The Heat is On

Brothers and sisters,

I hope this article finds you preparing for the 4thn of July 3 day weekend, enjoying the warmer weather, and celebrating America’s 250th birthday.  At the Membership Meeting on May 5^th, I was nominated as your Business Representative for a four-year term, I was unopposed and will be your Business Rep. for the foreseeable future, you’re stuck with me! I would like to thank you the members for having me as your Rep for the last 11 years. It has been an honor and a privilege to be your Rep. This truly is the best job I have ever had and I’m looking forward to representing you for the next 4 years. During the meeting DC16 BM/ST Robert Williams (LU741) was nominated for BM/ST and Brother Mark Taggert from Local 169 nominated himself. Business Representative Steve Belong from local 12 was nominated and Brother Mario Rodriguez from local 12 nominated himself for Local 12 Business Representative. Elections will be held on June 13, 2026, you should have received in the mail a list of places to vote. 

I can’t even begin to explain how important it is that you vote. The BM/ST is going to guide the council and locals in the future and voting for the candidate who you believe can do the best job is so very important. Please come out and vote. Voting hours will be from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have any questions, please give me a call. 

Father’s Day is June 21^st. Make sure to celebrate the man who helped create you (he had the easier job but helped none the less) and has put up with you, taught you to throw a ball and maybe even taught you your trade. I want to thank you Robert Rojas for teaching your hardheaded son life skills and how to navigate life, and instilling in me “God, Country, and Family”. And thank you for laughing when I tell people, “I’m the mailman’s kid” (he is a retired US Postal Carrier and a union member). 

Heatstroke prevention tips

Here we are on June 11th and it’s going to be 100 degrees today.  Please make sure that you take every precaution to make sure that you and your fellow co-workers are safe and make it through the 100 degrees plus days of the brutal California heat.  Below are several tips to prevent heat stroke, heat stroke symptoms and how to treat heat stroke or when to call for emergency help.

1. Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing and a hat.

2. Protect against sunburn, use 30 spf or higher sun block and reapply during the day.

3. Drink plenty of fluids.  16 oz of water every 30 to 60 minutes.

4. Take extra precautions when possible. Take breaks and lunch in a shaded area.

5. Never leave anyone in a parked car or directly in the sun if they fall asleep during lunch or break.

6. Be cautious if you’re at increased risk.  65 years or older, overweight, people who overexert themselves during work.

7. Stay away from sugary drinks, these cause you to lose more bodily fluids.  Drink water or Pedialyte to help recover electrolytes.

Signs of heat stroke

1. High body temperature of 103 or higher.

2. Hot, red or damp skin.

3. Fast or strong pulse.

4. Headache.

5. Dizziness.

6. Nausea.

7. Confusion.

8. Losing consciousness (passing out).

Heat Stroke What to do

1. Call 911 right away, heat stroke is a medical emergency.

2. Move the person to a cooler place, preferably in the shade.

3. Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or cool bath.

4. Do not give the person anything to drink.

Please make sure to watch over your fellow brothers and sisters out on the jobsite so we can all make it home safe to our loved ones.

June’s Birthday List

Jonathan Bustos

Timmy Butler

Jonathan Camacho

Daygoro Castellanos

Jesse Chaidez

Andres Gomez

Jeff Harris

John Harris

Epifanio Hernandez

Douglas Johnson

Jesse Lagadon

Christian Lugo

Hector Morales

Miguel Murillo

Noel Murillo

Ronald Musser

Hamir Obregon Aleman

Cesar Raya

Joshua Rodriguez

Benjamin Santacruz

Eric Smith

Walter Solares

Vu Tran

Frank Ures

Pablo Vasquez

Nathan Walters

Grey Wolfe