He received a BA in Communications from the University of Washington where he was editor of the student newspaper, The Daily. As a Rotary Foundation Scholar, David earned an MA in International Relations from the University of Kent at Canterbury (U.K.). In 2004, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Seattle University.
He has published seven collections of his work, most recently From Hanging Chad to Baghdad (2003) and Draw Quick, Shoot Straight (2007).
Russ Stanton
Editor
Los Angeles Times
SOURCE: Kevin Roderick
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 11:31 AM
To: yyeditall; yyDCburo
Subject: David Horsey
Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist and columnist David Horsey is joining the Los Angeles Times political team in January. David will be re-crafting the “Top of the Ticket” blog with his unique combination of cartoons and written commentary.
David is leaving the Seattle Post-Intelligencer after a long career that took him to political party conventions, presidential primaries, Summer and Winter Olympics, the Super Bowl, on assignments in Europe, Japan and Mexico and to Washington, D.C. where he did two extended stints in the Hearst Newspapers Washington bureau. You can get a good feel for his thought-provoking work at www.davidhorsey.com.
He will work with 2012 campaign editor Cathy Decker and Asst. National Editor Steve Padilla as we re-launch “Top of the Ticket” for the primary season. David will jump into the fray with an early visit to South Carolina, a pivotal state that holds its primary on January 21st.
Since print publication of the P-I ceased in 2009, Horsey has provided cartoons and columns for the Hearst newspapers in San Francisco, San Antonio, Houston, Albany and Connecticut, as well as for seattlepi.com.
David won the Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning in 1999 and 2003 and was a finalist in 1987. In 1998, he received the National Press Foundation's Berryman Award for Cartoonist of the Year. He is a recipient of numerous other national and regional awards for both cartooning and writing, including first place in Special Topic Column Writing in the 2009 Best of the West Journalism Competition for coverage of the 2008 presidential campaign.
He received a BA in Communications from the University of Washington where he was editor of the student newspaper, The Daily. As a Rotary Foundation Scholar, David earned an MA in International Relations from the University of Kent at Canterbury (U.K.). In 2004, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Seattle University.
He has published seven collections of his work, most recently From Hanging Chad to Baghdad (2003) and Draw Quick, Shoot Straight (2007).
Russ Stanton
Editor
Los Angeles Times
SOURCE: Kevin Roderick
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Feeding the Homeless on Skid Row Los Angeles Today
I’m heading to downtown Los Angeles this afternoon to help feed the homeless and hungry with the Sammy Maloof Racing Team, and I'm taking two of my three grandchildren along to experience what television and newspapers cannot show properly.
Last week one of the men in line shared that he loved the hamburgers and cheese burgers we offer because many of the places that feed him serve similar meals of rice and beans.
We will be at 5th Street and Crocker Street at 4:30PM, if you happen to be in the area feel free to stop by and say hello.
DIRECTIONS
Andrew Witkowski Services
Our Lady of the Bright Mount Catholic Church
3424 West Adams Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90018
Wednesday Dec 21st
10:00 AM Viewing
10:30 AM Rosery
11:00AM Mass
Directions
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Thursday Afternoon in the Blogosphere
Aftermath of wind storm in San Dimas
- L.A. Times Rocked by More Turmoil - The Wrap
- The Day Publishing Co announces layoffs - The Day
- 'I am a laid-off, loyal . . . ex-Gannetter' - Gannett Blog
- Newspaper Carriers Christmas tips scam - Romenesko
- The Sad State of San Diego’s Media - Matthew Fleischer
- Rescue Mission Provides Shelter For Homeless - Gazettes
- New LA Times Editor Making Trinidad Proud - Fishbowl LA
- New LA Times Contract Highlights/Lowlights - Ronnie Pineda
- Most print newspapers will be gone in five years - USC Annenberg
- Do Bloggers Deserve 1st Amendment Protection? - Newspaper Death Watch
Where to file for unemployment
With so many employees losing jobs across the country and becoming unemployed for the first time in their working careers where do they turn for information and steps to take after the initial shock wears off?
