“We appreciate everything you did for us; you brought us all together.”
Ripon, CA – Gusty winds notwithstanding, three hundred IBEW 1245 members and their families gathered for the annual IBEW 1245 soccer tournament at the Mistlin Sports Center in Ripon, California.
Sixteen teams competed from as far south as Bakersfield to as far north as Dixon, California, while family members cheered them on. For the first time, IBEW 1245 members from Arbor Vista and American Tree Medics participated.
The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee of the California-Nevada Line Construction Industry (JATC) and members of IBEW Local 47 fielded teams.
Senior Assistant Business Manager Ralph Armstrong thanked players, their families, staff and volunteers for their participation. “Our Line Clearance Tree Trimmers have had to deal with a variety of issues lately. Today is an opportunity to come together and enjoy the friendly competition, good food and fun with each other and our families,” he said. He recognized the staff who spent months preparing for the event and thanked the volunteers who staffed the day.
Line Clearance Tree Trimmer Tiffany Clemons preparing the Peer-to-Peer Safety Booth “Keep the Clearance”
Started in 2012, the soccer tournament began as an effort to recognize and celebrate Line Clearance Tree Trimmers who perform some of the most difficult and dangerous work in the utility industry.
The tournament aims to build unity and to strengthen the Union’s hand at the negotiating table. Team captains assume leadership roles, building 12-person team rosters and promoting the spirit of the day: Unity, Friendship and Brotherhood/Sisterhood.
Booths showcasing the tools of the trade, IBEW 1245’s peer-to-peer safety program – Keep the Clearance, “Know Your Rights” information, and the IBEW 1245 Veterans Committee provided an opportunity for members and their families to learn more about ways IBEW 1245 advances our members’ well-being.
On a strip of grass between the sprawling soccer fields, children played their own soccer games, “Connect Four,” and Toss Games, under the direction of Organizing Stewards and longtime volunteer Jose Artiga. They enjoyed the traditional piñata, “Face Painting by Jana” and “Little Louie’s Mini Pancakes.”
La Taqueria Molcajuete, a local restaurant, provided tacos, salsa and chips that were served by staff, Organizing Stewards and IBEW 1245 Women’s Committee members.
A raffle and salsa cook-off were additional highlights.
IBEW 1245 member and DJ Arnaldo Lizarraga supplied the music.
IBEW 1245’s Early morning Set Up Crew
Ruben Martinez Jr, speaking on behalf of the Bakersfield team, thanked the Union for all the work leading up to the day, saying, “We appreciate everything you did for us; you brought us all together.”
Senior Business Representative Francisco “Cisco” Ferreyra, co-chair of the planning committee and former long timeline clearance tree trimmer himself, expressed the sentiment of all gathered saying, “What an incredible day, full of joy, unity and unforgettable moments. Seeing so many smiling faces and IBEW members from all across our organization come together for one tournament was a powerful reminder of the strength and spirit of our brotherhood. It was more than just a game. It was a celebration of solidarity and shared purpose.”
1st Place – Wrights Tree – Bakersfield – Southern Division
1st Place – Davey Tree – Central Coast – Northern Division
2nd Place – Arbor Works – Sonora – Northern Division
3rd Place – Arbor Vista – Fresno – Southern Division
Business Reps Junior Ornelas & Liz McInnis
Executive Board Member Steve Ramirez & Business Representative Mike Tilden
Business Reps Fred Aboud & Mike Tilden
Bookkeeper Angela Beckham & Bus Rep Cruz Serna at Registration Table
Assistant Business Manager Ethan Stonecipher lugging ice to replenish field ice chests
Organizing Steward/Women's Committee Member Iyasha & Business Rep Liz McInnis showcasing face painting
Organizing Steward Iyasha Davis, Assistant Business Manager Rene Cruz Martinez, & Organizing Steward Kayela Jones
Women's Committee members: Cassandra Gamez, Tiffany Clemons, Julie Brousseau, Juana Perea, Eileen Purcell, Iyasha Davis
Business Reps Todd Kadota & Liz McInnis & Building Manager Tonya Alston