Bringing George Lucas' Vision to Life

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Bringing George Lucas’ Vision to Life Cultural Landmark is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Job By Oren Peleg His job isn’t on a spaceship—but and before that San Francisco, the it’s close. soon-to-be Southern California hen Casey Fillhart, a general foreman cultural landmark will include

DECEMBER 2020 DECEMBER Fillhart, overseeing lighting, is one of 32 100,000-square-feet of gallery 34, wakes union electricians who have put in space, state-of-the-art cinematic up each more than 150,000 hours on the in- theaters, numerous spaces for morning, progress Lucas Museum of Narrative onsite learning and engagement, his two Art. Dreamed up by cinema legend restaurants, retail, and event space. young and philanthropist George Lucas, Over 11 acres of new park space will sons the project will take up more than surround the museum. routinely ask the same question two city square blocks in the heart “This is a once-in-a-lifetime job,” “They want to know if I’m going of Exposition Park just next to the Lee Villarreal said, proudly standing to work on the spaceship today,” Natural History Museum. Ground in front of the under-construction WFillhart said with a laugh over the broke with IBEW 11’s finest on site museum. Villarreal, who lives phone. “My kids think what I’m in March of 2018. in San Fernando, is the project’s doing is super cool.” Previously intended for Chicago (Continued on page 5) Biden-Harris Win Signals Positive Signs For Labor National and Local Victories to Help Strengthen IBEW Work Picture

BEW 11 members joined landslide victory. In addition, Local “With the election of the Biden- thousands of their IBEW 11 members were instrumental in Harris team, working families brothers and sisters across election wins in dozens of local races now have a champion in the White the country to help write closer to home that will help ensure House,” said IBEW Business Manager IAmerica’s comeback story, electing a positive work picture in 2021 Joel Barton. “And IBEW, because of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in a and beyond. (Continued on page 7) WWW.IBEW11.ORG WWW.IBEW11.ORG 11 LOCAL OF IBEW NEWSLETTER THE

Member Spotlight: JW & IT #IBEW11Apprentice Jeff Lorenzen Allocation Vote Campaign

FPO December 2020 pg4 NEWS @ 11 pg6 pg112 BUSINESS MANAGER’S MESSAGE By Joël Barton A Holiday Season Like No Other

are the Union and should be involved in the subject to change. I know some of you have management thereof. We still cannot hold a expressed dissatisfaction with the application Season Greetings Sisters and Brothers, virtual General Membership Meeting, but we are process and the administration of the SUB having informational meetings to update you Plan. Please remember that the Trustees have his will be like no other on jobs, your welfare, and the local union. The a fiduciary duty to keep the fund intact for the Holiday Season we have IBEW Local 11 Executive Board has the authority benefit of all participants. Accordingly, the ever encountered. With and has been working diligently to continue the professional staff who administers the fund a global pandemic front business of the local union. When we can finally is charged with making sure all necessary and center, our priorities meet in person, it will be a monumental task for documents are submitted to warrant a payment. and usual business has the Recording Secretary to read all the minutes Construction Electricians and Construction been altered indefinitely. for your approval from mid-March. Wireman will also be compensated for their In the wake of increased Rest assured, your Business Representatives, week of school, which should only be one or transmission of the Organizers and Union staff are still on the job two weeks for some. The Labor Management virus, the State of California and the City of Los working on your behalf as well as the Electrical Cooperation Committee will send all qualified Angeles have issued new “stay at home” orders. Training Institute and Pension and Health CE/CW students a $150 stipend for the This means all non-essential travel and business personnel. I have received all your emails and completion of class. Tis prohibited. We have fought hard for and so far, suggestions for how to make the transition to The Engineers and Architects Association, have retained the definition of “essential worker this “new normal” regarding all these bodies and at 1,500 members strong, is an important Unit and essential work.” This means, if you feel ask for your patience. We should have everything of IBEW 11. Their recent elections produced an safe, you may go to work. This variation applies running properly in the beginning of 2021. It has excellent Board of Governors who will represent to travelling to work, your workday and going taken some time to adjust from in person training, and propel both unions to a higher level. home. Please keep yourself, your family, and dispatch, and communications, but I think we are We look forward to our continued relationship your fellow workers safe by following this edict. on the right track to make these better. and camaraderie. You will have noticed changes at our Dispatch You all should have been notified of I wish to extend my gratitude for the trust Halls and offices. Temperature checks, screenings the changes made to the Supplemental you have placed in me to lead this great local and sanitization have been implemented to keep Unemployment Benefit Plan. The Trustees were union. I look forward to input from you all, you and our staff safe. I know it can be tedious, able to increase the payment, while collecting whether it be positive or negative. All of you but please exude a little kindness and remember Unemployment Benefits, from $24 per week who know me know that I will always give you a we are all the same, just different. We all have to $200 for apprentices and $300 per week for straight answer, whether you like it or not. We the same goals --safety on our jobsites, a good life journeymen. The newest change incorporated will prevail through these unprecedented times for ourselves and our families and dignity and those apprentices attending day school. If the and come out stronger for it. respect from all those involved. apprentice attends the entire week, passes the I hope you have joined in on some of our class, and submits a timely application, they will In Solidarity, District and Unit meetings to keep abreast of receive the benefit. This and all these increased Joël Barton what is going on in the union. Remember, you benefits are for a specific time period and are IBEW 11 Business Manager IBEW 11’s NEWS@11

President Recording Secretary Business Manager/Financial Secretary Rusty Roten Chuck Webb Joël Barton

Vice President Treasurer Eric Brown Dave Grabowski

Main offices of IBEW Local 11 Produced by Senders Communications Group 297 North Marengo Avenue Pasadena, CA 91101 Publisher: Cherri Senders (626) 243-9700 Phone Editor: Evan Henerson (626) 243-9750 Fax Art Director: Mike Kritzer www.ibew11.org www.SendersGroup.com 2 NEWS @ 11 December 2020 From the President Despite the Pandemic, 2020 Had its Positives

