Keeping You Cool .24. in Nevada

Volume 65 No.3 • Jul-Sept 2016

Tree trimmer Rosario Garcia removes an unwieldy palm in Stockton. Story on page 17.

Dalzell: Working Together .2.

Union Election Results .3.

Rodeo Results .4.

Outside Construction .6.

Organizing Stewards .8.

Gas Rodeo .12.

Diablo Canyon .14.

Tree Trimmers .16.

Soccer .18.

Fist Full of Lightning .21.

SMUD Climbing School .23.

Redding at Work .28.

Safety Matters .32.

Women’s Conference .35.

Token Bearers .36.

Retirees .40.

Pin Dinners .34. .42–47. papers. That’s not just true in our politi- to sideline employees and their needs. to force politicians and companies to lis- cal system; IBEW Business Managers at And in the end, we forced the plant to ten, and to be an effective counter- many other locals were voted out of stay open for another eight to nine weight to growing corporate power. office during this past election cycle. years, and negotiated a generous reten- We won’t be left out in the cold if we I understand that growing dissatisfac- tion and bonus program to take care of stand together and fight. I’m dedicating tion with the status quo is part of the rea- our members (see “Diablo Canyon to the next two years of my term to doing son why some of you voted against me. I Remain in Operation” on page 14). everything I can to improve the eco- want to confront this head on: I hear you, Jim Hayes, a worker at Diablo nomic security of our members. I am and I understand that we can make even Canyon, had this to say about the deal: open to every suggestion and every more progress for you and give you an “After working at Diablo for 32 years, I idea. And I look forward to working with even stronger voice at work. I hear both was apprehensive about how they all of you to secure a bright future for Working your encouragement and your anger. But would close the plant – it was clear to our members and their families. the economic trajectory that our mem- me that they wanted to do it as quickly Together bers are on is far different than that of as possible and that workers were not CALENDAR irst off, I’d like to thank the more most Americans. We continue to secure figuring in their plans. IBEW 1245 was than 3,000 members of our union wage increases that far exceed the the best advocate we could have had. who voted in our last election. It is national average, we continue to expand The deal that was negotiated will keep F August 20: Third Annual Charity an honor to serve you as Business Man- our benefits, and I view every upcoming us on the job for years and includes Softball Tournament, Ceres, CA ager, and I look forward to continuing to contract as a means to improving the retention and bonus pay. The new make progress together. Campaigns can economic security of our members. arrangement will give us time and extra August 26-27: National Gas Rodeo, be long and hard, but one of the best That being said, there is more that money to make a smooth transition.” Colorado Springs, CO things about the past several months can be done. Over the next three years, I These are still scary times: too many Sept 10-Oct 15: Retirement Planning has been meeting with so many of you will take every opportunity I see to people are making too little to get by. face-to-face. Our union is strong increase wages, improve benefits and The American Dream is slipping away Seminars because our people are strong. And I strengthen your voice at work. And for millions of us. Corporate power is Sept 19-23: 39th IBEW International appreciated every encouragement, sug- where opportunities do not currently growing fast, and the power of organized Convention, St. Louis, MO gestion and criticism that was offered. exist, we will create them. working people is not keeping up. But Oct 8: Local 1245 Golf Tournament, We’ve all read quite a bit about the The recent events at Diablo Canyon I’m hopeful that we’ve reached an inflec- growing populist movement in our are a good example. While the state gov- tion point. Over the next two years of my Vacaville, CA country. Millions of Americans are deal- ernment and environmental groups term, I will fight like hell to improve your Oct 15: International Lineman’s Rodeo, ing with real economic pain that has planned to simply shutter the plant in working conditions and paychecks. And Bonner Springs, KS been ignored for too long by our leaders. 2018 and kick all its employees to the we can use our collective political power That pain has been exacerbated by elites curb, we stood up. We forced them to who govern from the top down, along take the thousand-plus workers there with bad trade deals that completely into consideration. We worked in public Unit meeting changes ignore the plight of American workers. and behind the scenes to bring our Families are struggling, and leaders who members and their families to the fore- Unit #2376, City of Vallejo, has Unit #1220, San Luis Obispo/DCPP, don’t listen are being given their walking front. We took issue with every attempt announced a change to its meeting has changed its meeting date and schedule. The unit will now meet the location. Beginning in August, the second Wednesday of every month at unit will meet on the first Thursday of 5:30pm. Location will remain the each month at 5:30pm at McKlin- same (IBEW 2376 Hall, 1115 Amador tocks, 750 Mattie Rd. in Pismo Beach. St., Vallejo, CA). James “Hammer” Hayes, Unit Chair Jennifer Gray, IBEW 1245 Business Rep Unit #2551, South San Joaquin ID, Unit #1125, Oakhurst, has changed has changed its unit meeting date to its unit meeting date. The unit will the second Wednesday of the month, now meet on the second Thursday of and the meetings will begin at 3pm. the month at 4pm. The meeting loca- The location will remain the same. tion will remain the same (Round Charley Souders, Table Pizza, 40034 Highway 49, IBEW 1245 Business Rep Oakhurst, CA). Jim Brager, IBEW 1245 Business Rep Unit #1111, Fresno Physical, has Unit #2518, Modesto ID, has voted to change their unit meeting changed its unit meeting to the sec- location to Round Table Pizza, 5763 N. ond Tuesday of the month at 5:00pm. First St, Fresno, CA. The meeting dates Entry Deadline 9/30/2016 The location will remain the same. and time will remain the same. CYPRESS LAKES Golf Course Charley Souders, Jim Brager, 5601 Meridian Rd., Vacaville, CA IBEW 1245 Business Rep IBEW 1245 Business Rep Registration begins 7:00am SHOT GUN START 8:30am UtilityReporter July – September 2016 Name (Print): REGISTRATION FEES: $100 per golfer. Volume 65 No. 3 Circulation: 22,800 lncludes: Cart, Green Fee & BBQ Cell No/Email Address: Make check payable to “IBEW Local 1245” Business Manager/ – Central Area AFL-CIO, P.O. Box Please send complete Financial Secretary Gary Maschio 2547, Vacaville, CA new address and your Mail to: Local1245 Golf Tournament, Tom Dalzell 95696. Social Security Name (Print): – Southern Area P. O. Box 2547, Vacaville, CA 95696 Communications James Hayes Number (by U.S. Mail) Periodical postage to: “Address Change” Attn: Gail Varner Director/ paid at Vacaville and – Line Clearance Tree IBEW Local 1245 Managing Editor at additional mailing Cell No/Email Address: Trimmers and Outside P.O. Box 2547 CYPRESS LAKES Golf Course Rebecca Band offices. USPS Construction Vacaville, CA 95696. 5601 Meridian Rd., Vacaville CA President Mike Cottrell No. 654640, ISSN No. Art Freitas 0190-4965. Name (Print): – At-Large PG&E Our Web Site can be Registration begins promptly at 7 a.m. Vice President General Construction POSTMASTER: viewed at SHOT GUN START 8:30a.m. Anna Bayless-Martinez Stan Zamora Please send Form www.IBEW1245.com. Cell No/Email Address: Recording Secretary 3579, Change of Find us on BBQ & AWARDS after tournament will be Rachel Ramirez-Hill Address, and all Facebook at Published quarterly at correspondence to www.facebook.com/ at Weakley Hall (behind Home Depot) Treasurer Utility Reporter, P.O. Name (Print): 30 Orange Tree Circle, IBEWLocal1245 30 Orange Tree Circle Vacaville, CA Cecelia De La Torre Vacaville, CA 95687. Box 2547, Vacaville, CA 95696. Our phone number is Executive Board Official publication of John Mendoza, Chairman: (209) 329-3449 (707) 452-2700. Cell No/Email Address: – Northern Area Local Union 1245, Single copies $1. Gail Varner, Bookkeeper: (707) 452-2732 Steve Segale International Subscription by – Northeastern Area Brotherhood of arrangement. Have ***If you don't have a 4-some, we will assign you or your group to a 4-some. Tom Cornell Electrical Workers, you moved recently? 2 July – September 2016 2016 Union Election Results

Executive Board California Gas Transmission North Bay Division of PG&E, and Officers • Janelle Bucci (unopposed) City of Healdsburg, City of City of Santa Clara and Ukiah, City of Willits President and Delegate to the • Joseph Stockel 76 San Jose Division of PG&E • Daniel Novella 50 Outside Construction International Convention of • Tyler Jones 37 • Robert “Bubba” Avery 147 the IBEW • Tony Varni 31 Sacramento Municipal Utility • Gary Hughes 84 • Arthur “Art” Freitas 1396 District and City of Lodi City of Lompoc • Travis Carlson 731 East Bay Division of PG&E • Marcus T. Crumble (unopposed) • Gary Silbaugh (unopposed) • Dane “Big Dawg” Moore 662 • Matt Ortolano (unopposed) USBR, Western Area Power Vice President San Francisco Division and Manufacturing Administration • Jim Baker 16 • Anna Bayless-Martinez 1329 General Office of PG&E • Lawrence “Larry” Torres (unop- • Todd Shiels 7 • Robert “Rob” Thomas 736 • Logan Jonas (unopposed) posed) • Justin “J Dooley” Doolan 713 Materials Distribution Stockton Division of PG&E Frontier Communications Recording Secretary Department of PG&E • Robert Harty 74 • Ken Lawson 14 • Steven Mayfield 51 • Rachel Ramirez-Hill 1753 • Kristopher Hardman 24 • Trevor File 9 • Cloudell Douglas 963 • Michael Hunt 36 Sacramento Regional Transit General Construction of PG&E Business Manager/Financial City of Vallejo and Greater District – At Large (3 Seats) Vallejo Recreation District Secretary And Delegate To The • Freddy Alvarez International Convention Of • Lauren Bartlett (unopposed) • Marcus Adams 21 • Luke Bogart • Kenneth McKay 11 The IBEW Humboldt Division of PG&E • James Noonkester • Tom Dalzell 1825 and Resort Improvement Tree Trimmer Companies Delegates to the • Darryl Norris 1459 District #1 • Rosario “Ro” Garcia 35 International Convention Treasurer • Jim Walpole 11 • Steve Speak 32 • Cecelia De La Torre 1934 • Ward “Sonny” Hollesen 8 • Michael Garner 28 of the IBEW • Ruben Altamirano 814 • William Goodman 6 • Ricardo Montes 14 • Cecelia De La Torre 881 • Manuel Cortez 8 • Anna Bayless-Martinez 724 Executive Board — Shasta Division of PG&E, City • Jose “JP” Paredes 8 • Rachel Ramirez-Hill 614 Southern Area Redding, City of Shasta Lake, • Brian Battilocchi 6 • Pedro Sandoval 594 • James “Jim Hammer” Hayes 296 and Bella Vista Water District • James Hanlon 6 • Dorothy Fortier 554 • Luis Mendez 3 • Pedro “Pete” Sandoval Jr 266 • Paul Snyder 19 • Jose Mendoza 477 • Jesus “Lorenso” Arciniega 139 • Calem Colgate 12 • Hunter Stern 477 Clerical At Large of PG&E • Stan Zamora 465 Executive Board — NV Energy, TMWA, City of Northern Area • James Hayes 435 Central Area Fernley, Truckee Donner PUD, • Donchele Soper (unopposed) • Cloudell Douglas 403 • Jesus Arciniega 379 • Gary Maschio 259 Mt Wheeler Power, Inc., Lassen Clerical At Large of PG&E • Carl “CO” Olguin 212 • Brian Hall 346 • Oni Brown 99 Municipal Utility District, Central Area • Mike Cottrell 340 Wells REA and Liberty Energy • Kelly Gibbs (unopposed) Executive Board — • Samson “Lee” Wilson 55 Northern Area Clerical At Large of PG&E • Michelle Benuzzi 49 Southern Area • Steven “The Enforcer” Segale 363 • Jonathan McCue 31 • Marcos Luna 201 • Renelle Hayes (unopposed) • Ivan Pereda 153 De Sabla Division of PG&E Irrigation Districts (Merced, Executive Board — • Brad Burgess (unopposed) ID; Turlock, ID; Lindmore, ID; Northeastern Area Colgate Division of PG&E, Paradise, ID; South Feather • Thomas “Tom” Cornell (unopposed) Yuba County Water Agency, Power & Water Agency; Executive Board — General and City of Gridley Modesto, ID; and San Joaquin, Construction of PG&E – • Mark Anderson 19 ID) At Large • Keith Hopp 17 • Craig “Tater” Tatum (unopposed) • Stan Zamora 138 • Harold Blackshire Jr 135 Executive Board — Outside Construction and Tree Trimming Companies • Mike Cottrell (unopposed) Advisory Council San Joaquin Division of PG&E • Daniel Mayo (unopposed) Coast Valleys Division of PG&E • Bryan “Goob” Anderson 53 • Richard Danieli 26 Diablo Canyon Nuclear Members of the Ballot Committee validate and count ballots at Weakley Hall on June 28, 2016. Observers, visible in the back, were Generating Station required to remain behind a barrier at the back of the room, ensuring that only ballot committee members had access during the • Ronald Greenlee (unopposed) counting process. Utility Reporter 3 Secondary Parallel Event at LA Lineman’s Rodeo Local 1245 Gridley Apprentice Members Win Places 2nd Big at BEW 1245 member Ryan Gorman, and APPA Rodeo apprentice lineman with the City of IGridley, placed 2nd in the Apprentice Secondary Parallel event at the Los Angeles Lineman’s Rodeo on April 30, 2016. The event embers from IBEW Local 1245 tion, Anthony Ormonde, Dustin is co-sponsored by LADWP and IBEW Local didn’t let the sub-freezing Krieger, and Josh Klikna from TID 18. More info can be found at temperatures faze them as came in second place overall. Jimmy M http://www.lalinemanrodeo.com/. they displayed their competitive spirit Boere, Matt McCurdy, and Sean and prowess at the 16th annual Public Coulson from Modesto Irrigation Power Lineworkers Rodeo, which took District won the Hurtman Rescue place April 1-2, in Minneapolis, Minn. event, and Dwight Johnson, Garrett Wayne Smith from TID came in first Mcghehey, and Justin Hirschi from place overall in the Apprentice division, SMUD placed third in that same event. and also placed second on the written They also came in third in the 4kV test. SMUD apprentice Bradley Powell Crossarm Change Out. came in first in the Apprentice Hurtman “It brings us great pride to see our Rescue event as well as the Apprentice members triumph when competing Obstacle Course. Tyler Dewitt from against the best of the best at the APPA SMUD came in third in both the Rodeo,” said IBEW 1245 Business Apprentice Obstacle Course and Fused Manager Tom Dalzell. “Congratulations Cutout Relocation events, while Aaron to all the competitors, and especially (Keith) Rudi from SMUD came in third our award-winning apprentices from in the Apprentice Pole Top Pin Insulator TID and SMUD, as well as our victorious Change Out event. journeymen teams from TID, MID and In the Journeyman level competi- SMUD.”

4 July – September 2016 Local 1245 Member Places Third in Power Division at 15h Annual International Utility Locate Rodeo

BEW 1245 members from PG&E’s three separate locates within their area Congratulations to Efrain Nava and Locate & Mark team made a strong of expertise, and were scored both on all of the other competitors! Ishowing as first-time competitors in accuracy and on time to complete. All Lou Mennel and Bryan Carroll, the 15th Annual International Utility competitors were also required to do IBEW 1245 Business Reps Locate Rodeo, which took place June the “Locate from Hell” where they were 23-25 in Dallas, TX. given three minutes to locate and mark The 1245/PG&E team consisted of over two wheels. Most did not complete Trevor Robertson (Richmond) and this extremely challenging event. Wendell Brown (Oakland) who com- Despite the 95 degree weather and pleted in the Gas Division, as well as high humidity, the four members of the Shane Keyser (Redding) and Efrain Nava 1245/PG&E team competed solidly in (Merced) who competed in the Power their respective events and gained Division. The four team members respect of their peers for their quality secured their spots by placing in the top locates. Local 1245 member Efrain Nava at the 1245/PG&E qualifier event, which placed third overall in the Power took place earlier this year in conjunc- Division, which is truly remarkable given tion with the 1245/PG&E Gas Rodeo. the fact that it was his first time compet- The 1245/PG&E team faced off ing in an International Rodeo, and he against 77 other competitors from 17 was up against many skilled and experi- different states representing 28 different enced competitors. It was a real surprise companies. Each competitor was given to finish in the top three the first year out. Team 1245/PG&E (from left): Trevor Robertson, Efrain Nava, Wendell Brown and Shane Keyser.

Local 1245 Team Places Second at NSUJL Rodeo

BEW 1245 linemen Luke Bogart, Acosta also placed first in the Jacob Hunt and Marco Acosta Journeyman Team Speed Climb event Icame in 2nd place overall at the 4th and second in the Journeyman Team Annual National Sisterhood United for Hurtman Rescue event. Journeymen Linemen (NSUJL) Rodeo, NSUJL is a 501(C)3 non-profit which took place June 17-18 in organization dedicated to assisting Pennsylvania. Acosta also secured the families of Fallen/Injured IBEW Jour- first place “Overall Best Climb” award, neymen linemen, Utility Linemen, and Bogart took home the second Apprentice Linemen, Groundmen place award in the “Overall Best and Operators. Learn more at Hurtman Rescue” category. Bogart and www.nsujl.org.

Luke Bogart, Jacob Hunt and Marco Acosta show off their trophies at the NSUJL rodeo.

Utility Reporter 5 we had 15 Lineman on Book 1 and 70 on tion published in our manual accurately payout) has not. When we receive Book 2 with hopes of getting those reflect the state’s new requirements. The confirmation that the subsistence numbers down over the next couple of state rules must be equal to or greater has been paid, the grievance will be months. The onset of storm season in than the Federal requirements, and withdrawn and considered settled. the south and eastern U.S. will poten- there are many cases where CalOSHA • The final grievance is in the very early tially drive that number on the books may require stricter policies. We want to stages, although we have reason to down as well. make sure our guide is up-to-date on believe it will most likely go the dis- both the federal and state changes. tance. A small contractor that Contractor Safety became signatory to Local 1245 in Outside Line Reps 2008 had never received work that we Utility The two outside line reps continue to were aware of. However, they were There are several new and ongoing spend a lot of time in the field perform- recently spotted in San Francisco Work Outlook factors that seem to be changing in the ing jobsite visits as well as safety orien- working as Qualified Electrical Work- ork outlook con- construction safety arena. As tations. On average, they are logging ers (QEWs) on a fiber optic install tinues to be steady. mentioned above, a non- approximately 7,500 miles and holding project in energized vaults and man- The number of IBEW contractor was sus- W 150 safety orientations each month. holes. We suspect that the contractor pended from working on contract crews working didn’t believe the fiber work was cov- PG&E property due to too directly for PG&E and SMUD Grievances ered work; but the whole reason they has remained around the many dig-ins. It should be As is the norm for our work group, we were on the project was due to the same. We anticipate increases noted that the same criteria continue to deal with contractual issues fact that this utility company in projected man-hours in applies to all contractors (both as soon as we are made aware of them. requires QEWs in their vaults and Transmission and Substation Ralph Armstrong union and non-union) that Approximately 90% are handled in the manholes. Local 1245 is demanding (NERC work) over the next are working on PG&E prop- first step of the grievance process and they cease the work as a non-union couple of months. There are other proj- erty. Too many dig-ins and other safety are mostly centered on pay issues. We contractor and live up to the agree- ects underway (which aren’t counted in infractions can lead to suspension. still get issues that aren’t as easily ment they signed with 1245, as well the above-mentioned man-hours) that Additionally, the PUC’s new mandate on resolved, and we are currently working as provide restitution for any QEW our members are also performing in the utility for stronger contractor over- on three that have a much larger impact work performed on this project. Nevada, where NV Energy has taken the sight is changing the landscape on on those involved from both sides. We pro-union approach to contracting. safety where everyone understands that Audits have commitments to resolve two of the This is great news for union members in either you work safe or you are off the issues listed below; the third is just in During a recent review of reporting a “Right to Work” state. property. The utility will be conducting the beginning stages. They are: practices, we received an inquiry from We have several projects waiting in site safety audits as well as having the • A contractor had multiple violations our International Office regarding the the wings to start, and a few projects inspectors they employ on our jobs take from not using an IBEW subcontrac- number of members showing up as that have just started but are not yet up a bigger role in enforcing safety. PUC tor, not paying wages and fees associ- inactive. As we performed our audits, to full steam. The trailer park conver- compliance on this is set to begin in the ated with training they required and we found several that were simply sion pilot program has had a couple of next month, however the utility has not providing a secured parking lot as reporting errors; however we did find delays due to a significant portion of the already begun at different levels required per the agreement, and then some that we had no paperwork for. work being pulled from a non-IBEW through the different departments, and refusing to pay for a parking ticket. Most of these came from contracts civil contractor. The contractor was sus- this is something anyone wishing to The resolution that Local 1245 was other than the Outside Line group, but pended from performing work on PG&E work out here must be aware of. asking for has been achieved, and the we did find some in Outside Line as property due to an excessive amount of This is a reminder that unsafe work contractor has agreed to reimburse well. We are actively cleaning these up. dig-ins. That work has been resent out practices could not only have a member the affected employees in wages and All of our agreements on the construc- to bid, and we are waiting to see who it banned from the property, but could fees as well as the cost of the parking tion side require membership in the is awarded to. Some of the facility relo- also lead to contractors being sus- ticket. With regards to the non-IBEW IBEW as a condition of employment, and cate work for the California High Speed pended or removed from the property, subcontractor, the contractor has non-members cannot work under these Rail project has started, although the causing other members to lose their agreed to pay the cost of the work to agreements or receive the benefits from rail project itself won’t begin for quite jobs. The days of taking shortcuts to the IBEW Injured Workers Fund in them. Failure to obtain and maintain some time. We have been told the Cal- increase productivity, and turning a the amount of $11,000. This will be membership can lead to several different Train Electrification project — which is blind eye to potential safety hazards are done in three monthly payments, of outcomes, depending on the agreement. the 54-mile conversion from Diesel to gone. The consequences can effect our which the first had already been At a minimum, the contractor may be Electric which spans from San members’ ability to make a living. Safety made. Upon receiving the final two forced to release non-members from Francisco to San Jose — has been needs to be the number one priority. payments, the grievance will be with- work. It is the members’ responsibility to awarded, but work won’t begin for a Although we have seen a reduction in drawn and considered settled. make sure all membership paperwork is couple of months. It must be noted that injuries as well as workplace errors, we • We had a Mark and Locate contractor filled out and kept up to date. Local 1245 has project labor agreements believe we can continue to do better. pay the incorrect OT rate and not pay in place for all the work from the bolts Red Book the applicable daily subsistence rate Benefit Tracking up on both the Cal-Train and High We have received several inquiries as required by the agreement. This In addition to ensuring that IBEW Speed Rail projects, and these two proj- regarding updated safety books. We had gone on over the course of sev- membership is maintained, it is equally ects will generate a lot of work for our have started a review of the California eral years before it was discovered, at important to make sure that pension construction members. Another large Safety Manual (Red Book) in order to which time payroll records were funds and health care hours are up-to- project that hasn’t begun yet is the reflect the Federal OSHA changes as reviewed and a settlement was date and accurate. Each member should Google project that involves installing well as in anticipation of the CalOSHA agreed upon to reimburse the receive a quarterly statement of activity fiber throughout the city of San Jose. changes that have yet to be released. A affected employees. To date we have on their accounts, which can be verified This project will involve stringing and committee has been formed and we confirmation that the smaller through employees’ pay stubs. Occa- upgrading the infrastructure in that area have begun the process. We don’t antic- amounts associated with the incor- sionally, we have contractors who fail to and require several years’ worth of work. ipate printing or finalizing this project rect OT rate had been paid to those report, report under wrong agreements We are not seeing the huge spike in until the CalOSHA regulations have employees; however the subsistence / classifications or under wrong social lineman calls as we have experienced in been posted, to make sure the informa- (which makes up the majority of the security numbers. Verifying and correct- the past, which we attribute to the utility keeping more crews on property through the winter. This has been a Dispatch Call Counts major change from past years, where the construction crews would basically 2016 Call Counts shut down for a couple of months each CABLE LINE EQ FAB JRY SUB Monthly APPR GRDMN year in the winter then ramp up in the SPLICER MAN TECH LMN TECH Totals late spring. That approach came with a MAY 9 119368889197 lot of difficulties — including building the workforces back up and developing JUNE 18 1 21 27 38 74 58 237 crew continuity — which have the JULY* 8 0201851736167 potential to increase work procedure errors and accidents. As of July 20, 2016, * (as of 7/21/16) 1,098 6 July – September 2016 ing any issues early is key to ensuring • 239 are working out of Local 47 • California Pipeline Inspection – Gas 3) Final Disability Benefit (for disabili- the members get what is theirs. • 2 are working out of Local 396 Inspector ties lasting at least ninety (90) days): • 29 are unemployed (48 are techni- $5,000.002 JATC • Gulf Interstate Field Services- Gas cally unemployed, but 19 can’t work) Inspector Any questions and requests for a The JATC is in the process of inter- We have graduated 37 apprentices to • W. Emerson, Inc. – Hydro Construc- copy of the Summary Plan Document viewing the 1,300 applicants who sub- journeyman lineman and have inden- tion & Maintenance should be directed in writing to the mitted applications and associated tured 47 outside line apprentices. • Most Wanted Drilling – Outside Line Trustees of the Injured Workers Fund at paperwork during the ten-day applica- Construction Agreement 30 Orange Tree Circle, Vacaville, CA tion period this spring. On average, Traffic Signal and Street 95687. about 140 applicants are interviewed Injured Workers Fund each month, and it will take several Light Agreement The balance of the Injured Workers 2016 Training Schedule more months to complete the inter- Wage increases for 2016 under the Fund as of June 30, 2016 was views. The current list of applicants past Traffic Signal and Street Light agreements and Special Events $946,756.90. In the month of June, one and present will then be ranked and were based on the one-year average for disability payment was made. The • IBEW 1245 Golf Tournament – placed on the eligibility list as they wait the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all Trustees of the Injured Workers Fund October 8, 2016, Vacaville for positions to open up, and it will be Urban Wage Earners in the San Francisco, have amended the Plan Document to • International Lineman’s Rodeo – some time before the application period Oakland and San Jose areas ending in increase the Disability Benefit pay- October 15, 2016, Bonner Springs, KS will open again. June. Those numbers are just in and they outs, which became effective July 1, Business Rep Richard Ingle attended equate to a 2.7% wage increase for all • First Aid & CPR is the second 2016: the Apprentice Picnic in Ontario on July classifications under that agreement. Saturday of every month at the JATC 9 which is a mandatory event for all Disability Benefits Riverside and Sacramento facilities apprentices, and is supported by both • OSHA 10 ETD class scheduled for Organizing 1) Initial Disability Benefit (for disabili- Local 1245 and Local 47. He reports that July 29 and 30 in Vacaville a good time was had by all. The following contractors signed ties lasting more than ten (10) days We currently have 342 outside line agreements with Local 1245 in June and but less than thirty (30) days): apprentices registered in our JATC pro- July: $2000.00 1 This lump-sum benefit shall be in addition to any Initial Disability Benefit paid to the gram and two traveling apprentices in • ArborWorks, Inc. – Line Clearance 2) Secondary Disability Benefit (for dis- Participant. our jurisdiction. Tree Trimming abilities lasting more than twenty- 2 This lump-sum benefit shall be in addition • 55 Apprentices are working out of • Inyon Corrosion Services, LLC – Gas nine (29) days but less than ninety to any Initial and Secondary Disability Local 1245 Inspector (90) days): $3,000.001 Benefits paid to the Participant.