Speaking with your family, friends, and former colleagues offers the needed support as you wonder what you shall do, they will all offer positive reinforcement to your situation. Sharing your feelings is healthy and allows you to move on, anger and thoughts of revenge are counter productive and only holds you back.
If you live and worked in California visit the State of California Employment Development Department to begin filing your claim. The web site offers many informative links that should answer all of your questions before the process begins.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Los Angeles Times Editor Russ Stanton Leaving
From Russ Stanton
Colleagues:
Four years ago, I stood before you on my first day as editor and said that we needed to sharpen our focus, expand the ways we distribute our journalism and restructure the newsroom to meet the demands of the digital age. Because of your willingness to adapt to a changing set of circumstances and learn new skills, here is what has transpired since that day:
--Your audience has grown to levels we never could have imagined -- more than 17 million readers a month around the world. In doing so, latimes.com passed larger competitors such as the Wall Street Journal in terms of audience size and continues to grow at an impressive double-digit rate.
--Your world-class, award-winning journalism has taken on many new forms, including breaking online news reports, in-depth video and interactive databases. Reader engagement is at an all-time high.
--Your peers continue to recognize your work with an impressive line-up of accolades, including three Pulitzer Prizes, six Pulitzer finalists and literally hundreds of others awards.
Continued inside.
Your accomplishments are even more impressive considering that they came amid very difficult economy, structural changes to our business and a challenging competitive environment.
Along the way, more than 80 journalists have joined your ranks, including more than two dozen from the Minority Editorial Training Program, who bring different skills and experiences to our staff. And more than 40 people, half of them women, have joined the ranks of management, stepping up to help us navigate through this formidable transition.
As this year comes to a close and we prepare for 2012, Kathy and I have agreed that now would be a good time for a fresh set of eyes to lead our newsroom. My last day will be Friday, Dec. 23rd.
It has been a great privilege and honor to have served with all of you for the past 14 years and particularly during this challenging period in the Times’ long and storied history. I am fiercely proud of the news and features report that you produce each day.
I am very grateful for the hard work and personal sacrifices that you make on behalf of our readers. I will, of course, remain a loyal subscriber. And the continued success of the people who produce the Los Angeles Times, in all its forms, will remain utmost in my thoughts and in my heart.
And from Kathy Thomson:
Colleagues -
As you may know by now, Russ Stanton has decided to step down as editor effective December 23. I have appointed Davan Maharaj, Times managing editor for news, as Russ’ successor.
As I said when I addressed the newsroom staff earlier today and again in the attached press release, Russ has been an outstanding editor—he has helped transform the organization, expanded our audiences across multiple platforms and been a tireless champion of great journalism. He has been a mentor and a friend to many of you, and an insightful colleague willing to challenge conventional thinking. Our newsrooms have flourished under Russ’ leadership.
Davan is the ideal choice to succeed Russ and become the 15th editor of the Los Angeles Times. He has been with The Times for more than 20 years and served in a wide array of positions, with increasing responsibility. He was an excellent reporter, recognized widely for his investigative work, and he has been an outstanding editor, overseeing the Foreign, National, Metro, Sports and Business departments for almost four years. Davan has the talent, experience, energy and vision necessary to be able to step in immediately and continue our advancement in the digital age. I am looking forward to what lies ahead with Davan leading our newsroom.
Please join me in congratulating Russ on a remarkable career here and Davan on his new appointment and responsibilities.
Kathy
SOURCE: Kevin Roderick
Tuesday Afternoon in the Blogosphere
- Lee Enterprises files for bankruptcy - Stl Today
- Buffett gives newspapers thumbs up - FDL Reporter
- Editor Russ Stanton Leaving LA Times - Pandora Young
- Newspaper leaders see promising future - Mercury News
- Newspaper ad $ drops for 21st straight quarter - Media Life
- 165 layoffs under way at Tampa Tribune - Tampa Bay Online
- Pop quiz! Gannett Foundation spending in 2010 - Gannett Blog
- People Ditching Print Media for Phones and Internet - Webpronews
- Editor change at the Times: Stanton out, Maharaj in - Kevin Roderick
- Newspapers Consolidate, Grub For Remaining Revenue - Arcata Eye
In loving memory of Billy Jay Hinton
The following video is in memory of a lifelong friend of one of our pressman
Monday, December 12, 2011
Rest in Peace Andrew Witkowski
I was just informed that former Los Angeles Times Pressman Andrew Witkowski has passed away. I have no further information at this time.