Brothers and Sisters, safely and productively. When to decide how to distribute our me to be your president and I circumstances caused our members contract increases, our local has truly wish you all a pleasant s I write to go on unemployment, our local sent mail-in ballots to our members Seasons Greetings. As always, if this article stepped up the supplemental to allow them to vote. any of you have any questions, I count unemployment benefit to provide So here we are in December of please don’t hesitate to call our myself and additional financial support. 2020. Overall we have had a very agents or our offices. all of us, When large in-room gatherings good employment year for our fortunate. and in person meetings were members. Even our pension plan is God bless us all! We are shut down, our local engaged in showing a much stronger year end Gaylord “Rusty” Roten fortunate other forms of social media and rate of return. I consider this a lot IBEW 11 President because communication. We now have to be thankful for. there are many positive things that our General and Unit meetings But we’re not through. Our took place in spite of the pandemic. (temporarily) replaced with local has created a secure Zoom When the government shut informational Zoom meetings. application for dispatch. That way downA non-essential businesses, When our members and their our members can maintain social our electrical construction was extended families needed food distancing and safely see the job considered essential. When the supplies, our local collaborated calls on their cell phones instead health department established with the L.A. County Federation of the job call monitors. Final protocols, our local adapted of Labor, AFL-CIO, and hosted food construction is underway on the by providing face masks and bank drive-throughs at various new South Bay dispatch hall and our Business Manager went locations including a couple at our we hope to have it in operation by out to the jobsites to lead and ETI/Commerce facility. Since our February of 2021. to encourage everyone to work local can’t hold allocation meetings I humbly thank you for allowing

INTRODUCING 11’S LEADERSHIP

Local 11 Has Made My Life ‘Better for the World’ Q: Do you come from a union family? 10 Questions for Executive Board Member Michael Hawkins A: Yes, my father was a fireman in the Air Force and he was with By Evan Henerson the air conditioning unit.

ews @ 11 Q: What made you decide to it a shot.’ I have been in unions Q: Tell us a little bit about your recently run for the Local 11 Executive most of my life, with the Air Force background. spoke to Board? Union Workers ground crew and A: I was an Air Force brat so 15-year A: I’m part of the District 3 before I was an electrician, I was a I grew up abroad. I was born in member Executive Board, I’ve been on the carpenter with Local 409. Nebraska and we lived in Germany and welfare committee and a lot of and Spain. I came back to the states Executive other different committees. I was Q: How did you learn the trade? and did my junior high and high Board asked to step up a few years ago A: I have a degree in information school years in Alabama. I came to Member and put my name on the ballot. I systems and finance and I got into Los Angeles to go to college at Cal Michael Hawkins about his work, said, “Yeah, I have no problem.” a little trouble with the Federal State University, L.A. background and leadership Government. When I was in prison, responsibilities in the union. Q: What have you learned I learned electrical work. I knew Q: Can you tell us about your N since becoming an Exec Board I had to do something when I got family? member? out, and the construction industry A: My wife Sheila and I have been A: I hadn’t realized how in depth is forgiving. I came out and said, married 12 years although I have the information is that we as board “I’ll give you my skills for the next known her for closer to 18. We don’t members get about unions. You three years and you can write me have children, but I have raised one learn about how the International off on your taxes if you hire me.” child through another relationship works vs. the locals and all the for the last 15 years. different categories of payments. Q: What are some of the most I’ve been a steward two times, so memorable projects that you Q: What are some of the key that helped. have worked on? benefits of being a union member? A: I did Arrowhead Medical A: We get better insurance and Q: How did you join Local 11? Center from the ground up. I was substantial retirement options. A: I was organized in from the GF - General Foreman on that. People have a tendency to care Helix. My previous employer and I also worked on San Pedro High about each other in a union. It’s a I weren’t seeing eye to eye and a School. I like start-ups. Power fraternity, like a brotherhood. We friend of mine said, ‘Come on over plants and hospitals are look after one another. to the union.’ I said, ‘OK, I’ll give my specialty. (Continued on page 12)

DecemberDecember 2020 2020 NEWS NEWS @ 11 @ 11 33 Member Spotlight: 32-Year Industry Veteran Jeff Lorenzen By Evan Henerson Off the clock, he’s a husband, father the job has been good.” same year, he joined Local 11 as a of three sons and grandfather of A native of Huntington Beach, residential wireman and eventually eff Lorenzen’s one granddaughter with a second Lorenzen and his family moved took the apprenticeship course business card due on New Year’s Eve. An avid to Colorado when Jeff was 9. His that allowed him to reclassify as an may label him cyclist who has completed eight father, John, was a union butcher inside wireman. Taft Electric has as a production half-century rides with the Boy who ran a deli and liquor store. In offices all over Ventura County, and superintendent Scouts, he can often be found 1986, when Lorenzen was in his over the years, the job has taken with Taft Electric, climbing the hills behind Palmdale early 20s, an electrician friend him to several memorable projects but that title only where he makes his home. who had moved to California including the film preservation tells part of his And he’s also a proud 32-year encouraged Lorenzen to come out vaults in Santa Clarita, the west story. member of Local 11 who praises the and join him. campus expansion of Antelope Lorenzen is an benefits of being in a union and of “He said, ‘You could start Valley College and a solar ranch in industry veteran, working for company both of which working tomorrow,’” Lorenzen Lancaster that employed a residential wireman have allowed him to raise and recalled. “So I packed up my stuff, 350 electricians. whoJ went through the support a family. moved out on a Friday, stayed at his “The last time Rusty Roten had apprenticeship program and “It helped me put three kids parents’ house over the weekend his tool bags on was a job for Taft reclassified as an inside wireman. through college,” Lorenzen and started working on Monday. Electric in the Pacific Palisades,” He is a supervisor and a mentor said. “I’ve been able to do a lot I haven’t been able to qualify for Lorenzen said. “He told us that he who reviews the work of his of different type of work in the unemployment since.” was going to become the president colleagues in an effort to make electrical trade. The fact that they Two years later, Lorenzen of the union and we threw him a every overall job more productive. let me teach things and mentor on married his wife, Giovanna. That little hip hip hooray party.” While the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the economy and affected jobs in every industry, the work of electricians is still considered essential. Given the protective equipment they routinely use, electricians are better prepared to stay safe than workers in other industries, according to Lorenzen. “The policies and procedures that the company put into place to stay open makes it a little more challenging to go to jobs, but the governor has deemed us essential workers. That part of it is great,” Lorenzen said. “Everyone on the job has been trained to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for a lot of things. Hard hats, gloves, face shields are all things that we’re all using all the time. Now we’re basically doing that kind of thing at home.” On the home front, the pandemic has put a kink in the Lorenzens’ ability to bond with their grandchildren. Two of their sons live out of town - one in Fresno, the other outside of Annapolis, Maryland. They have only seen their first granddaughter, Zoe (who is six weeks old) for a total of three hours. “My wife has wanted grandkids for like six years now,” Lorenzen said. “We’re super excited [about the new arrival] but we probably won’t be going out to see them until after the vaccine comes out.”

