MEDIA MADNESS

Soon after Teamster organizers launched a
subscription cancellation campaign against the Santa
Barbara News-Press, newspaper management agreed to a
September 27 date for a union election. Teamster organizers
expressed surprise at what they termed the News-Press’s
sudden change of tactics. The union had previously filed an unfair
labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board,
charging the daily sought to delay the elections as long as
possible as part of a campaign to shake union sympathizers from the
payroll. The News-Press denied this, countering that union
supporters within the paper have sought to intimidate newsroom
workers.

Speaking before the City Council, Steve
Cushman, Chamber of Commerce president, blasted the public art
piece on State Street featuring McDonald’s golden arches. Cushman
and others – including McDonald’s restaurateur David
Peterson – argued that public funds should not be used to make
political statements criticizing a prominent and generous downtown
business enterprise.

KTYD morning DJ Matt McAllister hopes to make his own
contribution to the pantheon of great human deeds this Friday by
breaking the Guinness Book of World Records record for most
T-shirts worn at one time. The event will take place on Friday
morning at the Earl Warren Showgrounds.