San Diego Gas & Electric held their 2019 -IBEW 465 Gas & Electric Rodeo on April 27, at the SDG&E Alpine Yard on Tavern Road.
This rodeo differs from a traditional rodeo—no horses are in sight, but telephone poles are. There are two sections – electric and gas divisions.
“We have teams from Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Southern California Edison , and the city of Riverside,” said SDG&E co-chair Joe Torres, “My first rodeo was in 1991.”
“I invite the public,” said Torres. “I invite everyone to see what these guys do.”
The rodeo is a proving ground for employees who are put to the test for a chance to represent SDG&E at national competitions in Kansas City Oct. 16-19, 2019.
“We had journeyman and apprentice teams, 50 vendors, 100 volunteers, and their guests,” said Monica Curry, SDG&E’s construction manager of beach cities. “We had about 1,200-1,700 attendees.”
“This is our third year,” said vendor Armando Garcia, of Chula Vista, who works for Milwaukee Tools.
Teams were put to the test, and judged, during the 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. event. The journeyman/apprentice tests included the hurt man rescue and pole climb without breaking an egg. Journeyman only — rope toss, 4kV insulator change out, and a mystery event. Apprentice also included rope toss and reeving three sheave blocks.
The judges looked for a number of skills, not just timing.
“Safety is paramount,” said event judge Jay Johnson. “Plus, we look for no cracks or breaks to the egg; no cut outs when they clear the pole or slip.” “Apprentice is the same testing,” said apprentice division judge judge Ken Lee. “Their timing is a lot less fast because they are less experienced.”
“I’m a vegan, so that’s messed up,” said competitior Chris Sanchez about the egg test.
“I’ve won the apprentice of the year in 2015 and 2016 in Kansas City.”
“The objective of this event is to safely and quickly climb up, then down a 45-foot pole without breaking the egg that the journeyman will be carrying,” Curry said.
Friends, family, and co-workers commuted or stayed in the area.
“Our friends are competing so we’re here to support them, “said Mario Castellon, of Whittier. Castellon is with the LADWP district.
The event brings hotel room stays at some local hotels with overnight guests.
“Some come early, on Thursday, and stay in Alpine, Viejas, or by the beaches,” said Curry. “Vendors come from all over, fly in for the event. Teams from APS and SCE made a minispring break of it, take the kids to Sea World or the zoo, or the wife goes shopping at the casino outlet.”
During the rodeo kids could participate in hula hoop contests, face painting, eat popcorn, and get snow cones. A free lunch of gourmet hot dogs, bratwurst, and chips was provided.
A journeyman team from Arizona Public Service won the electric rodeo; the gas rodeo results were unavailable at press time.
The International Brotherhood of Electric Workers, IBEW 465, represents over 3,000 power professionals in San Diego and Imperial Counties.