Par Electric crew replaces Flying High a 230KV line in Atascadero

n late June, a nine-man crew com- area was pretty limited, so the crew had prised of IBEW 1245 members from to utilize a helicopter to get in to some IPar Electric was sent in to place one of the areas that they were unable to phase of a circuit on the Morro Bay easily reach by land. 230kv line, off Highway 41 near “On one tower we have a bucket Atascadero. truck, and on one tower we’re gonna fly “We’re taking out a span of wire,” the guys in and out [with the helicop- explained General Foreman Ken Fields. ter],”said Fields. “We’re hanging our “We’ll pull it out with a V groove, we’ll pull boards with the helicopter, and any- a rope in behind it, and then we’ll hook thing the guys need, we’ll just fly it to up a new wire and pull the new wire in.” them, instead of driving. It’s just too far.” While the work itself wasn’t particu- It also happened to be a scorching hot larly unusual, the terrain was exception- day, with temperatures in the triple dig- ally rugged, and ground access to the its, which presented an added challenge. “It’s 104 [degrees] out here, so we’ve got lots of Gatorade and water for the guys,” said Fields. “And we have air conditioners on our truck if they need to get cooled off.”

The crew with Outside Line Business Rep Richard Ingle (left).

Utility Reporter 7 AFL-CIO Secretary- Organizing Stewards Learn from the Experts

Treasurer: “Dalzell’s into improved quality of life for all work- been enacted. ing families. By electing union allies New Organizing Stewards Candice bold vision sets the who will vote with the interests of work- Brace and Ashley Nelson, who had re- ing families in mind, they stand a better cently returned from Idaho, where they standard” chance of enacting the sort of pro-work- were dispatched to support a union er legislation that helps to grow and organizing drive at an AT&T/DirectTV raise up the middle class. Vega and Wei call center [ibew1245.com/2016/04/12/ ore than 80 Organizing Stew- pointed to the recent minimum wage local-1245-organizing-stewards-sup- ards and “apprentice” Or- increase to $15/hour, which Gov. Brown port-organizing-effort-at-boise-call- Mganizing Stewards came to- signed into law in April, as a prime ex- center/], explained how many of the gether on April 22 at Weakley Hall for a ample of the type of labor-advocated workers were under the impression that AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler one-of-a-kind workshop featuring some policy that raises the standard of living they simply did not have the right to very influential labor leaders and work- and gives workers a better starting posi- form and join unions at all. They found embarked on a long and storied union er advocates. tion during bargaining. it challenging to explain the benefits of organizing career that led her to become Two of California’s most powerful la- And when lawmakers vote the wrong joining the IBEW to individuals who had the first woman and youngest person bor lobbyists, Angie Wei and Caitlin way, union members and activists need zero experience with unions. Many had ever to be elected Secretary-Treasurer of Vega of the California Labor Federation, to hold them accountable for those never even met a union member before. the AFL-CIO. kicked off the day-long training with a votes. After their eye-opening presen- Another group of Organizing Stewards “I was the original Organizing Stew- “deep dive” into the world of Califor- tation, Wei and Vega fostered an engag- — Miguel Pagan, Rene Cruz-Martinez ard!” Shuler declared, as she recalled the nia politics and legislative maneuver- ing brainstorming session with the Or- and Nilda Garcia — recounted their ex- time her Business Manager dispatched ing. They began their presentation by ganizing Stewards, encouraging them perience supporting an IBEW member- her to California to help fight a union- commending IBEW 1245, its leadership, to suggest different tactics that union ship drive at a manufacturing facility in busting ballot measure in 1996. That and the Organizing Stewards for priori- members and the Labor Movement as Indiana [ibew1245.com/2016/03/02/ was when she first met current Busi- tizing the type of member-to-member a whole can take to turn up the heat on answering-the-call-local-1245-organiz- ness Manager Tom Dalzell, who she still grassroots organizing work that defines legislators that turn their backs on the ing-stewards-help-boost-union-mem- holds in very high regard. union power. working families. bership-at-indiana-manufacturing- “Tom’s bold vision sets the standard “I know my boss, [California Labor plant/] earlier this year. They shared for the labor movement across the Federation leader] Art Pulaski was here The Reality of Right to Work highlights from their aggressive endeav- country,” said Shuler. “He embodies sol- last month and said he thinks IBEW California’s strong labor laws are a tes- or to visit each and every non-union idarity, creativity and innovation.” tament to its strong union movement. worker at home, and reported that they “It is inspiring to me to be with IBEW Unfortunately, corporate CEOs and succeeded in boosting membership up 1245 Organizing Stewards today and their cronies have been chipping away over 50% at the plant in just one short hear about your recent solidarity orga- at unions in other states through a rash week. nizing in Idaho and Indiana,” she con- of anti-union “Right to Work” laws. After tinued. “I love that you all are engaging watching a video of former Secretary of Liz Shuler: The “Original in grassroots organizing; that’s what La- Labor Robert Reich explain how “Right Organizing Steward” bor does best.” to Work” is wrong for workers [www. Motivated by Shuler’s inspiring words, youtube.com/watch?v=lLV4P5Pq0_0], The Organizing Stewards also had the the Organizing Stewards closed out the several Organizing Stewards who have unique opportunity to engage in a can- day by planning out the next phase of recently travelled to support union or- did dialogue with AFL-CIO Secretary- the Local’s “Union Difference” cam- ganizing drives in Idaho and Indiana Treasurer Liz Shuler, one of the highest- paign. The Local launched the cam- (both now “Right to Work) detailed just ranking labor leaders in the entire coun- paign with public sector stewards ear- how different the environment is in ar- try. Shuler, who comes out of the IBEW, lier this year to combat the potential ill eas where these anti-union laws have shared several personal anecdotes, effects of the Friedrichs vs. CTA Supreme Labor Lobbyist Angie Wei including stories about her parents Court case [bew1245.com/friedrichs/]. who both worked at Portland General While the death of Justice Scalia has of- 1245 is leading the way in California. But Electric, or as she refers to it, “the other fered a temporary reprieve, the Local I’m going to take that one step further – PGE.” will not be resting on its laurels, and the I believe you all are leading the way for Shuler herself worked on the clerical Organizing Stewards will continue what the nation,” Wei told the room full of Or- side at the Oregon-based utility, and the public sector stewards started, hold- ganizing Stewards. “We think it’s time to when she saw the benefits that her fa- ing hundreds of face-to-face conversa- take this idea and spread it from coast to ther and the other linemen had secured tions with co-workers about the Union coast … and build Organizing Steward when they joined the IBEW, she helped Difference. The goal is to build a strong programs all across America.” to organize the first union election on network, solidify a base of union activ- Wei and Vega recognized the hard the clerical side. The company waged an ism and project union pride throughout work that the Organizing Stewards have aggressive anti-union campaign to shut Local 1245’s jurisdiction. done to elect labor-friendly lawmakers down her efforts, but the IBEW local in Fred Ross contributed to this report. over the last six election cycles, and ex- Portland recognized her talent and in- Photos by Steven Marcotte plained exactly how that work translates Organizing Steward Ashley Nelson vited her to join their staff. Shuler then and John Storey 8 July – September 2016 AFL-CIO Leader: Local 1245 is ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS 2016 Scholarship Winners on the “Cutting Edge” Announced

FL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz to bottle you Shuler, the second-highest labor and spread your Aofficial in the country, brought ideas around the Advisory Council members to their feet country.” with a rousing speech on April 23 at Shuler said Weakley Hall in Vacaville. that utility work- “We see the American Dream slipping ers have always AFL-CIO Secretary- through our fingers,” Shuler warned, had a special Treasurer Liz Shuler but she said that union members have place in her the ability to turn thing around when heart. Her father grew up poor with four they stand together and that IBEW 1245 siblings in a one-room cabin, served in members are showing the way. Vietnam, and upon his return was hired “Our opponents thought the job-kill- by Portland General Electric, which ing Trans-Pacific Partnership would be Shuler called “the other PGE.” Through a slam dunk. But the work you did and hard work, she said, her father “earned a the solidarity you showed changed the union lineman’s apprenticeship.” debate,” Shuler said, noting that IBEW Shuler quickly learned the value of President Art Freitas presented Aileen Stalcup Scholarship winner Corey Navarro 1245 members leafletted the house of a union and after college became in- DeVelbiss with the Stalcup Community with her husband Adam, President Art Congressman Ami Bera, a swing-vote in volved in organizing clerical workers at College Scholarship. Freitas and Business Manager Tom Dalzell. the Trans-Pacific trade deal. “How cool “the other PGE.” is that?” she asked. “That experience made me real- President Art Freitas Shuler also praised Local 1245’s re- ize that workers coming together for a presented the Weakley Line School sponse to a recent attack on public stronger voice is where I wanted to be. Scholarship to Wesley sector workers by allies of the rabidly So I went to work full-time for the IBEW Kenyon. anti-union Koch Brothers. Friedrichs vs and I have never looked back,” Shuler California Teachers Association [www. said. ibew1245.com/friedrichs] threatened to cripple the ability of unions to protect members in the public sector, but the case recently hit a speed bump at the U.S. Supreme Court and Local 1245 is [Below] Sandoval one of the unions now mobilizing public Scholarship winner sector employees to fight back. Alexa Hardy with President Art Freitas “Instead of allowing our opponents to and Business Manager divide us, labor came together, public Tom Dalzell. sector and private sector,” Shuler said, praising Local 1245’s organizing stewards as the “cutting edge” of labor’s response to these attacks. Shuler called Business Manager Tom Dalzell “a visionary” in promoting solidarity, at one Shuler called Local 1245 Business Manager point turning to him and saying, “I want Tom Dalzell (left) a “visionary.”

Advisory Council Supports Sick Child of San Luis Obispo Apprentice Lineman

ocal 1245 is pleased to announce meeting in Reno, is currently studying the winners of this year’s educa- biology and is thrilled to have received Ltional scholarships. this scholarship. “We really love this Aileen DeVelbiss, the wife of Mark union,” she said. DeVelbiss and daughter of Pablo Ganillo Wesley Kenyon is the winner of the (both IBEW 1245 members employed 2016 Ron T. Weakley Line School Schol- at PG&E) is one of the recipients of the arship. The award is named for the 2016 Roger Stalcup Community College founder of Local 1245. Kenyon, the son Scholarship. The scholarship is named of IBEW 1245 Business Representative in honor of the late Roger Stalcup, a Ralph Kenyon, told the Advisory Coun- long-time union assistant business cil in April: “My dad’s been with this manager. DeVelbiss, who attended the union for a long time and I just want to April Advisory Council meeting in Va- join it. Thank you.” caville to receive her award, intends to Alexa Hardy won the Al Sandoval t the Advisory Council meeting ing the meeting, the Advisory Council use the scholarship to pursue a nursing Memorial Scholarship essay contest. on April 23, Advisory Council passed around the collection hat for the program. Her father, Jason Hardy, is employed at Amember Bryan Anderson shared Kelley family, and raised $710 in dona- Corey Navarro, wife of Outside Line Modesto Irrigation District. “This schol- the emotional story of PG&E Apprentice tions to help ﬁnance Summer’s treat- Journeyman Lineman Adam Navarro, arship means that I can go to my dream Lineman Shaun Kelley, whose young ment. Learn more about Summer and is the other recipient of the Stalcup school!” said Hardy, who intends to daughter, Summer, was diagnosed with donate at https://www.gofundme.com/ Scholarship. Navarro, who received study math. a form of leukemia earlier this year. Dur- xynh695f. her plaque at the July Advisory Council Congrats to all the winners! Utility Reporter 9 Local 1245 Organizing ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS Steward Honored for Award-Winning Photo

Steven Marcotte (center) was recognized for his award-winning photo, which features Walter Carmier (left) and Pam Pendleton (right).

rganizing Steward Steven Mar- captured Carmier and Pendleton — who cotte was honored at Adviso- are both military vets — in a joyful mo- Ory Council on April 23 for his ment during the Veterans Day parade award-winning photograph of fellow in Sacramento last year. At the Adviso- IBEW 1245 Organizing Stewards, Walter ry Council meeting, Marcotte said any Members of the IBEW 1245 Advisory Council and Executive Board volunteered at the Carmier of Frontier and Pam Pendleton honor associated with the photo should Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano on April 22, 2016. of PG&E. go to Carmier and Pendleton’s work on Marcotte’s photo was singled out this behalf of veterans. year for the “Editor’s Choice” award in Business Manager Tom Dalzell pre- Local 1245 Leaders Volunteer the IBEW photo competition covering sented framed copies of the award- all of the U.S. and Canada. His photo winning photo to all three members. at Food Bank

Remembering Bob Choate

he Advisory Council paid trib- nisce about their time with Choate, ute to the late Bob Choate at its were Jack McNally, Art Murray, Richard Tspring meeting in Vacaville on Duncan, Frank Saxsenmeier, Joel El- April 23. liott, Corb Wheeler, Ed Caruso, Mike Over a dozen former staff members Haentjens, Larry Pierce, Sam Tamimi, stood in solidarity with Choate’s widow, Dorothy Fortier and Rich Cowart, along Janie, as Business Manager Tom Dalzell with trustee Leroy Foster. praised Bob’s dedication to the union. “We lost a dear wonderful brother, and “He served the members vigorously,” this union is much better for the hours said Dalzell. “The glass was always half and years Bob gave us,” said Dalzell. full, not half empty. He was a good man Learn more about Choate’s life and and a good friend.” legacy at ibew1245.com/2016/03/02/ The former staff members, some of bob-choate-loved-the-work-loved-the- whom took the microphone to remi- union/.

Business Manager Tom Dalzell (right) and President Art Freitas share an emotional moment with Brother Choate’s wife, Janie.

Former staffers and union leaders paid their respects, and some shared fond memories of Choate.

10 July – September 2016 ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS

Fist Full of Lightning explores IBEW 1245’s beginnings

n celebration of IBEW Local 1245’s the Advisory Council: “Drama, intrigue, 75th anniversary in April of this mayhem and murder: everything a writ- Iyear, the union has published a fuller could hope for!” length history about its origins. The book has received favorable no- Business Rep J.V. Macor, flanked by Local 1245 members who work in the public sector, Fist Full of Lightning, by Communica- tice from several quarters. Howard detailed the union’s campaign to combat Friedrichs during the April Advisory Council meeting. tions Director Eric Wolfe, was unveiled Kling, president of the International on April 23 at Weakley Hall, where cop- Labor Communications Association, Countering the ies were presented to Advisory Council called the book “a new labor history gem and Executive Board members. … fun, readable and important.” Carl Wolfe told the Advisory Council he Wood, former member of the California Public Sector Threat had been surprised to find that the lo- Public Utilities Commission, found it ublic sector unions narrowly about what the union means to them. cal union’s roots go all the way back to “thoroughly researched, fast-paced and averted a body blow when the He warned that members were not like- 1900, when electrical workers organized eminently readable.” PU.S. Supreme Court deadlocked ly to enjoy the sort of wages and work- an IBEW local to represent them in ne- The book was designed by Kathy Kifer, 4-4 in the recent Friedrichs decision, ing conditions managers would offer if gotiations with several small utilities who has collaborated with Wolfe on Local 1245 Business Representative J. public sector employees lost union rep- in San Francisco. The book includes many union projects, including award- V. Macor told the Advisory Council at resentation. detailed accounts of IBEW-led strikes winning design work on the Utility Weakley Hall on April 23. The union’s campaign has identified against United Railroads in 1906 and Reporter. The unexpected death of Justice An- 84 members who are standing up and against PG&E in 1913, and also looks at Wolfe told the Advisory Council that tonin Scalia allowed unions to dodge playing a leading role in this outreach the forces that virtually wiped out the the union is placing the book in public the blow for now, but the Friedrichs campaign, Macor said. IBEW at PG&E by 1920. libraries in California and Nevada, in- case made it clear that public sector Although the Friedrichs case was Wolfe said that Business Manager cluding libraries in every town where workers are under sustained attack. blocked just short of the end zone, Lo- Tom Dalzell originally proposed the Local 1245 represents the municipal Flanked on stage by several members cal 1245 will continue to marshal its idea of putting together a full history of workforce. He also noted that the his- who could be on the firing line in future defenses to rebuff future attacks, and the local to help celebrate the union’s tory section of the union’s website has attacks, Macor said that Local 1245 had can succeed if its members stand up to 75th anniversary. Wolfe said his prelimi- been completely renovated, utilizing ramped up an intensive campaign of the threat. Advisory Council members nary research got him wondering: “Who some of the information and photos he member-to-member communication gave a large ovation to the public sec- were these guys? How did utility workers uncovered while researching the book. in the public sector. tor members on stage in recognition of in this area first get organized?” Wolfe presented complimentary cop- “This Local saw this attack coming,” their effort to engage the entire public The book includes dozens of photo- ies of the book to AFL-CIO Secretary- said Macor, and began identifying pub- sector workforce in this fight. graphs dating back as far as 1900 that Treasurer Liz Shuler, a featured speaker lic sector members throughout the Macor left the stage to cheers as he depict the lives and the battles of IBEW at the Advisory Council meeting, and to union’s jurisdiction who could sound shouted out this reminder that each utility workers in the Bay Area at that former Business Manager Jack McNally, the alarm and speak directly with other member has a role to play: “There is no time. The book also reveals that IBEW who assisted the history project by shar- members about the benefits of union union without that big old ‘U’ right in had a large presence among electrical ing memories of his own 55 years in the membership. The result, he said, has front!” workers in Nevada in the early 1900s. union. been “multitudes of one-on-one con- Learn more at www.ibew1245.com/ “I began to realize that our story is re- versations” with members talking friedrichs. ally very rich,” Wolfe told the Advisory Council. “And it started with electric linemen and telephone linemen and gas workers and power house operators and clerical workers, all looking for ways to unify and make the employer pay attention.” Wolfe said the book is also about the employers who used various strategies, including violence, in an effort to split employees apart and dilute their power. These conflicts provided the story with plenty of action. Or as Wolfe put it at

[Above] Communications Director Eric Wolfe and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Business Rep Landis Marttila (left) thanks Pete Ely for his service to the union. Liz Shuler check out Fist Full of Lightning. Ely honored for long service to tree trimmers ong-time union activist Pete Ely active in the strike, spoke brieﬂy about was honored at Advisory Council Ely’s key role in the three-week strike. Lon April 23 for his long service to President Art Freitas then presented Ely line clearance tree trimmers. with a photo album documenting the “Pete Ely has been part of the DNA strike, including several showing Ely in of IBEW for 30 years,” Business Man- action. Former Business ager Tom Dalzell told Advisory Council Speaking brieﬂy, Ely thanked for- Manager Jack members as he invited Ely to the front mer business manager Jack McNally McNally, left, accepts of the room. for standing behind the strikers in that a complimentary In addition to a stint on the Advisory historic confrontation nearly a quarter- copy of Fist Full of Lightning Council representing tree trimmers, Ely century ago. from the author, was on the union negotiating commit- “Jack brought the whole union to us. Communications tee during the successful 1992 strike They stood behind us and we won the Director Eric Wolfe. against Asplundh Tree. Business Repre- strike. With gratitude and humility I say sentative Landis Marttila, who was also thank you very much,” Ely said. Utility Reporter 11 Senior Assistant Business Manager Joe Osterlund welcomed the competitors and spectators. Quick and Dirty: PG&E Gas Teams Compete for a Ticket to the International Gas Rodeo

by Rebecca Band takes every guy on the crew to finish it Photos by John Storey off right.” Moore brought his wife and two young hen they’re working in the children out to watch and cheer him on. field, PG&E gas crews gen- “I’ve always loved to compete, so it’s Werally like to take their time great to have this opportunity through and do the job right. Safety and accu- work, and to be able to show my family racy matter more than rapidity when it what I do,” Moore said as he bounced his comes to tasks like installing new gas daughter in his arms. “It’s nice to have a service for a customer. chance to show your skills and represent But at the Second Annual PG&E/IBEW your yard.” Gas Rodeo on May 21 in Livermore, At the end of the qualifying round, the speed was the name of the game as the top ranking teams moved on to the final gas workers raced against their peers in relay event, which consisted of six ob- a friendly yet stiff competition. 13 teams stacles: truck and trailer back-up, back- laced up their boots, kicked up some dirt hoe, pipe squeeze, mini-excavator, reg- and battled it out for the grand prize — a ulator bypass and water cooler. To make chance to compete in the National Gas it interesting, the Rodeo also included Rodeo in Denver at the end of August. one “Wild Card” event, where the teams “Without the IBEW, this event never whose qualifying scores weren’t high would have happened,” said IBEW 1245 enough were given one last chance to Business Manager Tom Dalzell, not- win a spot in the final. ing the important role that the union “We didn’t do as well as we had hoped. played in launching the annual PG&E/ We definitely did better in practice,” IBEW Gas Rodeo last year. “We see it as Gas Construction Operator Sarah Lee, another unique way to build solidarity who competed on the Honey Badgers Sarah Lee among our members. The element of team, said as she waited for the scores competed as a member of the competition is fun, but truthfully, every- to be tabulated. “We got stuck on some Honey Badger body here wins today, because they get a stuff that was unexpected. Our wire team. chance to showcase their craft.” got caught up on the service run, and The five 2-person teams and eight that cost us a full minute. It was a little 4-person teams competed in four different qualifying events – the meter set build, service install, pipe cut and hand dig – and sent Wild Hogs dirt flying in all directions as they team member endeavored to secure the fastest Michael time with the fewest penalties. Moore and his family “My favorite event is the pipe cut,” said Michael Moore, a Rock- lin GC Gas Construction Operator who competed on the Wild Hogs team at the Rodeo. “It’s the fastest pace, it’s intense, and it definitely Local 1245 Business Manager Tom Dalzell 12 July – September 2016 The Manteca Elite team frustrating, but that’s how it is in the In addition to the competition itself, field. Things change, or they aren’t how there were also plenty of other activi- PG&E Bargaining Update: they’re supposed to be when you dig it ties for the families, including vendor up, and you just have to figure out how tents, an exciting raffle, photo booth August 2, 2016 to do it.” with props, some tasty eats and lots of On the other side of the training fa- fun stuff for the kids. The face-painting, fter a meeting between the PG&E unaffected by the response and rubber- cility, individuals representing almost mechanical bull and rock-climbing wall and Local 1245 negotiating gloving language be asked to vote on every division participated in the first were big hits with the older children, Acommittees on August 2, PG&E these issues. We believe that these issues annual Locate and Mark Rodeo, which and the giant sandbox with a great se- spokesperson Robert Joga stated that belong in ad hoc negotiations, not gen- took place in conjunction with the Gas lection of digging toys kept the younger he would have to seek guidance from eral negotiations.” Rodeo. The Locators competed in sever- ones entertained. company executives before meeting The guidance that Joga is seeking may al different events, including the daunt- At the end of the day, the winners again. At issue are the company propos- come in the form of a formal meeting of ing “Locate From Hell,” named because were announced. The Natural Born Tap- als on gas response, electric response, the company’s Labor Relations Execu- the Locators only had three minutes to pers and the Lakeville Cowboys placed and two-man rubber gloving by electric tive Committee or a less formal discus- complete the challenge, compared to first and second, respectively, in the crews. sion with high-level executives. the 12 minutes they were given on the four-person team division, while the Local 1245 Business Manager and Dalzell urged patience: “The position other events. The “Locate From Hell” GC Regulators and Manteca Elite placed lead negotiator Tom Dalzell explained: that we are taking is about a principle, didn’t count towards the total score, but first and second in the two-person team “The company’s proposals affect only a not a group of employees. We are not was included to provide the competitors division. All four teams will be headed fraction of the physical bargaining unit. holding up the negotiations because of with the sort of experience they would to the National Gas Rodeo in Colorado The safety and earnings of gas and elec- linemen or gas construction employ- need to face a similar speed challenge in August. Additionally, the top two Gas tric T&D members are directly affected ees, but because of a principle that we at the National Locate Rodeo, which will Locators, Trevor Robertson and Wendell by the proposals, and we believe that consider very important. We don’t want be held in Dallas this summer. Brown, as well as the top two Electric only they should make decisions about 8,000 physical bargaining unit members As a co-sponsor of the event, IBEW Locators, Efrain Nava and Shane Keyser, their earnings and safety. It seems un- voting on issues that affect 800 or 900 1245 had a strong presence, with Senior will be heading to the International Lo- fair that employees who are completely employees.” Assistant Business Manager Joe Oster- cate Rodeo in Dallas this summer. Con- lund delivering a warm welcome at the gratulations to all the competitors! beginning of the day, and several Busi- 2016 GC Open Commemorates Fallen Brothers ness Reps serving as judges. The union More photos at: ibew1245.com/ also had a booth in the vendor display 2016/05/26/quick-and-dirty-pge- area, where union members chatted gas-teams-compete-for-a-ticket-to- with spectators and other members the-international-gas-rodeo/ about the “Control the Pressure” peer safety program. “Several people stopped by the booth to talk about gas safety or just grab a free hat and a Tootsie Pop,” said IBEW 1245 Business Rep Rich Lane. “Control the Pressure committee members and Local 1245 Safety Stewards, including Adam Weber, Ernie Pena, Matt Davis, The annual PG&E GC Open Golf Tournament honors the individuals who have lost their Roy Cabral and Keith Hopp, took turns lives on the job. IBEW 1245 contributes to the yearly event. The tournament is organized by IBEW 1245 member Sam Gutierrez. Several union members, including Executive Board manning the booth, so they also had a members Anna Bayless Martinez and Cecelia De La Torre, donate their time to volunteer at chance to watch the competition.” the event. Utility Reporter 13 Diablo Canyon to Remain in Operation Until Licenses Expire in 2024/2025