Contract Approved by the LA Times Pressmen
The new contract was approved by the members present this afternoon 29 yes to 14 no
Friday, December 09, 2011
Impasse in Contract Bargaining
A bargaining impasse occurs when the two sides negotiating an agreement are unable to reach an agreement and become deadlocked. An impasse is almost invariably mutually harmful, either as a result of direct action which may be taken such as a strike in employment negotiation or sanctions/military action in international relations, or simply due to the resulting delay in negotiating a mutually beneficial agreement.
Some theorists contend that impasses are used by negotiating parties in situations of imperfect information as a method of signalling to the other side the seriousness of their position.[citation needed] Impasse provides a credible signal that a party’s position is genuine and not merely an ambit claim.
Impasse may also arise if parties suffer from self-serving bias. Most disputes arise in situations where facts are able to be interpreted in multiple ways, and if parties interpret the facts to their own benefit they may be unable to accept the opposing party’s claim as reasonable. They may believe the other side is either bluffing or acting unfairly and deserve to be "punished".
As bargaining impasse is mutually harmful, it may be beneficial for the parties to accept binding arbitration or mediation to settle their dispute, or the state may impose such a solution. Indeed, compulsory arbitration following impasse is a common feature of industrial relations law in the United States[1] and elsewhere.
The word impasse may also refer to any situation in which no progress can be made. A stalemate in chess is a common example.
SOURCE: Wikipedia
Save Our Trade: EMERGENCY RATIFICATION MEETING
From: Ronnie Pineda
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
International Representative, Mike Huggins notified company attorney, Amy Foran of the results of our recent ratification vote and brought our concerns and reasons for rejecting the proposed contract to her attention. Efforts were made by Rep. Huggin seeking to influence the company into at least modifying the proposed changes that would appease the members. The response was negative and we were informed that the company was not willing to change the previous offer and has now deemed the offer as their "LAST AND FINAL"
As a result, it was necessary that I call this emergency meeting to discuss the current situation and the options that were explored upon receiving the company's LAF. I will provide my perspective on the situation at the meeting and hope to have a good turnout. It is important to attend and VOTE.
The meeting will be held on Monday 12/12/2011 at the La Mirada Holiday Inn at 1:00 PM, directly across from the Elephant Bar (where we held our previous meeting) on the north side of the 5, Santa Ana Fwy, 14299 Firestone Blvd. La Mirada, Ca. 90638 the number in case you wish to call for directions is (714) 670-1685
In Solidarity,
Ronnie
Save Our Trade: EMERGENCY RATIFICATION MEETING
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
International Representative, Mike Huggins notified company attorney, Amy Foran of the results of our recent ratification vote and brought our concerns and reasons for rejecting the proposed contract to her attention. Efforts were made by Rep. Huggin seeking to influence the company into at least modifying the proposed changes that would appease the members. The response was negative and we were informed that the company was not willing to change the previous offer and has now deemed the offer as their "LAST AND FINAL"
As a result, it was necessary that I call this emergency meeting to discuss the current situation and the options that were explored upon receiving the company's LAF. I will provide my perspective on the situation at the meeting and hope to have a good turnout. It is important to attend and VOTE.
