KPFA's Republican Activist

2016 UPDATE: VIDEO of Harmeet Dhillon endorsing Donald Trump for president.




SaveKPFA's GOP Activist

by Daniel Borgström
May 8, 2011


KPFA appears to have a Republican activist, and a high-profile one at that. She is Harmeet K. Dhillon, chair of the GOP in San Francisco and an innovative political strategist. She also heads a law firm which has been representing a faction in the station's ongoing turf war, and her role in this seems to be something more than a client-attorney relationship.

We first heard of Harmeet Dhillon last fall when her name turned up on legal documents associated with KPFA. She was representing Brian Edwards-Tiekert, member of the CL/SaveKPFA faction, in a legal matter against KPFA/Pacifica. We were puzzled as to why SaveKPFA chose a Republican to represent them in court. And, as Dhillon & Smith is clearly a high priced law firm, we also wondered where they got the money to pay her. As I recall, that was in the first week of December.

Then we learned that Dhillon was doing this legal work pro bono. It was her partner, Harold P. Smith, who actually appeared in court to speak for SaveKPFA. Dhillon herself sat in the audience, keeping a close eye on how this was going. Despite being a very busy person, chair of the San Francisco GOP as well as head of a law firm, she was taking time to observe the proceedings of a relatively minor case. Harmeet Dhillon seemed to be taking a lot of interest in the well-being of SaveKPFA.

For these reasons, Dhillon became the subject of curiosity. From time to time we'd see articles and write-ups about her. "A different kind of GOP leader," the media called her. She'd been in the ACLU, acknowledged the right of gay marriage and supported a woman's right to choose. In her view the GOP shouldn't get hung up on such matters. "I think we shoot ourselves in the foot a lot," she says. She does indeed sound pretty liberal, at least on some issues.

Nevertheless, she was co-chair of Lawyers for Bush/Cheney in 2004, and for John McCain in 2008. "I am proud that the Republican Party made the historic choice of Sarah Palin," Dhillon wrote. She advocates "free trade," outsourcing, and cutting taxes and regulations. "I am a strong proponent of market based solutions," she said, and calls for cutbacks in spending. "There is room to cut teacher's pensions." The teachers' union is "the main culprit" in her view. "If I were king for a day," she told an interviewer, "I would eliminate the teachers' union."

Why would a Republican be working pro bono for the SaveKPFA, who in name at least are progressives? The SaveKPFA group is dominated by former Communist Party members--a crew of ex-radicals who've found a comfortable home in the Democratic Party and long ago ossified into pillars of the "left-wing" establishment. But to a Republican they must look flaming red--still too hot to touch, or so I would've thought.

Opposing the establishment faction at KPFA is our grass roots coalition. It looks to us like SaveKPFA has been steering the entire Pacifica Radio network onto the road to bankruptcy for strategic reasons of their own. Presumably they expect to grab KPFA from the ensuing wreckage of the network.

For their part, the Republicans would probably like to see the end of the Pacifica network. Could that be why Dhillon has decided to bolster up the legal fortunes of SaveKPFA? Maybe it's one of her innovative Republican strategies--to assist SaveKPFA in taking over KPFA through a bankruptcy that at the same time eliminates the other Pacifica stations. Let me acknowledge here that I'm only speculating. Just speculating.

A few days ago we saw the Sunday Chronicle of April 24, and there on the front page was a lengthy write-up about Dhillon. Her life, born in India, grew up in North Carolina, her liberal views on some topics, and her campaigning for George W. Bush. Much of it was stuff we already knew. But one thing was news to us: about two months ago Dhillon married a former board member of KPFA, Sarv Randhawa.

Sarv was a board member for six years. An activist who'd known him from years back remembers that Sarv never discussed politics; he seemed to be apolitical. But if so, why was he a long term board member of this left-wing radio station, an activity that consumed much of his free time?