ver the past several years, IBEW # %! ' %$ eight to nine years. of the Keep Diablo Canyon Open Com- 1245 has been working diligent- ! % ! " * As part of this deal, mittee) and our allies, on June 28, the Oly to keep Diablo Canyon Power would not be seek- the union negotiated State Lands Commission voted to ex- Plant (DCPP) open and protect the jobs # $ a generous retention tend the lease and keep DCPP opera- of the 600 Local 1245 members who of Diablo Canyon " !# tional until its licenses expire. work there. %# % &## % members at DCPP, We quickly ﬁnalized a letter agree- As part of this effort, we spent the bet- $$ )"# ( &$ ment to cement the retention package, ter half of 2016 lobbying the members of 2024-2025. PG&E annual bonus, fol- and IBEW 1245 Senior Assistant Busi- the State Lands Commission — the body % #% ! - !( * $'# ness Manager Bob Dean returned to Di- %%(!& %, $! ! )- ditions — not the !( ablo Canyon in early July to explain the tending the lease at DCPP. If the Lands ! %#!& !!- Given the condi- agreement and answer any additional ! $$! (#%!'!% $%)% - ing issue that had tions that we faced, I questions. %$%" %!&!$!( previously been believe this is a posi- I do not believe there can ever be a sus- as early as 2018. mentioned — as tive outcome. tainable energy economy that is based I personally spent several hours with the primary reason On June 21, we on a disposable workforce. That’s why Commission members Gavin Newsom they would not be went to DCPP to ex- we fought so hard to protect our mem- %%* $&$$ % ! ! $ # $- plain the package to bers. Together with the long transition '#! % "%$ ! "#- ing. They argued our members. I was and the very strong retention package, "%!&$$&%!( & #$!#% that our state’s en- joined by PG&E CEO we will be able to keep our members on * ,%$%% $!#!&# #* "!* $ "* Tony Earley, Presi- the job for as long as possible. This is a $%%&# %$$!!"#%! &# does not favor base DCPP members, supporters and families dent Geisha Williams, victory in our ongoing struggle to make canvassed the neighborhoods around the #$ ! & %*$$!%!! !" %$$&$ plant to drum up grassroots support. Senior Vice President sure middle class jobs are a central part %! $ %%#$ %! % ! $- Diablo Canyon. Helen Burt, HR VP of the emerging clean energy economy. sion and signing our petition to demon- ( (!%! " *+$ % - Mary King, and Chief Nuclear Ofﬁcer Ed Right now, the best thing we can do is strate the grassroots support that DCPP tions, we immediately went to work on Halpin. Our members asked great ques- to focus on our jobs, and work profession- $ % &$$"!! & %* #% %! !&$! , (*$%! tions, and the retention agreement was ally and safely. I look forward to answer- As we were working, PG&E informed keep our members on the job for as long well-received. ing your questions and working together us that they were attempting to build a as possible. Thanks to the hard work of our union to make this transition a smooth one. !%! %! # %! $%' ! In & % %!%# staff, our members at Diablo Canyon Tom Dalzell, IBEW 1245 abrupt shutdown of the plant, and in or- %!" ! *! !" !#% )% (especially Kevin Garduno and the rest Business Manager

DCPP Elec Tech Willy Garris testiﬁed before Local 1245 members packed the room at the Lands Commission meeting. the State Lands Commission on June 28.

From left: Keep Diablo Canyon Open Committee members Willy Garris, Kevin Garduno and Jeremy Winn, with State Controller Betty Yee, Local 639 Business Manager Mark Simonin, Local 1245 Business Manager Tom Dalzell and Local IBEW 1245 Business Manager Tom Dalzell testiﬁed before the State Lands Commission on June 28. 1245 Business Rep Pat Duffy 14 July – September 2016 Local 1245 Hosts Series of Clerical Shop Steward Trainings

n June, IBEW 1245 hosted a series of every step of the grievance procedure promotion to calculating pension for- thing that was discussed throughout the unique trainings specifically (which can be crucial if the case goes to mulas. course of the day. Idesigned for Clerical Shop Stewards arbitration). Taking the time to learn The class was then split into two “I thought the training was very at PG&E. and understand “the rest of the story” teams to conduct a “mock case” group informative and especially enjoyed the The sessions were led by a dynamic can make all the difference. exercise. One team represented the navigation component… in terms of team of union staffers, including Senior Ball also spoke about understanding Company, the other represented the finding Letter Agreements and contract Assistant Business Manager Jenny the positive discipline process and how Union. Each team was tasked with mak- information. That piece of the training Marston, Business Reps Jennifer Gray, to work with management on developing supportive arguments for the case seemed to be very beneficial, especially Rey Mendoza, Gracie Clark, Arlene ing solutions prior to filing a grievance. they were given. Even though the mock for the newer Stewards,” said Soper. “I Edwards and myself, Assistant Business Stewards who do their due diligence by case was just practice, some of the dis- also thought it was helpful reviewing Manager Ken Ball and Organizer Jammi researching previous grievances or deci- cussions got pretty exciting, and tem- what information we should be writing Juarez. The team conducted three sepa- sions which are similar in nature have pers flared as patience was tried. down when sitting in on an investigative rate trainings which were designed to the potential to better influence the out- Fortunately, a few of our more experi- interview; especially knowing how cru- empower Clerical Stewards with tools come of the case at hand. enced and seasoned Stewards showed cial this piece of documentation can be and resources to be successful. Several of the Stewards had many the group how to get the job done. in arbitration.” During each session, Business questions about researching past cases “The training was very good,” said Overall, it was exciting to see our Manager Tom Dalzell emphasized on and finding the information they need. Fresno Shop Steward Joe Sanchez. “I Stewards leave the training feeling con- the significance of the Steward’s role, They were unsure how, where and what especially liked the Company vs Union fident and better prepared to represent citing his experiences while working they would need to conduct such mock case!” our members. with Cesar Chavez and the United Farm research, so Rey Mendoza and I pro- Jen Gray and Jammi Juarez wrapped Eddie Moreno is a temporary IBEW Workers as well as his early days at vided the Stewards with an overview of up the training with a game of “Shop 1245 Business Rep and experienced Shop IBEW. IBEW 1245’s redesigned website and a Steward Jeopardy” that recapped every- Steward. Assistant Business Manager Ken Ball, navigation tutorial to ensure they who has been leading Shop Steward understand how to find the information trainings at Local 1245 for several years, they need on their computers or mobile explained the Steward’s role in the devices. Settlement Agreement Reached workplace and during the grievance “I feel that it’s important we as procedure. He reminded the Stewards Stewards have this information at our for PG&E General Rate Case that they wear many hats, and on any fingertips when approached by mem- n Wednesday, August 3, the year leak survey cycle for all gas utilities. given day, they may find themselves fill- bers,” said Sacramento Call Center Shop Coalition of California Utility The agreement also stipulates that ing the role of counselor, therapist, Steward Donchele Soper. OEmployees (CUE), which repre- PG&E will develop a program to identify administrator, negotiator, note-taker, The challenge, felt by many, was sents workers at most of the state’s overloaded poles (SoCal Edison has etc. learning to search the website for griev- major public and private utilities, already identified hundreds of millions While some may have entered the ance decisions or relevant case docu- signed a major settlement agreement of dollars’ worth of overloaded poles training believing that yelling obsceni- ments. The website features a useful for the PG&E General Rate Case. needing replacement). Additionally, ties, pushing over chairs and being search function, which allows the user The General Rate Case (GRC) is the PG&E will strive for “steady state overly aggressive are all par for the to type in keywords and sort the results state-mandated process that PG&E and replacement” of operating equipment course during grievance proceedings, by date or relevance. Although this fea- other investor-owned utilities must go necessary for safe and reliable service, Ball put those misconceptions to rest, ture is conveniently located on the through every three years in order to and no customer service offices will be and underscored that active listening, upper right-hand corner of the IBEW request funding from the California closed without a new, separate applica- critical thinking, drafting solutions and 1245 home page, we encouraged the Public Utilities Commission for costs tion, which cannot be filed until July 1, clear communication are the real keys Stewards to use the Contract Section related to power distribution. The 2018. Separately, Local 1245 and PG&E to a successful outcome. Ball encour- Index when researching cases, as this process includes input from all inter- entered into an agreement that provides aged the Stewards to educate members allows them to become more familiar ested parties, and is designed to ensure for increased staffing in several areas. about their rights before, during and with the contract itself. transparency in the way that PG&E struc- All of the active parties, including the after an investigation in order to set the Business Rep Rey Mendoza pre- tures its operations and investments. Office of Ratepayer Advocates and The proper expectation and increase sented the group with various scenarios The new CUE agreement provides Utility Reform Network, signed the chances of a favorable result. He also that gave the Stewards an opportunity funding for additional work above and agreement and almost all issues were emphasized the critical importance of to search the website and work together beyond what PG&E had originally asked resolved. The CPUC is expected to filing grievances in a timely fashion, as to find solutions. The scenarios ranged for, worth about $27 million per year, in make a final decision in the GRC before well as documenting every fact of the from identifying issues of suspected sick the areas of pole replacement, under- the end of the year. case and taking accurate notes during leave abuse to determining wage on ground cable replacement, grasshopper “If approved, it would be one of our switches and FLISR installations. It also most successful GRC outcomes,” noted includes a commitment from PG&E to a Marc Joseph, attorney for CUE. “PG&E four-year gas leak survey cycle and is very happy with the agreement as it prompt repair of grade 3 leaks, along provides the funding believed needed to with adoption of a mandatory three- do the work and remain healthy.”

Passing the Gavel in North Lake Tahoe

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IBEW 1245 Business Rep Pat Waite captured this photo shortly after North Lake Tahoe unit #5232 held its unit officer election. From left to right: Unit Secretary Charlie Sala, former Unit Chair Casey Kelley and new Unit Chair Jon McCue. Utility Reporter 15 a few open issues in southern utility ter- Union Settles Progression Issue, ritory. All crews are currently working eight-hour days. Several contractors are Tree Trimmers to Receive Wage Increases assisting the Company keeping up with their areas with Pacific Tree Service and BEW 1245 settled an important pro- brought the issue to the Safety Depart- CEMA and Reliability projects. They are Synergy Tree Service system-wide. UTS gression issue recently that will ment during the Safety Roundtable in working six ten-hour days and are put- is currently hiring at this time. We con- increase several tree members’ July. We continue to see system-wide ting in lots of overtime. We are dealing I tinue to have issues with employees not wages by over $4.00 per hour. issues regarding vacation, and have with progression issues with the following the 5 Life Saving Rules. These The new CPI-U figures have been been dealing with vacation matters as Company and plan to meet with are terminable offenses, and when released, and as a result, tree trimmers they arise. employees in the near future. members are terminated for violating will receive a 2.7% wage increase start- these rules, it puts us in a very difficult ing July 31, 2016. Mowbray (SMUD/PG&E) Trees, Inc. position in terms of challenging these We continue to organize new signa- We addressed the CDL and Air Brake The Keep the Clearance (KTC) close terminations. tory tree contractors. The trimming and pay issue with the Company for all call and peer safety meetings in the removal schedules coming down from employees currently working system- Stockton yard went very well. Additional Wright Tree Service PG&E continue to rise, and the primes wide. This was an issue for all employees safety presentations will be held in Wright Tree is trying to hire some cannot handle the volume of work. The not driving a Company vehicle. The Com- Angels Camp, Jackson and Fresno yards new crews due to all the work that is new contractors are subbing to the pany is now paying all employees holding in the coming weeks. The company is being generated. They are currently primes. a CDL and/or Air Brake Endorsement. working five ten-hour days, and working transmission, and have called The State of California is reporting This is contractual and an obligation by Saturdays are voluntary. Lots of CEMA tree business representatives to help tens of millions of dead and dying trees, the Employer per the Union Agreement. work. We are planning on holding the them find workers. with drought being the root cause. The The Company has been hiring new next GRC in early August to discuss all trees have been stressed and those not employees system-wide. open matters system-wide. Trees, Inc. is Wright Tree Service (SMUD/ dying from lack of water are dying from currently hiring at this time. insect damage which also spreads viral Osmose (Pole Test & Treat) PG&E Transmission) and fungal problems. For more informa- Osmose crews are busy working in Utility Tree The Company has been keeping up tion on the fire dangers associated with the San Jose Division, and we have been The Company has hired Pacific Coast at SMUD and is now sending crews to the estimated 26 million dead trees in in contact with employees staying in Tree Expert Co., to assist them on the PG&E to work in Transmission in the the state, visit http://lat.ms/2adeM3O. Gilroy Best Western Motel. We are asking CEMA Project work; bringing in about 50 East Bay and South Bay. The Company supervision to help with some dues- employees from the Los Angeles area. is still in hiring mode. Anyone looking Asplundh Tree Expert paying employees who have not sub- They are also subcontracting work to for work should contact Chuck Ritter at NV Energy crews had been scattered mitted paperwork to the union. Arbor Works Co. with about 50 employ- Wright Tree Service. around Sparks, Carson City, Eastern ees working in the same area of the We were just informed of an accident South Lake Tahoe and other parts of Synergy Tree Yosemite Division. There are a lot of dead at SMUD where an employee became Eastern Nevada. We only have a few Synergy crews are working in the San trees and lots of overtime to go around. injured, and broke his knee. More infor- minor issues going on right now. We are Jose Division helping Utility Tree on The next GRC is yet to be set. We have mation shall be forthcoming. continuing to have minor accidents and safety-related issues on the property. The company has been hiring new employees. Davey Tree Surgery & Pole Test and Treat El Sindicato llegó a un acuerdo sobre We expect to secure the final GRC on August 4, 2016. We have an issue in the las promociones de clasificación, los podadores Pole Test & Treat Division where a crew was terminated for unsubstantial cir- de árboles recibirán aumentos salariales cumstances. We also have another ter- l IBEW 1245 recientemente llegó a virales. Para obtener más información Misión y Diablo están trabajando turnos mination for an employee in Sierra un acuerdo sobre el importante sobre los peligros de incendio asociados de diez horas. Todas las áreas están con- Division. The Sierra crews are working Etema de las promociones de clasi- a los aproximadamente 26 millones de tratando empleados actualmente. ten-hour shifts, with an eight-hour shift ficación, que resultará en el aumento de árboles muertos en el estado, visite Nos acaban de informar sobre un inci- on Friday, and an option to work más de $4.00 por hora de algunos de los http://lat.ms/2adeM3O dente en el que un empleado se lesionó Saturdays. East Bay is currently working salarios de los miembros podadores de una pierna a al caer de la parte trasera de eight-hour shifts, while Mission & árboles. Asplundh Tree Expert un camión y fue necesario prestarle asis- Diablo are all working ten-hour shifts. Las nuevas cifras del Índice de Las cuadrillas de NV Energy han sido tencia médica. Ofreceremos más infor- All areas are currently hiring at this Precios al Consumidor para distribuidas alrededor de Sparks, mación próximamente. time. Consumidores Urbanos (CPI-U por sus Carson City, la parte Este de South Lake We were just informed of an incident siglas en inglés) han sido publicadas, y Tahoe y otras zonas de Nevada del Este. Mario’s Tree Service where an employee injured his leg while como resultado, los podadores de Actualmente solo tenemos unos pocos Las cuadrillas de Mario están ayu- falling off the back of a truck and árboles recibirán un aumento salarial problemas menores. Continuamos dando a Utility Tree en el distrito de required a medic. More information will del 2.7% a partir del 31 de julio de 2016. teniendo accidentes menores y proble- Sonora, y además están trabajando en be forthcoming. Continuamos organizando a los mas relacionados con la seguridad. La proyectos CEMA y de confiabilidad. nuevos contratistas signatarios del compañía ha estado contratando También están trabajando para Trees, Mario’s Tree Service acuerdo de los podadores de árboles. nuevos empleados. Inc. en la División de Yosemite. Están Mario’s crews are helping Utility Tree trabajando seis días de diez horas y Los programas de poda y remoción que Davey Tree Surgery in the Sonora District, as well as working se han estado recibiendo de PG&E con- además muchas horas de sobretiempo. on CEMA and Reliability projects. They tinúan aumentando, y los contratistas & Pole Test and Treat La semana pasada Trees, Inc. informó are also working for Trees, Inc. in the principales no se dan abasto para Esperamos programar el Comité de sobre un corte de electricidad que Yosemite Division. They are working six manejar el volumen de trabajo. Los Revisión de Quejas final para el 4 de aparentemente fue ocasionado por una ten-hour days and putting in lots of nuevos contratistas están delegando el agosto de 2016. Tenemos un problema de las cuadrillas de Mario, estamos overtime. An outage was reported last trabajo a los contratistas principales. en la División Pole Test & Treat, donde se investigando el incidente. week by Trees, Inc. and was apparently El estado de California ha informado despidió a una cuadrilla por razones Mountain Enterprise (Liberty caused by one of Mario’s crews, which que decenas de millones de árboles han insignificantes. También tenemos otro we are looking into. muerto o están moribundos debido despido de un empleado en la División Energy & PG&E) Mountain Enterprise (Liberty principalmente a la sequía. Los árboles Sierra. Las cuadrillas de la División Sierra Los miembros estaban preocupados han sido muy afectados y los que no están trabajando turnos de diez horas, por la falta de capacitación para el uso Energy & PG&E) están muriendo por falta de agua están con un turno de ocho horas el viernes y de estabilizadores en sistemas con The membership had a concern with muriendo por daños por insectos, lo una opción para trabajar los sábados. plumas de 30.5 m (100 pies) a lo largo the lack of training for outriggers on cual también propaga problemas cau- East Bay actualmente está trabajando del sistema. Llevamos el tema para su 100-foot booms system-wide. We sados por los hongos y problemas turnos de ocho horas, mientras que continúa en la página 17 16 July – September 2016 Trees, Inc. crew removes unwieldy palm in Stockton The Big Cut

hen a troublesome queen imity of the palm to the power lines palm kept getting in the way required the crew to meticulously navi- W of a utility line on a quiet res- gate the bucket between the primary idential street in Stockton, a three-man and secondary. crew from Trees, Inc. was sent in to take After completing the initial job brief- the tree down. ing paperwork and gassing up their “We’ve been having problems with tools, the crew went to work. From his this tree for a while. It’s right there under place in the bucket, Garcia carefully the power lines every year,” said tree removed each branch of the palm piece trimmer Rosario Garcia. “If we cut it by piece using a chainsaw. Fellow crew back down to the bases, it’s just going to members Muhammad Arif and Manuel Rosario Garcia works from the bucket to remove the top of the tree piece by piece. keep sprouting up again. It will be a Macias worked on the ground to pile the continuous problem, and we’ll be back palm fronds around the tree, creating a In less than 90 minutes, they had fin- out here, probably twice a year, to trim it soft bed for the trunk to land on. ished up and completely cleared out, back down. We can’t directionally trim They then tied a rope around the and it was as if the crew — and the tree these queen palms out of the way; they trunk in order to ensure it came down — were never there. just grow straight up. So we have to safety. Once the tree had been removed, completely remove it.” Manuel Macias chopped it up into man- The tree was located in the back yard ageable pieces, and the crew worked of a private residence, which added together to haul the debris off the prop- some additional challenges to the job. erty. The branches and palm fronds The homeowners had installed fencing went straight into the chipper, while the and fancy stamped concrete around the larger pieces from the tree trunk were palm on all sides, so the crew needed to loaded into the truck to be dropped off take extra care not to damage anything at a waste site later in the day. At left and above: Muhammad Arif hauls on the property. Additionally, the prox- The crew made short work of the job. pieces of the tree off the property.

Working together to take down the trunk safely and efficiently. Manuel Macias chops up the tree trunk. Garcia and Macias feed the debris into the chipper.

Árboles, de la página 16 los empleados que están alojados en el Comité de Revisión de Quejas para Vidas. Estas son infracciones que motel Gilroy Best Western. Le estamos principios de agosto para discutir todos pueden acarrear el despido y cuando se discusión al Departamento de pidiendo a los supervisores su colabo- los asuntos pendientes a lo largo del sis- despide a un miembro por violar estas Seguridad durante la Mesa Redonda de ración, ya que algunos empleados coti- tema. Trees, Inc. está contratando reglas, nos pone a nosotros en una posi- Seguridad en julio. Continuamos obser- zantes no han presentado su docu- empleando actualmente. ción muy difícil en términos de impug- vando problemas a lo largo del sistema mentación al sindicato. nar estos despidos. con respecto a las vacaciones y hemos Utility Tree estado manejando los problemas rela- Synergy Tree Wright Tree Service cionados con las vacaciones a medida La Compañía ha contratado a Pacific Wright Tree está tratando de con- que surgen. Las cuadrillas de Synergy están tra- Coast Tree Expert Co, para que los ayude bajando en la División de San Jose ayu- en trabajos de proyectos CEMA; están tratar nuevas cuadrillas debido a todo el Mowbray (SMUD/PG&E) dando a Utility Tree en proyectos CEMA trayendo unos 50 empleados de la zona trabajo que se está generando. Actualmente se encuentran realizando Hemos abordado el problema del y de confiabilidad. Están trabajando de Los Angeles. También están subcon- trabajos de transmisión, y han llamado pago por licencia comercial de conducir seis días de diez horas, y también tratando el trabajo a Arbor Works Co., a los representantes de negocios de los (CDL por sus siglas en inglés) y frenos muchas horas de sobretiempo. Estamos con unos 50 empleados que trabajan en podadores para pedirles ayuda para de aire con la Compañía para todos los manejando problemas de promoción la misma zona de la División de encontrar trabajadores. empleados que actualmente trabajan a de clasificación con la Compañía y esta- Yosemite. Hay una gran cantidad de lo largo del sistema. Este era un prob- mos programando reunirnos con los árboles muertos y mucho sobretiempo Wright Tree Service (SMUD/ lema para todos los empleados que no empleados a finales de julio. para repartir. conducen vehículos de la Compañía. La Aún no se ha fijado la fecha de la PG&E Transmission) Compañía ahora le está pagando a Trees, Inc. próxima reunión del Comité de La Compañía ha estado al día en todos los empleados que poseen una Las reuniones de “Mantenga la dis- Revisión de Quejas. Tenemos algunos SMUD y ahora está enviando cuadrillas a CDL o una certificación de frenos de tancia” (KTC por sus siglas en inglés), asunto pendientes que resolver en la PG&E para hacer trabajos de transmisión aire. Esta es una obligación contractual accidentes potenciales y de seguridad zona sur de los servicios públicos. Todas en East Bay y South Bay. La Compañía del Empleador según el Acuerdo del de pares en el patio de Stockton se cele- las cuadrillas están trabajando actual- todavía está contratando empleados. Sindicato. La Compañía ha estado con- braron satisfactoriamente. Habrá pre- mente ocho horas al día. Varios con- Cualquier persona que esté buscando tratando nuevos empleados a lo largo sentaciones de seguridad adicionales tratistas están ayudando a la Compañía trabajo debe ponerse en contacto con del sistema. en los patios de Angels Camp, Jackson y a estar al día con sus zonas de Pacific Chuck Ritter en Wright Tree Service. Fresno en las próximas semanas. La Tree Service y Synergy Tree Service a lo Nos acaban de informar sobre un Osmose (Pole Test & Treat) compañía está trabajando cinco días de largo del sistema. UTS actualmente está accidente en SMUD en el que un Las cuadrillas de Osmose están ocu- diez horas, y los sábados son voluntar- contratando empleados. Seguimos empleado se lesionó, y se fracturó la padas trabajando en la División de San ios. Mucho trabajo CEMA. Estamos pro- teniendo problemas con los empleados rodilla. Ofreceremos más información Jose, y hemos estado en contacto con gramando la próxima reunión del que no siguen las 5 Reglas para Salvar próximamente. Utility Reporter 17 IBEW 1245 LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMERS Soccer Tournaments & Family Picnics Competición y Camaradería en RIPON y FAIRFIELD