4 NEWS @ 11 December 2020 GEORGE LUCAS Members (Continued from the page 1) superintendent responsible for scheduling support and prioritizing Speak Out duties out to the field. “There are lots of things on this “I’ve been in the union for project that haven’t been done 20 years. Membership before. It’s an exciting opportunity has benefited me quite a for so many of us for so many bit. I got married 5 years reasons,” he continued. into my apprenticeship. One reason the project is exciting The Local has supported for Villarreal is the building’s me in purchasing a home, providing me with revolutionary seismic crossing security and health benefits. It’s near and dear system. Specially-designed to my family. It’s allowed us to live a good life.” electrical cabling and wiring will cause the seismic isolators at the — RICHARD JAUREQUI, 58 foundation to absorb shock and Foreman allow the building to sway four feet in any direction — a cutting edge earthquake precaution measure. “I’ve been in the union since “It’s a very unique endeavor,” 2005. It has been absolutely he said. “It’s made possible with a amazing. I’ve always had great team of guys. We’ve got great a job. I’ve always been able chemistry together out here so it to provide for my family really feels like working with family.” with healthcare benefits and Villarreal’s team is working a good salary that have taken care of us. I’m with over 900,000 feet of conduit proud to say my union will continue to take and more than 2.6 million feet of care of us through the future.” wire to set up 120 different light — CASEY FILLHART, 34 fixture types and upwards of 16,000 General Foreman feet of linear track lights. The team comprises some of the most camaraderie he said feels with his a highlight and an opportunity. experienced IBEW 11 members like team and the daily tackling of new “It seems like there’s always “I really wanted something general foreman Ed Garcia. Garcia is challenges is making this job a direction,” said Eric Illarramemdi, that would provide focusing primarily on helping install memorable one. an inside wireman apprentice who financial security and solar paneling on the curved roof, “Every job is different and has has been with Local 11 for three medical benefits. The which is proving to be a challenge. its own unique pieces, its trying years. “There’s no faltering and even union checked those “Most installations go on flat moments,” Barraza said. “Some if there’s an obstacle there’s always a boxes. The bonus of it is roofs,” explained Garcia, a member days it feels like there’s always solution in a matter of minutes. The the physical challenge as well as the mental of Local 11 for 31 years. “This some obstruction, some new experience of the team shows when challenge. I love that I need to use math to surface we’re installing on is technology we’re working with, or I’m working with them. I’m able to circumvent obstacles and provide solutions.” completely asymmetrical, so we some new infrastructure element pick their brains whenever I need — ERIC ILLARRAMEMDI, 28 have to install flat solar panels so to work around. But at the same questions answered.” Inside Wireman Apprentice they curve with the building. That time, when you have a great group Luis Guerrero, 23, an apprentice, means aligning them, tilting them of guys with you like I do, you just is taking it all in and soaking up and working with complex angles.” look forward to those things and mentorship wherever he can. “31 years in the union and Garcia admitted that the figuring it all out together.” “This is the biggest job I’ve as far as I’m concerned, I’m installation process can be After 20 years in Local 11 and a been on yet,” he said. “I’m in the perfect situation. I stressful. But the problem-solving previous stint working for nearly learning something from pretty couldn’t ask for a better aspect of the job is rewarding too. eight years non-union, Barraza much everyone. It’s really been life. I’ve always been busy “It’s all of the above,” he said. knows the value of having a strong, fascinating.” with steady work and it has “It’s fun to exercise your mind union team at his side. Guerrero credits Local 11 with let me live a comfortable life. That would be and find solutions working with “I’ve been on both sides,” he providing direction to his life. At enough, but I also have all the knowledge I’ve engineers and coordinating work said. “In the union, it’s just much 15, he had his first child and he said gained from my work installing state-of-the-art at different locations. I’ve spent a better stability, better training and he was determined to establish a equipment. It’s been a rewarding ride.” lot of hours on it. It’s something I’ve a better life. It’s a good living I’m clear career track. — ED GARCIA, 55 never done before.” making, I’m in a great trade and I’m “I joined the union when I was General Foreman Oscar Barraza, 49, the site’s able to support my family.” 19. I’ve been working ever since. general foreman overseeing the For some of the younger folks on It’s meant a steady check, good distribution boards and single the job, being able to learn from benefits, and I can support my “I try to push the trade on lines, is also having fun. The experienced professionals has been family,” he said. a lot of these young guys. It gives direction and a career. Where else in just five years can you be BY THE NUMBERS making close to six figures • 150,000 – Number of • 4 ft – amount of sway shock • 120 – number of different with great benefits and without debt? I owe manhours contracted to date insulators are built to withstand fixture types the union everything. I have a great salary, • 32 – number of electricians • 900,000 ft – amount of • 16,000 ft – amount of linear benefits, retirement, my pension—a good life.” on site conduit used track lights used — LEE VILLARREAL, 41 • 2 – number of square city • 2.6 Million ft – amount of wire • 1,800 ft – amount of 2Hr rated Superintendent blocks the project encompasses to be installed mineral insulated cable used

