PACIFIC HARBOR LINE A Report ANACOSTIA

Spring 2015 MOW approaches nine years injury free maintenance of way employees are closing in on a significant safety milestone: nine years with- out a reportable injury, which they intend to achieve in April. The key is teamwork. Gabriel Calderon, track foreman, commended the team for their everyday commitment to working safely. “When we’re on the track, we can’t let our guard down,” he said. “We ensure that proper protection is in place and that it’s understandable to everyone. We also talk about where to clear up if necessary.”

From left, Jose Rodriguez, roadmaster; Gabriel Calderon, track fore- man; and Luiz Diaz, welder, examine the track. About one-quarter of PHL’s 150 employees are military veter- ans or active guardsmen and reservists. Cliatt serves as American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association chairman of the Veterans Recruitment Committee. “This was an exceptional opportunity, spearheaded by the FRA, to bring military, federal agencies and the railroad industry together for one cause: to take care of America’s service members — America’s heroes,” Cliatt said. The event’s roundtable chairs were Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Readiness) Frank DiGiovanni, FRA Administrator Joseph Szabo and FRA Executive Director Stacy Cummings. All parties received information about the benefits of bridging the gap between exiting service members and hiring railroad companies. “The military expressed their pleasure with the short-line in- dustry’s brochures, which include interviews from current military Otis Cliatt II, PHL president, attends the Nov. 12 roundtable meeting veteran railroad employees and lists the website for additional at the Pentagon. information,” Cliatt said. He believes the roundtable was eye-opening for both sides and encourages further dialogue on the subject. He hopes the event Bringing veterans will be repeated in the future. to the railroad Pacific Harbor Line President Otis Cliatt II gathered with representatives from the Department of Defense, Department of Labor, Federal Railroad Administration and other railroad offi- cials for a Nov. 12 meeting at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. It was the first joint roundtable meeting held to discuss efforts to increase military veteran employment in the railroad industry. Highlighted was the new Department of Defense SkillBridge Program, which allows qualified service members to participate in training, apprenticeships and internships up to six months before completing their service obligation. According to Peter Gilbertson, Anacostia Rail Holdings president, Anacostia plans to use this program to enhance its hiring process. “The rail industry in general and Anacostia in particular have From left, Otis Cliatt II, PHL president, and Peter Gilbertson, Anacostia shown leadership in hiring veterans,” he said. “I thank Otis for Rail Holdings president, advocate increased hiring of military veter- being an industry leader on this issue.” ans by the railroad industry. Blue locomotives are clean source of power Two new blue locomotives made an appearance at the F&M Rail Service shop at Berth 200 in December to be placed in service for PHL. The GP20Ds manufactured by EMD are ultra-low emission. Because they use the same engines and generators as other PHL loco- motives, employees are familiar with their functions and can service them without training. The control system is their only difference. James O’Kelley, shop manager, said the locomotives are an indicator of railroad expansion on the ports. “The railroad is growing and workload is increasing,” he said. “These locomotives are comparable to PHL’s existing fleet and are emission compliant.”

Pacific Harbor Line Report • 2 An Anacostia Company Chance says Thanks for your years of service goodbye It is with great honor and pride that I commend our employees with 5, 10 and 15 years of service, and thank their families for Alan Chance ends his railroad career with 17 years of their commitment. I thank each employee service at PHL. for their dedication not only to PHL, but Alan Chance left PHL Jan. 12 with 17 years of service, which followed 22 years also to ARH and the San Pedro Bay Port with Santa Fe passenger and freight trains. He never suffered a reportable injury Complex. It is because of remarkable employees during his railroad career. and a strong focus on safety, customer sat- “The key is to pay attention all the time,” he said. isfaction and performance that the largest That is the advice Chance shares with new hires and the standard he expects port facility in North America continues to of all co-workers. They must know what is around them, he advises, instead of be the best and most viable option in con- slipping into a daydream or thinking about their personal lives. necting the global transportation system. Chance began his railroad career in 1970 as a hostler. He learned how to operate —Otis Cliatt II, president passenger equipment and began operating passenger trains across the Barstow, and San Diego territories. He later ran freight trains, often traveling through 17 years of service the scenic Cajon Pass. He settled at PHL in 1998. “I slowed down from 70 miles per hour to 10,” he said. Alan Chance Chance was welcomed into the growing PHL family, developing countless relationships with co-workers over the years. Those friends are who he will miss 15 years of service the most in retirement. He hopes he made a positive impact on those he left behind. It especially was rewarding to witness the growth and renovation of the harbor. Timothy Bellamy In retirement, Chance plans to golf as often as possible. He also plans Robert Burris a trip to Maui to visit his brother, and will look into taking some painting Eubaldo Contreras classes. He is considering part-time work at Disneyland operating steam engines in the amusement park. Lyle George Chance also is eager for more family time with his wife of 34 years, Jeanne; his Lyle Gibson daughters, January and Susan; and his grandchildren. Raymond Gutierrez Armando Meza Rescuing Krissy Celso Montalvo Employees had caught glimpses of a dog wandering throughout PHL Joaquin Oropeza property in late 2014. Jose Rivas A rescue team from San Pedro-based Doggies 911 came to PHL Dec. 11 Jeffrey Robinson to pick up the stray German shepard. After hours of searching and chasing, they captured the exhausted dog from under a stack of railroad ties and took Albert Robles her to the South Shores Pet Clinic for cleaning and a checkup. The 9-month-old dog weighed in at 65 pounds and was given the name “Krissy.” Her trainers described her as shy, friendly and healthy. She is learning 10 years of service how to walk with a leash and is Peter Figueroa playful with other dogs. Harvey Reyes While Krissy has since been adopted, photos and vid- Gilbert Williams eos of her rescue are available at www.doggies911rescue.org. 5 years of service The site also offers more infor- mation on adopting other dogs Allan Carbajal from the shelter. Michael Casey Tony Davis Rescued from PHL property, Krissy has been adopted with help from Doggies 911.