role in building the rosters and making Ripon the day a success. ¡Formidable! ¡Excelente! Fresno team captain (Trees, Inc.) Elfrego Pacheco declared, “This is my Magnífica ! ¡Importante! fifth year, and my second year as a cap- These are just some of the adjectives tain. I enjoy meeting people from differ- IBEW 1245 line clearance tree trimmers ence companies. Every year we meet used to describe the 6th annual soccer someone new!” tournament that took place on April 30 Felipe Campiz, also from Fresno, at Mistlin Sports Center in Ripon, CA. added, “This is valuable not only 104 IBEW 1245 members — repre- because it unites us, but because our senting teams from Utility Tree, Trees, kids get involved and see the union in Inc., Mario Tree, Wright Trees and Davey action.” Martin Macias (Fresno) chimed Tree Inc. — brought their families to in, “It’s a good time for the family. It enjoy a day of soccer under clear skies. builds unity, which in turn gives us a Fairfield The kids played their own soccer games, stronger voice, rights.” mastered a bean bag toss, and enjoyed Business Representative Abel breaking open the candy-filled piñata. Sanchez couldn’t agree more. “It’s a Everyone feasted on barbecued good time,” said Sanchez. “It allows chicken, rice, beans and salsa. people from different areas to talk to The brainchild of IBEW 1245 each other.” Business Manager Tom Dalzell, the fam- “It’s a celebration and a recognition ily-oriented soccer tournament has of tree trimmers at IBEW 1245, and all become a tradition that brings mem- are welcome,” Business Representative bers together from across Local 1245’s Carl Lamers added, noting that the territory. Dalzell opened the tourna- event has gotten bigger and more popu- ment by welcoming the players and not- lar over the years. “It’s grown from eight ing that, much like the farmworkers teams, to sixteen teams — eight in who built the United Farm Workers Ripon, and eight in Fairfield.” (UFW), the tree trimmers of IBEW 1245 “It is great that we come together as a “have a union and a cause.” union, that we bring our families “Tree trimmers have created their together from all of the companies and own space within 1245 between the get to know each other. The union is the other [members] from other places, master contract, the Keep the Clearance reason we have excellent benefits, bet- Fairfield making new friends. It’s really nice.” Peer Safety Committee, and the annual ter wages,” declared 1245 member For the second time in as many weeks, Many of the members came to have a soccer tournaments. 1245’s tree trim- Francisco Figuroa (Synergy), “It’s a great eight soccer teams, comprised of IBEW good time with their families and their mers have built a strong identity under day, and we are grateful to Tom and all 1245 Line Clearance Tree Trimmers from union brothers, while others joined the the banner of “Amistad, Unidad y of you for giving us the opportunity.” across the northern area, hit the field to tournament simply because they could- Solidaridad,” said Dalzell. “It’s one of my Congrats to the top two teams, hail- show off their skills and compete at the n’t pass up the opportunity to play and favorite activities!” ing from Stockton/Angels Camp (Trees Tree Trimmers Soccer Tournament in watch futbol. The theme – “Friendship, Unity, & Inc) and Sacramento (Wright Trees). Fairfield. Omar Yepez, who works for Wright Solidarity” – was coined by team cap- Eileen Purcell is IBEW 1245 Staff The competition was stiff, but the Tree Service in Sacramento, has been to tains who have assumed a leadership Organizer. Photos by John Storey. comraderie was what made the day nearly every tournament since the truly special. union began holding them six years ago, “I came today to support my team, and is clearly a huge fan of the game. and support where I work,” said David The smile on his face said it all. Ramirez, who just recently hired on at “I love soccer! I love to play,” said Synergy in Grass Valley. Ramirez Yepez, who brought along his wife and brought his family, including his girl- three children. “Tambien, me gusta la friend and his one-year-old daughter, camaradería [I also like the com- along with him to the event. “I like that raderie]. It’s really good.” the union is bringing everyone together Nearly every futbolista brought some to have a good time.” family and friends out to cheer them on. Local 1245 Business Manager Tom While the tree trimmers competed on Dalzell welcomed the futbolistas by the field, the kids played along the side- sharing a bit about his own background lines and enjoyed taking whacks at the with the United Farmworkers move- piñata (and scrambling to collect the Ripon ment. Speaking in Spanish, he noted sweet treats that rained down). that both the Farmworkers and Local Laughter and smiles abounded as the 1245 serve two roles — as “un sindicato players and their families enjoyed a y tambien una causa” (a labor union tasty lunch of grilled chicken (prepared and also a cause). He thanked the tree by a team of Local 1245 staffers), along trimmers for their role in the union and with rice, beans, salsa and chips. The noted that the soccer event, now in its competition came to a head in the early sixth year, has gotten more exciting and afternoon, and the Davey Tree teams popular with each passing year. proved to be unstoppable. The Davey “My favorite part is… well, every- Tree-Santa Rosa/Sebastopol team (in thing!” said Alfredo Garcia, a long-time yellow) won the Gold Medal, and the tree trimmer who works for Davey Tree in Davey Tree- Napa team (in purple) won Concord. “I most enjoy getting to meet the Silver bracket. 18 July – September 2016 How Nick Pepper Caught the $5,000 Fugitive

By Rebecca Band charity. BEW 1245 member Nick Pepper was “Donating part of the prize enjoying a day off from work when money just felt like the right Isomething serendipitous happened. thing to do. Honestly, it was Pepper, who works as a PG&E Line- the first thing to pop into my man in San Rafael, was tuned in to a head,” said Pepper. “It’s the Sonoma County country radio station, way I was brought up, I guess. Froggy 92.9, while loading up his car af- I have a nice job, I have my ter a Costco trip when he heard a new health. I’m a pretty lucky guy clue from the “$5,000 Fugitive.” As an in that respect. I figure it’s al- avid Froggy 92.9 listener, Pepper was ways good to give back.” familiar with the “$5,000 Fugitive” con- “$5,000 is a lot of money. test that the station had been running I’ve never won anything close for several weeks. The contest centered to that,” Pepper continued. “I around a fictitious “fugitive” who, as the was happy to keep $2,500, and story goes, had “stolen” $5,000 from the give the rest away. I’d rather radio station. The “fugitive” periodically be able to do something ex- called in to the radio station and pro- tremely nice for some people Nick Pepper (right) with St Jude patient Kapri Geernaert and her mom. Photo courtesy of Froggy 92.9 vided clues as to her whereabouts, and who really need it.” the first listener to put all the clues to- When Pepper saw his IBEW 1245 Busi- cause that’s really the reason I won the got a chance to meet six-year-old Kapri gether and locate the “fugitive” would ness Rep, Ralph Kenyon, and mentioned contest. I only knew the name of Paul Geernaert, one of the young cancer pa- be awarded the $5,000 prize. the contest and his plan to donate half Golis Park because I used to walk my tients from St. Jude who benefitted from “I was listening to the radio when of his prize to charity, Kenyon was so dog there, and I got that dog from the his charitable donation. Kapri was diag- the fugitive called in with another clue inspired by Pepper’s generosity that he Rohnert Park Animal Shelter. So I fig- nosed with a brain tumor in 2014, but … and I heard her say, ‘Thanks to Paul immediately reached into his own pock- ured I’d donate some to them, because thanks to the life-saving treatment she Golis for a place to hang.’ I’m pretty fa- et and pulled $200 in cash from his wal- they always need the help.” had received at St. Jude, she is on the miliar with Paul Golis Park; it’s right near let, handed it to Pepper, and told him to Shortly after Pepper caught the fugi- road to recovery. where I used to live in Rohnert Park,” add that to his donation. tive, Rob and Joss invited him to come “It was really cool to actually see in said Pepper. “So I figured I would cruise Pepper decided to see if he could back on the air as part of their “Humble person and to hear her story,” Pepper by there on my way home. What did I make his donation even more impact- and Kind Week” series, where they fea- said. “She’s basically beaten cancer right have to lose?” ful. He knew that IBEW 1245 often tured local do-gooders and their unique now, and she’s able to live a pretty nor- The “fugitive” had previously dis- makes donations to different charities, stories. Pepper went into the Froggy 92.9 mal life, going to dance class and doing closed the type of car she drove, as well so he asked Assistant Business Manager studio and announced that he was fol- stuff she likes to do. It’s pretty awesome.” as the fact that she was a woman, and Bob Gerstle about the possibility of the lowing through on his plan to donate a fan of the San Francisco Giants. When union matching his donation. Gerstle part of his winnings to charity, and also Listen to Nick Pepper on Froggy Pepper arrived at Paul Golis Park, he ran Pepper’s request up through the Ex- mentioned the additional donations he 92.9: www.froggy929.com/wp-con- spotted the suspicious car with a big ecutive Board, and succeeded in secur- had collected from the union and his tent/uploads/2016/05/Nick-and- Giants sticker in the parking lot, and he ing $2,500 in matching funds from the employer. Kapri.mp3. knew he was hot on her trail. But the union. When he was in the studio, Pepper only way he could collect the prize was Pepper also approached his employer, by approaching the “fugitive” herself. PG&E, with the same request. The com- “In order to win, I had to walk up to pany declined to match Pepper’s full a random stranger and ask a very spe- donation, but did contribute $500 to the cific question — ‘Are you the Froggy 92.9 effort. $5,000 Fugitive?’ It had to be those exact words,” said Pepper. “Well, I asked the Following Through first lady I saw, and she said ‘No.’ Then I Altogether, Pepper collected $5,700, saw two other ladies over by the courts. which he decided to split between three So asked one of them, ‘Are you the Frog- different charities — St Jude Children’s gy 92.9 $5,000 Fugitive?’ and she said Hospital, the Wounded Warrior Project ‘No.’ Then I asked the other one, ‘Are and the Rohnert Park Animal Shelter. you the Froggy 92.9 $5,000 Fugitive?’ “Rob and Joss [the station’s morning and she said ‘Yes!’ At first I thought she show hosts] had mentioned St. Jude, was joking, but then she handed me the which is a charity that the station has envelope with the radio station logo on been supporting for a while. They pro- it, and I realized she was serious!” vide health care treatments for kids with cancer, completely free, and that seems The Right Thing to Do like a really great cause,” said Pepper. “I Inside the envelope was the phone came up with the other two charities on number to the radio station. Pepper my own. I picked the Wounded Warrior called in to announce he had caught Project because I have lot of respect for the “fugitive,” and the station asked him people who fight for what they believe what he planned to do with the prize in, and if they come home missing a Follow us on Facebook: money. Pepper said he wasn’t sure, but limb, this group is there to help them www.facebook.com/IBEWLocal1245 that he intended to donate half of it to out. And I picked the animal shelter be- Utility Reporter 19 Local 1245 Member Jeff Gomes Gomes at the IBEW International Headquarters in Receives Jefferson Award for Washington DC Public Service

BEW Local 1245 is pleased to congratulate 1245 gressman Garamendi wrote on Facebook. “Mr. Gomes’ member Jeff Gomes, a PG&E Lineman, Orland vol- dedication to his community saved lives that day, and Iunteer fi refi ghter, and recipient of the 2016 Jeffer- I am grateful for his efforts.” son Award, which is widely recognized as “the coun- Gomes and his family were also invited to visit the try’s most prestigious and longest standing public ser- IBEW International Headquarters in Washington, DC. vice award.” They received a tour of the utility offi ces, met with the Gomes has volunteered more than 15,000 hours in media team and got to check out the IO’s presidential his 26 years as a volunteer fi refi ghter, which include six offi ces. They left with plenty of IBEW memorabilia to years as fi re chief and four years as assistant chief. As a bring back home. fi rst responder, Gomes has been among the fi rst on the scene for numerous accidents, fi res and other emergencies, and has saved countless lives. “It makes you feel good to give back and not expect anything in return,” Gomes told KHSL Action News Now. “I enjoy it, and I hope it encourages other people to do the same; get out there and give back to the community.” “Jeff’s selfl ess dedication to helping others is truly exemplary,” said IBEW 1245 Business Manager Tom Dalzell. “He is an inspiration to us all, and I can’t think of anyone who is more deserving of this award.” As a local Jefferson Award recipient, Gomes was invited to attend the Jefferson Awards National Ceremo- ny, a black-tie event which took place in Washington DC in mid-June. Gomes and the other award winners were all given the opportunity to deliver a speech, as well as tour the National Monuments and participate in three unique service projects. While in DC, Gomes got to meet Congressman John Garamendi, who thanked Gomes for his commitment to helping others. “Mr. Gomes was the fi rst person on the scene at the tragic accident in Orland when a FedEx truck collided with a tour bus full of students, killing 10 people,” Con-

Congressman John Garamendi (left) posted this photo with Jeff Gomes on his Facebook page, along with a message of appreciation.

Member Perspective: This Union is Your Union

his is an open letter to all mem- my workgroup. I said okay and really we ﬁ nally met with the Company rep- the work and conditions. bers of IBEW 1245, and to mem- didn’t expect to be called. A couple of resentatives, we listened, discussed Sometimes I hear members saying Tbers of all unions in general. weeks later, I was invited to attend. and adjourned to analyze it again. It something negative about the union, I’m not that active in the union, but I arrived at the union hall and found is a slow process. But as members and and I have to ask if they’ve been to a lo- I do attend my local union meeting other clerical members from various workers, we have a voice in the deci- cal union meeting lately? I know it may pretty regularly. I go to learn what’s go- departments from around the system sion making process. We are involved seem like a slow process, but if you ing on with my own workgroup (cleri- in attendance. We all had concerns in it. don’t participate in the one organiza- cal) and everyone else working for and questions, not only about the con- To cut to the point, this is true de- tion that really does have an impact on PG&E. As they say, an injury to one is tract, but also issues happening to us mocracy. Our individual participation your livelihood, whose responsibility an injury to all. in our own locations. We were able to as members counts. We have a voice is it? It’s not just about paying dues, it’s At the last union meeting, I was go over the current Company proposal because we volunteer. The union your being there that really counts. asked if I wanted to attend a contract and either agree, disagree or ﬁ nd some stewards not only work for us, but they Greg Kestel is a 16-year negotiating meeting and represent middle ground to counter with. When came up from our ranks, so they know member of IBEW 1245. 20 July – September 2016 Back to Work A PG&E crew in 1914, shortly after the IBEW-led strike against the utility was defeated. IBEW 1245’s Dramatic History Brought to Life in Fist Full of Lightning

here did IBEW Local 1245 story of the US labor movement within bution to the history of the Bay Area and David Moberg, senior editor and chief come from? the fascinating history of electrical line- the US labor movement.” labor writer for In These Times, said W New research has revealed men organizing for power in the Bay The book contains many rare photo- that Fist Full of Lightning “ultimately that utility workers in San Francisco Area of California.” graphs of Bay Area utility workers in the provides not only an important contri- were in the forefront of some of the most “Through the history of IBEW Local early days of the industry, tracks their bution to the history of working Ameri- explosive industrial uprisings of the ear- 1245, Wolfe deftly explores the tensions many battles through the 20th century, cans but also food for thought about the ly 20th century, when western linemen and themes that have been part of the and brings the story right up to the pres- challenges workers continue to face in a confronted giant utilities like United union movement from the beginning, ent with the IBEW 1245’s new initiative changing society.” Railroads, Pacific Gas & Electric, and probing the practical boundaries of to create “Brotherhood without Bor- IBEW 1245 arose because utility work- Pacific Telephone and Telegraph. Their class consciousness, solidarity, busi- ders” by assisting linemen in the South ers dared to stand up for their rights. Fist story, largely unknown until now, has ness unionism and compromise that American country of Suriname. Full of Lightning tells their story. been revealed in the just-published Fist are still questions today. 1245’s parent at Full of Lightning: Workers, Power and the the turn of the 20th Century, Local 151, Fist Full of Lightning Invention of a Union. emerges as a terrifically militant and “It took incredible courage to start a successful union that upheld the princi- BOOK ORDER FORM union back then. The only way to get the ple of solidarity at all cost, until the cost utilities’ attention was its very exis- was to strike and tence. For a long The history of IBEW 1245 is now a that could get you “Wolfe’s account is fun, while their own full-length book, available to the shot,” said author fights with the union’s members and the general Eric Wolfe, IBEW readable and important.” powerful Califor- public. 1245’s communi- — Howard Kling nia electric utili- cations director President, International Labor ties merged with Fist Full of Lightning: Workers, Power since 1990. Communications Association striking street- and the Inven of a Union can be The book offers car workers, the purchased directly from IBEW 1245. graphic descrip- ‘hello girls’ of the tions of several IBEW inspired utility telephone company, and other electri- Send this order form and your check, strikes that shook the West Coast, in- cians to change the social and economic payable to IBEW 1245, to cluding street car strikes in 1906 and landscape of the Bay Area. Fist Full of Lightning 1907, the PG&E strike of 1913, and “And after the demise of Local 151, IBEW 1245 strikes against PT&T in 1917 and 1919 IBEW 1245 itself arises from the same PO Box 2547 in support of telephone operators trying fights … Time and again Wolfe shows Vacaville, CA 95696 to organize. The story continues with us how organized linemen were impor- the rise of a new industrial union move- tant players in the battle over the soul of ment at PG&E led by Ronald Weakley in organized labor and the fight between the 1940s that finally forced PG&E to the craft and industrial unionism. Your Name: bargaining table. Wolfe then explores “Wolfe’s account is fun, readable and how Weakley fashioned IBEW 1245 into important,” said Kling. Address: a labor powerhouse, which today repre- Carl Wood, a long-time organizer for sents workers at 72 employers and over the Utility Workers Union and a former City, State, Zip: 200 contractors. commissioner of the California Public “I love this book,” said Howard Kling, Utilities Commission, called Fist Full of (Check one) president of the International Labor Lightning a “fascinating history of an Communications Association. “It’s a real important union,” praising it as “thor- SoCover ($10) page-turner full of drama, insight and oughly researched, fast-paced and emi- Hard Cover ($25) substance that artfully paints the big nently readable” and “a valuable contri- Utility Reporter 21 5th Annual Charity Bowl Raises Over $2,500 for Hospice of the Foothills

his year’s 5th Annual IBEW Sac- non-profit organization dedicated sole- who are going through one of the most Hernandez, Nilda Garcia, Lupe Johnson, ramento Organizing Committee ly to providing hospice and palliative difficult experiences life may put us Lorne Williams and Serena Moss. TCharity Bowl was held on April care. The organization is not affiliated through,” said Sacramento Regional Or- –Donchele Soper, Local 1245 Organiz- 30 at Country Club Lanes in Sacramen- with any health care system and devotes ganizing Committee member Andrew ing Steward and member of the Sacra- to. Families and friends of IBEW 1245 100% of its human, financial and physi- West. mento Regional Organizing Committee members, as well as members from cal resources to serving as the commu- Other members of the Committee in- other unions, joined us for a fun day of nity’s most comprehensive source for clude Local 1245 Organizing Stewards bowling, pizza and friendship. This year, end-of-life care and information. Hos- Walter Carmier, Ivan Pereda, Ricardo there were two highest-score winning pice of the Foothills of- teams! fers community outreach “Our Charity Bowl had a great turn programs to help educate out!” said Sacramento Regional Orga- individuals and groups on nizing Committee Member Alvin Dayo- various topics surrounding an, who helped to coordinate the event. end-of-life care consider- “We look forward to future endeavors.” ations, caregiver resources, We had approximately 65 bowlers advance healthcare deci- in attendance, sold hundreds of raffle sion making, and coping tickets, and collected many donations with grief and loss. and contributions. Altogether, we raised “The support of those $2533 for our designated charity, the that contributed to this Hospice of the Foothills organization. event will touch people’s Hospice of the Foothills is a 501(c) (3) lives and help families

Organizing Committee members delivered a check to Hospice of the Foothills.

Members of the Sacramento Regional Organizing Committee 22 July – September 2016 Climbing practice Candidates watch a demonstration of crossarm installation. Photos by John Storey

ecuring a spot as an apprentice lineman at Sacramento Municipal Utility District STIFF COMPETITION: Aspiring lineworkers vie S(SMUD) is no easy feat. Upwards of 600 aspiring lineworkers ap- for a slot in SMUD’s apprenticeship program plied for SMUD’s apprentice program earlier this year. About three-quarters of them scored Out of the initial group of more the applicants go through one last utility. “And then they’re given a test well enough on the written test to move on to 600 applicants, just 15 made it to test. on the entire materials board, and we the next round, which is a three-day process climbing school, where they had “Part of the final climbing school also test them on their knots as well.” where the applicants are tested on their physi- both classroom and practical lessons test involves hanging a set of ten-foot Of the 15 finalists who made it to cal strength and climbing ability. each day. They learned about knots, heavies. We’re mostly looking at the climbing school, one dropped out, The tests are intense and challenging, and studied the materials board and were order of operations and how they do one was injured (but will likely take only about a third made it through. Those who instructed on standard lineworker things, to make sure they’re not miss- the test when he recovers), but the passed the three-day test moved on to the in- tasks, including hanging ten-foot ing steps or dropping hardware,” said other 13 successfully graduated and terview round, and the individuals who scored double-heavies with cross-arms and SMUD Line Foreman Cayleb Bow- have been placed on the eligibility highest in their interviews were offered a spot at pin-and-glass. man, who has taught at eight climb- list to begin on-the-job apprentice- the two-week climbing school. On the final day of climbing school, ing schools during his 13 years at the ships.

Aspiring apprentice lineworkers start of the day by Climbing School instructor Cayleb Bowman keeps a close Aspiring apprentice Alixa Ickes carries a cross arm. stretching before they embark on climbing practice. eye on the candidates during practice.

Jeremy Rollins puts up a cross arm. These 13 ﬁnalists all passed the ﬁnal test and will be placed on the eligibility list for apprenticeships. Utility Reporter 23 coolKEEPING YOU

By Eric Wolfe explains that workers are regenerating Photos by John Storey the “mix bed,” the final stage of cleaning the water “so that you have essentially hen summertime starts bak- pure water.” ing Nevada, you can count on IBEW 1245 members are qualified to Plant Operator Brad Early, a nine-year IBEW 1245 member, keeps an eye on the monitors. Wthe entire population turning deal with potential health emergencies on their air conditioners. You can also at the plant, thanks in part to the ef- count on members of IBEW 1245 ratch- forts of IBEW 1245 member Jesus Lea- eting up NV Energy’s Frank Tracy Power nos, who trains employees up to “first Plant just east of Reno to help meet the responder” status—meaning they know demand. a heck of a lot more than just CPR. Lea- “Same every year,” says Plant Opera- nos credits management for funding a tor Brad Early. “We get really busy May to “rescue trailer,” which houses a treasure September. If it pushes 90-100 degrees trove of emergency life-saving equip- we know we’re going to be running.” ment. The facility is home to a variety of It doesn’t require high-tech equip- natural gas-fired generators—including ment to detect the pride the employees simple cycle and combined cycle—that here take in their work. Part of that pride add up to nearly a thousand megawatts comes from being in a union that gives of capacity. This can meet Reno’s needs you a voice on the job. And part of it is with enough left over to help out with knowing that you provide a service that the much larger demand coming from your fellow Nevadans rely on every day. Las Vegas. The operators are trained to It also really helps to have managers work on any and all of the generators, who appreciate your contribution to the as well as the water treatment processes company’s success. that assure the purity of the water going “I heard someone from Berkshire say into the boilers. that if you keep your employees happy, Water purity is also a major concern of they’re going to do better work for you,” Lab Foreman Grant Garrison, a 29-year said Kevin Schumann, an operator and Store Keeper Arletta Abraham, a 35-year IBEW member, is responsible for receiving, IBEW member. When the Utility Report- 10-year IBEW 1245 member. “And I shipping and inventory at the plant. er shows up asking questions, Garrison think that’s true.”

Plant Operator Kevin Schumann explains the plant’s operations. 24 July – September 2016 IBEW 1245 members at NV Energy’s Tracy Power Plant

[Above] Mike Gregersen, Maintenance Tech, is an 11-year IBEW member.

[Left] Lab Foreman Grant Garrison responds to a pressure sensor that failed.

Rescue Trailer e work in a dangerous environment to begin with—electricity and steam. There’s always that “Wpotential for an accident out here,” says Jesus Leanos, whose job description is Instrument and Control but whose passion is the safety of his co-workers at NV Energy’s Tracy Power Plant a few miles east of Reno. While the company provides all plant employees with basic safety training like First Aid and CPR, Leanos voluntarily sought out additional training on his own dime from the National Safe- ty Council and American Heart Association so that he could help “train up” his co-workers to a higher-level of rescue work. Leanos is happy to show you the “Rescue Trailer,” which houses about $150,000 of rescue equipment that Leanos hopes no one ever has to use. It includes equipment for “high angle” rescue (picture someone swinging in the air from a lanyard). It also has a self-contained breathing apparatus—several, in fact—that could be used in case of a ﬁre or a low-oxygen environment. Jesus Leanos, Instrument and Control, explains the function of the “rescue trailer,” a treasure trove of There is lots more in the Rescue Trailer, including litters in cases emergency life-saving equipment. where immobilized people might need to be transported from a hazardous area. As everyone knows, the best insurance policy “I’ve worked with companies prior to this The company paid for the well-stocked trailer, but Leanos is is the one you never have to use. But in the 15 company where it’s ‘Whatever you need to do the one who dedicates himself to making sure that employees years it has been on-site, the Rescue Trailer has to get the job done,’ and sometimes if that in- know how to utilize the equipment properly. A company from provided a healthy dose of peace of mind. Some volves doing something risky then, well, there’s the state of Washington called Life Rescue has come down to employees might look at the extra safety pre- companies out there that take those short cuts,” offer instruction and make sure that IBEW 1245 members are cautions and training as a nuisance, but Leanos Leanos says. using the equipment properly. sees the larger purpose of staying vigilant. Leanos and his co-workers are working to From time to time there is a need for simple First Aid at the “In reality, it’s for us. It’s for our safety so we make sure that short cuts are not part of the plant, Leanos says, but so far there has never been a need to can all go home at night,” he says. The company culture at the power plant. use the more extensive equipment available from the Rescue has shown it wants that too, something Leanos “We don’t do that,” says Leanos. “I really like Trailer. “Thank you, no!” he says. appreciates. the attitude that we have here.”

