April 28, 2005

KESQ TV 3 to Air Motorcycle Awareness Month Public Service Announcement

The American Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education (ABATE) of California Local 36 of Palm Springs is pleased to announce that KESQ Television will AIR a NEW Public Service Announcement informing the public that May of 2005 is designated as Motorcycle Awareness Month in California. The spot will also be aired on their sister station, KDFX Fox 11.

The PSA also promotes a motorcycle awareness event sponsored by ABATE Local 36, "Vrroom With A View, Motorcycle Awareness Night at the Movies."  The May 14th event is open to the public and includes a full slate of activities; a bike show, live bands, food, safety & awareness displays, local and state politicians presenting awareness proclamations and more. The event culminates with a rare screening of the 60's cult classic film, "Easy Rider" on the big screen for 380 lucky ticket holders inside the magnificent Mary Pickford Theatre.  

The PSA was produced and generously donated to the riding community by KESQ TV 3 featuring news anchors John White and Elizabeth Beaubien. Video footage was provided through ABATE Local 36's Public Access Television Program, "Biker Nation."  Local 36 President, "Splatt" says, "KESQ's care and committment to the riding community is unparalelled and most deserving of our heartfelt gratitude."  Splatt encourages other riding organizations across the country to get more involved, "Motorcycle awareness isn't somebody else's job, or the lofty goal of another government program. The fact is, if you ride, it's your responsibility to heighten motorist awareness to cyclists. The life you save just might be your own."

Members of Local 36 were invited by Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia to sit in the California Senate Gallery on 04/18/05 as Senator Jim Battin sought approval for Senate Concurrent Resolution SCR 16, proclaiming May of 2005 as Motorcycle Awareness Month in California. The measure passed the Senate with a 31-0 vote and passed in the Assembly with a 76-0 vote thanks to guidance from Assemblyman John Benoit. The legislation was requested by Battin constituent and motorcycle rider, Halle Fetty, Public Relations Officer for Local 36, who with husband, George, owns Valley V Twin Cycle Sales in Cathedral City.

The Fetty family's concern for the riding community is evident in the amount of effort they put forth to promote motorcycle awareness and safety.  In addition to SCR 16, Halle has also secured 9 other proclamations from various municipalities in the area, all proudly displayed on the walls at Valley V Twin.

Halle's plea to the public sums up the awareness message with simple eloquence;

• "Drivers; look twice, save a life."
• "Motorcyclists; get licensed, get trained, ride sober and ride responsibly."

Halle's favorite one liner? "Let's not meet by accident."