There was a revealing moment in 2005 & 06, when an endorsement of the Berkeley Honda workers strike was to be put on the local station board's consent calendar, and Sarv objected to it. He needed time to read it over carefully, he said. So the matter was deferred till the next month when Sarv again objected that he hadn't had time to study the motion. The strike went on for ten months, and each month Sarv expressed the same objection. Finally, when it was clear that the Berkeley Honda workers had won, two days before the strike was settled, Sarv joined others in expressing support. Later, when he was criticized for not supporting the strike, he insisted that he had supported it. And technically, yes, he had--but only after the lengthy battle was over and support was no longer needed.

Progressive organizations and even the city council had expressed support for the striking auto mechanics at Berkeley Honda. Sarv's foot-dragging was in effect a veto on the KPFA board's endorsement. His SaveKPFA associates seemed to have no serious problem with his stance, but the rest of us did sort of wonder who Sarv Randhawa really was. And we've been wondering ever since. After learning of his marriage to Harmeet Dhillon, we did some online research, but didn't find a whole lot. Just that he contributed $250 to the GOP last year.

Presumably Sarv's fellow SaveKPFA members had some inkling of his real political inclinations, but they accepted him as an ally, and this may go towards explaining their acceptance of the GOP chairwoman into their camp.

Nevertheless, since SaveKPFA has several attorneys in its ranks, I keep wondering why they need a Republican. There must be a reason. Let me speculate a bit further. As I've pointed out, most SaveKPFA members are Democrats, staunch unremitting opponents of the Republicans. But Democrats and Republicans do more than occasionally find common ground and common causes--and when they do, it's usually to screw us over.

SaveKPFA's apparent goal is to force the Pacifica network into bankruptcy and take over KPFA. However, acquiring KPFA could be difficult because a bankruptcy court would most likely sell the license to pay off creditors. In such a scenario, SaveKPFA would have no control over the outcome--or would they? They are well connected and have some Democrat politicians on their side. It might also help to have an influential Republican going to bat for them. Bipartisanship could perhaps make the difference and swing the deal.

It's heartwarming to see these apparent opposites bonding so nicely and working harmoniously together--if only their purpose weren't the destruction of the Pacifica Radio network.

DANIEL BORGSTRÖM
May 8, 2011


UPDATE 2016

Harmeet Dhillon is now co chair of the California GOP. Formerly the chair of the SF Republicans. In this VIDEO Harmeet Dhillon endorsing Donald Trump for president:

"I'm not looking for somebody to be our moral and spiritual guide I'm looking for somebody to take this country in the right direction for the next four years. And I think Donald Trump is the better candidate to do that," Harmeet Dhillon says in the VIDEO



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Updates, reports & essays about KPFA & Pacifica Foundation Radio at
UNITED FOR COMMUNITY RADIO


KPFA 94.1 FM is one of five stations of the Pacifica radio network which are located in major cities across the country. The other stations are WBAI 99.5 in New York, WPFW 89.3 in Washington DC, KPFT 90.1 in Houston, and KPFK 90.7 in Los Angeles. There are also about 160 affiliate stations.









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The Story Behind the Charge

--that Pacifica Hired Jackson-Lewis, a Union-Busting Law Firm

by Arlene Engelhardt, Executive Director, Pacifica Foundation
March 30, 2012

Pacifica respects our workers’ rights to union representation and we deplore “union busting” wherever it occurs — and it WILL NOT occur at Pacifica on my watch.

We also expect Pacifica’s KPFA staff to act, speak and report with integrity and professionalism when they have disputes with management. In that expectation I have been deeply disappointed since I came to Pacifica in December 2009.

For the past 18 months “KPFAWorker” and “SaveKPFA” have put out a relentless barrage of distortions, half-truths and outright falsehoods intended to whip up a frenzy — with no middle ground, no nuance, no room for exploring and resolving the multi-faceted problems facing KPFA and Pacifica.

Their most recent blast is that Pacifica’s hiring the Jackson Lewis law firm is “a declaration of war on the unions that represent Pacifica workers.” This is an incendiary falsehood. Pacifica has amicable relations with all our employees’ unions except CWA local 9415 at KPFA.

Jackson Lewis was first hired in 2010 to handle only litigation and is not involved in union relations at Pacifica at all.

