History Making Election

On May 2nd, 2009, nominations were held here at the local for officers for the upcoming term of June 2009 through June 2012.

I am proud and pleased to report that for the first time in the history of our local, the members have re-affirmed their support for the representation given to them by the Business Agents, the Staff, and myself as Business Manager, by re-electing this Administration to a third consecutive term with no opposition (white ballot).  At no other time has a “white ballot” occurred at our local.  

On behalf of the entire Administration, I would like to thank the entire membership (Actives, Apprentices, & Retiree’s) for their past, present, and continued support of our efforts to represent them to the best of our ability.  We will continue to provide you with the best possible service.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Judges of Election, Ray Mendoza, Tony Mendoza, & Enrique Martinez, whom without their knowledge, experience, and leadership, this fair and efficient election process would not have been possible.  Thank you, Gentlemen.

International Vice-President, Rocco Davis, was kind enough to send International Representative Ernie Ordonez to assist with the nomination and election process.  Thank you Vice-President Davis and International Representative Ordonez.

Additionally, I would like to thank my Office Staff, and the Business Agents for all their hard work throughout the years.  It is through their hard work and dedication that we are able to provide the membership with the kind of fair and honest representation they deserve.

And finally, to my family and friends, thank you for your understanding and patience of the time spent away from you as I go about my duties as Business Manager.   

Newest Board Members

I am pleased to announce the movement of Mr. Jesse “Jess” Segura Jr. from Auditor to Executive Board Member.  Jess has been a General Forman and Forman in the field for many, many, years and I am sure he will continue to serve the membership in the same responsible and honest manner he has over the last several years.  

I am also very pleased to announce the newest member of our team, Mr. Guadalupe “Lupe” Torres Jr. who was elected to the position of Auditor.  Lupe brings a wealth of knowledge to our team through his years as a Laborer in the field, and in his current position as an Instructor at the Mike Quevedo Jr Laborer’s Training School.  Lupe is also a past recipient of the locals “Feel the Power” award.  

Both Jess and Lupe are second generation Laborer’s, following in the footsteps of their fathers, Jesse Segura Sr. and Guadalupe Torres Sr.  Please join me in congratulating both of these men for their outstanding commitment to improving the lives of our members.

$67.8 Million for 91 Freeway Project

It is with much enthusiasm that I report that the U.S. Department of Transportation recently approved $67.8 million dollars to go towards the 91 Freeway Widening Project that is set to break ground this September.  The project is expected to create nearly 2,000 jobs according to OCTA who is currently accepting bids on the project.  We eagerly await the start of this project and are currently in contact with the various bidders on the project to ensure our members their fair share of the work.

$26 Million for 405, 605, & 22 Freeway Project

I am equally enthusiastic to report that 26 million dollars has been set aside for the 405, 605, & 22 Freeway Car-Pool Connector Project that is also set to begin in the near future.  

$65 Million for Anaheim Kaiser Hospital Project

$65 million dollars in bonds were recently approved by the Anaheim City Council to build the Medical Center Campus at Kaiser Hospital in the 3400 block of La Palma Avenue in Anaheim.  The project includes a 434,000 square-foot hospital with 262 beds and two medical buildings with almost 200,000 square feet of space.  Some site work is currently being done with ground breaking expected in the very near future.

Training and Preparation

As you can see, we are slowly but surely digging our way out of the economic mess Bush and the Republicans left us in.  And that is why it is so important that we continue to prepare ourselves for the jobs and technology of tomorrow.  You may think I sound like a broken record, but it so vitally important that each and every one of us continue to sharpen our skills so we can meet the challenges ahead.

With that said, let us all make sure we take advantage of all that the Laborer trade has to offer.  Whether you are just staring out in this trade or are a veteran of many years, you can never have enough skills to offer our signatory contractors.  I encourage everyone to attend the Mike Quevedo Jr Laborer’s Training School, so you can learn a new skill that will help you stay just that much longer on your next job, our maybe even get you that promotion to Forman or General Forman.

My wish for all of our members is to realize their greatest potential in their careers as a Laborer.  Never let anyone tell you “you don’t have enough training or skills.”  Work hard, get the training, and apply it in the field.  If you do these things, you will be rewarded.  It’s up to you!

As I close, I would like to remind everyone that the staff and I are committed to meeting the difficult challenges we face as a result of the current economic climate.  

But that’s what Laborers do, when we see a challenge, we don’t run from it, we prepare for the task before us and we meet it head on.  

Feel the Power!!!!!

As always, I remain, Fraternally Yours,

Armando “Mando” Esparza
Business Manager – Laborer’s Local # 652
President – Southern California District Council of Laborer’s