Monday, August 31, 2009

Los Angeles Electricians Working Hard in Phoenix

http://www.kpho.com/news/20380038/detail.html

PHOENIX -- A near electrocution at a Phoenix apartment complex sent two men to the hospital with third-degree burns and knocked out power to the estimated 1,100 residents.
At about 5 p.m. Wednesday, firefighters responded to a call at La Mirada apartments that two men had been severely burned.
The men were electricians working near the voltage boxes, trying to figure out why the air conditioning for the apartments hadn't been working properly.
Investigators were still trying to figure out exactly what happened, but they said it was likely some type of electrical explosion.
"The skin is charred black, it actually burned through all the layers of the skin down to the bone," said Phoenix fire Capt. Aaron Ernsberger.
Meanwhile, APS said power would likely be out at the apartment complex for up to two days, something that infuriated some residents.
"I'm 15 weeks pregnant, so I don't think so I can handle all this commotion," said Catrin Brotherthon.
The Red Cross has set up a place for residents to sleep at a nearby elementary school.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Los Angeles Electricians Learn and Install Solar Panels

http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/home-and-garden/seminars-on-solar-power-in-new-york-1.1397101

Along with the rest of the country, Long Islanders are swimming in a sea of new technology, much of it driven by advances in capturing the energy of the sun. Advances in solar power seem to hold out the promise of emission-free energy and an end to international tensions over oil - if only people have the smarts to master solar power's intricacies.

And many have done just that; engineers, physicists, electricians and academics in related fields are reshaping the future through research and development. "Even building codes are being supplemented with additional requirements in order for structures to meet new energy standards for better performance," says Water Mill architect Bill Chaleff.

Interest in solar power has been growing so fast that increasing numbers of professional organizations and institutions are sponsoring solar power seminars and workshops for laymen.

Here are six opportunities to learn on Long Island:

RENEWABLE ENERGY LONG ISLAND and the LONG ISLAND POWER AUTHORITY

COST Free

INFO RenewableEnergyLongIsland.org, 631-329-8888

ABOUT Established in 2003, Renewable Energy is a nonprofit oriented towards its members promoting clean, sustainable energy for Long Island; it works with the Long Island Power Authority to present solar energy seminars. Free two-hour seminars are offered periodically at sites throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Its Web site is packed with tips on resources, new technology, events and rebates, as well as a list of vendors. "RELI will not recommend individual vendors, but each is a qualified professional who has met our screening process," says executive director Gordian Raacke.

LI GREEN

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Los Angeles Electricians Watching Wiring Competitions

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Competitors+plan+wire+room+hours/1938885/story.html

Craig Spady initially saw the trades as a way to make some fast cash to go back to school.

It was more an ends to a means than a career option, as Spady was interested in engineering but lacked the funds to make it happen.

He started his electrician training in high school through a registered apprenticeship program.

Funny thing was, within a couple of weeks the Red Deer lad discovered he really enjoyed the work.

"I thought it would be a great career option," said Spady.

Spady will compete in the electrical wiring category of WorldSkills Calgary 2009.

The competition will see Spady and other competitors given a plan to build and wire a room.

Competitors will have to install different types of materials, including wireways, cables and conduits.

"We start from scratch and build it up over four days on four different modules, said Spady.

Competitors have 22 hours over four days to complete the tasks.

Judges will be looking for functionality, accuracy and neatness, and ensuring all facets of the job are completed.

Competitors have had a preview of the test project, but its requirements will be changed by 30 per cent for the competition.

Spady, who does commercial construction field work for Q-2 Electrical Contractors, is up to the challenge.

A journeyman electrician who's achieved his Interprovincial Red Sea Designation, Spady in 2008 took home a gold medal in the provincial skills competition and a bronze in the Canadian competition.

Spady said the electrician trade would appeal to anyone who enjoys hands on work and always likes to learn something new.

He's go zero regrets about not pursuing a career in engineering.