The meeting will be held on Monday 12/12/2011 at the La Mirada Holiday Inn at 1:00 PM, directly across from the Elephant Bar (where we held our previous meeting) on the north side of the 5, Santa Ana Fwy, 14299 Firestone Blvd. La Mirada, Ca. 90638 the number in case you wish to call for directions is (714) 670-1685
In Solidarity,
Ronnie
Save Our Trade: EMERGENCY RATIFICATION MEETING
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Thursday Afternoon in the Blogosphere
Pressman Terry Allen
- Chicago Sun-Times Paywall - Huff Post
- More layoffs at Sun-Times - Chicago Business
- Museum coddles aging newspapers - Bob Dyer
- Layoffs and cutbacks lead to a new world of news deserts - NJL
- Greenville News editor mum on f-word investigation - Romenesko
- The future of newspapers, the end of journalism - Malcolm Turnbull
- GateHouse reorganizes papers by size, rather than region - Julie Moos
- Gannett expects its publishing employment will be down - Gannett Blog
- Newspaper Companies Put Their Money Where The Clicks Are - Tech Circle
- San Diego Union-Tribune Names New President and COO - Matthew Fleischer
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Day Of Infamy - 70 Year Anniversary
This video commemorates sudden attack of Imperial Japanese Navy's air force on the Hawaiian island of Oahu and United States Naval Base Pearl Harbor on December 7th 1941.
Monday, December 05, 2011
Open Letter to the People of California
Dear Edward,
When I became Governor again -- 28 years after my last term ended in 1983 -- California was facing a $26.6 billion budget deficit. It was the result of years of failing to match spending with tax revenues as budget gimmicks instead of honest budgeting became the norm.
In January, I proposed a budget that combined deep cuts with a temporary extension of some existing taxes. It was a balanced approach that would have finally closed our budget gap.
I asked the legislature to enact this plan and to allow you, the people of California, to vote on it. I believed that you had the right to weigh in on this important choice: should we decently fund our schools or lower our taxes? I don’t know how you would have voted, but we will never know. The Republicans refused to provide the four votes needed to put this measure on the ballot.
Forced to act alone, Democrats went ahead and enacted massive cuts and the first honest on-time budget in a decade. But without the tax extensions, it was simply not possible to eliminate the state’s structural deficit.
The good news is that our financial condition is much better than a year ago. We cut the ongoing budget deficit by more than half, reduced the state’s workforce by about 5500 positions and cut unnecessary expenses like cell phones and state cars. We actually cut state expenses by over $10 billion. Spending is now at levels not seen since the seventies. Our state’s credit rating has moved from “negative” to “stable,” laying the foundation for job creation and a stronger economic recovery.
Unfortunately, the deep cuts we made came at a huge cost. Schools have been hurt and state funding for our universities has been reduced by 25%. Support for the elderly and the disabled has fallen to where it was in 1983. Our courts suffered debilitating reductions.
The stark truth is that without new tax revenues, we will have no other choice but to make deeper and more damaging cuts to schools, universities, public safety and our courts.
That is why I am filing today an initiative with the Attorney General’s office that would generate nearly $7 billion in dedicated funding to protect education and public safety. I am going directly to the voters because I don’t want to get bogged down in partisan gridlock as happened this year. The stakes are too high.
My proposal is straightforward and fair. It proposes a temporary tax increase on the wealthy, a modest and temporary increase in the sales tax, and guarantees that the new revenues be spent only on education. Here are the details:
- Millionaires and high-income earners will pay up to 2% higher income taxes for five years. No family making less than $500,000 a year will see their income taxes rise. In fact, fewer than 2% of California taxpayers will be affected by this increase.
- There will be a temporary ½ cent increase in the sales tax. Even with this temporary increase, sales taxes will still be lower than what they were less than six months ago.
- This initiative dedicates funding only to education and public safety--not on other programs that we simply cannot afford.
This initiative will not solve all of our fiscal problems. But it will stop further cuts to education and public safety.
I ask you to join with me to get our state back on track.
"WHERE is my SUNDAY Newspaper?!"
The irate customer calling the newspaper office, loudly demanded to know
where her Sunday edition was.
"Madam", said the newspaper employee, "today is Saturday. The Sunday paper
is not delivered until tomorrow, on Sunday”.
There was quite a long pause on the other end of the phone, followed by a
ray of recognition as she was heard to mutter, ..