After several seriously mishandled lawsuits, Pacifica desperately needed a competent employment litigation defense firm. Jackson Lewis was hired from a list of firms approved by our insurance carrier. They have provided legal defense in five lawsuits around the network, including four brought by former management employees, and have handled two arbitrations at WBAI. Three cases are still pending including one at KPFA. Our insurance deductible for each case is $125k — more than 2 employees’ salaries and benefits for one year at KPFA.

In every case, Jackson Lewis has saved us money by working at reduced rates and handling matters efficiently while looking for reasonable early settlements. In addition, they recently agreed to a retainer for 4 hours/month at greatly reduced rates to assist us with non-litigation matters. The amount of litigation around Pacifica is a disgrace that comes from years of extremely destructive factionalism.

It’s up to the Pacifica National Board, but I have advised them that terminating Jackson Lewis would be reckless and expensive. Changing lawyers in mid-litigation is dangerous. The stations would have to pay new lawyers to get up to speed. Our insurance company may penalize us for it. They have done an exemplary job. And they are NOT engaged in “union busting” for Pacifica.


Concerning Other Recent “KPFAWorker/SaveKPFA” Charges — Context Matters

Ten years ago, through extraordinary efforts by Pacifica’s listeners, Pacifica was saved from a “corporatizing” board of directors. Their intent was to “NPR-ize” Pacifica and tone down its more radical programming.

When the new board of directors took over in January 2002 Pacifica was bankrupt. The former Executive Director had drained all five stations’ bank accounts — including about $1.4 million from KPFA — to pay lawyers, PR firms & private investigators to fight the “Free Pacifica” movement. Pacifica was over $4 million in debt and had no cash.


Through the extraordinary generosity of our listeners, Pacifica recovered and paid off its outside creditors between 2002-2005.

For the first few years there was an air of excitement & victory that enlivened Pacifica. New programs were brought to the air. Elected local and national boards and program councils including listeners were established for the first time. But for some these were unsettling intrusions.

The tide turned around 2006-2007. Faction fighting at all five stations took its toll. The spirit of collaboration and openness faded and programming became stagnant. Media activism on the internet began to displace Pacifica, as we were not keeping pace with innovations.

Pacifica’s overall listener support dropped 23% — from $13.8 million for fiscal year ending (FYE) September 30, 2006 to $10.6 million for FYE 2010. KPFA’s listener support dropped 27% — from $4.0 million for FYE 2005 to $2.9 million FYE 2010.

KPFA, WBAI and WPFW have been running seriously in the red. KPFA lost $1.5 million in the four years from FYE 2007 through FYE 2010, while Pacifica as a whole lost $5.5 million. Stations have met their payrolls by not paying their share of network-wide expenses (Central Services) — for Democracy Now!, the Pacifica Radio Archives, our insurance, our auditors, etc. Stations have also used the National Office as a “bank” to advance sums for their expenses — health premiums, legal expenses, pension fund contributions, etc. As a result, Pacifica national is carrying almost $3.4 million in accounts receivable from the stations, and $1.3 million in debts to outside creditors. This cannot continue.

If KPFA and Pacifica are to survive, then people must work together to solve our problems. KPFA’s programming must be revitalized. I’m proud of the work this past year of many people at KPFA in extremely difficult circumstances — especially the volunteers at the “Morning Mix” and the interim Manager and Program Director, Andrew Phillips & Carrie Core. They are bringing in new voices and perspectives and building new audiences for KPFA.

But at the same time “KPFAWorker/SaveKPFA” is driving away listeners and donors with their constant negative campaign. Many listeners are sick of it and tuning us out and finding more positive things to support. A media revolution is underway. The Occupy Movement is demanding and creating it. KPFA & Pacifica can either open our doors and be a hub for it, or sink in our own mire.

I do believe regeneration is possible. I call on everyone to put down their swords and find ways to solve our problems together.


ARLENE ENGELHARDT is the Executive Director, Pacifica Foundation
KPFA 94.1 FM is a station of the Pacifica radio network



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Updates, reports & essays about KPFA & Pacifica Foundation Radio at
UNITED FOR COMMUNITY RADIO


KPFA 94.1 FM is one of five stations of the Pacifica radio network which are located in major cities across the country. The other stations are WBAI 99.5 in New York, WPFW 89.3 in Washington DC, KPFT 90.1 in Houston, and KPFK 90.7 in Los Angeles. There are also about 160 affiliate stations.