Utility Reporter 25 New Agreement Ratified at Tri-Dam Project he IBEW 1245 members at Tri- Dam Project recently ratified a Tnew three-year tentative agreement. The agreement includes 6.5% in general wage increases over three years with 2% the first year, 2% the second year, and 2.5% in the last year. The Tri- Dam Board of Directors voted to approve the new agreement on June 16th. The Local 1245 bargaining committee consisted of Business Rep Charley Souders, along with members Chip Barnes and Thom Hardie. –Charley Souders, IBEW 1245 Business Rep Local 1245 members at the city of Shasta Lake Shasta Lake Members Unanimously Local 1245 Secures One-Year Ratify New Agreement Successor-Extension Agreement at BEW 1245 members at the City of City will pay 100% of the premiums Shasta Lake unanimously ratified a for employees enrolled in the CalP- Hitachi-Owned AnsaldoBreda Inew four-year agreement on June ERS Family Select Medical plan. Em- n late 2015, Hitachi Ltd, a Tokyo- crease effective June 1, 2016. That exten- 16, 2016. The agreement went into effect ployees choosing to enroll in a plan based multinational conglomerate, sion was unanimously approved 10-0 by on July 1, 2016, and includes the follow- other than the Family Select plan will Icompleted acquisition of Ansaldo- the members at AnsaldoBreda. ing changes: pay the difference. The City will also Breda from its former parent company, Shortly after the successor agreement pay 100% of the premiums for the • A new Journey Lineman base rate of Finmeccanica. was approved, the company informed Dental and Vision plans. $51.67, which includes rolling in the IBEW Local 1245 represents the non- the union that it wants to re-open nego- rubber glove stipend of 6%, and the • Improvements to the cap on PTO ac- management workers at AnsaldoBreda’s tiations. comparative averaging of three other cruals, rest period language, and use Bay Area manufacturing facility, which “It is unclear how the next round of agencies for another 3.43%, as well of sick leave from PTO bank, effective builds and services rail cars for San bargaining will proceed, but we fully as an additional 1% in exchange for on the first day of sick leave use (to Francisco Muni as well as other mass intend to work tirelessly to protect the members paying $40 (fixed, pre-tax) comply with changes in California transit systems. Local 1245 is the only wages and benefits that our members per pay period into CERBT. law). IBEW signatory with Hitachi or any of The bargaining committee was com- its subsidiaries. at AnsaldoBreda have earned and de- • Wage average to be performed every prised of Dave Vandermeer, Ben Fisher In mid-May, Local 1245 and Hitachi serve,” said Senior Assistant Business year, with any change taking effect and Business Rep Sheila Lawton. agreed to a one-year extension of the Manager Ray Thomas. on July 1. –Sheila Lawton, IBEW 1245 current collective bargaining agree- –Rebecca Band, IBEW 1245 • For the term of the agreement, the Business Rep ment, which includes a 2.7% wage in- Communications Director

Members Ratify New Agreement at City of Alameda

n May 25, IBEW 1245 members The new agreement also includes ratified a Tentative Agreement clarification of paid rest periods, im- Oreached with the City of Alam- proved sick leave and vacation leave eda by a vote of 19-1. benefits for probationary employees, The new three-year agreement will be improved dental benefits, new compen- in effect through December 26, 2018, satory time provision, enhanced stand- and includes a general wage increase of by language, improved language for 3% upon ratification, along with a 3% earned meals, acting pay, guaranteed increase in January of 2017, and a 3% in- starting rate pay at 5th step for journey- crease in January of 2018. man who have completed AMP’s ap- The following classifications also prenticeship, increased boot allowance receive equity adjustments, effective and new clothing allowance for store upon ratification: room personnel. • Apprentice Electric Maintenance Additionally, the agreement includes Technician, Electric Maintenance a Letter of Agreement providing for Al- Technician and Electrical Mainte- ternate work schedules of 9-80, M-F, nance Working Supervisor (8%) 630am-4pm for Electric and Facilities • Apprentice Lineworker, Journey Employees, and a Letter of Agreement Lineworker, Service Lineworker, and providing for Alternate Work Schedule Lineworking Supervisor (5%) of 12 hour shifts for System Operators and Trainee, and 4-10 for Chief System • System Operator Trainee, System Operator. Operator, and Chief System Opera- FOR THE LATEST BARGAINING The IBEW bargaining unit negotiating tor (10%) committee consisted of Shop Stewards NEWS AND UPDATES, VISIT • Street Light Maintenance Technician Mark Regan and Scott Cuellar, and Sys- and Meter Service Technician (3%) tem Operator James Trotter. WWW.IBEW1245.COM • All other classifications (1%) –Al Fortier, IBEW 1245 Business Rep

26 July – September 2016 IBEW City of Vallejo workers rally together at the City Council Meeting in Vallejo on April 26th, 2016. City of Vallejo Members Show Strength in Numbers at City Council Meeting

fter twelve bargaining sessions, by Business Manager Tom Dalzell, ad- rienced two ongoing wage concessions Manager Ray Thomas, Former IBEW nearly 100 City of Vallejo mem- dressed the Council and Administrative equaling 10% annually, furlough con- 2376 President Eleanor Brown, Busi- A bers crowded the City Council Staff by reminding them that the IBEW cessions equaling 5%, and the ongo- ness Representative Jennifer Gray, and chambers on April 26, to show solidar- unit has made higher overall conces- ing concession of their retiree medical members Oni Brown, Bill Stockman, ity and send a strong message demand- sions than any other bargaining group beneﬁt. In total current dollars, the unit Marcus Adams, Allan Panganiban and ing dignity and respect at the bargain- within the City. has experienced close to $25 million in Frank Caballero. ing table. Thomas explained that these mem- concessions. Jennifer Gray is an IBEW 1245 Lead Negotiator and Assistant Busi- bers have not received any general IBEW 1245 Bargaining Committee Business Rep ness Manager Ray Thomas, supported wage increases since 2008, have expe- members include Assistant Business Photos by John Storey

Assistant Business Manager Ray Thomas addressed the City Council.

Utility Reporter 27 Redding ocated just about halfway between Seattle and San Diego, the City of Redding is the largest city in Shasta County, and the Lfourth-largest city in the Sacramento Valley. Once known for its timber mills and wood products, Redding’s economy has diversiﬁed dramatically in recent years, as dozens of outdoor and recreation- based startups have chosen to capitalize on Redding’s natural re-

Modernizing the System On the other side of town, IBEW 1245 members were hard at work on a controls upgrade project at Redding’s power plant. IBEW members Mike Herzog, left, and Rahman Mansﬁeld put up a new state-of-the-art “We were having trouble with the older equipment failing, with no replacement playground at Minder Park. parts [available] for it. So the goal here with this upgrade is more reliability; we’re modernizing the control system to a current system that we can get parts for and work with,” explained Power Plant Maintenance Working Foreman Dale Pack. “The long-term goal is to have the hydro plant out at Whiskeytown Dam tied in too, but that’s a ways down the road.” The project involved new control systems for peaking plant units, and took more than six months to complete. “Mostly all the existing wiring for the controls were underground in vaults, most of that wiring was pulled out and abandoned. All new wire is being run to local control rooms, so each unit now has its own local control room, and that ties in with the main peaking plant control room, which is then tied back to the main control room at unit 4,” said Pack. “It’s a pretty lengthy process, pulling new ﬁber optic and wire in to run all of it.”

Jim Cole bores a hole for the new playground. Photos by John Storey State-of-the-Art Structure Redding’s parks are among its most popular attractions for residents and tourists alike, drawing in nature-lovers of all ages. But all those charming parks require quite a bit of upkeep. After a fire destroyed a playground at Minder Park, a six-man crew was sent in to install a state-of-the-art plastic-metal play structure to replace the older wooden Maintenance Working Foreman Dale Pack on the radio at the power plant. one that burned down. The crew had just three days to complete the project so that a group of volunteers could come in over the weekend to put the finish- ing touches on the new playground. “Yesterday, we filled it in with gravel to bring [the ground] level up to a work- able level,” said Redding Park System Lead Worker Mike Herzog. “Today, we’re boring holes for footings. We have almost 20 footings that we have to pour for all the main structure poles that hold everything up.”

Ted Brenner works on the wiring at the power plant. 28 July – September 2016 Hazardous Properties IBEW 1245 members Over in the solid waste department, Household Hazardous help a growing city Waste Technician Jesse Colia works with the specialists to collect flourish and dispose of the kind of stuff that doesn’t go into the trash bin, AT WORK from old TVs and electronics to toxic chemicals found around the home. sources and affordable land options. “We take in paint, we take in oil, we take in a lot of pesti- The population is growing, and that means more work for Redding’s civil servants who cides, pretty much any household cleaners, and whatever other make sure every aspect of the city – from its attractive parks to its hazardous waste – are household products that people might have,” Colia explained. well taken care of. But the city’s electrical and maintenance workers, who are proud “At times we might have to identify it to find out the hazard members of IBEW 1245, aren’t complaining. They love their city, and they thoroughly properties of it; that way we know how to safely transport it for enjoy the work they do to enhance the quality of life for Redding’s residents. disposal.” “We recycle what we can with the paint; we have a re-use program. We take in the oil, which also gets recycled. The majority From Fire Engines to Lawn Mowers of the other chemicals get incinerated,” according to Colia. Over in the fleet maintenance garage, Mechanic Jay Nelson worked to repair a fire engine that was experiencing an electrical issue. Nelson specializes in fire engines, but explained that if it has wheels and an engine, chances are his department will be tasked with fixing it at some point. “We cover everything from basic maintenance to major repairs on all the vehicles … from fire engines to lawn mowers and everything in between,” said Nelson. “We act as parts men, service writers … We’re welders, we’re fabricators, we’re electricians, the whole gamut. We do it all, from start to end.”

Household Hazardous Waste Tech Jesse Colia prepares an old TV for disposal. Benefits and Brotherhood The members all work in different fields, but they have one thing in common – their appreciation for the union. Both the Electric and Maintenance units at the City ratified new contracts earlier this year. “The recent contracts that we’ve gotten have been good. I appreciate what’s been done and all the hard work behind the scenes on that,” said Pack. “I don’t know why anybody wouldn’t Mechanic Dwayne Mills works on a police car. be happy with where we landed. In this current day and age, that’s a really big accomplishment.” “I like how active this union is. I used to be in another union that wasn’t as active. But with this union, when we voice our concerns, they listen,” said Colia. “And I actually really do appreciate the response that I get. [Business Rep Sheila Lawton] has been fantastic with getting back to us, responding quickly, and handling whatever issues we might encounter.” “The union creates job security, and I like the benefits and the brotherhood that goes along with it,” said Herzog.

Mechanic Jay Nelson works to repair a ﬁre engine. Redding linemen Mike Conner, Dustin Hamilton and Eric Jackson Utility Reporter 29 An audit involves performing procedures to obtain 1245 for the year ended December 31, 2015 and its finan- INDEPENDENT audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in cial position ( cash basis) at December 31, 2015 in accor- the financial statements. The procedures selected dance with the basis of accounting described in Note 1 depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the to the statements. assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the AUDITOR’S REPORT Report on Supplementary Information. Our audit financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion To the Officers and Members and the International making those risk assessments, the auditor considers on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local No. 1245 internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation accompanying supplemental information (shown on Vacaville, California and fair presentation of the financial statements in Report on the Financial Statements. We have order to design audit procedures that re appropriate in pages 10 to 23) is presented for the purposes of addi- audited the accompanying statements of Financial the circumstances, but not for the purpose of express- tional analysis and is not a required part of the finan- Position arising from cash transactions as of ing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s cial statements. Such information is the responsibility December 31, 2015 and the related Statement of Cash internal control. Accordingly, we express no such of management and was derived from and relates Receipts and Disbursements of the International opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appro- directly to the underlying accounts and other records Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local No. 1245 for priateness of accounting policies used and the reason- used to prepare the financial statements. The informa- ableness of significant accounting estimates made by the year then ended and the related notes to the finan- tion has been subjected to the auditing procedures cial statements. management, as well as evaluating the overall presen- applied in the audit of the financial statements and Management’s Responsibility for the Financial tation of the financial statements. certain additional procedures, including comparing Statements. Management is responsible for the prepa- We believe that the audit evidence we have ration and fair presentation of these financial state- obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a and reconciling such information directly to the ments in accordance with the cash basis: this includes basis for our audit opinion. underlying accounting and other records used to pre- the design, implementation, and maintenance of As described in Note 1, these financial statements pare the financial statements or to the financial state- internal control relevant to the preparation and fair are prepared on the cash basis of accounting, which is ments themselves, and other additional procedures in presentation of financial statements that are free from a comprehensive basis of accounting other than U.S. accordance with auditing standards generally material misstatement, whether from fraud or error. generally accepted accounting principles. accepted in the United States of America. In our opin- Auditor’s Responsibility. Our responsibility is to Accordingly, the accompanying statements are not ion, the information is fairly stated in all material express an opinion on these financial statements intended to present financial position and results of respects in relation to the financial statements as a based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accor- operations in conformity with U.S. generally accepted whole. dance with auditing standards generally accepted in accounting principles. the United States of America. Those standards require Opinion. In our opinion, the accompanying financial that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reason- statements referred to above present fairly, in all mate- San Bruno, California able assurance about whether the financial statements rial respects, the cash basis transactions of the March 18, 2016 are free of material misstatement. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local DALMAS ACCOUNTANCY CORPORATION

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORK- Bay Area Legislative Leaders PAC 7,000 International portion of receipts: ERS LOCAL NO. 1245 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION Contra Costa Labor to Labor 6,000 “A” members’ per capita 1,102,262 ARISING FROM CASH TRANSACTIONS December 31, 2015 Nacy Bui Campaign for SMUD 2016 1,000 “BA” members’ per capita 2,761,272 Assets Libby Schaaf for Oakland Mayor 700 Initiation fees 40,828 Ed Lee Mayor 2015 500 D.B.A.F. fees 1,447 General Fund: Susan Bonilla for Senate 2015 8,200 Reinstatement fees 16,447 Bank of the West - checking accounts 1,242,991 James Gore for Supervisor 2015 500 Agency fees 54,110 3,976,366 Bank of the West - money market 964,965 2,207,956 Monterey Bay Central Labor Co. - Total receipts 29,396,424 Cash funds 5,350 Cope banquet 1,500 Total balance and receipts 44,947,423 Investments: San Francisco Central Labor Co.- Merrill Lynch-Bank Deposit Program Cope banquet 2,500 Disbursements, per Page 16 and other cash account 4,531,904 Eggman for Assembly 2016 5,000 of Schedule of Disbursements 31,389,212 -Mutual Funds 4,989,437 Rob Keith for SMUD 2016 1,000 -Common Stocks 425,928 Genevieve Shiroma to SMUD 1,000 Cash and investments balance, Franklin Income Fund 1,397,636 Rob Bonta for State Assembly 2016 2,000 December 31, 2015, Details in Total General Fund 13,558,211 Tony Thurmond for Assembly 2016 4,600 Statement of Financial Position Political Donation Fund- checking account 70,954 Bill Quirk Campaign 2,000 arising from cash transactions $ 13,558,211 San Mateo Central Labor Co.-Cope 875 Total Current Assets 13,629,165 Susan Kirsch for Supervisor 1,000 Affiliation fees: Bob Bonta for State Assembly 2016 4,200 International Brotherhood of 200 shares PG&E common stock - at cost 3,388 Phil Ting for Assembly 2016 2,100 Electrical Workers 4,900,000 Bill Dodd Senate 4,200 Santa Clara C.L.C. 10,140 Fixed assets, (Note 1): Jane Kim Senate 4,200 Alameda C.L.C. 9,536 Automobiles (57) at cost 1,654,335 David Chiu for Assembly 2016 2,500 Kern / Inyo / Mono 1,688 Less: allowance for depreciation 961,135 693,200 Asha Safai for Supervisor 2016 500 Nevada State Electrical Association 1,260 Furniture and office equipment - at cost 772,652 Sacramento C.L.C. 13,200 Less: Allowance for depreciation 558,864 213,788 Total disbursements 65,457 San Francisco C.L.C 18,102 Total Assets 14,539,541 Cash balance, December 31, 2015 70,954 Contra Costa C.L.C. 8,775 Marin County C.L.C. 7,861 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Cash and investments balance, San Joaquin and Calaveras C.L.C. 5,238 Liabilities: beginning December 31, 2014 15,550,999 Butte-Glenn C.L.C. 1,125 IBEW per capita portion of December Napa-Solano C.L.C. 2,408 receipts to forward 405,709 Receipts: Fresno-Madera C.L.C. 4,050 Vacation payable 1,728,487 Local Union portion of receipts: Merced-Mariposa C.L.C. 2,250 Current Liabilities 2,134,196 “A” members’ dues 814,322 Stanislaus-Tuolumne C.L.C. 1,860 “BA” members’ dues 18,254,462 Marysville C.L.C. 1,200 Net Assets: Initiation fees 40,750 Humboldt-Del Norte C.L.C. 844 Unrestricted 12,334,391 Reinstatement fees 5,250 Five Counties C.L.C. 1,917 Designated - Political 70,954 12,405,345 Agency fees 128,313 Donation Fund Monterey County C.L.C. 3,630 Working dues 5,554,212 Government Coordinating Council 600 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $ 14,539,541 Hiring hall dues 452,781 San Mateo C.L.C. 5,090 Retiree’s club dues 18,885 25,268,975 Joint Executive Conference-N.C. Cash balance, December 31, 2014 43,956 Electrical Workers 100 Receipts: Portion of Local Union dues Reimbursements to General Fund: Tri Counties C.L.C. 5,808 directly deposited to this fund 91,955 Interest and investment income (393,502) Maritime Trades Post Council 450 Check voided 500 Northern Nevada C.L.C. 1,650 Refunds and reimbursements: Forum - Alameda Retired Members 25 Total receipts and balance 136,411 Union Shopper 23,516 CFEE Affiliation 11,374 Other receipts 455,452 California State Association Disbursements: of Electrical Workers 804,804 Capital Web Works- filing fees 585 Energy Workers Inc. improvement loan payments: CARA 1,000 Secretary of State of California -filing fees 1,670 Principal 32,227 Congress of Ca - Seniors 125 Members refund of donation 20 Interest 115 TCC-4 383 Bank service charges for printing checks 107 Automobiles sales 33,275 151,083 5,826,493 30 July – September 2016 Staff expenses: Family Trees 32 32 Salaries 11,160,543 Joint Apprenticeship 5,656 5,656 Membership benefits: Expenses 717,016 City of Willets 1,296 1,069 2,365 Group life insurance 93,090 Automobile expenses 101,410 Mt. Wheeler 2,087 286 2,373 Unit drawing award 600 Auto Purchases 385,697 City of Oakland 919 572 1,491 Individual drawing award 545 Fitness plan 456 Sunoptics 190 190 Service award dinners 120,916 12,365,122 City of Lodi 130 130 Flowers/donations/bibles 429 Research and Education: City of Lompoc 24,905 1,730 26,635 Social fund 38,250 Subscriptions and publications 26,675 Dynegy 734 270 1,004 253,830 Scholarship fund 1,000 Tri Dam 575 575 27,675 Ansaldobreda 330 330 Payroll taxes: Office salaries: Borden Lighting 155 155 Employee portion: Administration office salaries 373,222 Jacobs Technology 266 266 – U.S. income tax withheld (2,104,662) Bargaining unit salaries 816,321 Leadership 175,617 2,873 178,490 – FICA withheld (723,434) 1,189,543 Lockheed Martin 96 96 – California income tax withheld (770,878) Local Union Election 925 925 – SDI withheld (69,530) Yuba Co. Water 127 127 Office expenses: – U.S. income tax forward 2,104,662 City of Alameda 100 100 Rent 480,000 – FICA forward 723,434 City of Gridley 395 395 Telephone 128,442 – California income tax forward 770,878 Trees Inc. 767 767 Postage mail service and meter expense 87,012 – SDI forward 69,530 Print room/printing 181,788 Merced ID 3,315 34 3,349 City of Fernley 295 60 355 Supplies 37,282 Local Union’s portion: NV Energy 176,627 742,823 919,450 Equipment maintenance 5,025 – FICA 722,017 No. American Energy 172 172 Data processing 26,223 – California Unemployment 29,554 Equipment rental 30,639 City of Roseville 3,929 1,540 5,469 Truckee Meadows 28 28 – U.S.Unemployment 4,113 Utility reporter 294,735 755,684 Miscellaneous 45,321 Modesto I.D. 4,511 575 5,086 City of Berkeley 2,295 596 2,891 Bank charges 44,019 Employee benefits: Furniture and equipment purchases 269,683 Turlock I.D. 7,946 13,202 21,148 City of Redding 880 1,797 2,677 Health and Welfare plans 2,407,968 Storage 8,902 City of Ukiah 85 85 Group life insurance 153,347 1,639,071 Trans Canada 18,702 18,702 Pension plan 1,879,718 Synergy 66 66 Other costs, pension plans 29,089 Salaries Paid New Member training 9,804 9,804 4,470,122 or Reimbursed Expenses Total Mid American 49 49 Committee salaries and expenses: Hold The Pull 281,561 95,339 376,900 Other disbursements: Executive Board meetings 58,240 47,048 $ 105,288 Peer Volunteer program 20,387 3,092 23,479 Legal fees 49,295 Advisory Council 26,934 72,454 99,388 Regional Transit gen neg 544 544 Hall rentals 115,717 Trustee Committee 20,520 6,119 26,639 City of Santa Clara 6,803 29 6,832 Workmen’s compensation insurance 120,931 Safety Summit 1,161 1,161 Nevada ID 285 285 Refunds 12,572 Review Committee 14,242 14,817 29,059 Liberty / Calpeco 763 763 PRD fees 20,258 Safety Committee 42,676 21,339 64,015 USBR 1,567 1,567 Miscellaneous taxes 526 Shop Steward expenses 161,161 121,777 282,938 WAPA 2,182 2,182 CCA Works 346,780 Other conferences 115,258 245,611 360,869 So. San Joaquin 40 40 Insurance- travel 1,000 Labor Management 19,501 19,501 Youth Coucil 78 78 Insurance - auto 58,285 Organizing 5,200 9,874 15,074 Veterans Club 6,755 3,816 10,571 Insurance - Bonds 18,263 Organizing-Steward 2,349 43,470 45,819 Bella Vista 973 105 1,078 Insurance - professional liability 1,546 Grievance/FF/LIC 9,598 9,598 Lineman’s Safety 235 235 Audit fees 58,100 446,580 612,769 1,059,349 Suriname trip 25,708 25,708 Charitable donations 18,450 Jt. Grievance 410 410 Miscellaneous fees 884 Various Other Committees: Delta Star 831 1,369 2,200 Sales tax 3,424 Outside Line 186,548 982 187,530 Trayer 32,127 1,480 33,607 UCC-7 (584) Davey Tree 480 480 No. Californa Power Agency 3,896 4,455 8,351 Community Unit Fund 35,765 Retirees 21,451 21,451 Lassen PUD 7,936 430 8,366 Members Training /Education 4,396 SMUD Neg. 11,019 58 11,077 Central Labor 761 761 Lobbying-NV 17,500 Truckee Donner 2,179 401 2,580 City of Healdsburg 496 496 Website 25,406 PUC 1,339 340 1,679 Asplundh Trees 283 283 Sponsorships 2,000 1,021,399 1,034,427 2,055,826 Membership development 53,689 43,333 97,022 Consulting fees 47,390 Eaton Cooper 409 409 957,904 Peer to peer 711 711 PG&E Negotiation Committees: Utility Trees 444 444 Departmental: Total Disbursements 31,389,212 Frontier committee 16,274 16,274 Arbitration 2,530 2,530 CCO UV 58 3,063 3,121 Negotiations 43,970 43,970 Ad Hoc 1,460 1,460 AUX Crews 3,899 3,899 Exhibit XVI 19,190 19,190 It’s Election SSR 880 880 You Can Thank Gas T & R 2,004 2,004 Season and every Traffic 1,071 1,071 Substation 172 172 The Labor GRS 1,241 1,241 vote counts! Misc.Clerical Mtg 678 678 Lines of Progression 1,194 1,194 Movement Make sure you exercise Diablo Canyon 16,420 16,420 your right and VOTE! Employee orientation 19,384 3,978 23,362 Call Center 487 487 Register to vote TODAY! Gas Operations 2,674 3,233 5,907 Benefits 156 156 T-Men 9,824 70 9,894 212 Committee 81 81 99,090 38,627 137,717 YOUR COUNTS Membership expenses: Supplies - Intl. 11,316 Supplies - Local 43,154 Membership fees 43,672 Labor Day Picnic 1,450 Union Shopper 59,507 Lineman Rodeo 97,920 In California: http://registertovote.ca.gov/ Clay Shoot 31,600 Soccer tournament (12,911) In Nevada: https://nvsos.gov/ Translation to Spanish 6,303 sosvoterservices/Registration/step1.aspx Softball Tournament (1,159) Golf tournament (121) for Labor Day 280,731 Utility Reporter 31 Supporting Linemen in Bangladesh s part of IBEW 1245’s ongoing apprentice Matt Ramey, and rope was effort to provide safety equip- donated by Davey Tree (procured by Ament and training to linemen in Business Rep Abel Sanchez). developing nations, the union sent a In addition to the supplies, Local second package of donated supplies to a 1245 lineman Carl Kheen, who works at group of linemen in Bangladesh (the SMUD, has also been providing online first package was sent earlier this skills and safety training to the spring). Bangladeshi linemen via social media, Assistant Business Manager Bob using the Facebook live video feature. Gerstle, who is spearheading the effort, The group of linemen in Bangladesh worked to collect the supplies from a are extremely grateful to Local 1245 for number of different sources. Tools were the supplies and training. Bangladeshi The Bangladeshi linemen show off the donated by Buckingham Corp, FR lineman Rakibul Islam sent these photos donated supplies they received from IBEW clothes were donated by Placerville to Gerstle to show their appreciation. 1245.