An Anacostia Company 3 • Pacific Harbor Line Report Team success is Mora’s goal Juan Mora makes a great addition to with the territory from managing Mead Yard. the PHL team. He started in June 2014 At PHL, he is responsible for announcing in- as a trainmaster with 22 years of railroad structions to crews, ensuring rules compliance experience. After beginning his career as and communicating safety. a brakeman, he served in various freight, He is fond of the family atmosphere and passenger and short line roles. camaraderie among PHL crews and manag- “I saw PHL is growing and wanted to be ers, and is grateful his career is filled with part of the operations here,” he said. “I foresee continual learning. even more growth and opportunities.” “My goal is to build a strong team and Mora found it easy to learn the system be- make no errors,” he said. cause it is compatible with an area yardmaster Trainmaster Juan Mora brings years of job he previously worked. He also was familiar railroad experience to PHL. Co-worker support helps Vargas advance Chris Vargas took his most recent career step in November, promoting to locomotive engineer. Since finishing training in December, he confidently operates trains across PHL territory. “I am comfortable on my own, but circumstances change every day,” he said. Vargas overcomes challenges by consulting with his crew. He knows he can count on his as- sistant engineer to update him on dispatcher instructions and provide accurate stopping distances. Teamwork comes naturally to Vargas after four years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a vehicle operator. Camaraderie among his co-workers not only makes work enjoyable; it helps him work safely and efficiently. Coming to the railroad in 2012 was an adjustment, but Vargas learned quickly and had support from the PHL team. Training for his new job was no different. Working alongside several experienced locomotive engineers provided him the opportunity to ask a variety of questions and discover which techniques work best for him. Now he is focused on becoming a reliable locomotive engineer. “My goal is to work safely each day,” he said. Chris Vargas advances to locomotive engineer. In his free time, Vargas enjoys playing baseball on a recreational team. Samuelson fulfills dream Operating trains was Charles Samuelson’s and operation of various types of locomotives. in the same healthy condition in which he childhood dream. Now it is his reality. “Being in control of all that weight forces arrived. His goal is to reach his full potential “It’s something I have always wanted to you to pay attention,” Samuelson said. as a locomotive engineer. do,” he said. While he enjoys his role as locomotive Samuelson’s interest stemmed from his engineer — something he said comes more father’s passion for trains. He played with naturally to him — Samuelson is grateful to model train sets as a boy. have an assistant engineer background. He and After seven years as a postal carrier, the assistant engineer work together closely to Samuelson began his railroad career as a communicate train dispatcher instructions and PHL assistant engineer. He was promoted to determine stopping distances. locomotive engineer, completing 80 hours of “We have to listen carefully to each other field training and the final check ride the first and have a clear understanding of the plan week of December. before proceeding,” he said. He is grateful for the opportunity to Being a PHL employee gives Samuelson learn from several experienced locomotive the opportunity to learn something new engineers, from each of whom he learned every day and participate in various as- new things — how to handle different types signments. He also is glad PHL takes safety of trains, including intermodal and carloads, seriously, so he can return home each day Charles Samuelson, locomotive engineer