Forums for KPFA Pacifia

videos of two KPFA forums. Both were on the same topic of KPFA, one in San Rafael, and the other in Berkeley. The formats are quite different. More written details under the links

Marin Peace & Justice, February 6 KPFA Recall Forum--Part 1
Marin Peace & Justice, February 6 KPFA Recall Forum--Part 2

KPFA Forum held at the Historic Fellowship Hall in Berkeley, Monday, January 30, 2012
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four

The Social Justice Committee of the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists has had many discussions about "what's going on?" over at KPFA Pacifica. We are deeply concerned about the viability of KPFA Pacifica after a long trend toward financial insolvency and internal divisiveness. We seek tolerance and conflict resolution in our faith, and in the way we live our lives. We want to see that kind of spirit prevail at KPFA Pacifica. We hope that enough of the people involved in the debate over the direction of KPFA Pacifica are willing to be tolerant, open-minded, and interested in genuine conflict resolution to commit themselves to engage in a civil discussion about the situation at KPFA Pacifica. Hopefully, the great majority want to work to establish a new spirit of truth & unity at KPFA Pacifica and to foster genuine solidarity within the station personnel and among the thousands in the community who consider themselves owners of that station. Yes, Pacifica holds the license. Yes, the foundation, the management, the staff, and the volunteers do the work. But the listener-members pay the bills, and they established their right to vote and to be represented in the great "Save KPFA" struggle of the 1990's. So "we the people" are especially in need of truth & good will that can build the trust & unity that we need, that we need to demand of those who are granted the opportunity to manage and to work at our wonderful station. We must not be pawns of insider games. For we are the masters of the fate of this station.

Therefore, we are proposing a "Truth & Unity Forum for KPFA Pacifica". We have no idea who will come or who will refuse to join in the dialogue. However, we know that is urgent and essential that we rebuild our community solidarity in order to engage the issues of our times. People in the "Occupy Wall Street" movement for economic justice, and indeed, all social justice struggles, need all major players in the KPFA Pacifica experiment in pacifist community radio to put their egos and turf wars aside long enough to begin to re-build this effort at truth and unity. We are inviting all parties and all concerned community activists to participate in a civil dialogue to inform ourselves about the nature of our concerns and how to resolve them.

There is a larger struggle going on in our society and in the world that cannot be effectively engaged by the station without truth and unity at KPFA Pacifica, and, about KPFA Pacifica. One faction recently mailed out a glossy poster claiming that Pacifica "has declared war on its listeners and workers". If that is true, then they should state the case, and we may need to support them. If that is not true, and something else is going on at KPFA Pacifica, then we may need to oppose the ongoing attacks on Pacifica and on Interim Manager Andrew Leslie Phillips, Interim Program Director Carrie Core, and Treasurer & elected Local Station Board member Tracy Rosenberg. Maybe we could move toward a different kind of rhetoric and methodology if we participate in an open forum to get the facts out into the air and sunlight.

The well-being of people all over the world hangs in the balance. People in the USA have finally begun to address the problem of "systemic economic injustice" and they need and deserve our "undivided" support. Will you come to the forum? Will you come with a spirit of good will and dedication to truth and unity? The event will be videotaped as a public record. So bring your best deeper caring self. State your best points without posturing or meanness? Encourage others to bring an open mind along with that great capacity for critical analysis that we already share in common. We at the BFUU Social Justice Committee are "opening our doors" on January 30, 2012 to you, and for you, to recommit to the healing, bonding, and organizing, so needed now. Let's get on the right road before it's too late to get started!


Fellowship Hall

1924 Cedar Street, Berkeley, CA 94709
(At Bonita Ave, one block east of MLK Way & three blocks west of Shattuck Ave)
This location is wheelchair accessible via the ramp on the Bonita Avenue side of the building.
"Free" event! Donations accepted & will go to KPFA Pacifica!
For the latest BFUU event information













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