This photo of linemen in China was used during the online training to demonstrate different techniques that linemen use around the world.

Workers’ Comp: Myths and Facts There are many misconceptions as to how California Worker’s Compensation works. We will try to dispel some of those myths. • Workers compensation just covers my medical bills. Right? Workers compensation not only provides payment for medical expenses, but also The Bangladeshi linemen show off the donated supplies they received from IBEW 1245. provides payment of a percentage of the injured worker’s pre-injury salary while you are rehabilitating, physical therapy, and possible assistance with training on a different occupation if you are unable to return to your prior employment. This advertisement for a • Worker’s compensation will only cover a specific injury, like a bro- Facebook live safety and ken arm. Wrong, worker’s compensation also covers illnesses (including skills training went out to death) that result from a work related accident. In addition, if you have a linemen in Bangladesh. pre-existing injury that is aggravated by a work related accident, that, too, can be covered by worker’s compensation. • I can only claim worker’s compensation if the injury was my employer’s fault. Wrong. An employer must pay compensation to workers who were injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault. It might have been the employer, it might have been another worker at that company, a worker from another company, or even the injured worker himself. • I fell out of the basket trimming trees around power lines, but shrugged it off and went back to work so I’m probably OK. Wrong. You should immediately report any injury you encounter on the job. If you Local 1245 shrug off the incident and two weeks later you find that you are now more packaged and seriously injured, the insurance company might say “how bad can it be, shipped the supplies half- you’ve been walking around with it for two weeks?”. Report all accidents way around immediately whether or not you think you are injured. Tools donated by Buckingham Corp, FR the globe to • If I report an injury I might be fired. Wrong. If everyone who was clothes donated by Placerville apprentice linemen in injured got fired for filing a claim, there would be no one left to do the work. Matt Ramey, and rope donated by Davey Bangladesh. Tree (procured by Business Rep Abel Employers pay for Workers’ Compensation coverage as a cost of doing busi- Sanchez). ness. They expect claims to be filed. They will do what they can to minimize their expense in the claim, but they do not fire people who injure themselves on the job. Marysville Meter Maintenance Tech • If I settle my claim and later find that I need surgery will it be covered? If you settle your claim with a stipulated settlement open for future Dies in Vehicle Accident medicals. The applicant’s attorney in addition to your permanent disability We regret to announce the death of IBEW 1245 member and PG&E Meter that has been calculated will also ask for the future medical treatment that Maintenance Tech David Spurgeon. Preliminary reports indicate that Brother your doctors are estimating that you will need. Spurgeon died when his vehicle flipped over into a canal while he was driving on • If I’m injured on the job I have to see the insurance company’s doc- a levee road. He was 52 years old and had been working for PG&E for the past tor, right? Wrong, if you and your doctor sign a pre-designation form avail- 28 years. able from the Department of Worker’s Compensation (available at “This accident serves as a stark reminder that we must be ever-vigilant and https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/FORMS/DWCForm_9783.pdf) you can predes- acutely aware of the potentially life-threatening hazards that our members ignate your personal physician as the one who will treat you if injured. encounter every day, whether they’re on a job, in transit, or even taking a However, he must sign the agreement and be willing to accept worker’s com- break,” said IBEW 1245 Business Manager Tom Dalzell. “Our deepest condo- pensation insurance and you must give the signed document to your lences go out to David’s mother, as well as his friends and co-workers. As we employer before you are injured on the job. honor the memory of Brother David, we must also strive to renew our commit- Dan Jakle is the manager of the worker’s compensation operations department to the safety of all IBEW 1245 members.” ment of the Mastagni Holstedt law firm. Contact him at [email protected].

32 July – September 2016 New and Improved Death Benefit, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance and Voluntary Benefits Package for Local 1245 Members n response to several unit motions imously approved the following benefit • Key standard Industry exclusions X, Sec. 10: Union Paid $25,000.00 Acci- that were recently submitted, the enhancements to IBEW 1245 members: include war; act of war (included ter- dental Death and Dismemberment IIBEW Local 1245 Executive Board • Active Member (less than age 70) rorist attacks); suicide, airborne Insurance to be effective January, began looking into options for acciden- AD&D of $25,000 death if not a fare-paying passenger 2017. Benefit covers members 24 tal death and dismemberment (AD&D) This policy includes $10,000 on a commercial flight; death related hours a day, 7 days a week (exclusions insurance for Local 1245 members. The Seatbelt & Airbag benefit, as well as to use of drugs, alcohol or other apply and to be discussed at August, Executive Board subsequently asked Travel Guard® 24/7 service intoxicants. 2016 Unit meetings). Business Manager Tom Dalzell and the designed to help travelers with There will be no increase in union 2) Enhanced IBEW Local 1245 By Law: union staff to investigate terms and pric- travel emergencies. dues for these added benefits. Article X, Sec. 9 member death benefit, ing for an AD&D membership benefit. • Member Term Life Death Benefit of These improvements require amend- increasing Union paid death benefit As they reviewed the available AD&D $2,500 (increased from the current ing the union’s bylaws, and must be from $1,000.00 to $2,500.00 to be effec- insurance options and respective pric- $1,000) approved by members. Per Article XVI, tive January, 2017 (member spousal ing, the staff discovered that Local 1245 • Spouse Term Life Death Benefit of Sec. 2.(a) of the IBEW Local 1245 death benefit to remain at $500.00). could also enhance the current death $500 Bylaws, the following bylaw amend- Local 1245 Representatives will give a benefit at no additional cost to the • Retirees (and active members age 70 ments are subject to membership summary of the new AD&D and Union or its members. or over) Term Life Death Benefit of approval: enhanced death benefit at regularly The Local 1245 Executive Board unan- $1,000 1) New IBEW Local 1245 By Law: Article scheduled Unit meetings in the month of August. Local Unit Chairpersons will conduct a secret ballot vote to approve TAKING CARE OF OUR OWN or reject the enhanced benefits at Unit meetings in September. (For units that only meet in alternating months, both Keep the Clearance Committee Hosts Peer your explanation and secret ballot vote will be held in the same meeting, Safety Presentations for Tree Trimmers September or August, respectively.) very day, line clearance tree possible safety hazards, both on and Stockton presentation. He under- If approved by members, enrollment trimmers work with and around off the job, and not being afraid to scored that more often than not, acci- in the AD&D insurance program will Echainsaws, energized power speak up if someone on the crew is dents at work can be prevented with a begin this fall, and the policies will go into lines, falling trees, wood chippers, working in an unsafe manner. keen eye and a few words of caution. effect in January 2017. Members will need bucket trucks, wild animals and KTC Committee member “If you start really paying to input their own beneficiary informa- countless other occupational hazards. Carlos Rodriguez has been attention [to potentially tion by logging on to a website or calling It’s a profession that’s rife with poten- a tree trimmer for 19 dangerous situations], it in to the policy provider. Specifics on tial for life-threatening accidents, years, and has wit- can change your whole exactly how to enroll and designate bene- which is why IBEW 1245 launched the nessed his fair share of mindset – not just at work, ficiaries will be provided following mem- “Keep the Clearance” (KTC) peer close calls. He joined but also at home,” Garcia bership approval of the new policy. safety program several years ago. the Keep the Clearance told the room full of tree Additionally, IBEW 1245 has also KTC is designed to empower tree Committee about three years trimmers. negotiated an affordable new voluntary, trimmers to recognize and address ago because he recognizes how Rodriguez also member-paid benefits package that will potential safety hazards on the job in important it is to keep mem- noted that the language barrier be available to all members. This pro- order to prevent accidents from bers informed about the risks can contribute to the potential gram is guaranteed issue, which means occurring at work. This year, the KTC they encounter and actions they can for hazardous situations at work, members will not be asked any medical Committee has ramped up its peer take to keep themselves and their co- which is why he served as a makeshift questions or excluded due to any pre- presentation program, holding seven workers safe. translator during the safety presenta- existing or ongoing health conditions. different worksite safety presentations “The value that I see in doing these tion. The attendees themselves 1) Short Term Disability: This benefit throughout the northern area and presentations is providing education pointed out several other factors that provides immediate paycheck pro- Central Valley during the first half of to the members. We’ve got to take care they’ve encountered which can tection for members by paying 25% the year, with plans to hold an addi- of our own people,” said Rodriguez. increase the chances of an accident, of gross income if a member were to tional five presentations in the Bay “Sometimes [tree trimmers] can feel such as overconfidence, distraction become injured or sick off the job. Area before the end of 2016. pressured to go faster and faster to up and time pressure. Benefits are paid on the 8th day of The KTC “peer safety tour” is a that tree count, and they start to take “This was a great, really eye-open- disability and pay up to 12 months. cooperative effort between IBEW shortcuts. That’s why we need to do ing presentation,” tree trimmer Jose This plan pays in addition to any 1245, the tree companies and PG&E this kind of education, to get in their Romero said after the Stockton presen- other sources of income such as (the primary customer for the tree minds that we can all work safe, and tation. “We need to know all of the employer-provided sick pay, state companies). The goal is to put out a that’s what’s important.” things that might happen, before disability and/or long term disability. consistent message about safety to all Rosario Garcia is a tree trimmer for something major does happen. And 2) 24 Hour Accident Plan: This bene- tree trimmers. Trees, Inc., and works directly with it’s great to hear that [the union] cares fit provides payments directly to “By working together with the tree most of the people who attended the about our safety.” members for accidents on or off the companies and PG&E to strengthen job and pays in addition to member’s communication, we can more effec- major medical plan. Very generous tively address safety matters,” said benefits are paid for fractures, dislo- IBEW 1245 Business Representative cations, hospital stays, medical Rich Lane. “It’s one thing to say ‘be imaging, lacerations, and emergency safe’ to a tree trimmer, but when we room visits, and includes additional demonstrate that we are all a part of a AD&D benefits. Family coverage unified safety culture, that can really options are available. make a difference.” 3) Critical Illness Plan: This benefit “We Can All Work Safe” provides lump sum payments directly to members for such illnesses as can- At an early-morning bilingual cer, heart attack, stroke and renal fail- safety presentation for Trees, Inc. ure. Members can purchase policies members in Stockton, KTC committee up to $20,000 for themselves, and up members Rosario Garcia and Carlos to $10,000 for their spouses. This ben- Rodriguez delivered an important efit pays in addition to member’s message to the room of more than 30 major medical plan. union members. That message cen- Tree trimmers paid close attention as KTC committee members Rosario Garcia and tered on staying alert and aware of Carlos Rodriguez led a peer safety presentation for Trees, Inc. members in Stockton. More information on these new benefits will be forthcoming this fall. Utility Reporter 33 Members Ratify New Agreement at NV Energy

BEW 1245 members at NV Energy have over- 401k match outlined in Section 22.3 of the CBA will whelmingly ratified a new agreement by a margin remain in place. Current cash balance plan partici- Iof 84% to 16%. pants will have a one-time opportunity to move This new agreement will extend the existing Col- future accruals to the 401k plan at the same fixed lective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) until September contribution amounts currently funded into the cash 2022, providing an additional five years of stability to balance plan. the current four-year agreement with essentially no Safety Bonus requirements for 2017-2021 will be takeaways. based on 2016 criteria, with the same payout of 2%. “These results prove that our sustained effort to The Company will continue to fund employee change the relationship between Berkshire- HSA/HRA contributions of $500/individual and Hathaway and the IBEW has paid off,” noted IBEW $1000/family, with no change to wellness program 1245 Business Manager Tom Dalzell. at this time. The Union and Company agreed to The agreement includes general wage increases have the Joint Benefits Committee to continue to of 2% in 2016, 2% in 2017, 2% in 2018, 2% in 2019, review the wellness program and make recommen- 2.5% in 2020 and 2.5% in 2021. Additionally, dations. Customer Service Reps will get an additional wage “We are pleased to have secured such a strong step at three years, and employees in Lines and contract for our members at NV Energy,” said Local SCAT/Relay above journeyman classification will 1245 Business Rep Pat Waite. “I would especially like receive an additional 1% inequity adjustment in to thank the Bargaining Committee members, Tom Dana Moler, former chair of Unit #3301-Reno, passed 2017, 2018 and 2019. Cornell, Reto Gross, Adam Weber, Michelle Bennuzi the gavel to newly elected unit chair Veronica Rivera- Avilez at the Reno unit meeting on June 1, 2016. Effective January 1, 2017, new hires will receive and Chris Gillespie, as well as Business Manager Tom Photo by Ron Borst. fixed 401k contribution of 4%. Additionally, the 6% Dalzell, for their hard work.”

45 Years From left: Ukiah Gary Silver, Mark McCrea SERVICE April 2, 2016 and Gary Woodson.

AWARDS Photos by John Storey

35 Years 30 Years 25 Years From left: From left: From left: (Dalzell) Business Chris and Stanley Manager Tom Espinola, Fedornak. Dalzell and (Dalzell) and Carl Lamers. Kevin Smith.

15 Years 10 Years Congratulations From left: From left: (Dalzell) and (Dalzell) and Ellis Robert Rege. on your service! Thornton.

5 Years honorees Ault, Timothy Bozzoli, Scott Cooper, Christopher 45 Years 20 Years 10 Years Fritz, Perry 5 Years Galvan, Joe Silver, Gary Dunnebeck, Scott Buchignani, Joy Front row, Holtzen, Thomas Galvan-Flores, Sergio Droullard, Brian Gentry, Brandon McCallister, Jeff from left: Erik 35 Years Grell, Seth Haug, Dustin Morring, Price, Glenn Hellgren, Vincent Holton, James Dearman, Larry Sauers, Shawn Sergio Galvan- Hernandez, Jorge Humphrey, Brett Fedornak, Stanley Snodgrass Jr., Flores and Jurecek, Charlie Koski, Angie Tkachenko Jr., Thomas Morring, Erik Tyler Woodall. Marquardt, William Norman Thomas, Barry O’Brien, Thomas Back row, McLeod, Patricia Pangle, Jerry from left: 30 Years 15 Years Novella, Daniel Pardini, Jake Timothy Ault, Plantenberg, Sara Raudio, Cody Amador, Reynaldo Perry Fritz Lamers, Harvard Rescina, Dino Raudio, Dwight Beaman, Steven and Jacob Pool, James Rojas, El Cid Salas, Veronica Skinner. Huffman, Rodney Skinner, Jacob Schuck, Brian 25 Years Lee, Donald Stipe, Chase Quarles, Dan Smith, Cody Trimble, Dustin Bonas, Matthew Quinliven, James Thornton, Ellis Vogel, Nicholas Smith, Kevin Wyatt, Jim Uribe, Edward Webster, Dawndee

34 July – September 2016 me some of the personal struggles & IBEW hurdles they experienced over the years International working in a predominately male-dom- President inated workforce, which ultimately con- Lonnie Stephenson. tributed to many milestones they were able to successfully accomplish,” said Soper. “I admire the strength they had and the integrity that was displayed, which helped pave the way for others in similar situations.” For Garcia, the most memorable part of the conference was meeting IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson. “I had a great time chatting with President Stephenson. I talked to him Making HerStory: Highlights from the about our great Organizing Steward program, and how we are building a 2016 IBEW Women’s Conference stronger Union by getting more members involved,” said Garcia. “He told us he weather was in the triple-dig- also puts them on the road to a Union what was on the agenda. Having the to keep going, and even though we may its, but it was the sisters of the career.” opportunity to connect with other IBEW face challenges, we must not give up.” TBrotherhood who were “on fire” The “Leadership Through Effective women from across the U.S. and Video highlights at http://www.ibew. at this year’s IBEW International Communication and Conflict Canada left a lasting impression on the org/media-center/Video/2016-IBEW- Women’s Conference, which took place Mediation” pre-conference workshop attendees from Local 1245. Womens-Conference in Phoenix in mid-June. stuck out for IBEW 1245 Organizing “I had a wonderful time meeting and Nilda Garcia, Donchele Soper and Nearly two dozen members of IBEW Steward Nilda Garcia. She discovered talking with other delegates who were Rita Weisshaar contributed to this Local 1245 joined hundreds of other that individuals all have different styles electricians, switch manufacturers, sub- report. Photos by John Storey IBEW members from across the US and of communication, and she learned station maintenance, and equipment Canada at the biennial conference, how both verbal and non-verbal ele- operators from Texas, New York, which was themed, “Making HerStory.” ments of any given conversation can Massachusetts, Indiana, New York and The three-day conference featured a dramatically impact the efficacy of that many other states and provinces in wide range of inspiring speakers and particular communication. Canada,” said Weisshaar. “It was amaz- educational workshops that focused “This workshop will definitely help ing to see that even though we came heavily on the unique situations and me in future campaigns,” said Garcia. from different states and countries, we challenges that women face on the job, “Knowing how to flex your communica- had the same interests in many areas, in the union and in everyday life. tion style when working with many dif- including respect, equality & opportu- Local 1245 retiree and longtime ferent personalities is important.” nity in our working lives.” activist Rita Weisshaar was particularly Local 1245 Organizing Steward “I met many women who shared with inspired by a session that highlighted Donchele Soper said that her favorite the relationship between criminal jus- workshop was “The Multi-Generational tice reform and organized labor. Workplace: Standing on Her Shoulders.” “IBEW Local 48 [in the Seattle area] “I thoroughly enjoyed how this topic identified a problem with offenders who was presented,” said Soper. “I learned have trouble finding jobs and housing about how different personality traits after being released from prison, due to across multiple generations could pos- their criminal background. As a result, sibly influence someone’s perspective they are more likely to commit another — be it real or perceived — when they crime,” Weisshaar explained. “Local 48 interact with others.” has initiated a program with the But for many delegates, the most women’s correctional facility in the area impactful part of the conference wasn’t to train women to be ready to go into an electrician apprenticeship through the Local when they are released. This not only provides a good-paying job for the women coming back into our society, it

Utility Reporter 35 T HE TOKEN BEARERS

By Mike Cottrell

The next installment in the lineman’s novel by Local 1245 Executive Board member Mike Cottrell.

Chapter 21 Ghost of the brotherhood 1925. Lineman-to-be selling corn. Elk City, Oklahoma

eah was in the house in her room and she was the oldest of seven, grow- was totally comfortable with it and as he sat down an object of some sort on ing fast now and had the man coming to see her from Texas. A lineman by the floor, perhaps a bag with tools inside she felt a relationship with the ghost, L trade, a religious one, and this fell in good with the wishes of her widowed a sort of surging pride formed up in her and she knew he was to do something mother being extremely God fearing herself. She did sewing on the Singer and with her son that would be tallied for a good and worthy cause in the child’s kept the family in food and clothing by selling her stitches to the rich and well- future. As though he had relayed all this to her he then turned his attention to to-do of Elk City. Leah helped her and worked at the furniture company staining the crib and the cloudy figure moved closer to the child on steps that only she and it produced stains on her fingers that were hard to remove. She worried more could hear. about it now since he had started to come over and see her and she worked extra As he passed the doorway to the girls’ room she saw the light from the crack hard to remove them every day after her shift. But the turpentine made small under the door weakened by the stride but not obstructed and then she heard blisters on her fingers and the company did not provide gloves. the snap of the string as the light went out and heard them giggle again and She and her sisters sat around it in the dark and they were taking turns pull- then the light went on after the snap of the string. The ghost did not seem to be ing the string. They would be there all night doing it. It was unreal and unbe- interested or concerned with the playful occurrence and carried on with his lievable. They would someday take it for granted but for now it was too awe- walk to the infant’s crib. some and intriguing not to see the light come on with one pull of a string and The figure in fact stopped short of the crib and then turned to her again and go off with another. One girl would pull the string and the next in the circle she for sure knew he was going to cast a blessing of some kind upon her son and would pull it and it went on and off all night long like that. Electricity had ar- she nodded approval. rived in the small plains town of Oklahoma and lineman and electricians of the From the top of the cloud before the crib a derby was removed, she was sure brotherhood had been a part of it. of it and she saw it placed on the corner post of her bed, not so much like any hat Seven girls and one boy who was the baby and he was asleep in the next room worn anymore but one she remembered had been very popular thirty or forty near his mother’s bed not yet talking just crying in the night for warm milk years ago and saw many of them as a child when she went with her father to St. from his mother’s breast. He would be the traveler someday, the holder of the Louis to see the big city he had promised to let her experience. token and did not know anything about it yet. By the time he was old enough The figure of the cloud gathered the child up and she took a small gasp of to recognize the string and know what it was for he would take light produced breath and felt the factor of fear come and go followed by the helpless surge of from electricity rather than oil or candles for granted. But he slept in her arms contentment, again knowing he was not going to harm them. The light in the and she fretted for his future without a father and her legs cramped from run- bedroom had not come on and she knew her daughters had been suspended to ning the pedal of the Singer all day and put him back into his crib and went some form of spell and they would not disturb this event. back to bed and giggled as she looked at the crack at the bottom of their door The baby giggled the first of his life as he was raised up in the air and he be- seeing the light come on and go off and heard them whispering about whose gan to glow in the dark and a circle of some sort was formed around him and it turn it was as they lost track in the other room. It was the winter of 1925. appeared to her that he was turned for a moment into a fist holding lightning A strange fog in the night peered into her window and from the apple or- and suddenly a roar of thunder startled her and the child was placed back into chard, it had come like an object alone searching for a place to be and knowing his crib and the figure moved to the window with the derby and picked up the it had found that place. She started to move back toward the crib but could not bag and leaked back through the window and wall and disappeared with the make herself rise and suddenly seemed content that the strange thing was not rest of the foggy cloud. going to harm her or her son. Most of it stayed outside and just stalled there Leah appeared in the doorway and said “Mother we saw a red glowing light like a cloud and the rest, a smaller portion of it seemed to leak thru the window under the door crack. It was scary. What was it?” and wall and transformed into a figure not to be recognized but to be felt. An “Nothing Leah, just the lightning from the thunder you heard.” important figure she could tell and sure enough not coming to harm them. He “I heard no thunder momma. Was there thunder?” cast a ghostly look her way and she knew he had come to hold the child. She “It was nothing then darling, just too much pulling on that string to see the

36 July – September 2016 light go on and off. Now shut it off for the night and go to bed before you wear some sort, or owned land which bore good crops. the string out, because we won’t be able to afford another one.” But while he swept the wagon out at the end of town and the sheriff drove In the morning Curly from Texas, one of the linemen bringing electricity to up in his sedan to tell him his horse had shit in the street again and to go back the area came by to see Leah. and clean that up before he went home he thought how great it would be when The boy moved the horse away from the barn and toward the wagon. He he could go away and be rich and heal his mother’s distress with a fortune he cussed the beast under his breath as not to let his mother hear from the open would send back from a great treasure hunt or maybe he would rob a bank window by which she had scolded his vulgarity before and in one instance and she would not have to know. Anything would do to get her away from that had asked him from what terrible human he had been taught such devil- damn Singer sewing machine and him away from those sour notes and cry ish phrases. He would not release the individual’s name and had his mouth baby sisters of his whaling on that odd damned piano. He mumbled under his washed with soap while his sisters laughed and clapped their approval. But he breath thinking of her soap scrub. He was getting too old for that so she was didn’t care about the degradation from the skirted and pigtailed creatures he just going to have to learn to accept his cussing or he would have to learn to was surrounded with on a daily basis, listening to their infernal giggling and keep it under his breath. For now, the latter seemed to be the better remedy for prancing, watching them ﬁght over the damn piano that they were made to the situation. practice that sat in the living room. He laughed at them while they cried out Leah was gone down to Hobbs with that lineman fellow and he told the kid to be able to stop and being told not until they got the scale so perfectly right, he would make him a hand someday if he wanted to learn a good craft. What- only to be led to another sort of torture on the keys they so dreaded to pound. ever, just let me have a ticket out of this place and I’ll climb them stupid poles He was tired of listening to seven sisters hammering on the damn thing while and do it better than anybody else. Already know how to climb trees better that his mother stood over them and made them learn the “Old Rugged Cross” and any odd damn s.o.b. in this part of Oklahoma. “I’ll Fly Away.” Sometimes he could hear it in his sleep, all those screwed up He stopped the wagon and got down off the bench and walked up to him sounds and sour notes. He would do it better but didn’t want to play the stu- and cussed him for shitting in the street. He picked the shit up, the six or sev- pid thing anyway and cussed the old horse he now had hitched to the wagon en green droppings one at a time and threw them like baseballs back into the full of corn he had ﬁnally picked and loaded from the garden and headed his wagon and then scrubbed the rest of it around on the street with his shoe until blinded eyes in the direction of Elk City to sell the crop on the streets. To listen it looked good enough for him and cussed the old swaying horse again this to the old women call him over and make him show them the ears to see if they time loud enough he could hear it so maybe he wouldn’t do it the next time. had worms or missing kernels every other row. He would cuss them under his Like the horse would know to hold his bowel movement appropriately for the breath too, while they pulled the silk back and half shucked the corn to tell him right time and place like anyone else and mounted the bench and released the they would only give a penny an ear instead of the three or four he would al- brake that he didn’t need to set anyway because the old horse wouldn’t go if ways try to get. He wanted to say “I’m not selling the shit to you, you old bitch,” he were spooked by a freight train. So the kid did slap the reins hard to his ass but only thought it and took whatever they would offer until all that was left and started the tired beast and the empty wagon with a few turds in the back was silk and shucks and him and the tired old horse left standing in the street toward the ballpark to see if he could sneak in and watch a few innings and with a bag full of pennies to take back to his mother while she sewed on the maybe bum a chew off one of them worthless bench warmers. machine for the same inconsiderate bunch who all had men who had jobs of continued in next issue