"It's still a viable option at my age, but I'll continue to do this for a few years I'm sure, if I enjoy it. It's a great career," he said. - Who to watch: Team Canada's Craig Spady - Who won last time: Japan - What are judges looking for: Functionality, accuracy and neatness, and ensuring all facets of the job are completed - What kind of job could one expect: Electrician - What kind of salary to expect: In 2007, the average annual salary in this occupational group in alberta was $50,500. those in industrial electricians earned $59,800.

Source: WorldSkills Calgary 2009
© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald

Friday, August 28, 2009

Los Angeles Electricians Support Hawaii Electrical Contractors

http://hawaiipreps.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090827/SPORTS03/908270343&template=PrepSports/Electricians++unions+rally+for+the+cause

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

The Hawai'i High School Athletic Association's "SOS" (Save Our Sports) campaign has now surpassed the $700,000 mark after another strong week of contributions, large and small.

This past week's gifts include $10,000 from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1186 and Unionized Electrical Contractors, and the same amount from Royal Contracting Co., Ltd. The contributions also include $1,700 from Menchie's Frozen Yogurt and $1,500 from Big Island Candies.

More than $10,000 also came from over 100 individual donors, along with those who contributed through First Hawaiian Bank branches in amounts ranging from $1 to $5,000 since Aug. 3.

(Names of those who made their contributions at First Hawaiian Bank branches were not released; those who made their gifts through FHB branches and are willing to be recognized are asked to contact the HHSAA office at 587-4495.)

The latest contributions bring the total amount raised to $702,161 after four weeks. All money will go toward offsetting state budget cuts that left public high school athletic programs looking at more than a 36 percent shortfall for the 2009-2010 year, compared to 2008-2009 allocations.

"We have a lot of members who grew up in sports," said Damien Kim, financial secretary and business manager for IBEW Local 1186. "One of our members approached us and we decided it was a good cause. It's important to help keep the kids in school by giving them activities to participate in."

Menchie's donated $1 from every cup of yogurt sold at their Town Center of Mililani store's grand opening last Saturday.

Co-owners Kelly Hiraki and Erica Miyabara are recent former Punahou athletes.

"We both played sports in high school — I played soccer and Erica played softball — and we wanted to get involved (with the SOS campaign)," Hiraki said. "Part of the Menchie's philosophy is giving back to the community."

Individual contributions included $300 in memory of longtime Castle baseball coach Joe Tom, who died last year at age 52.

To contribute, make a check payable to "HHSAA SOS Account" and send it to HHSAA, P.O. Box 62029, Honolulu, HI 96839.

Contributions also can be made by going to www.sportshigh.com or at First Hawaiian Bank branches (checks only).

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Los Angeles Electricnas Have New Wire Connector from Twister® PRO

http://www.pitchengine.com/idealindustriesinc/ideal-twister-pro-wire-connector-offers-electricians-the-industrys-widest-redyellow-range/23499/

08.26.2009 – SYCAMORE, IL -- IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC., a leading supplier of tools and supplies to professional electricians, today released its newest Twister® PRO wire connector offering the industry's widest red/yellow wire range.

The new Twister PRO design upgrades the existing wire range to cover a minimum of two #18 AWG wires to a maximum of four #10 AWG wires. Besides simplifying the selection of the right wire connector, the Twister PRO also reduces inventory expense as well as space inside the electrician's tool bag by handling the work of several standard connectors all by itself.

The Twister PRO is the perfect solution for electricians who require a versatile, comfortable connector. Compared to standard wire connectors, the Twister® PRO places far less pressure on the thumb and forefinger, plus provides a better grip for improved leverage and more torque, especially with larger wire connections. The key is its patented SureGrip overmolding wrapped around its shell's swept wings. Molded vertical grooves in the overmolding contribute to faster connections on a wider range of wire combinations.

Like all IDEAL products, safety is engineered into the Twister PRO. Contributing to the connector's safety advantage is a deep skirt that helps prevent flash-over events, while also reducing the number of turned-back strands for maximum dielectric protection. An expanding square-wire spring bites into conductors for solid, secure connections every time. The shell is fabricated from tough, UL 94V-2 flame-retardant thermoplastic rated at 105°.