December 2020 NEWS @ 11 5 The Allocation Vote is in JW and IT Members Cast Their Ballots

n Saturday, Of the 2,056 Inside Wiremen Of the 78 Transportation Wiremen Dec. 5, 2020 votes cast: votes cast: Allocation • 1,070 voted for Option A, • 43 voted for Option B, votes were allocating $1.25 to wages, $.25 allocating $1.90 exclusively to tallied for to the medical plan, $.25 to the wages the Inside Defined Contribution plan, $.10 to • 34 voted for Option A, The following wage increase Wiremen Health Reimbursement Account, allocating $1.25 to wages, $.25 becomes effective Feb. 1, 2021: and Trans- and $.05 to Supplemental to the medical plan, $.25 to portation Unemployment Benefits. the Defined Contribution plan, For JW: Wiremen classifications. Option • 906 voted for Option B, allocating $.10 to Health Reimbursement • IJW hourly wage: $51.50 A was the winner for the $1.90 exclusively to wages. Account, and $.05 to • Health package $13.19 Inside Wiremen, while Option • 76 voted for Option C, “other.” Supplemental Unemployment • Pension (DB) $9.03 OB was the preferred choice for • 4 ballots were voided Benefits. • Pension (DC) $5.79 Transportation members. • 1 voted for Option C, Total = $79.51 “other.”Local 11’s Executive Board was tasked with opening For IT: Check us out on social media and counting the ballots to • T/S JW hourly wage: $51.30 determine the tally. • Health package $13.14 The election was verified by • Pension (DB) $9.08 @ibewlocal11 @ibewlocal11 @ibew11 two tellers. • Pension (DC) $5.99 Total = $79.51

New Local 11 Club Has a Ticket to Ride By Jimbo Cluck and ride, and what better way to community and the local. We have those who are less fortunate. It was do it than together with your IBEW several more riders looking to join a great day for all, and I would like fter two years of laying family? soon, and will be accepting new to send out a hearty thank you to the groundwork, On Aug. 8, the IBEW Local 11 members in 2021. All American and both clubs for the warm welcome. Local 11 finally has Riders Club had our first meeting/ Union made bikes over 880cc’s are Anyone who is interested in its own chapter of the ride with the “First Five” members. welcome to ride with us on all of joining the club should reach Electrical Workers We have had several more meetings our runs. out to one of our members Motorcycle Club that was started and rides, and have reached our Our first major run was on for sponsorship. You can also Ain 1995 in Local 3, New York. Just first year goal of 11 members. Sunday Nov. 22 as we joined contact me, Jim “Jimbo” Cluck when we were ready to start up (Since we are Local 11, we thought forces with our fellow Building at [email protected] for the Local 11 club, COVID hit. So that was a good number!) Our club’s Trades brothers and sisters -- the more information. we waited a few months, and goal is to bring our Brothers and Ironworkers M.C., and the Pipe ultimately decided to get started Sisters together on American- and Fitters M.C.-- for the Ironworkers’ Jimbo Cluck is the president of the during the long months of the union-made bikes (over 880cc’s) annual Toy Run which helped bring IBEW Local Riders Club lockdown. We all needed to get out to do positive things for the much needed Christmas presents to

6 NEWS @ 11 December 2020 members. In Alhambra USD, Local 11 members helped elect a pro-union majority that will move a project labor agreement forward. In Long Beach, our preferred candidates won seats on the Long Beach City College and the Long Beach City Council. Their victories will preserve our work in both agencies. We also had allies elected in Carson, Cudahy, Downey, Santa Monica, Santa Clarita, San Fernando, Pasadena, West Hollywood, and other cities. Measures to fund school construction and renovations passed in Duarte USD, Pasadena USD, Inglewood USD, and LAUSD. These bond measures not only keep our local education facilities up to date and safe, but create many building trade jobs. This year, many candidates campaigned on environmental issues. Specifically, on lowering greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning away from fossil fuels. “This is a hot topic for IBEW 11 members because we are the ‘green jobs’ union, and it will mean a lot of jobs for us,” noted Sanchez. In the City of Los Angeles, Nithya Raman beat incumbent David Ryu and will be the third woman on the council. Raman ran on an anti- corruption and pro-environment platform. “It is our hope that her pro-environment agenda International President Lonnie Stephenson, who will serve on Biden’s transition team, greets the president- includes high-road union jobs. Our members elect. “I want to thank all the IBEW brothers and sisters who made phone calls, sent messages and spoke to their friends, family and co-workers to make sure our voice was heard. When IBEW members vote, IBEW have been performing energy efficiency jobs, members win. installing photovoltaic systems, and battery storage projects before it was hip,” said Sanchez. Business Manager Barton stressed the BIDEN-HARRIS CLOSER TO HOME importance of the union’s political involvement: (Continued from the page 1) In LA County, 75 percent of all eligible voters “As governments focus more on lowering in L.A. County cast a ballot in the November emissions and creating ‘green jobs,’ they must the foresight of our international leadership, election, noted IBEW 11’s political director guarantee that our members will benefit with will have an important seat at the transition Antonio Sanchez. “That’s a big increase of about good paying, skilled jobs that will also help save table and beyond. Make no mistake, this will 10 percent compared to the 2016 Presidential the environment.” create and protect work for our members and in general election turnout. Here at the construction industry.” IBEW Local 11, we pushed our “We will now have people in power who members to register to vote online understand that Unions are the best way by visiting www.ibewvotes.com.” to ensure that workers have safe working The 11 for 11 voter registration conditions, a voice on the job, and good benefits campaign, coined by organizer and wages,” said Barton. Francisco “Paco” Arago, successfully IBEW International President Lonnie registered close to 300 voters, Sanchez Stephenson, agrees. “Union voters were decisive said. “Considering that we did this in Joe Biden’s and Kamala Harris’ election mostly via text and email, we should victory, and I want to thank all the IBEW be proud of the work we produced.” brothers and sisters who made phone calls, sent “Despite the local’s campaign messages and spoke to their friends, family and activities being reduced because of co-workers to make sure our voice was heard. the pandemic, our work made an Local 11 proved once again that when IBEW impact,” Sanchez added. “Some races members vote, IBEW members win.” were decided by dozens of votes. For IBEW was an early endorser of Joe Biden, example, a seat on the Culver City’s taking a chance on backing his candidacy in its City Council was secured by a infancy. And now, with Biden promising to be candidate that garnered 28 more “the most pro-union president you’ve ever seen,” votes than their opponent. And in labor will reap the dividends. In stark contrast the City of San Fernando, another to the current administration and its anti-union candidate won her race by 24 votes. policies that froze out labor, International So yes, every vote matters.” President Stephenson will be a key member of Thank you to all the volunteers Biden’s transition team, co-chairing the Climate that helped make the local’s voter Engagement Advisory Council. registration drive such a success. In another sign that things are looking up for labor, two congressional representatives, Marc Pocan of Wisconsin, and Donald Norcross of New CANDIDATE & BOND VICTORIES Jersey (an IBEW member) announced on Nov. 13 There were also successes with the formation of the House of Representatives’ other local candidates and bond first Labor Caucus in Congress to represent the measures that will work to improve interest of organized labor on Capitol Hill. the bottom-line work picture for our IBEW 11 members turn up the support for Biden on the jobsites.

