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: sanfrancisco@bookpals.net 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

sanfrancisco@bookpals.net. 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