IDEAL Twister PRO wire connectors are available in boxes of 50 (#30-144); jars of 250 (#30-244J) or 500 (#30-644J); bags of 250 (#30-644); and a barrel of 20,000 (#30-944).

For more information, contact IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC., Becker Place, Sycamore, Illinois 60178. Or phone 1-800-435-0705, Fax: 1-800-533-4483. On the web, www.idealindustries.com.

Follow on Twitter @ideal_sycamore.

ABOUT IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC.
IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. has been serving the electrical industry since 1916. IDEAL is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of professional quality tools and supplies serving installation professionals in the construction, maintenance, data communications and original equipment manufacturing industries.
###

2009 IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. All rights reserved. All products and names mentioned are the property of their respective owners. While IDEAL has made every effort at the time of publication to ensure the accuracy of the information provided herein, product specifications, configurations, prices, system/component/options availability are all subject to change without notice.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Los Angeles Electricians Earn Good Money at BART

Some controversial statistics are revealed in the Chronicle's database of BART's top earners. Read 'em and weep. (Caveat: I compiled these numbers myself based on a quick-and-dirty perusal of the data.)

Just 17 of the top 100 earners are women.

Of all employees making over $100,000 in gross pay, 29 percent are blue collar workers, including electricians, train operators and vehicle inspectors but excluding police.

121 of the 716 employees earning more than $100,000 (or 17 percent) are police, which accounts for nearly half of the total BART police department of 296 personnel. According to the SFPD Public Affairs Office, a beginning San Francisco police officer makes $80,000; a SFPD lieutenant makes up to $141,414. Five BART lieutenants have base salaries higher than that, with overtime earning as much as $227,692.

With some high stakes blunders in recent memory and increasing pressure for public oversight, BART police salaries seem particularly bloated.

Indeed, officer Tony Pirone, who threw a punch in the Oscar Grant incident, earned $112,500 last year. Even Johannes Mehserle, who was later fired and charged with murdering Grant, took home $103,300 with overtime pay. He had been on the force for just two years.

Posted By: Cameron Scott (Email) | August 25 2009 at 12:24 PM

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/green/detail?entry_id=46188#ixzz0PEoD4JPw

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Los Angeles Electricians Support Electrical Licensing Board

http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/2009/August09/22/DC_ELB_fee_veto-22Aug09.html

Steinhaus vetoes Electrical Licensing Board fees, accusing Dems of “the big lie”

POUGHKEEPSIE – Democrats on the Dutchess County Legislature who advocated for and passed a local law establishing an electrical licensing law maintain fees will cover the costs of the program.

But, County Executive William Steinhaus, a Republican, Friday issued a scathing four page memo telling the Democratic majority they are perpetuating “The Big Lie” about covering cost.

“It is fascinating to listen to Chairman (Roger) Higgins and Legislator (William) McCabe as they continue their cover-up and deny their own responsibility in not thoroughly evaluating nor transparently presenting the associated costs of implementation and the property tax funding of the licensing proposal.” Having said that, he vetoed a resolution that would fund the electrical licensing board.

The measure passed, earlier this month, on a mostly partisan 14 – 10 vote. That’s not a sufficient margin to override a veto.

McCabe Friday said the fees will definitely cover the costs. “The monies collected by fees would cover all of the costs incurred by the licensing board,” he said. “This is the way it is in all the counties and in the cities where licensing electricians is, in fact, the law. So, we have a long track record to look at in other counties and the fees cover the costs and then some.”

Steinhaus’ office said he was unavailable to discuss his memo and referred all comments to the Democratic leadership of the county legislature.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Los Angeles Electricians Celebrate IBEW Local 569

http://www.tribwekchron.com/Electrial%20Workers%20Training%20Center%202009%2008%2021%20news.htm

IMPERIAL, CA –Today, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 569 and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) joined by elected leaders hosted a Grand Opening for their new Imperial County Electrical Training Center. The facility is training a local, skilled workforce to support Imperial County's emerging green energy economy and offering pathways out of poverty by creating family-wage careers with healthcare, retirement, benefits and lifelong training opportunities.