December 2020 NEWS @ 11 7 Safety: Personal Story of COVID By Ivan De Herrera, Jr. appy prior to this last time. say “Happiness Holidays Each and every one of you and joy to my sisters “essential workers” takes that you all” and same risk every day. I’m proud to We will get brothers. be part of IBEW. I’m humbled by through this I wanted the dedication you all have to keep together. At to share a working or, in some cases, not to this moment, personal work. We all make the best choices “life is a gift.” story for ourselves. Life is fragile, but This season, call concerning COVID. We all have we can’t wrap ourselves in bubble those sisters and been inundated with so many wrap and think it will keep us safe. brothers you negative stories that keep us tense We do what we need to do. haven’t spoken Hand nervous. And at this current During quarantine, I had time to in a while. moment in time, we should be to contemplate and came to the Hug those family concerned. We need to be following realization of how much IBEW 11 members you guidelines, wearing face masks and and the membership means to me. can. Air hugs to doing everything we can to protect My desire to get back to you all all of you ourselves and others. truly helped in my recovery. from me. This is a Christmas story so it We have to stay healthy so we Stay vigilant. does have a happy ending. I was can work. In order to take care of Be safe. Help sick and my wife got sick as well. ourselves, our families and each those around I don’t know if I got the virus at other we need to stay in contact you. Share your May this season give you peace work, at church, at the market or with each other and call each other skills and knowledge with each and joy through these difficult at the gas station. None of that for advice or to receive or offer other. Together we are IBEW. I times. May God bless and protect matters. I had been vigilant like us support. We need to look after each thank God for another day to help you, yours and all our IBEW family. all. Yet I tested positive a month other. We need to check on and our local. I thank God for family, I am honored to work for you. I am ago. I had been to job sites prior to encourage each other. and I thank God for you all. I know blessed to call you all friend, sister, this diagnosis. I have been to sites My wife and I got through this things are going to get better. We or brother, my family. since the pandemic started where and I get another day to be an IBEW IBEW members are the smartest, Stay positive. There are better I was on a contact tracing list. I member. I get to say “I appreciate toughest and best skilled trades days ahead. It truly is a tested negative each of the three you all.” I get another moment to people out there. Tough times don’t wonderful life! times I was called to “go check” try and do better. I get a chance to last. Tough people do.

Retirees: Current Officers Continue for Next Term By Al Etherton membership meetings via Zoom Executive Officers are President Contact Information including district meetings and Al Etherton; Vice President he club’s Executive Board meetings. Go John Vargas; Secretary Sandy and Dues monthly to the local’s website for dates Smith; Treasurer Dave Smith and meetings and times, www.IBEW11.org. We Sergeant-at-Arms Joe Zamora. If As we work to keep our contact/ currently will continue forwarding you the you have questions, you can call mailing and dues list updated, are not being information we receive from the any one of them. we need your help. If we don’t held and will local as we receive it. The Retiree’s I would also like to thank the have your email, please provide resume when Club will also consider hosting a directors who have also agreed to us with it so that we can send you allowed. virtual meeting. stay on for another term: David information electronically. We’ll notify The local also sends out a Alaniz, Jim Amato, Butch Bachand, If you only receive the you by e-mail when we start monthly membership email blast Tom Jonynas, Fernando Martinez, newsletter by e-mail, please having meetings again. If you have and the Retiree’s Club will forward Angelo Santoro, Anthony Vann and provide us your name, mailing any questions, please contact us these blasts to our members to help Joe Wassenaar. address and phone numbers so we Tat RetireesClubIBEW11@gmail. keep you informed on what is going As we enjoy the holidays, please can update our mailing list. com or call one of the officers. on in the union. You can also find be extra cautious with family and Dues for the 2021 year are due on The locals are not authorized this information by going to the friends. Who doesn’t want to hug January 1, 2021. The amount is $6. to hold meetings. The I.O. will Locals web site at IBEW11.org. them? But remember the mask If you have not paid your annual inform the locals when they may Due to the pandemic, the and safety tips are not only to dues, please send them in. We resume meetings, subject to state, Retiree’s Club Board of Directors protect you but to help you protect greatly appreciate your support for city and county rules, regulations held a phone conference meeting, your friends, acquaintances, and Local 11 Retiree’s Club. and safety protocols. The local is where all agreed to stay in their loved ones. Be safe and enjoy the Thank you! now conducting regular virtual position for another term. The holidays!