Labor Day Parade 1910

Gas Workers No 10678 Labor Day Parade, August 5, 1910, in Oakland. Photo by Hill & Smith Utility Reporter 37 My Union Education By Eric Wolfe was hired as communications direc- situations and that tor in 1990. I knew nothing about gave me courage. ILocal 1245. Business Manager Jack McNally made a McNally told me that the union’s found- risky call, pushing ing fathers would be in town for the tree trimmers to union’s 50th anniversary in 1991 and approve that strike. that I should interview them. My Local But it paid off. The 1245 education was about to begin. strike was an un- Ron Weakley and L. L. Mitchell, our qualified victory. founders, learned the facts of life during We had another the Great Depression. They wondered war on our hands how workers could survive that eco- in 1994, when Cali- nomic catastrophe. Some people today fornia launched consider government a dirty word, but electric deregula- Weakley and Mitchell saw government tion. Enron was as an important tool. They saw how the pied piper of laws like the National Labor Relations deregulation and Act had expanded workers’ rights and California followed made it possible to organize effective those Enron crooks right off the cliff. It after Thanksgiving. unions. Don Hardie, another one of the was wreaking havoc on our members, We needed hundreds early organizers and a good friend of endangering thousands of jobs. Mc- of people there, he Weakley’s, once put it this way: Nally called for a big rally at the CPUC reminded us. And “Nothing’s perfect. I don’t think cor- in December of 1994, which I helped banners and picket porations are perfect and I don’t think organize. It was raining like a son-of-a- signs and speakers unions are perfect. I don’t think the gov- bitch but Landis Marttila had wrapped and a sound system ernment is perfect, but if they’re going all of our picket signs in plastic wrap so and permits and to work for you, you’ve got to organize the cardboard wouldn’t dissolve. Mark it publicity and the them.” down: details matter. news media. We had The Asplundh Strike of 1992 showed CPUC security had told me we had to exactly three work- me what unionism was really all about, keep a clear pathway down the middle days during Thanks- not just the theory but the blood and of the broad steps in front of the build- giving week to put it bones of it. The first day of the strike I ing. But we ended up having a thou- together. Business watched a scab use his truck to nearly sand people there. I wasn’t about to tell managers can be like run over Joe Valentino, who was picket- a bunch of wet, angry, shouting linemen that. ing with me before dawn. We followed facing layoffs that they had to keep a For me, this union that truck into the countryside around path clear. The cops decided we weren’t entered a new era Chico. The truck turned onto a private doing any harm and that maybe a path when Tom Dalzell drive that cut through a field to some wasn’t necessary after all. I learned this: put new empha- trees about 50 yards away. We couldn’t sometimes you just have to do what you sis on organizing go onto private property. Joe said he have to do, and if there are enough of and mobilizing. In truth, we had little battle is just a condition of life. You don’t needed to gas up the old white van we you then you’ll carry the day. choice. Unions have been under sus- get respect on the job, equal opportu- were traveling in. He left me there stand- We were on just about every news tained attack, and the utility industry nity, or your fair share of the economic ing by that field with a picket sign in my channel in the state that night. I thought: had been undergoing convulsive chang- pie just because you deserve it. You get hand, alone in the middle of nowhere. It “I have a really great job.” es ever since the deregulation fiasco. NV it when you’re willing to fight for it, get was really quiet, just me and the chirp- McNally liked that rally so much he Energy, as some will recall, really put us whipped, and then get back up and fight ing birds. I felt like Cary Grant in that decided we needed another one in 1999. to the test in 2009 when it tried to gut re- some more. scene from “North by Northwest” where Deregulation was squeezing PG&E fi- tiree medical benefits. This union could This union has a long tradition of be- he’s standing alone by a field and then a nancially and we were concerned about not let that happen, and we were fortu- ing led by fighters. But leaders don’t crop duster suddenly appears and starts the impact on service and, of course, nate to have some kick-ass retirees in make a union. You do: the members of chasing him through the corn. I was jobs. On the Friday before Thanksgiv- Nevada ready to lead the charge. IBEW 1245. Weakley and Mitchell and a nervous, but I knew there were dozens ing week, McNally called Landis and me New and greater challenges surely lot of members whose names we won’t of other guys scattered across several into his office and said he wanted this lurk on the road ahead. Justice for work- ever know went to a lot of trouble to get counties putting themselves in similar new rally to take place on the Monday ers isn’t a battle you win or lose; that us all this far. It was my privilege and joy to be with many of you when we took a few steps further down that road.

Eric Wolfe has been communications director of The victory party celebrating the successful conclusion of the 1992 Asplundh strike. From left: Landis Marttila, Rich Hafner, Eric Wolfe, Mickey Harrington, Jack Osburn, (behind is probably Phil Carter), Orv Owen, strike leader Dean Gurke and child, Ed Fortier, rank-and-file strike leader IBEW 1245 for 26 years. He will Jim Travis, and Joe Valentino. retire on September 9. 38 July – September 2016 close-up how hard our business representatives and organizers work every day to advocate for our members and educated them on the benefits of union membership. I especially saw that last year, when we visited different clerical headquarters to explain the PG&E Tentative Agreement. I was awestruck by how seriously our staff takes their responsibility to make sure our members can make an informed vote about the TA. And I also remember us having a lot of fun during the down time; I am pretty sure that I have two permanent laugh lines from our time together. But really what impressed me the most was the amount of time that everyone poured into that effort. Whatever was needed of them, they did it without question or hesitation. I am so happy that Alex Pacheco, our 2010 law student intern, agreed to return as Local 1245’s staff attorney in 2013. In his three years with Local 1245, Alex has demonstrated that he is not afraid of fighting for what is right, and that he has the ability to think on his feet while maintaining his sense of humor. With those values already instilled in him, Jenny Marston explains the PG&E Tentative Agreement to clerical members at the Sacramento Contact Center. and with Tom Dalzell as his mentor, Alex is off to a phenomenal start in his career his month, I bid a fond farewell was at the Grand Sierra (it was called the shop stewards. I immediately felt part of as a labor lawyer. to my friends and colleagues at Reno Hilton at the time), and our bowl- a team, and unlike “Major Disaster,” this Last but not least, I have to thank Tom TIBEW 1245. My family and I are ing team was called “Major Disaster.” I is a team that not only had fun but knew directly for his leadership and mentor- moving to Portland, Oregon so that my was the captain of that band of misfits, was it was doing — and did it well. “Do ship. As Business Manager, he has led son can start kindergarten up there and and I spent most of the day before each good and have fun doing it” is a life les- the charge in keeping our members’ we can be near family. While I am very bowling tournament threatening/cajol- son that I learned at Local 1245 and will collective bargaining agreements in the much looking forward to returning to ing my teammates just always carry with me, upper echelon of all labor agreements Oregon, I am sad to be leaving such a to show up. Not surpris- and it’s a lesson I hope — even though it has meant that we’ve wonderful organization with a mem- ingly, we finished last, to pass along to my son. been in a struggle in one sector or an- bership that amazes and inspires me the other teams hated In 2013, I was thrilled other almost continuously. It is a regular every day. us, and most of the peo- A Fond when Business Man- reminder of what labor unions are here I said my goodbyes during our last Ad- ple on the team hated ager Tom Dalzell asked for — to take care of one another. visory Council meeting in Reno in July. bowling. But we had me to assume Doro- As I look back on these past eight It’s fitting that my last Advisory Coun- fun nonetheless. Farewell thy Fortier’s responsi- years, I am struck by how many fond cil was at the Grand Sierra Resort; it’s a Fast forward a few bilities overseeing the memories have and will treasure for place that holds unique significance for years to 2008, when PG&E clerical unit. I years to come. Local 1245 will never be me. I started at Local 1245 as the staff at- learned so much from Dorothy, as well far from my thoughts. See you in Port- After I graduated law school, I lived torney. Over the course of that year, I as Senior Assistant Business Manag- land! in Reno for three years and worked for worked on arbitrations across our juris- ers Bob Dean and Joe Osterlund, and I Senior Assistant Business Manager the federal government. While I lived in diction and had the opportunity to work appreciated their patience and willing- Jenny Marston ended her tenure with Reno, I joined a bowling league for the with many members of the Local 1245 ness to talk through the issues with me. IBEW 1245 on July 29 after eight years first and only time in my life; that league staff, as well as our army of dedicated Through my PG&E assignment, I saw with the union.

Marston (left) with IBEW 1245 staffers and Executive Board members at the 2016 Equal Rights Advocates Luncheon.

Utility Reporter 39 Local 1245 Retiree Crafts One-of-a- Kind Coffee Table for Weakley Hall

eakley Hall has a wide selec- the table, as an homage to his native tion of unique union memo- state of Nevada. He finished the entire rabilia on display, but noth- table with a heavy duty W Ron Borst and his ing compares to the one-of-a-kind cof- epoxy/polyurethane blend to ensure it wife Vicki (front fee table that IBEW Local 1245 retiree would remain in good condition for row, center) were Ron Borst recently hand-crafted out of years to come. joined by members the IBEW old union logo that used to of the Local 1245 hang over the reception desk. Executive Board as they unveiled the Local 1245 Business Manager Tom new table at Dalzell came up with the idea to repur- Weakley Hall on pose the seal into a table that would May 20. serve as the centerpiece of the union hall’s lobby. Dalzell urged Borst, an accomplished woodworker and active union retiree, to take on the project, and Borst readily agreed. Borst spent three years crafting the table, which he constructed out of ten segments of a Western Big Leaf Maple burl ring. He covered the seal with a piece of plexiglass to protect it, and embedded ten rare IBEW coins (which Reetirement Seminarr 22016 were presented to apprentices back in I.B.E.W. Local 1245 and Merrill LyLynch the 70s and 80s when they became journeymen) to decorate the edge of the These seminars are open tto IBBEW/PG&E employees agge 45 and older and those on burl. Borst worked closely with former LTD. Your spouse or significant other is also welcome to attend. These seminars are provided to you free of chah rge, and a meal will be served at each seminaar for 1245 staffer Ron Cochran to collect the enjoyment. You will receive a formal RSVP invitation letter in late July. coins — one for each of the ten lighten- Please contact Gallo Group of Merrill Lynch in Walnut Creek, CA at 800-234-33858 ing bolts in the IBEW seal. He also and ask for Kindy Mann if you have any questions. added a few small flecks of turquoise in

Congratulations newly-retired members The Local 1245 Retirees Club congratu- lates these recently-retired members of the union. We invite you to participate in a Retiree Club chapter in Dublin, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Merced, Reno, Yerington, Carson City or Winnemucca. If you don’t have a chapter nearby, call the union at 707-452-2718 and find out how you can help start one!

Michael Albert Eric Braun V 43 years 31 years Gallo Group Chico, CA Vacaville, CA Merrill Lynch Clifford Allee Wayne Brown Wealth Management 32 years 38 years BBank of America Corporatit on Rio Vista, CA Paradise, CA J Areia Martin Brutlag 9 years 43 years Bountiful, UT Davis, CA Charles Baker Craig Bryan 27 years 37 years Bakersfield, CA Durham, CA Juan Barron Jr. Bernard Buzzelli TThhis inffoormative program has hellpped many of our members over the years as they think about how 31 years 31 years Manteca, CA Atascadero, CA to prepare ffoor retirement. WWee are pleased to oofffffeer thiiss service, which iiss absolutely ffrree to members Russell Barrow Robert Carr 36 years 9 years Brownsville, CA Chico, CA

continued on next page 40 July – September 2016 Modesto/Trees, Inc. Unit #4725 donated $500 to the Ceres Jr. Bulldogs Youth Football and Cheer.

Reno/Asplundh Trees Unit #4730 donated $250 to the Centennial Little League.

Reno/Sparks Retirees Chapter donated $350 plus matching funds to the Washoe County Senior Services - Meals on Wheels. The chapter also donated $550 worth of microwaves to Washoe County Senior Services in Reno. Merced Irrigation District Unit #1122 donated $150 to the 3rd Annual Central Richmond Unit #2318 donated $250 to From left: Local 1245 Business Rep Ralph Kenyon, Local 1245 clerical member Teresa Valley Organizing Steward’s Charity Carlson, Local 1245 Lineman Steve Zerkel, Whistlestop CEO Joe O’Hehir, PG&E North Bay the Oral Lee Brown Foundation in Softball Tournament. Division Manager Dave Canny. Oakland, CA. Marin Unit Supports Local Meals on Wheels Stockton Clerical Unit #2509 donated Eureka Unit #3111 donated $500 to the Unit # 3711, Marin, recently voted to allocate $500 from their Community Fund $150 to the 3rd Annual Central Valley Hospice of Humboldt. to Marin’s Meals on Wheels/Whistle Stop program for seniors. The members of the Organizing Steward’s Charity Softball unit urged PG&E to match the donation, resulting is a $1,000 contribution to this Tournament. important program. Burney Unit #3213 donated $400 to the Five Counties Central Labor Council’s Stockton Unit #2511 donated $150 to Annual Labor Day Picnic. Catherine Kathleen Redd T Taylor Jr. the 3rd Annual Central Valley Retirees, from page 40 MacDonald 30 years 32 years Organizing Steward’s Charity Softball Ronald Cipro Barry Goodwin 35 years Santa Rosa, CA Cool, CA 38 years 24 years Tournament. Reno Unit #3311 donated four Elk Grove, CA Michael Reiswig Cottonwood, CA Placerville, CA Wane Tomasello microwaves at $65.00 each for the Alice Mannina 31 years Thomas Cloninger 30 years Washoe County Meals on Wheels pro- Steven Graham 36 years Stockton, CA North Highlands, Sacramento Regional Transit Unit 39 years 32 years San Jose, CA Louis Rivera CA #3011 donated $50 to the Sacramento gram. Eureka, CA Esparto, CA Jeffrey Mapes 19 years Michael Charity Bowl. Troy Green Jr. 13 years Oakland, CA Suketo Urabe Cummings 41 years Roseville, CA 32 years Fresh Pond/SMUD Unit #3912 donated 33 years Barry Rogers Cotati, CA Salinas, CA City of Redding Unit #3217 donated $75 $400 to the SEA Chief Red Cloud Fishing La Grange, CA Cesar Mariano V 42 years Gary Heimlich 33 years Grover Beach, CA to the Redding Vipers Youth Baseball Derby. Steven De Lima Steven 37 years 33 years Daly City, CA Craig Sanchez Valdovinos Club. Castro Valley, CA Vacaville, CA Kevin Markoe 31 years 33 years Kelso, WA Fresh Pond/SMUD Unit #3912 donated Charles Deyo Richard 36 years Eureka, CA Hernandez Watsonville, CA USBR Unit #3218 donated $500 to $100 to the Knotty Pines Lanes Youth 38 years Michael Saso Frank Ward Vacaville, CA 6 years Steve Marshall 30 years 37 years Raining Cats N’ Dogs, an animal rescue Bowling League. Templeton, CA Maurice Dionne 38 years Bakersfield, CA Atascadero, CA organization. 40 years Jack Humphrey Seaside, CA Robert Billy Warmbrodt Merced ID Unit #1122 donated $350 to Isleton, CA 9 years David Martin Schlumbohm Auburn, NE 32 years 31 years Elko Unit #3318 donated $500 to the the Merced County Parks & Recreation Cynthia Dutcher 32 years Red Bluff, CA 29 years James Jensen Cottonwood, CA Ahwahnee, CA Ruby Mountain Little League team, special needs fishing event at Lake Lakeport, CA 37 years Gil-Soon Seo William Webb SMIRKS, for new uniforms. Yosemite. Lillian Martinez Edgar Faugier Santa Rosa, CA 10 years 35 years 41 years 31 years Edward Kelling Riverbank, CA Daly City, CA Lodi, CA Chico, CA 31 years Richard Murphy Bradley Setser Joseph Wernet Judith Ferree San Andreas, CA 30 years 21 years 28 years 17 years San Rafael, CA Browns Valley, CA Shingletown, CA David Klingerman Chico, CA 38 years Glenn Murray Gary Smith Laron Fields Corning, CA 32 years 27 years Gwendolyn West 37 years 34 years Marysville, CA Bakersfield, CA Clovis, CA Timothy Laird Oakland, CA 39 years Donald Splitt John Francis Andrew Namekata Oakley, CA 37 years 36 years Jeffrey Williams 33 years Merced, CA So San Francisco, Richard Landa Denair, CA 27 years Sutter, CA CA 45 years David Nelson James Jack French Baypoint, CA 31 years Stephenson 31 years Vance Wilson 28 years Forestville, CA G Le Masters Lincoln, CA 25 years Paso Robles, CA 42 years Jon Norwood Atascadero, CA Patrick Fryer Vallejo, CA 38 years Thomas Stickelman William Wing Jr. Knotty Pine Lanes Junior Bowling League 37 years Aaron Oakdale, CA Novato, CA 37 years 37 years Leatherman Stephen Olmos Corning, CA Pleasanton, CA SMUD Pollock Pines/Fresh Pond Unit Sponsors Knotty Pine James Fung 38 years 43 years Dale Stone 33 years Angels Camp, CA Stockton, CA Glenn Wong Lanes Junior Bowling League San Bruno, CA 30 years Lana Lee Kenneth Ortiz Citrus Heights, 26 years Unit #3912, SMUD Pollock Pines/Fresh Pond, recently made a Community Fund David Galimba 35 years 11 years CA Alameda, CA donation to sponsor the Knotty Pine Lanes Junior Bowling League. The league is 35 years San Francisco, CA Daly City, CA Redding, CA Patrick Sullivan Robert Ying designed to give kids ages 5-21 a fun, rainy/snowy day activity during the winter Dean Lees Robert Overturf 38 years Charlie Gann 34 years months, when there is not a lot to do outside for the kids in Pollock Pines. The 17 years 17 years Bakersfield, CA Fresno, CA 31 years Atascadero, CA league encourages competition, good sportsmanship and team building, and each Sanger, CA Kelseyville, CA child is eligible for college scholarship money. Gene Lighty Teodulo Pasion Manuel Garcia Congratulations Retirees! Knotty Pine Lanes is a family-owned and operated business, and they strive to 42 years 38 years 32 years San Jose, CA San Francisco, CA keep the cost low for the Junior program. The owners and staff work to ensure that Garden Valley, CA We want you to no child is turned away, and the donation from Local 1245 will help to provide sub- Jamie Garis Bart Linnenbrink Joseph Pearce STAY CONNECTED 36 years 38 years sidies for families that are unable to pay, so thier kids can still participate in the 29 years Yuba City, CA Camino, CA Concord, CA league. Terry Gonzales Joseph Lugo Irene Price “The league is a wonderful activity for the kids,” said unit member Ray Curtis. 43 years 46 years 35 years “The Fresh Pond IBEW unit is proud to support the kids and Knotty Pine Lanes.” Colusa, CA San Jose, CA Oakdale, CA to IBEW 1245. Utility Reporter 41 Fresno 40 Years From left: Michael SERVICE March 5, 2016 Parsons, Anthony Chavira and Pete Sandoval, Executive AWARDS Board – Southern Area.

Photos by John Storey 35 Years From left: Ro bert Allustiart i, Mike Grill and Pride McCoy. 30 Years From left: Brandon King and Daniel Furtado.

15 Years From left: Angela Ezernack, Angel Flores and Susan Flores. 10 Years Front row, from left: Anna Turner, Steven Ruiz and Carmen Garcia. Back row, from left: Anita Chavez Cervantes, Julie Richter and 10 Years Melissa Haroun. From left: Christopher Lake and Brian Albee. Congratulations on your service!

Picker, Jerry honorees Reitz, Kristie Rodriguez, Cynthia Still, Jacque Smith, Todd Yrlas, Mark 10 Years 40 Years 25 Years Torres, Francisco Broughton, Phillip Amaro, Denise Front row, from left: Trejo, Tammy Chavira, Anthony Arredondo Jr., Angel 10 Years Kimberly Hinojosa, Viloria, Joanne O’Brien, Patrick Corpus, Patrick Abston, Robert Waagen, John Acosta, Marco Daniel Mo rrison and Parsons, Michael Greer, Robert Wein, Eric Albee, Brian Kim Larmour. Back Pavlovich, Mark Jessup, Robert White, Celia Armstrong, Kevin row, from left: Rasmussen, Keith Katsura, John Wilson, Claude Mackey, Terry Avila, Joey I Samantha Stevens, Sandoval Jr., Pedro Wilson, Jeff Baldwin, Cory Jo anna Qu iocho and Martin, Daniel Zingale Jr., James Okerson, Gary Balsley, Susan I Vicki Bu nag. 35 Years Wright, Brian Barker, Don Allustiarti, Robert 15 Years Bauer, Scott Baldwin, Thomas 20 Years Aguiniga, Guillermo Bondie-Facciani, Cabezut, David Atwood, Alexis Christopher Alviso, Jacquelin Bribiesca, Hector Grill, Michael Bernhardt, Mark Avila, Cynthia Brown, Matthew Lara, Michael Bissell Jr, Michael Barnes, Scott Black, John Bunag, Vicki Lopez, Ruben Bentley, Steven Caress, Kelly Carbajal, Jacqueline McCoy Jr., Pride Blake, Kevin Castro, Tami Carter, James Okamura, Dale Bockowski, Diana Cha, Mae Caviglia, Lawrence Richardson, Valencia Cavazos, Juan Cha, Phia Charles-Padilla, Lisa Sanderson, Percy Conway, Iris Chico, Gloria Chavez Cervantes, Silva, Russ Daniel, Ronald Ezernackv, Angela Anita Taylor, Armand Evans, Rick Flores, Angel Denton, Karen 5 Years Work, Arnell Fletcher, Lisa Flores, Susan Devine, William Hare, David Garcia, Jose Flores, Lorraine Front row, from left: 30 Years Hensley, Renee Gastelum, Adam Fry, Robert Hernandez, Roberto Gaines, Jameelah Nikki Neal and Clark, Leslie Gastelum, Alma Jackson, Matthew Gaither, Douglas Ramon Puentes. Duenes, Julie Glover, Tamara Johnson, Galen Hunter, Shane Galvan, Joseph Back row, from left: Furtado, Daniel King, Sandra Imperatrice, Darla Garcia, Carmen Grimes, Joey Jose Galvan, Britton Montanez, Anthony Jones, Bryan Gibbs, Kaleb Ellington and Ryan King, Brandon Morales, Romas Kizer, Ann Gonzales, Richard Boyd. McGuire, Helen Murphy, Karrie Lomas, Adrian Gonzalez, Evelia Mohammed, David O’Brien, David Macias, Gabriella Griego Jr, Jess Mora, Susan Pasqua, Mark Macias, Javier Gutierrez, Richard Robles, Steven Perez, Jose Manzo, Kathy Hammond, Chad Runderson, Granville Rodriguez, Filiberto Martinez, Edward Haroun, Melissa Secrease, Sherman Ruiz, Stephanie Morales, Bertha Hasenmayer, William Wallis, Aaron Ryan, Russell Ortiz, Victor continued on page 43

42 July – September 2016 North Bay 40 Years From left: Paul Petaluma Catalano and SERVICE Business Manager AWARDS February 12, 2016 Tom Dalzell. Photos by John Storey

35 Years Front row, from left: Jacquelin Good and Don Peyrucain. Back row, from left: Curtis Brown and James Pigg. 30 Years From left: Joe Joaquim, Kathleen 20 Years From left: (Dalzell) with Redd and Marcial Gonzalez. Francisco Naranjo.

15 Years Congratulations on your service! From left: Michael Norwitz and Jason Say.

5 Years Front row, from left: Alberto Contreras- Garibay, Jacob Renew and Terry Lane. Back row, from left: Kevin Risley, Samuel 10 Years Garcia and James From left: Jesus Raggio. Flores, Timothy Gillaspie and Aaron Robison.