..."Well, that explains why no one was at church either."
h/t Art Ponce
Monday Afternoon in the Blogosphere
- Disney finally cuts deal with hotel union - Mark Lacter
- First-quarter furloughs just announced - Gannett Blog
- Get The Podcast! Advice Goddess Radio - Amy Alkon
- News orgs must choose to restructure or collapse - Julie Moos
- New Rules of Real-Time Reporting - Newspaper Death Watch
- Colorado Springs Gazette cuts a dozen positions - Denver Post
- Newspaper has agreed to ID Anonymous Commenters - Poynter
- Revenge: Sweet, and sometimes healthy - San Jose Mercury News
- Long Beach Post Publisher Dies in Florida Car Crash - Fishbowl LA
- Should a bankrupt newspaper be donating fireworks? - Jim Romenesko
gary scott: Metamorphoses
Gary Scott (on the left) has decided to move in another direction after blogging about LANG (Los Angeles Newspaper Group) the past four years, his blog post is below. Great job Gary we wish you the best.By Gary Scott
When I began blogging in late 2007 it was to keep writing.
I was leaving the newspaper world of my own volition and wanted to keep my mind nimble and learn the medium that seemed to be at the heart of an increasingly fragmented media. I also wanted to stay abreast of issues that I might not otherwise come across being outside a newsroom.
The early content was a grab bag of politics, pajamas commentary, and occasional analytical pieces about changes in the practice of journalism. If a few dozen people decided to read the blog each month, all the better.
Then came the axe men.
Every few months the budget cutters came through the shrinking newsrooms and hacked away at what was left. It wasn't just about an industry in contraction that gripped me, it was that the ideals that were being trampled by mediocre businessmen addicted to the grubby impulse to make profit out of pink slips. It was a cheap and mindless time and I couldn't help but talk about it.
As axes gave way to buzz saws, and board rooms embraced bankruptcy, a choke of huckster visionaries started to form around the carnage. I felt compelled to do offer my best perspective on who was saying smart things about the future of journalism, and who was selling snake-oil remedies. It felt useful, even if most of my audience seemed more interested in using the comments section to vent than to bask in my wisdom.
Years have passed and I have moved into management at a public radio station. I don't have time to offer the frequency of updates necessary to keep the blog moving.
Instead, I'm going to take what I learned from in the last few years, including from work on this blog, to do my job better. I'll continue to write here and would appreciate to hear from people who to discuss what comes next. But I won't be a reliable repository of job cut updates anymore.
Onward.
gary scott: Metamorphoses
Sunday, December 04, 2011
Feeding the Homeless on Skid Row Today
I’m driving to skid row Los Angeles in about an hour to help the Sammy Maloof Racing Team feed as many as possible from 4:30 PM till the food is exhausted, and as always you’re welcome to join us. The Maloof truck is easy to spot near 5th and Crocker Streets, next to Lamp Village, any donations would be welcomed.
The Maloof Team does this year round, only stopping when they’re out of town filming movies, not just during the Christmas Season.
Sammy’s children are there every Sunday, with one of his three daughters shown below, and I will be bringing my grandchildren to help on December 18th so they can witness first hand the need of many across our land.
Someone forgot the Employees in Operations?
Subject: The Times 130th Anniversary: Looking Forward/Reflecting Back
From: Bugarin, Leticia
Let your employees know about this and Oly employees are also eligible for the drawing.
Oly will also be offering Coffee and donuts to its employees on Tuesday (12/6/11) and ice cream on Wednesday (12/7/11) in celebration of the LA Times' 130th Anniversary.
From Edward:
Celebrating the Los Angeles Times 130th birthday is great, unfortunately the majority of employees working in Operations at the newspaper will not be included in marking this milestone with our colleagues. With Monday and Tuesday’s or Tuesday and Wednesday’s as our days off, most operations employees will miss the freebies on Tuesday and Wednesday. Note the Eddy Hartenstein memo, the free ice cream will be served from 2PM to 3PM, five crews begin their shifts at Olympic on Wednesday at 4PM and the Wall Street crew at 4:30PM, appears we will all miss out?
Lee Carey and myself went to speak with our Plant Manager Happy boots regarding the $1.30 meals all day and night being offered at Times Mirror Square all week, wondering why the same price wasn’t offered to Olympic Facility employees? Happy boots stated “Your welcome to the $1.30 meals if you visit the Square”.
