Urban Unrest

25 March 2006 | Pacifica | Ernesto Aguilar

It’s Saturday and I’m headed down to the PNB meeting in a bit. Friday was stimulating for the number of great Pacifica stations represented; some traveled all the way from WBAI, and listeners had much to say. We’re breaking the meeting for lunch today to attend the mass march opposing anti-immigrant legislation, which is gathering down the street. The city estimates a crowd of 50,000. Organizers say it could go as high as 500,000.Here’s my play-by-play of the PNB Friday session

6:45: Session begins late, with discussion of agenda and other items.

6:55: Freeland asks for clarification where Duane Bradley was; Adelson says the conversation is inappropriate for this time. Freeland appeals chair’s decision. Adelson asks for a second for Freeland’s appeal. No second, thus appeal fails.

6:58: Motion to remove time certain from public comment section (i.e. add more time to public comment section).

7:01: Lederer moves to allow public comment at the chair’s discretion in matters of debate before the board.

7:03: Lederer’s motion is adopted.

7:04: Freeland moves to change the agenda to reflect agenda so that management reports are listed as “General Manager reports.” Fails for lack of second.

7:05: Agenda is approved with one objection (Freeland).

7:06: Adelson proposing new rules of order: three points for and against may then be closed by the chair. Freeland asks Adelson to step down if he will make the motion. Another member makes motion instead. Freeland says Robert’s Rules permits debate and can change the character of a motion; allowing the chair to close debate, Freeland says, flies in face of RR. LaForrest speaks against. Serj speaks in favor, and says it gives the chair an option to exercise, but is not required. Lederer asks for a clarification if sending to committee merits a second debate. Adelson says yes. 16 votes in favor and motion passes.

7:13: Minutes review. Freeland moves to postpone review of minutes until Sunday. LaForrest seconds. Motion passes.

7:16: New motions. Freeland moves resolution to PNB committees should all have meetings open to all directors, both right to attend and right to address any items on the agenda. Gets second. Lederer moves to postpone until Saturday; Freeland speaks against motion. A competing motion to forward Freeland’s motion to governance committee gets a second. Motion to move Freeland item to committee fails. Motion to postpone Freeland motion until Saturday passes 14-1.

7:25: Adelson asks for second rule of order to allow email notice of meetings, and phone Don speaks in favor, and believes email is effective. Zarina speaks against. Allen speaks for. Lederer moves to add to motion that those who approve email contact. Freeland makes a substitute motion. Lane questions whether it’s okay to amend the bylaws. Serj rules that the issue will be picked up Saturday. Adelson moves to postpone until Sunday.

7:40: PRA presentation, including its killer film, testimonials from users of PRA materials, etc. Adelson says licensing is needed for PRA too. More interesting Q&A.

8:30: Public comment. First comment is in support of PRA from a KPFK volunteer, who also asks about national program director. Next comment (Fred) is that listeners must support Pacifica, and adds question about collaboration between Pacifica and other networks (NPR, C-Span) and another question to share strategies for movement ahead. Comment from Jose on WBAI Latino Coalition and community concerns about Latino representation at WBAI. Next is Kathi Davis about whether Pacifica has a gag rule and what issues they can discuss on the air. Next comment covers request for copies of materials to be reviewed before the board, and also desire to see feedback rather than just comments; and that all boards should have board training (technical motions take much time, etc.). Myla is next person and reads WBAI Latino Coalition statement. Next speaker, Brother Sean, thanks KPFA for allowing him to work on program from WBAI, and he says more stations need to be added, more youth are needed, and strife has always been part of WBAI. Following speaker, Jane, says more listeners need to be included in station discussions; that more wheelchair access and attitudes must change; and also that all stations must improve outreach to disabled communities. Comment concludes at 8:52.

8:53: Adelson addresses a few comments by listeners. Friday session concludes at 9.

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