8 NEWS @ 11 December 2020 AGENT REPORTS

you will get reimbursed for these (see the DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 1 dispatch hall for this info). Mike Costigan Shomari Davis If you see projects in the District 2/District 3 area and are unsure if they are union jobs, Even with COVID, we were able to keep a call Oscar Martinez our D2/D3 Organizer at Huntington Park High School has a $92 million lot of members working. The airport is still (626) 429-1665 so he can visit the site. One of building project awarded to Taft Electric. our bread and butter location. I joined an the main goals or our union is to organize all L.A. City College Central Plant Phase II is a $11 informational Zoom meeting during which they electrical workers into the great IBEW. We are million project awarded to MB Herzog Electric. were discussing the long-awaited Terminal 9 on stronger in numbers, and everyone deserves to Adams Terrace Project is a $36 million project the southeast corner of Sepulveda and Century. work under fair and equitable conditions. that has been awarded to Walton Electric. Terminal 9 will have 12 gates, 1.5 million square If you need to have an Agent come out to 8th and Figueroa is still being excavated. It is feet with four levels, and access to the new APM. your jobsite for any reason, just want to talk a 40-story high rise project awarded to Rosendin I’ll provide more info as it comes in. Also, the or have some general questions, please do not Electric. Purple Lines 1, 2 and 3 are all underway. Purple hesitate to call or text me at (626) 375-5721 for Figueroa and Pico is a high rise project with Line 1 is ready to push through the Wilshire/ the District 2 area or Mike Costigan at (310) Suffolk as the General Contractor. SASCO La Cienega station with build outs to continue, 503-5337 for the District 3 area. As always, it Electric is scheduled to perform that project and completion expected in 2023. Purple Line is my honor to serve this membership as your which is just coming out of the ground. They are 2 TBM’s are drilling and have breached the District 2 Agent. at the second level and will need members. property line of Beverly Hills High School with a Happy Holidays to all of the IBEW LOCAL 11 completion date of 2025. And finally, Purple line Family. DISTRICT 2 3 in moving forward with demo of some solar REFINERIES REPORT panels at the VA, the placement of the first TBM DISTRICT 2 Manny Solis with a completion date of 2027. Gary Tomlin If LAX/Crenshaw is any indication, the station build outs will provide plenty of work for our Refinery work in District 2 is very much on members. So please be on the lookout for any of The Holidays are upon us and getting ready the rise. The contractors at various refineries those long-term projects. I wish all my Sisters to close out this crazy 2020 year. 2021 is sure to in Carson, Wilmington, and Torrance will be and Brothers a safe and Happy Holiday. Please be another great work year for Local 11. Let’s in need of lots of manpower for upcoming continue to do the right things, and we will get continue to be safe over the holidays, spend time turnarounds and for general maintenance through this together. with family and appreciate all we have. throughout many of our refineries. All this A little update on the new South Bay Hall work has come following the SB-54 legislation coming to you early next year. Mike Costigan, which passed and is now really taking effect DISTRICT 4 our District 3 Business Agent, has found a great and adding to our work picture. Marc Greenfield location for our South Bay Hall on the corner of There will be 60–70 calls for those who 190th St and Van Ness, right off the 405 Freeway have RSO and TWIC cards out to the Phillips The work picture in the San Fernando and in Torrance. The expectation is to open the 66 Refinery in Wilmington for December and Santa Clarita Valleys continue to look good Hall up around early February. We will have more calls in January for those who wish to do for 2021 and beyond. As I have been reporting, a dispatch hall there (a little bigger than the industrial work. there are some good size projects getting ready Commerce Hall), offices for the Business Agents, There is also a need for Certified High to start: two water filtration plants, LAUSD and Organizers, and a fulltime clerical worker. Voltage Cable Splicers and for Certified LACCD projects, Olive View Medical Center and The work picture in District 2 is staying Process Instrumentation Technicians at Tarzana Hospital. The Los Angeles City Council steady, with most of the calls coming in for Phillips 66. M.B. Herzog is working at Torrance cleared the way for the $1.2 Billion Westfield the refineries. If you do not have your TWIC Refinery – PBF and will be looking to hire Promenade 2035. This new downtown district in card and RSO-20 and want to work in the more electricians after the first of the year the west San Fernando Valley will include a new refineries, take the class for the RSO and for both turn-around work and for general events center, two hotels, a 28-story office tower get the TWIC cards. As a Local 11 member, construction. and more than 1,400 new apartments.

Organizing: Growing Our Member and Contractor Lists

By Robert Corona continued to visit non-union and Communications and one Center and will ensure that jobsites to spread the union that is strictly Traffic Signal. We we have more work for our s this message to the unrepresented were instrumental in the efforts members when conventions unprecedented electricians working in Los Angeles to obtain a Community Workforce resume next year. Also, in Long year comes to County. Through their efforts we Agreement at Mt. San Antonio Beach we were instrumental in a close, I would are still organizing new members College, which is estimated to the process of helping LABCT like to share which has allowed us to meet the generate up to $1 billion worth obtain a Community Workforce with you some I.O’s goal of attaining a 4 percent of future work. Although this Agreement with the Long Beach results garnered growth in “A” membership, this has year was not amenable to large Unified School District which has through the work of the Organizing helped us end our year with more gatherings at convention halls, $450 million dollars of work to be Department. Since we have been than 9,400 “A” members. we were at the forefront with the performed over the next deemedA an essential workforce, But not only have we been L.A. Building and Construction five years. construction has been ongoing bringing in members, we have Trades in obtaining an agreement In closing, I hope you and throughout this pandemic. And so, also added 16 new contractors to with the Long Beach Convention your family are safe and healthy taking all necessary precautions, our pool of signatory partners, Center which is similar to what throughout this holiday season the organizers of Local 11 have four of which are strictly Sound we have with the L.A. Convention and the new year.