Happy boots also said, “As usual you have it all wrong Edward, you’re getting more than just ice cream, you’re getting a hot fudge sundae”.
On the positive side of this story is the joining of Lee Carey and myself in one direction, we’re polar opposites when it comes to unionism at the newspaper, in the betterment for our colleagues in operations.
From: Bugarin, Leticia
Let your employees know about this and Oly employees are also eligible for the drawing.
Oly will also be offering Coffee and donuts to its employees on Tuesday (12/6/11) and ice cream on Wednesday (12/7/11) in celebration of the LA Times' 130th Anniversary.
From Edward:
Celebrating the Los Angeles Times 130th birthday is great, unfortunately the majority of employees working in Operations at the newspaper will not be included in marking this milestone with our colleagues. With Monday and Tuesday’s or Tuesday and Wednesday’s as our days off, most operations employees will miss the freebies on Tuesday and Wednesday. Note the Eddy Hartenstein memo, the free ice cream will be served from 2PM to 3PM, five crews begin their shifts at Olympic on Wednesday at 4PM and the Wall Street crew at 4:30PM, appears we will all miss out?
Lee Carey and myself went to speak with our Plant Manager Happy boots regarding the $1.30 meals all day and night being offered at Times Mirror Square all week, wondering why the same price wasn’t offered to Olympic Facility employees? Happy boots stated “Your welcome to the $1.30 meals if you visit the Square”.
Happy boots also said, “As usual you have it all wrong Edward, you’re getting more than just ice cream, you’re getting a hot fudge sundae”.
On the positive side of this story is the joining of Lee Carey and myself in one direction, we’re polar opposites when it comes to unionism at the newspaper, in the betterment for our colleagues in operations.
Los Angeles Times marks 130 Years in business
The Globe Lobby near First and Spring Streets offers free tours every Thursday
The Los Angeles Times began its illustrious history one hundred and thirty years ago today, happy birthday Los Angeles Times. Through thick and thin the newspaper has remained the source of news for Los Angeles, and with the Internet the world is now informed through the electronic version.
Below the links will take you to the collection of front pages and photographs gathered and created during this long history.
My family has worked for the newspaper since 1950, only to be outdone by the Bagwell Family that has worked there since 1948.
Capturing the world through photography, video and multimedia
Browse through the history of The Times’ front page
Saturday, December 03, 2011
Condolences to the Reney Family
Condolences to Brother Chuck Reney and family on the loss of his mother this afternoon. Our prayers are with you and your mother Chuck.
Eddy Hartenstein Message to Los Angeles Times Employees
From: Hartenstein, Eddy
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2011 5:18 PM
To: AllLosAngelesTimesEmployees
Subject: The Times 130th Anniversary: Looking Forward/Reflecting Back
Colleagues –
Sunday, December 4th marks The Times’130th anniversary. From 1881 to the present, we have carved out a powerful role as the voice of the region, chronicling the area’s growth from Wild West outpost to the metropolis millions now call home. Just as we helped shape Southern California’s history, we will be an integral part of the future.
This landmark occasion offers us an interesting vantage point to reflect on our accomplishments and to look towards The Times’ next 130+ years. We have much to rejoice about, including now reaching more readers than ever before, through all of our media. We also have much hard work to do to make certain that we continue as the vibrant, multimedia of choice for Southern California.
More details will follow each day next week, but please mark your calendars and join the party.
Monday, December 5th
Company-wide drawing to win $130 gift cards and Paid Days Off launches
7-10a.m.: Complimentary coffee, tea and beverages in the cafeteria
a.m. / p.m.: $1.30 breakfast and lunch specials in the cafeteria (will run throughout the week)
Tuesday, December 6th
1-3 p.m.: A special building-wide photo display and light refreshments in Chandler Auditorium
Note: attendance and timing will be staggered by department, more information will be provided by department heads
Wednesday, December 7th
2-3 p.m.: Spring Street food truck visit and sweets at Oly and CCN
Thursday, December 8th
2-3 p.m.: “Four Seasons of Yosemite: A Photographer’s Journey” book signing for employees with LAT photographer Mark Boster
Note: 33% discount on book purchase for employees / free LAT Travel bag with purchase of two or more books
Friday, December 9th
11:00 a.m.- 12 Noon / 2-3 p.m. Darrell Kunitomi will lead Times Tours
You make the difference and are the Los Angeles Times Media Group. Thank you for your dedication and continued commitment.