Pacific Harbor Line Report • 4 An Anacostia Company 2015’s first promotions: four new trainmasters Four assistant trainmasters promoted to organiza- trainmaster Jan. 1: Craig Denny, Noe Lopez, tion and TR Quinzel and Rodney Williams. car de- Denny has been with PHL since begin- livery to ning as a conductor in 2004 and promoted to custom- Craig Denny Noe Lopez TR Quinzel Rodney Williams assistant trainmaster in July 2013. His ambition ers, and to become a trainmaster was fueled by his ensuring crews have all needed supplies. It appreciated for their work every night,” he desire to educate himself. also is an opportunity to do more coaching. said. “I appreciate them working safely to “I wanted to learn more about the railroad “Teaching benefits everyone because get the job done.” and the operations part of it,” he said. when we all do the job correctly, things run Williams joined PHL in 2008. After four Going forward, safety is Denny’s first smoothly and the work gets done safely,” he years in craft he transitioned to management, priority. said. seeking an opportunity to better himself and “My goals are to have the PHL workforce Lopez strives to continue improving and learn more about the industry. He interacts be accident and injury free and to keep learn- helping co-workers in his new role. with employees, port officials and other ing,” he said. Quinzel’s PHL career began in 2001. managers to meet customer requests and For Lopez, the promotion was an oppor- After joining as assistant locomotive engi- build positive relationships. tunity to take on yet another role at PHL since neer, he promoted to locomotive engineer The trainmaster is determined to be- starting 11 years ago. He began as an assistant and later assistant trainmaster. come well-versed in various aspects of the engineer, and was RCL manager and assis- Each night, Quinzel faces a unique set of industry and contribute to communication, tant trainmaster before his latest promotion. challenges that do not come with a step-by- safety and efficiency. Williams and the other Coming from the craft helps him understand step diagram. He believes building positive new trainmasters support one another as they the logistics of the yard and territory, and gives relationships is key to working efficiently and adjust to their new roles. him credibility with crews. serving customers. “When we’re strong, that resonates to As trainmaster, he is responsible for yard “I want to ensure all crews feel train crews,” he said. PHL loses dear friend Larry Souter battled cancer several years before passing away Feb. 16 at his home in Murrieta. He was 57. He will be remembered by Pacific Harbor Line employees for his extensive railroad knowledge and storytelling. Stephen Moore, road foreman of engines, worked 10 years with Souter. Former PHL Road Foreman of Engines Larry Souter, second from left, visits Berth 200 and, from left, Manager of Operations Support Greg Peters, “I learned a lot from Larry,” Moore said. “His fortes were safety Road Foreman of Engines Rick Vanzee and Manager of Transportation and training. He kept everything lighthearted, but was serious about Stephane Perri during an employee cookout Nov. 5. his job.” Eric Flores, trainmaster, said PHL has not been the same without in 1993 when he moved to KCS operating headquarters in Shreveport, Souter. Louisiana. In 1996, Souter promoted to general director of safety rules “Everyone loved working with Larry because he was always in and operating practices, and in 1998 he became general foreman and a good mood and could capture anyone in his funny stories,” he said. head of the KCS transportation training center. “Wherever he went, he made lots of friends. Larry was well-liked and Souter departed KCS and for two years worked several jobs, respected by everyone who met him.” including a safety and training position at New York Air Brake in Souter, Flores said, was an asset to PHL and a resource to everyone, Lenexa, Kansas; real estate and car salesman in Branson, Missouri; and including managers. safety and rules consultant at North Shore Mining in Taconite Harbor, “If there was a question or issue and Larry was on the property, Minnesota. we knew everything would be OK,” he said. “I can speak for everyone Souter came to the coast in 2003 to work for Transportation when I say PHL won’t be the same without him. It was great working Certification Services, Inc. as a temporary transportation employee for with him, and we miss him dearly.” hire, performing work at Pacific Harbor Line. He was hired by PHL Souter was born in Pittsburg, Kansas, where he graduated in 1957 Nov. 24, 2003, as trainmaster and road foreman of engines. In 2007, from Ruskin High School. His 35-year railroad career began in 1978 he promoted to full-time road foreman of engines and transportation when he was hired as a Kansas City Southern Railway clerk at Knoche trainer. Tower. A year later he became a locomotive engineer. Souter is survived by his wife, daughter, two stepchildren and six His journey continued with a promotion to road foreman of engines grandchildren. An Anacostia Company 5 • Pacific Harbor Line Report Reporters tour PACIFIC HARBOR LINE PRSRT STD 705 N HENRY FORD AVE U.S. POSTAGE WILMINGTON CA 90744-6716 the ports PAID MAIL U.S.A. PHL welcomed members of the American Association of Port Authorities and reporters from publications such as American Shipper, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal and the Orange County Register to the harbor for a Jan. 15 tour of the . The reporters visited Terminal Island, San Pedro marine terminals and the Berth 200 project to expand their knowledge of the area and industry. Their goal was to experience the ports first- hand, learning about operations and infrastructure to help them generate ac- curate public news. Aboard the train were PHL Managers Otis Cliatt II, president; Dan Micklos, vice president; and Don Norton, direc- tor of marketing and administration. Operating the passenger cars, provided by California Zephyr Railcar Charters, were Greg Peters, manager of operations support, and Rick Vanzee, road foreman Meal celebrates employees of engines. “The rail tour gave them a look at the Port of LA and Alameda Corridor,” Norton said. “It’s difficult to appreciate the area unless you see it from the rails.” The group toured Port of Long Beach early in the week.

Members of the American Association of Port Authorities and reporters from various publications tour the Port of Los Angeles.

From left, F&M Contractors Tony Bermudez, driver, joins From left, Locomotive Orlando Sanchez and Pelipe in the celebration. Engineers Rick Calloway and Gil, and Eubaldo Contreras, Vondrick Jenkins help them- track laborer, prepare a selves to a plate of carne feast to show appreciation asada, rice and beans. for employees.