December 2020 NEWS @ 11 9 The D4 Welfare Committee is on fire! The LAUSD: The District is implementing members have been hard at work adding DISTRICT 6 mandatory COVID-19 testing for all our exciting new merchandise which has proven ORGANIZING REPORT members. You must test to work. That is a to be popular and, in some cases, selling out Jacob Troncoza management right held in the public sector. We in short time! Heather Renz, the D4 secretary have had some issues with the consent forms, continues to be an asset to District 4 with her Many jobsites in the district are “mix but we are working on the language. You do not hard work and dedication to the members. used” and are being manned by nonunion have to sign the forms, but you must then go I hope all of you essential workers will contractors. We are currently walking these to your own provider to take the test. I hope to continue to be safe on the job. Happy Holidays jobsites throughout the district and organizing have more information soon. and wishing you all a happy and prosperous all electricians. On another note, there are LA County: The County is still threatening New Year in 2021! VOC opportunities such as the Thanksgiving layoffs and is unwilling to negotiate. Fortunately, we recently learned that their fiscal DISTRICT 5 Day LA Food Drives that we hosted at our ETI training facility a.k.a. Metro. We also had a food budget is larger than anticipated, which means Mitch Klein drive with the IBEW “Big BBQ Pit” in the city that we might be able to avoid layoffs altogether. of Norwalk on Halloween to feed less fortunate LA City: We have successfully pushed off We are continuing to be busy at the Defense families. These were big successes with good the furloughs once again. The new date for Plants, Antelope Valley College and the volunteer turn out. If you’re interested in implementation is January 17, 2021. Of course, Palmdale School District. We are just starting volunteering for future events, feel free to we will be negotiating until then and identifying the 100 MW Battery Storage Yard in Lancaster contact me at (626) 319-8112. savings for the city so that we can avoid with more solar projects to follow. We are furloughs altogether. also working the Kaiser facilities in Antelope SOUND & COMMUNICATIONS MOU 35: I recently received information that Valley and surrounding areas. We continue to the Controller’s office is finally processing the have our food drive for the upcoming holidays Chuck Webb sick leave payouts that our members have been and our ongoing tool drive in memory of our patiently waiting for. As soon as I have a hard departed Brother Deon Watson. I would like OMG, what a year. What a relief to know that date, I will let you know. to give a shout out to our District 5 Organizer we are part of a union, the IBEW. We build what Lastly, I would like to invite you and your shop Alton Wilkerson and our Civil Service / others can only marvel at. Our numbers are to schedule a Zoom meeting with me so that I Manufacturing Representative Kristian growing and our percentage of the work in Los can hear your concerns directly and as a group. Mendoza for all their hard work. Angeles is growing with that reality. We must Please feel free to contact me on my cell phone Our Journeyman classes are being held on- continue training, growing our membership, at (626) 712-4769. or email me at line via Zoom. If you need your hours toward and participating in our union. [email protected]. State Certification, please notify the Electrical If we expect to be considered in the building Training Institute for further information. Our of our union, we might start with being CE & CW Report Unit 5 meetings are the second Tuesday of every more active in union events. All our Sound Jaime Sanchez month at 5 pm via Zoom. & Communications Unit members should be getting the invitations for the Informational Meetings, General and Unit, on a monthly basis. I hope you all are doing well and our prayers DISTRICT 6 are there for all of you. We hope that this Erik Delgado There are also District Meetings. You probably live in one of the six districts of Los pandemic situation gets under control soon. Angeles County. A map of the District divisions Take good care of your health and the health of I believe it is important for us all to remain of L.A. County can be found on the Local 11 your family and stay safe. The holiday season strong and vigilant as we continue to do our website homepage. If you click on that slider, brings thoughts of joy and gratitude and there’s part in helping to control this pandemic. you will get information regarding the Inside no better time to express our thanks and sincere With the new lifesaving vaccines and the new Wiremen’s Agent for that area. From time to appreciation for your hard work and dedication. president elect, we finally have hope on the time, these Agents hold food drives to help the Our union extends our best wishes for a horizon. We are essential workers and for less fortunate in their area, holiday events, and healthy and happy new year to you, your friends the past 10 months we have been expected gatherings to celebrate the union way of life. and family. As we celebrate in our different to put our boots on and go to work. I thank In the future we plan to have the District/Unit ways, we can all be thankful for the solidarity every brother and sister who continues to Zoom invites on the website making it easier for that gives us strength to fight for what is right. partake in this noble cause during these all to access. It is amazing what can be learned May the spirit of our shared belief in justice unprecedented times. from some of the “old timers.” spread throughout your workplace and across There are some large projects coming up in Our numbers on the Out of Work books is the land and generate peace in our world. 2021 like the active five year Metro Gold Line, growing as is typical for the winter months. Merry Christmas! I hope you receive one the City of Hope campus expansion project, We are also seeing a few members coming back blessing after another in the coming year. Queen of the Valley campus expansion project, from the COVID-19 “recess.” There are many multiple projects at Mt. San Antonio College and jobs in the “queue.” and we are expecting the Whittier Narrows Aquatic Center. another year of growth for our industry. I would personally like to give a shout out to Remember to watch out for your Sisters and the apprentices in all classifications who have Brothers, work safely, follow all health protocols. been asked to go the extra mile and take online The future is bright. Stick around and enjoy it. classes. I know it has not been easy, but your hard work will pay off in the end. Brotherhood Unit 14 Civil Service and sisterhood begins with involvement and active participation in the local. I want you to Luis Arida know and take pride in the fact that you are the future of our IBEW and you will decide Sisters and Brothers, I hope this report the direction we take. So continue to educate finds you healthy and in good spirits. yourselves and strive to become the best COVID-19 has wreaked havoc among our brothers/sisters you can be for the greater good Civil Service members due to a lack of of this union. Remember, “your yellow ticket revenue for our public agencies. We must makes you a member, but your actions on the remain vigilant to protect ourselves and our job is what makes you a brother or sister.” loved ones.