Eddy & Kathy
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2011 5:18 PM
To: AllLosAngelesTimesEmployees
Subject: The Times 130th Anniversary: Looking Forward/Reflecting Back
Colleagues –
Sunday, December 4th marks The Times’130th anniversary. From 1881 to the present, we have carved out a powerful role as the voice of the region, chronicling the area’s growth from Wild West outpost to the metropolis millions now call home. Just as we helped shape Southern California’s history, we will be an integral part of the future.
This landmark occasion offers us an interesting vantage point to reflect on our accomplishments and to look towards The Times’ next 130+ years. We have much to rejoice about, including now reaching more readers than ever before, through all of our media. We also have much hard work to do to make certain that we continue as the vibrant, multimedia of choice for Southern California.
More details will follow each day next week, but please mark your calendars and join the party.
Monday, December 5th
Company-wide drawing to win $130 gift cards and Paid Days Off launches
7-10a.m.: Complimentary coffee, tea and beverages in the cafeteria
a.m. / p.m.: $1.30 breakfast and lunch specials in the cafeteria (will run throughout the week)
Tuesday, December 6th
1-3 p.m.: A special building-wide photo display and light refreshments in Chandler Auditorium
Note: attendance and timing will be staggered by department, more information will be provided by department heads
Wednesday, December 7th
2-3 p.m.: Spring Street food truck visit and sweets at Oly and CCN
Thursday, December 8th
2-3 p.m.: “Four Seasons of Yosemite: A Photographer’s Journey” book signing for employees with LAT photographer Mark Boster
Note: 33% discount on book purchase for employees / free LAT Travel bag with purchase of two or more books
Friday, December 9th
11:00 a.m.- 12 Noon / 2-3 p.m. Darrell Kunitomi will lead Times Tours
You make the difference and are the Los Angeles Times Media Group. Thank you for your dedication and continued commitment.
Eddy & Kathy
Friday, December 02, 2011
Los Angeles Times Rolling Back Prices for Lunch
Los Angeles Times Rolling Back Prices for Lunch
FROM: Edward
"This sounds to good to be true, now to see if I can outsmart Krono's (our time clock) and drive to Times Mirror Square, grab my food, and drive back to Olympic within the thirty minute time frame I'm allotted?"
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Deputies refuse to evict 103-year-old woman
By msnbc.com staff
h/t Victor Banuelos
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
h/t Victor Banuelos
Greenville News editor: ‘I’m shocked and saddened’
Appears someone will get the ax today as the F-word was published in the Greenville News.
Greenville News editor: ‘I’m shocked and saddened’
Greenville News editor: ‘I’m shocked and saddened’
Windpocalypse 2011
Did you notice the wind this morning? It was hard not to hear the wind howling as gusts caused my closed windows to whistle and our house to creak while leaves and small twigs were thrown against my second story bedroom. The lights flickered and the power actually went out twice, so I packed it in and went to bed about 3AM this morning.
Last night at the newspaper my colleagues and I were busy feeding newsprint to the giant printing press when we lost power at 6:47 PM, the power was off maybe a second or two, and it was pitch black in the reel room.
Losing power for such a short time is usually forgotten quickly, this is not the case in the pressroom while five of the six presses were running. Forty-two webs broke and everything must be rebooted to regain communications with the computers that run the mighty machines.
This process took anywhere from two hours to three hours depending how quickly or slowly communications could be re-established.
The system that feeds newsprint to the press did not fare so well and took almost four hours to recover and begin dropping newsprint off to each press. Our paper handlers did a great job of manning the forklifts to deliver the much-needed rolls of paper to keep the presses rolling.
Five of the crews went without a lunch break or a work break as we did our best to publish today’s newspaper, which was waiting for our subscribers when they awoke this morning on their driveways.
When I say it was a miracle we published another edition, I’m really not kidding.
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