Coulton, Todd Moreno, Michael Fresno Honorees, Cox, James Morris, Marc from page 42 Cox, Samuel Moua, Thong Fortin, Michael Alberto Cozby, Dwain Munoz, Sergio honorees Gillaspie, Cox, Joshua Hernandez, Arturo Shoopman, Jason Hernandez, Inez Silva, Damon Da Costa, Glen Neal, Nikki Timothy Fernandez, Stevens, Samantha Dilks, Terra Nelson, Kenneth Giron, Ramiro David Hilton, Saleena Redd, Kathleen Noonan, Todd Sytsma, Paul Edwards, Patrick Norwood, Kenneth Hanlon, Frank Garcia, Samuel Hinojosa, Kimberly 45 Years Reid, Mary Roche, Brian Tau, Aaron Ellington, Britton Olson, Thomas Henry, Jonathon Greene, Travis Jimenez, Magdalena Taha, Lee Vucurovich, Rupp, Donovan Trevino III, Vincent Estrada, Miguel Ortega, Adam Jensen, Anthony Johnson, Justin Matthew Zaragoza, Juarez, Jesse Lake, Christopher Turner, Anna Ferrell, Joshua Ortiz, Joshua Lucero, Brian Kirkland, Fields, Andrea Phillips, Marilyn 40 Years Samuel Lang, Tyson Valverde, Manuel Murillo, Jorge Thomas Fisher, Todd Puentes, Ramon Catalano, Paul Larmour, Kim Vasquez, David 25 Years Ochoa, Alvaro Landers, Mark Lemyre, Derek Webb, Robert Galvan, Jose Richter, Justin Espinola, Chris 15 Years Partridge, Daniel Godfrey, Jason Rios, Clayton Lane, Terry Linares, Francisco White, Terry 35 Years Fegley, Mark Cincera, Fred Pool, Kristie Gomez, Christopher Rippetoe, David Little, Michael Lowder, Jeremy Williams, Travis Baraty, Dennis Fongaroli, Alice Dunlap, Ron Pool-Fockler, Gonsalves, Anastasia Rogers, Kevin Lockabey, Sean Macias, Zachary Woods, Billy Brown, Curtis Gabriel, William Norwitz, Michael Maggie Gonsalves, Marcus Sais, Victor Marcott, Mark Maxfield, Cassidy Wray, Scott Good, Jacquelin Gonsalves, Ken Say, Jason Ralston, Myrna Goodwin, Kyle Sandoval, Adrian Matheson, Todd Medina, Adam Zurita Jr., Alfred Lanuza Jr., Edwin Guerrero, Seller, Harry Remund, Graham, Diana Sandoval, Ruben Perez, Laura Domingo Wiecek, Christopher Pitkin, Jeremy Mendez, Renae Graves, Adrian Santiago, Jose Raggio, James Mepham, Matt Peyrucain, Don Pedroia, Jason Stanislau Robison, Aaron 5 Years Hager, Joshua Scott, Tyler Reid, Aaron Mitchell, Floyd Pigg, James Wroblewski, Schunk, Bryan Alejo-Havens, Aaron Hamilton, Scott Sears, Kimberly Renew, Jacob Morrison, Daniel Rasmussen, 20 Years Casey Smith, Gregory Amundsen, Brett Hancock, John Silverstrom, Daniel Tannehill, Omar Riccomini Jr, Nash, Michael Mark Badilla, Oswaldo Barker, John Head, Steven Smith, Justin Turnes, Joseph Robert Palmer, Jason Rendon, Gustavo Briceno, Agustin 10 Years Bautista, Carlos Hill, David St Clair, Marta Vose, Carter Risley, Kevin Pavelski, Paul Buickerood, Bridges, Geoffrey Boyd, Ryan Hunt, Sean Starkey, Nicolas Waller, Kurt Sarganis, Poulsen, Cody Bushman, Dustin James, Kiley Thomas, Maimunatu 30 Years George Brown, Steven Anthony Prado, Luz Carter, Marcedes Laird, Latrice Torres, Maria Carter, Jeff Dziedzic-Cole, Clapsadle, Jodi Schaffer, Sean Quiocho, Joanna Cash, Kevin Lawhon, Samuel Trevino, Angelo Donahue, John Barbara Clark, Jeremy 5 Years Raven, Meredith Cash, Lee Luna, Abraham Velasquez, Alfredo Dreher, Steven Hall, Todd Cruz, Manuel Adams, Lukeus Schilling, Jason Reed, Galen Celaya, Sara Luz, Patrick Walker, Kyle England, Keith Macias, Manuel Cunningham, Alvarez, Casey Sylva, Nathaniel Reyes Jr, Ricardo Challgren, Jeannine Mangrum, Jeffrey Webb, Mark Fechter, Tim McNamee, Lee Kyle Andrews, Kyle Threlfall, Jennifer Richter, Julie Chang, Kong Manning, Shamia Wheeler, David Gonzalez Jr., Meuchel, Leslie Doyle, Travis Castillo Arroyo, Tovar, Michael Robles, Michael Collins, Michael Marquez, Rodrigo Whitfield, Thomas Marcial Morfin, Emigdio Eagleton, Jeff Alejandro Williams, Joseph Ruiz, Steven Cortes, Lisa Martin, Michael Winton, Gerald Joaquim, Joe Naranjo, Fechter, Brandon Contreras- Yarbrough, Sheffler, Michael Costa, Douglas Means, Rachel Zumwalt, Daniel Murphy, Richard Francisco Flores, Jesus Garibay, Brandon

Utility Reporter 43 Sacramento 40 Years SERVICE March 11, 2016 From left: Randy Garcia and Maurice AWARDS Dionne.

Photos by John Storey 30 Years From left: Robert MacLauchlan and Cliff Robie.

Congratulations on your service!

25 Years Front row, from left: Kim 35 Years Front row, from left: Pamela Ramirez, Debbie Elder, Linda Melanson. Back Estin,Lorena row, from left: Sandy Mullikan, Debra Robertson, Geoffrey Buchholz, Jose Reyes and Thomas. Back Danny Boschee. row, from left: Steven Gravink, Bob Ross and Gene Chan.

20 years Front row, from left: Debra Allen, Marie Fitting and Joe Gioffre. Back row, from left: Jeff Bragg, Naomi 20 years Front row, from left: Kyra Allen, Jane Paul and Sharon Batts. Back row, from Tamayo and Sean left: Joe Pena, Michael Boyle, Scott Hudelson and Thomas Greer. Stevens.

15 years Front row, from left: Dave Sankey, Dennis Wales and Stuart Waggoner. Back row, from left: Francisco LaTorre, Yvonne Kyle and Richone Farris.

10 years Front row, from left: Kenneth Lawson, David Frederick and Grayson Hess. Back row, from left: Keith Grebner, Jammi Juarez, Jennifer Gray and Miles Hanson. 44 July – September 2016 10 years From row, from left: Jason 10 years Burks, Keele From left: Adrian Zachary and Lomeli, Robert D Donchele Musgrove, Jakub Soper. Back Krzyminski and row, from left: Rajesh Narayan. Michael Marinaccio, Harold Blackshire Jr., Rose Velasquez and Laurence Bower.

5 years From row, from left: Robert Federmeyer, Robert Jones and Justin Hammond. Back row, from left: Rene Cruz Martinez, Nilda Garcia, Sonya Kennedy and Sandi Busse. 5 years Front row, from left: Michael Welsh, John Vetter and James Merdeiros. Back row, from left: Nicholas DelaPaz, Scott Walden, Arguster Miller and Jess Luccesse.

Mcbride, Michael Howton, Mark Arrostuto, Anthony Hurd, Tyson Underwood, Michael honorees Morris, Sonia Hubbard, Hattie Baker, Duane Hylton, Neil Vasconez, Anthony Paul, Jane Husakow, Gregory Banish, David Jakobs, Vincent Velasquez, Rose Pena, Joe Jackson, Keith Barraza, Vivian Jarka, Robert Wakelee, Kenneth Ridgway, Nneka Johnson, Jeffery Wong, Jamie Kehrer, Kenneth Ross, Bob Bates, Justin Jobe, Stephanie Salgado, Jerry Johnson, Steven Zachary, Keele 50 Years Laforte, William Tatu, Diane Belardi, James Jones, Kathrine Sheppard, Lara Keiser, Jaime Gerolamy, Ralph Lopez, David Thomas, Leshanor Bell, Patrick Juarez, Jammi Smith, Jim Knorr, Kevin Lumsden, J Scott Thomas, Lorena Blackshire Jr, Harold Khamis, Erik 5 Years Soucie, Robert Kyle, Yvonne 40 Years Maclauchlan, Robert Thomason, Mark Bognar Jr, George Krzyminski, Jakub Alpuerto, Zenin Stalcup, Daniel Latorre, Francisco Boisa, David Kuzinich, Kyle Anderson, Steven Martig, Michael Torix, Eddie Alexander, Gregory Stevens, Sean Ledbetter, Robert Bomgardner, Kurtis Lajara, Richard Beard, William Padilla, Raymond Trueworthy, Cahrles Angello, Jonathan Tamayo, Naomi Leon, Eric Bower, Laurence Larsen, Edward Canepa, Michael Parker, Michael Washington, Lee Angioli, Richard Tong, Aaron Lindner, Dennis Bryant, Andre Lawrence, Isaac Castanon, Carlos Pate, Robert Williams, Courtney Atangan, Christopher Tran, Michael Lopez, Jason Burks, Jason Lawson Jr, Kenneth Chavez, Lloyd Robie, Clifford Williams, John Barkey, Amy Tran-Hagos, Vicki Lucila, Daniel Burridge, Christopher Le, Tan Dionne, Maurice Sawyer, Gregory Yaeger, Jason Barnes, Glen Turner, David Maki, Cecil Camatti, Kimberly Littell, Rich Garcia, Randy Schneider, Mark Young, Alan Bartz, John Vice, Stephen Marsee, Bobi Campos, Donna Lomeli, Adrian Lee, David Sloan, Kevin Bay, John Vidales, Kristy Martin, Kyle Canlas, Mario Melo Madson, Darin Lewis, Cheryl Stockel, Joseph Bishop, Linda 20 Years McCoy, Jesse Capel, Braden Maeller, Daniel Spadini, Victoria Stone, Dale Blanks-Louis Sr, Bryan Allen, Debra McClain, Sean Card, Dale Magallanes Sr, Mario Thatcher, Robert 15 Years Block, Kreeana Allen, Kyra Merritt, Robin Carpenter, Kevin Maneri, Jason Vanmuyden, Michael Abdullah, William Bobo, Teneka 35 Years Bacon, Jonathan Moore, Ben Carr, Rick Marinaccio, Michael Vernier, Richard Acevedo, Barbara Bonney, Keith Antonelli, Mark Bahner, Brad Moore, Michael Cassi, Daniel Mathews, Amy Williams, Kelli Akers IV, Oma Bonney, Natalya Boschee, Danny Barstad, Dan Moore, Stella Ceccarelli, Wayne McDonald, Chad Wooderson, James Allen, Michael Boswell II, Gregory Buchholz, Geoffrey Batts, Sharon Allstead, Dennis Murphy, Ralph Chavez, Boris McDonald, Matthew Boulet, Jerry Campbell, David Beaman, William Amaral, Greg Navarrete, Eduardo Cliff, Evan McNally, Teresa Brace, Candice Elder, Debbie 25 Years Boyle, Michael Anderson, Tim Patrick, Eugene Cook, Kelly Medina, Raul Brunius, Eric Enriquez, Anna Anderson, Richard Bragg, Jeff Andrews, Rocky Patterson, Kellie Cooper, Stacy Meyer, Michelle Busse, Sandi Flatland, Robert Bacon, Suzanne Burns, James Bagley, Dale Plasencia, Hector Cordbache, Noeveen Miles, Chris Caddick, James James, Regina Bates, Richard Cannon, Rudy Baird, Greg Pronovost, Rejean Cowart, Elizabeth Moldenhauer, Nick Caesar, Tonya Jones, Karen Browning, Teri Carlson, Todd Barragan, Reynaldo Reed, Daniel DeClue, Jeremy Moniz, Christopher Carmichael, Russell MacDonald, Catherine Burton, Raymond Chapman, Kevin Beene, Adam Reinoso, Marvin Del Gaizo, Brandon Mosier, Clark Carrillo, Georgette Martinez, Donna Butler, David Chapnick, Robert Bruguier, Brian Riss, Paul Del Valle, Augustine Mumma, David Carrillo, Luis McKee, Mark Callahan Iv, John Conine, Geoffrey Burdick, Lorrin Robinson, Brenda Dennis, Daniel Musgrove, Mike Carty, Ian McCain, Cathy Campos, Larry Corn, Danny Burgos, Rafael Rose-Calilan, Deborah Desart, Jeremiah Musgrove, Robert Chapman, Dustin Melanson, Linda Chan, Gene Cotton, Shantell Burleigh, Cory Rulon, Wendi Diaz, Carlos Narayan, Rajesh Chernoff, Marilyn Mueller, Andrew Cross, Donald Crespo, Mark Burton, Danielle Ryan, Dave Diaz, Francisco Nelson, Matthew Clark, Donald Mullikin, Sandy Curtis, David Crowder, Rodney Campbell II, William Sankey, David Dickson, Joseph Nguyen, Anthony Clinger, Jeremy Perry, David Dearing, Roger Cuevas, Victor Chelini, Kevin Sewell, Steven Estes, Michael Nipper, David Cokley, Alexander Ramirez, Pamela Derickson, Michael Del Bono, Aaron Ching, Romeo Simmonds, James Faddis, Trenedy Padilla, Josh Cook-Page, Alicia Reyes, Jose Drummond, Tilena Del Bono, Jesse Coe, Allen Solomon, Fiona Fanoni, Annemarie Peer, Dagmar Croskey, Yolanda Robertson, Debra Estlin, Kim Demuth, Gregory Coe, Chandra Speers, Trent Fisher, Matthew Pelto, Andrew Crouss, Cary Williams, Jeff Ewing Jr., Richard Dickerson, Dwayne Colon, Ruben Taylor, Angie Ford, Joseph Perez, Ricardo Cruz Martinez, Rene Winterboer, Jon Ferguson, Daniel Diggs, Darrell Davila, Juan Tolentino, Aser Fox, Cary Philpot, Jason D’Ambrosio Jr, Joseph Young, Larry Flynt, Michael Dixon, Timothy Dos Santos, Jacinta Towne, Nadine Frederick, David Quesada, Shane Dawson, Garth Forni, Eric Donnell, Theodore Dydo, Gregory Tran, Tuan Fuller, Ian Raley, Joshua Dawson, Jeffrey 30 Years Gollnick, Steve Dorn, Niesha Ebojo, Rachel Trigeiro, David Garcia, Eduardo Reamer, Howard Dayoan, Anna Urps, James Aguilar, Jody Gravink, Steven Doyle, Tammi Escobar, Elkin Garcia, Rita Ruiz Jr, Gonzalo Delapaz, Nicholas Vidales, Carlos Araya, Anthony Hagan, Robert Dunham, Kimberly Esparza, Desiree Garcia, Uriel Ruiz, Adriana Dequine, Wes Baca, Robert Hall, Richard Edwards, Jonathan Eto, Richard Waggoner, Stuart Gardiner, Joseph Ruiz, Martin Dewitt, Tyler Bailey, Lavonda Hoyt, J Steven Ferguson, Jeffrey Farris, Richone Wagner, Daniel Ghormley, Donald San Pedro, Susan Doyle, Tony Balitsky, Peter Ice, Christoph Fitting, Marie Ferebee, Curtis Wales, Dennis Gibbons, Jeffrey Sanchez-Beltran, Jose Eddings, Charles Berridge, Fredrick Jimenez, Jose Garcia, Gary Flanders, Thomas Wilkes, Jamal Gonzalez, Jose Semon III, John Ellstrom, Brandon Bibbs, Constance Johnson, Jeff Gioffre, Joe Fletcher, Mike Williams, Audrey Gray, Jacob Sheehan, Patrick Escamilla, Jesus Braden, Kevin Lewis, Andrew Gonzalez, Sandra Fritz, Matthew Williams, Kristian Gray, Jennifer Shipman, Julie Federmeyer, Robert Bush, Steven Mark, John Greer, Thomas Frost, Timothy Grebner, Keith Siembab, Thomas Flowers, Richard Byrd, Robert McKenzie, Gregory Hamilton, Theresa Garcia, Kristin 10 Years Gutierrez, Angelica Smith, Ryan Fritzinger, Jerehmy Caravas, Frank Murphy, Robert Harrison, Tod Gifford, Stephen Agcanas Jr, Pedro Hansen, Miles Smith, Teresa Galves, Michael Dremel, Garry Myles, Robert Hatch, Mark Gonzales, Gwendolyn Alba, Rommel Henslee, Josh Soper, Donchele Garcia, Juan Eakin, Gabriela Ocampo-Trujillo, Hill, Jerry Gorham, Brandon Allen, David Hernandez, Artemio Spencer, Sherwood Garcia, Nilda Gracyk, Lucinda Adolfo Hudelson, Scott Griffis, William Allen, Derek Hess, Grayson Starr, Michael Garcia, Robert Grich, Clint Phillips, Rene Jackson, Rodney Guardado, Francisco Amaya, Alexander Heuer, Hans Stout, Timothy Girga, Robert Harris, Vera Pirtle, Curtis Kalender Jr., Danny Hall, Jr., Edward Ambrosini, Joe Hollis, Stacey Tague, Eric Gregorio, Arlen Hostler, Sharon Power, Kenneth Lavezzo, Chad Henry, Eric Anderson, Jesse Hough, Diana Tang, David Hammond, Justin Hunt, Michael Record, Ronald Lightle, Joseph Hescock, Chris Anguiano, Carolyn Huanaco, Jose Turk II, Richard Johnson, Mark Roberts, Stephen Lovejoy, Ronald House, Robert Arambula, Miguel Hunt, Frances Turner, Kevin continued on page 46

Utility Reporter 45 McCoy, Hadrian Perez-Rojas, Uriel Robertson, Brian Spangler, Rick Walden, Scott Sacramento Honorees, from page 45 McGhehey, Garrett Pestoni, Wade Robison, Steven Stansbury, Brian Walker, Nicole Medeiros, James Pristupa, Vasiliy Roediger, Israel Stevens, Charlotte Hammond, Troy Jackson, Marjahni Lara, Marisela Watson, Trevor Harris, James Jimeno, Jeffrey Lara, Simon Meeker, William Provance, Richard Rose, Gregory Swank, Ashton Weber, Donald Haymer, Kevin Johnson, Aljinon Lentine, Shane Miller, Arguster Purdue, Duane Rubio, Alec Swesey, Anthony Herdal, Bryan Johnson, Dwight Leverett, Kelcey Miller, Perry Rakkar, Amrik Rutherford, Scot Tanger, Gregory Wehner, Randy Moore, Michael Reamer Jr, James Seastrunk, Donald Thornton, Steffen Hestead, Nickolas Johnson, Ryan Lucchese, Jess Welsh, Michael Musgrove, Brett Recht, Warren Seemster, Anthony Tkachenko, Nikolas Hill, Edwin Jones Sr, Tarik Lynch, Sean Myers, Steven Reese, Lance Shelton, Travis Torres, Katrina Weston, Randal Hill, Scott Jones, Robert Manriquez, Mario Navarro, Miguel Rendon, Michael Sherwood, William Tucker, Jason Wilkins, Brittney Hish, Jake Kelly, Patrick Martinez Jr, Carlos Nevarez, Manolo Reynaud, Brian Shipp, Deshawn Tyden, Wing Williams, Joseph Hodgkinson, Brandon Kennedy, Robert Martinez, Nancy Nicora, Christopher Riccobuono, Patrick Silva, David Van Rijckevorsel, Woleslagle, Matthew Houser, Jason Kennedy, Sonya Mathis, Andrew Noxon, Matt Rice, Micheal Simpson, Rusty Bryan Huartson, Darin Kurutz, Jennifer McCormick, Pearson, Gysele Riddagh, Matthew Smith, Jeremy Ventura, Jose Youngquist, Erik Hyatt, Alexander Lambert, Ryan Toshinobu Pepiot, Rick Roberts, Ralph Snyder, Joseph Vetter, John Zakhary, Magdy

40 years From left: Business Manager Tom Oroville Dalzell with 40 year members Richard Walls and Raymon SERVICE February 6, 2016 Deiss.

AWARDS Photos by John Storey

35 years From left: John Benzel with Business Rep Todd 25 years From left: Clarence Boss, Gary Welch and 20 years From left: Willard Schlesener, Larry Wooten and Senior Assistant Business Manager Bob Dean. Michael Jessen. Peasley and Martin Sparks.

10 years Front row, from left: Ernie Flud, Alan Finley and Angelo Clouse. Back row, from left: Matthew Archer, Carl Klink, 15 years From left: Logan Bartolome, Kimberlee Ingraham Stephen Meyers and Stuart Waggoner. and Ryan Johnson.

Congratulations on your service!

Miller, Leanne Edward Tarvin, Kerry Keslinger, Cassidy honorees Mills, Branson Hacker, Jesse Thatcher, Owen Krotki, Brendan Oliver, Gwen I Henbest, Gerald Trent, Shelly Lancieri, Anthony Pippitt, Ross Johnson, Ryan Wallis, Paul Lane, Robert Brandt, Nicholas Fridrich, Jeff Rice, Karen Johnston, Larry Warden, Julie Leonard, Derek 45 Years Garis, Jamie Halford, Robert Rodriguez, Robert Kent, Martin Warren, Steven Lower, Hubert Hopper, Doug House, Russell Layfield, Michael Sweet, Philip Klink, Carl Martinez, Rodolfo Kelly, David Moreno, Steven Warren, Morgan Lee, Michael 5 Years Mills, Sky 40 Years Uccelli, Dean Peasley, Larry Zastrow, Kurt Lewis, Eric Vollman, Terry Arellano-Flores, Murphy, Adalena Devlyne, Connie Sanchez, Greg Luna-Zuniga, Walker, Pauline Eduardo Nevers, Cory Dreiss, Raymon Schlesener, Federico Williams, Wade 10 Years Austin, Jeff Perez, Juan Gobel, Tim Willard McNeil, Pinocchio Jr., Wooten, Todd Agee, Bobby Benson, Grant Pitt, Charles Sparks, Martin Christopher James Altamirano, Jose Beymer, Wesley Ruland, Carl Velasquez, Gary McCauley, Walls, Richard Archer, Matthew Brawley, Douglas Sigle, Nicholas 25 Years Charles Bartee, Jeremy Brodie, Thomas Skipple, Shelly Angel, Michael 15 Years McMahan, Shawn Baxter, Craig Butler, Brian Skower, Joseph 35 Years Bischel, Jason Antonetti, McQuay, Mark Bernardez, Phillip Chambless, Scott Smith, Cody Benzel, John Boss, Clarence Christoph Medina, Jose Bird, Loren Clark, John Smith, Samuel Elliott, Gary Givens, Clint Barrie, Jesse Brown, Linnea Meyers, Stephen Clement, Drake Soria, Eric Harriger, Robin Jessen, Michael Bartolome, Logan Cherry, Robert Montgomery, Cross, Timothy Stark Jr, Michael Kirby, Carl Landingham, Carl Bowman, Cayleb Cibrian, Hector Robert Dalmas, Sharon Steward, Richard Lopez, John Reavis, Timothy Clark, Darin Clouse, Angelo Mootz, Mitchell Deaton, Evan Martin, Leonard Santo, James Hale, Justin Cook, Scott Morehead, Deppe, Adam Stocks, Steven Martin, Ralph Stephenson, Ellyn Heter, Lawrence Cottle, Lenny Mathew Downs, Taylor, Zachary Mc Cullough, Rick Wait, Charles Hill, James Deiser, Clancy Petty, Richard Johnathon Valadez, Felix Ruxton, David Welch, Gary Ingraham, Eggleston, Jeffrey Pitney, Jess Foreman, Mark Varrone, Marshall Stangelan, Judy Kimberlee Eley, Dustin Retallack Jr, Garcia, Louie Weisgerber, Betsy Tissot, Stephen 20 Years Johnson, Clay Finley Jr, Alan Thomas Gordon, Brian Winona, Christy Barr, Fritz Lundahl, Thomas Flud, Ernie Short, Brian Hammond, Justin Woodruff, Jerry 5 years Front row, from left: Adam Deppe 30 Years Brooks, Denise Menzel, Kile Foster, Spencer Stockton, Hinely, John Wucherer, Karl and Samuel Smith. Back row, from left: Timothy Bodoh, Gary Cook, David Mijares, Ricardo Grindrod Jr, Christopher Jordan, Karl Zuniga, Julio Cross and Grant Benson. 46 July – September 2016 Bakersfield 40 Years From left: SERVICE March 4, 2016 Senior Assistant Business AWARDS Manager Bob Dean with 40 year members Steven Miller and LB Williams.

30 Years Photos by John Storey From left: (Dean), Anthony Sakamoto and Sidney Lemay.

10 Years Front row, from left: Arturo Flores and Ruben 15 Years Martinez. Back row, from left: From left: (Dean) Michael with Alycia Brown. Rodriguez and Willson Ireson.

Congratulations on your service!

10 Years Front row, from left: Michael Lodien, Jesse Morelos and Gavin Salcido. Back 5 Years Front row, from left: Cole Siemens, Jordan Chene and Nick Smith. Back row, row, from left: Matthew Taylor and Shawn Kelly. from left: Zachery Doty, Michael Vaughn, Aaron Allred and Timothy Moore.

Garza, Francisco Kelly, Shawn Walker, James Hernandez, Manuel honorees 20 Years Gordon, Edward Kristy, Jake Williams, Brandie Hirst, Valeri Acuna, Danny Mihal, Dianne Leyendecker, Thomas Williams, Bryan Jernigan, Kyle Hill, Robert Scully, Lynne Lodien, Michael Koenig, Stephen 40 Years 30 Years 25 Years Martinez, Tere Martinez, Reynaldo Madison, Aaron Payne, Jason Martinez, Ruben 5 Years McAtee, Carson Castro, John Miller, Steven Brewster, Richard Roberts, Jonathan 10 Years Mason, Josh Allred, Aaron Moore, Timothy Garcia, Mario Williams, LB Bryant, Jerry Stubblefield, Patricia Anderson, Catherine Ochoa, Taylor Arretche, Mark Rodriguez, Maria Haas, Donald Urena, Martin Crane, Robert Ervin, Shirley Rodriguez, Michael Bailey, Michael Siemens, Cole Lemay, Sidney Winterly, Kathy Flores, Arturo Barker, Todd 35 Years Diaz, Gabriel Salcido, Gavin Smith-Chene, Jordan Patt, Mark Fulks, Trevor Stacy, Mark Burns, Bryan Surprenant, Robert Jacks, Ramona Lopez, Phyles Petropoulos, Dean 15 Years Garcia, Eric Tallman, Sean Doty, Zachery Valencia, Jose Miller, Max Sakamoto, Anthony Long, Sherry Brown, Alycia Ireson, Willson Taylor, Matthew Forbes, Jack Van Der Horst, Jeffrey Truitt Jr., Roy Saso, Michael Manes, Brody Gallardo, Francisco Keathley, Grace Marie Turman, Douglas Gwaltney, Cody Vaughn, Michael

Utility Reporter 47 48 July – September 2016