10 NEWS @ 11 December 2020 Veterans: Compliance: Members of the 11 Family New Ways to Work By Mike Kufchak By Veronica Martinez vetting awarded contract work and getting ahead of the issues or s the Director of Veterans Affairs, please allow me n behalf jurisdictional disputes prior to the to extend to all members, on behalf of our Local 11 of the meetings. Veterans, our most sincere appreciation for your Compliance We have also taken the inclusion of us making us truly members of this Department, opportunity to discuss the work family. Happy with other trades and respectively Below is a poem that I felt fitting for this season Holidays draw work scope lines because we that has represented not only our past lives, but and Happy knew the anticipated assignments also keeps in mind that we have many Reservists New Year. I in advance. Since March of 2020, within Local 11 who are still on our Nation’s saw a funny we have participated in over 700 watch. Note: I’ve edited the poem below from its 1987 original version: Christmas tree ornament a few pre-jobs online! Thank you to all “Merry Christmas, My Friend: A Soldiers Night Before Christmas.” days ago that read, “2020 sucked, the agents who have supported the We extend our blessings to all for a safe and joyous holiday season and a but at least the Dodgers won the department on days when meetings betterA new year. Fraternally. OWorld Series and the Lakers won overlapped, and coverage was the NBA Championship.” needed. While the year did have its A special thank you to Eric undeniable challenges, I think it Brown who took the lead in pre- A Veteran’s Christmas Poem also presented the opportunity job coverage and our department By James M. Schmidt, U.S. Veteran for different perspectives and new admin Roxxann who kept us all As Santa arrived at a Veterans Home on Christmas Eve, ways to work. This year the entire organized with the abundance of he noted that on the wall industry shifted the way we have meeting information coming our hung pictures of far distant lands. been conducting pre-jobs. Within way daily. I am also never short of Medals and badges, awards of every kind, a week of the initial stay-at-home thanking our membership for being a sobering thought came alive in his mind. order, all public and private entity our eyes and ears on the ground. This house was different, it was dark, it was dreary. pre-job meetings went to an online You keep us going. Our office will Santa had found the home of a veteran, interface platform. And believe it always have an open-door policy He could see that most clearly. or not, the transition was pretty to listen to and research issues The veteran lay sleeping silent, alone. seamless. presented. Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home. Making a strong presence at the Lastly, I leave you with what I His face was so chiseled, room in such order, pre-jobs and defending IBEW work am most thankful for in 2020 -- not Just how I pictured a U.S. Veteran. is a top priority. For the first time over-committing or extending Was this the hero, of whom he just read? ever, the trades were provided myself with weekend commitments Curled up on a poncho, a floor for a bed? pre-job forms, which identify so that I may enjoy the presence Out there lies the veterans who are willing to fight. contractors awarded projects in of my family….and the Dodgers advance of the pre-job meetings. winning the World Series. In the morning around the world, children would play We have had greater efficiency Grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas day But they all enjoyed freedom, each month through the year, because of Veterans like the one lying here. Intelligent Transportation: Santa couldn’t help but wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas Eve, in lands far from home. The very thought brought a tear to his eye. Giving Thanks and he dropped to his knees and started to cry. realized blessings. Some of the The veteran awakened, and Santa heard his rough voice, By Patrick Owens blessings I have realized continue “Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice eason’s Greetings to be a strong work picture, We fight for freedom, We don’t ask for more. and Happy good increases in what has been Our life is our God and our country. Holidays to collectively bargained and a closer

all! These are bond with my families, both related The veteran then rolled over, and pretended to sleep, certainly trying and fraternal. Santa couldn’t control it, and he continued to weep, times, but 2020 I am thankful for the solid, caring, as both of them shivered from the cold night’s chill. will soon pass, and responsible leadership of the Santa didn’t want to leave him on that cold, dark night. and I believe we local through the hearts and minds This guardian of honor, so willing to fight. will all be happy of our Business Manager Joel Barton, Then the Veteran rolled over with a voice soft and pure. to see it go. Given the extreme President Gaylord “Rusty” Roten, He whispered, “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, challenges we have all faced, my and the Executive Board. They were Our Nation is Secure.” hopes are that 2021 will continue to elected to do a job, and they have! Sprovide strong employment, good Please continue to stay safe and health through safe practices and let’s all continue to look forward for protocols, and that you and your better days. Thank you all for the family will continue to prosper. opportunity to serve your needs as I am sure that through all this your Business Representative! Peace past year’s challenges, you have to all, good will towards you all!

December 2020 NEWS @ 11 11 PRSRT STD ARE YOU GETTING OUR MEETING EMAILS? US POSTAGE PAID HUNT. BCH CA PERMIT #438 he Union sends out notices and reminders each month for regular meetings. If you’re not receiving them, contact your district office to make sure they have your current contact Tinformation. Following is the list of regular meetings, unless otherwise noted. Check www.ibew11.org for updates.

General Membership Meeting – 3rd Thur of the month Executive Board Meeting – 3rd Wed of the month District 1 Meetings – 2nd Wed of the month District 2 Meetings – 1st Wed of the month #IBEW11Apprentice Campaign Takes Off! District 3 Meetings – 1st Thur of the month District 4 Meetings – 1st Tue of the month District 5 Meetings – 2nd Tue of the month District 6 Meetings – 4th Wed of the month Unit 14 Meetings – 4th Sat of the month Sound & Communications – 2nd Sat of the month EWMC Meetings – 3rd Sat of the month Retirees Meetings – 2nd Wed of the month

CHECK WWW.IBEW11.ORG FOR UPDATES

AIRBORNE APPRENTICE! Local 11 Inside apprentice Mat Boneman is seen running conduit up columns at the LA County Parking Structure. If you have a cool work site photo you would like to see featured on the Local 11 Instagram page, text it to (424) 330-4950

hank you to the #IBEW11Journeymen campaign. over 30 apprentices Together, both campaigns will bring who have shared awareness to the quality electrical their jobsite photos work and craftsmanship our members since launching our are producing, and highlight the #IBEW11Apprentice individuals who make it happen. Instagram campaign Text us your photos to (424) 330- Thanksgiving Food Drive at ETI last month. Check them out on our 4950 with #IBEW11Apprentice hashtag Instagram page. or direct message us on Instagram. BEW Local #11 members and staff pitched in to help prepare food TWe would like to invite IBEW 11 Be sure to include your name, the at the Thanksgiving Food Drive and distribution event at ETI Journeymen to submit pictures jobsite and your classification. sponsored by Labor Community Services and the Los Angeles as well, as we introduce the IRegional Food Bank. MICHAEL HAWKINS (Continued from page 3)

Q: What do you tell young that’s why I do my best to support tradespeople about the union? the union every way I can. A: Local 11 has treated me well and has made my life better for Over the next few months, we will the world. The union has given be introducing each of your Executive me a living wage so I can afford Board members – the men and women to live in California. I’m proud who make your union run. to be a member of this local and Stay tuned.