Speakers included Caridad Sanchez, Director, San Diego and Imperial Counties, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer; Congressman Bob Filner, United States House of Representatives, Congressional District 51; Staff Representative Antonio Ortega, Assemblymember Manuel Perez, California State Assembly, 80th District; Al Shur, Business Manager, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 569 and Andrew Berg, Executive Manager, National Electrical Contractors Association, San Diego Chapter.

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer remarked, "As a Chairman of the Environment and Public Works, I am pleased to know that the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 569 and the National Electrical Contractors Association are working together to train Imperial County's workforce to fill clean energy jobs in Imperial County. People will not only learn important job skills, but will help to create new, clean energy technologies that will create economic growth. I applaud IBEW and NECA on your leadership."

Congressman Bob Filner noted, "I am thrilled to see IBEW Local 569-NECA opening a Training Facility here in Imperial County. This is a win-win for working people, the local community and green energy businesses. As the green economy ushers in new career opportunities, I am working to ensure we are creating good jobs with healthcare, skilled training and benefits here in Imperial County. IBEW Local 569 will be a great partner in that endeavor."

The leader of the State Assembly Economic Recovery Task Force, Assemblymember Manuel Perez commented, "As billions of dollars in stimulus funds flow into the state of California and make their way to Imperial County, we need to ensure we are maximizing opportunities for career pathways out of poverty and long-term local job creation. IBEW Local 569, NECA and the skilled trades are essential in that effort. This new Electrical Training Center is a true asset as we prepare a skilled workforce to meet the exciting challenges of the green energy economy here in Imperial County."

IBEW Local 569 Business Manager Al Shur stated, "IBEW Local 569 is proud to be the first skilled trade to operate a training facility in Imperial County. More than ever, we are committed to growing a trained, local workforce and creating careers that pay well and have healthcare and benefits. From standard electrical work to energy efficiency retrofits and solar, our members are ready."

Andrew Berg of the San Diego Chapter of NECA remarked, "IBEW Local 569-NECA's apprenticeship program develops the best quality people in the industry, giving our contractors the competitive edge. We look forward to accelerating the growth of a robust green economy by adding new NECA contractors here in Imperial County.'

Caridad Sanchez, for Barbara Boxer-

As a Chairman of the Environment and Public Works, I am pleased to know that the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 559 and the National Electrical Contractors Association San Diego Chapter are working together to train Imperial County's workforce to fill clean energy jobs in Imperial County.

We need to create millions of clean energy jobs. You are leading the way with this training program. People will not only learn important job skills, but will help to create new, clean energy technologies that will create economic growth. I applaud IBEW and NECA on your leadership in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

Providing incentives for clean energy is a win-win solution for our country -- it helps to address the threat of global warming and it builds the foundation for long term recovery and prosperity.

Congressmen Bob Filner-

I am thrilled to see the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 569 and the National Electrical Contractors Association opening a Training Facility here in Imperial County. This is a win-win for working people, the local community and green energy businesses.

As the green economy ushers in new career opportunities, I am working to ensure we are creating good jobs with healthcare, skilled training and benefits here in Imperial County. IBEW Local 569 will be a great partner in that endeavor.

Imperial County is positioned to be not just a regional leader, but a national model for the clean energy economy. We can build economic prosperity here in our community, fight climate change and create a local, skilled workforce with long-term career opportunities all at the same time. Today, with the opening of this new Imperial County Electrical Training Center, we are one step closer to meeting that goal and I'm proud to be a part of today's event.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Los Angeles Electricians and Phillipines Preferred by Forward U.S. Troops

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:44:00 08/22/2009

Filed Under: Military, Security (general), Defense, Overseas Employment

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US AND NATO forces battling al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan have been moving toward the southern part of the country, near the border with Pakistan, to capture enemy strongholds.

The operations in the Kandahar and Helman provinces require massive logistics to protect supply routes, support soldiers’ needs, and keep camps, bases and other military facilities in tiptop shape, according to Emmanuel Geslani.

