President Cecelia De La Torre swears in the Advisory Council Members, Jed Cruz, Roberto Arredondo and Sandi Busse.
Reno, NV — IBEW 1245’s Executive Board, Advisory Council, staff, and guests gathered on Saturday, October 25 for the union’s final Advisory Council meeting of 2025. President Cecelia De La Torre opened the meeting by welcoming members and expressing gratitude for their commitment and participation. She noted that Reno holds a special significance for IBEW 1245, as it is the one location outside of the Union Hall in Vacaville where the Advisory Council convenes each year, a reflection of the union’s large geographic footprint across two states.
New Members Sworn In and Retirees Honored
Three new Advisory Council members — Jed Cruz, Sandi Busse, and Roberto Arredondo — were sworn in by President De La Torre.
The meeting also included a warm welcome to several Nevada retirees, who presented the Advisory Council with a large banner map of the United States adorned with pins from IBEW locals across the country. The gift, provided on behalf of the late Ron Borst, a longtime member, will be displayed at the union hall in Vacaville as a lasting symbol of unity and connection across generations of IBEW 1245 members.
Representing the Retirees Club and presenting the gift were Chair Bob Vieira (lineman), Vice Chair Rita Weisshaar (Customer Service Billing Department, NV Energy), Frank Istrice (equipment mechanic), Tom Bird (lineman) and his wife Sue Bird, and Dana Moler (retired lineman).
Business Manager’s Report: Negotiations, Safety, and Service
Business Manager Bob Dean speaking at the IBEW 1245 Advisory Council in Reno, Nevada on October 25, 2025.
In his report, Business Manager Bob Dean noted that more than 20 sets of negotiations are currently underway, including major bargaining with PG&E and SMUD.
“Behind the scense there is a lot of work going on on behalf of our members, with working groups and meeting and we’ve got some of the best and brightest minds at the table — making sure our members are protected and our contracts stay strong,” said Dean.
Dean added that both PG&E and SMUD have come to the table with big asks, but the union’s position remains clear. For more information, please see IBEW 1245’s latest communication on negotiations.
“The companies want a lot,” he said. “We’re fighting for our members, and we’re not backing down.”
Staffing Updates: Dean also introduced several staff updates: Kyle Whitman and Jody Castro were named new Assistant Business Managers, John Sandoval has taken over as a new Business Rep, and Garrett Markweed was appointed as PG&E Fact Finder.
On the safety front, Jody Castro briefed the Council on a recent apprentice lineman injury that remains under investigation, stressing the importance of constant vigilance and proper oversight on every job. Francisco “Cisco” Ferreyra, business representative for vegetation management members, reported on a separate incident in which a member fell 25 feet during a tree-trimming operation. Both reports underscored a sobering reality: the work our members perform is inherently dangerous, and safety must remain our highest priority.
Light Up Navajo: Service Beyond the Local
Dean provided an update on Light Up Navajo, the volunteer electrification project where IBEW 1245 linemen brought power to families who have never had electricity.
“Roughly 10,000 homes on the Navajo Nation still don’t have electricity,” Dean said, noting that at the current pace, it could take 25 years to complete the work. He emphasized that discussions are underway with local partners and utility companies across the country to accelerate the effort.
Dean commended Business Representative Todd Kadota, who originally volunteered for two weeks but stayed for a full month to help coordinate crews and work alongside NTUA line workers. He highlighted the overwhelming response from 1245 members, many of whom jumped at the opportunity to volunteer their skills for such meaningful work.
The Ad Council was also shown the video that was produced from the project.
Industry Trends: AI, Drones, and the Future of Work
Dean also addressed the growing impact of artificial intelligence, drones, and robotics in the utility industry. He noted that PG&E has begun purchasing drones for inspections, and that Local 1245 is negotiating contract language to ensure this work, and the data analysis that comes with it, remains union work.
“There’s a bill on the books now that says no disciplinary action can be taken based on AI alone — a human has to be involved,” Dean said. “But this technology is changing fast, and we must stay ahead of it.”
Mental Health: Looking Out for Each Other
Laquania “Q” Thompson, 1245 Organizing Steward Lead speaks to the IBEW 1245 Advisory Council.
Advisory Council member Iyasha Davis (Central Area Clerical), Jody Castro, who leads 1245’s CISM program, and Business Manager Bob Dean led a discussion on mental health and suicide prevention in the trades. They emphasized a sobering reality: the construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates of any profession — second only to the military.
Members were encouraged to continue checking in on one another, both on and off the job, and were reminded of available resources:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or visit org
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
Dean also reminded members that PG&E’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available and offers confidential counseling and mental health support services.
Reports and Updates from the Field
Laquania “Q” Thompson, 1245 Organizing Steward lead and President of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus Solano Chapter (EWMC), shared updates on upcoming EWMC Days of Service on November 15 and 22 and encouraged members to participate and help spread the word. Those interested can email EWMCSolanoCountyChapter@gmail.com.
Advisory Council Member David Williams honored longtime member Paul Schargus, who was part of Local 1245 for over 44 years. Williams shared one of Paul’s favorite sayings, “Enjoy crawling through the weeds to get to the roses.”
Business Representative Fred Aboud reported that new substation construction and large-scale data center projects are increasing across the jurisdiction, creating more opportunities for skilled union work.
To close, Business Manager Bob Dean highlighted the busy months ahead and reminded members that the next Advisory Council meeting will be held on January 24, 2026.
“We’ve got a lot on our plate,” Dean said. “But that’s a good thing. It means our members are active, our union is strong, and we’re making a difference, together.”