30 FOBs

Geslani, a consultant for several Manila-based recruitment agencies, said the buildup of forces in southern Afghanistan, would require a network of forward operating bases (FOB) with the city of Kandahar as the nerve center. There are about 30 FOBs across Afghanistan.

He recalled that Fluor, the company that employed the Filipinos who were killed in a chopper crash last month, was involved in the construction of eight new FOBs in southern Afghanistan set up in support of new troop commitments ordered by US President Barack Obama.

Troop surge

Beginning 2001, the US deployed troops numbering only about 3,000. There are now 26,000 of them as of March 2009 (excluding the 34,000 Nato troops) and the US defense department wants the number increased to at least 50,000 by the end of the year.

“FOBs needed to be set up to house thousands of troops and civilian-support staff to the tune of $400 million, according to US government estimates. And lots of workers are needed to maintain these bases,” Geslani said.

The FOBs are typically made of prefabricated buildings for dining, barracks, headquarters, recreation and training. They may or may not have their own hospitals and airfields.

The bases will be used as launching pads for troops to attack enemy forces moving in villages to retake territory and set up ambushes against US troops. The facilities are expected to have sufficient firepower and other sophisticated defense measures to minimize attacks from the outside.

Hundreds of jobs

Geslani said hundreds of jobs would be available, such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, water-food- and vehicle-maintenance crew, training specialists, utilities manager, information technology experts, vector specialists, laundry managers and housing supervisors.

The US military prefers Filipino workers because of their familiarity with Western culture and their ability to speak or understand English, according to the consultant.

Filipino construction workers and electricians also understand English technical terms better than their Afghan counterparts, he said.

Geslani said those who were previously employed in US bases in Iraq and those who had experienced working or living in former US bases in the Philippines were given preference. “The Philippine government can only watch helplessly as more OFWs will stream into Afghanistan, attracted by the high pay, for example, $1,400 for construction workers, which is triple the salaries received in Middle East countries,” he said.

Afghanistan saw a surge in violence in recent weeks, as the country prepared to go to the polls for landmark presidential and provincial elections on August 20.

About 21,000 US troops were sent to the country recently to keep stability ahead of the vote. Last month, some 4,000 troops began assaulting Taliban strongholds in the southern part of the country.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Los Angeles Electricians Publicize Hiring Electricians 24/7

Beckley Register-Herald - hiring electricians
http://www.register-herald.com/local/local_story_233220352.html

ATV accident sends two Raleigh men to hospital
The Register-Herald

Police say two Raleigh County men were transported for injuries following an ATV accident in Midway Thursday night.

According to Raleigh sheriff’s Chief Deputy D.E. Stafford, Timmy Torrence, 37, of Midway was driving a red Kawasaki ATV west on Blue Room Road around 11:15 p.m. at the time of the accident.

Stafford said Torrence lost control of the ATV and crashed into a guardrail, resulting in injuries to himself and passenger Gary Cox, 37, of Coal City.

Both men were transported for injuries. No information was available on their conditions.

Deputy E.E. Jarrett is handling the investigation.

— Jackie Ayres

Friday, August 21, 2009

Los Angeles Electricians Report Underground Electrical Work

http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13177118

Traffic detours for South Avenue project
Staff Report
Posted: 08/21/2009 09:05:25 AM PDT
Updated: 08/21/2009 09:06:13 AM PDT

CORNING - Electricians continue underground work for traffic signals on South Avenue at the north and southbound off-ramps from I-5 at South Avenue and Old 99W.

Aug. 24-26, the southbound off-ramp to South Avenue will be closed from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. The South Avenue overcrossing will be closed. Detours will be posted.

Other work will be done away from traffic over the next week. The 10-day ramp closures at South Avenue are scheduled for mid to late September, after the summer driving season.

For questions or concerns call the Public Information Office at 225-3260 or send an e-mail to denise yergenson@dot.ca.gov.

You may also visit caltrans2.info for more information. Click on the Construction Projects in the Northstate button and then the South Avenue button.