WECA’s Government Relations Director Rex Hime’s natural affinity for his role stems from his passion for advocacy.

“Distilling complex issues into simple and compelling messages, believe it or not, is fun for me. Combining the fact that I truly believe in the cause of fighting for WECA members and merit shop advocacy, along with the amazing staff, membership, and mission that WECA has fostered, gave me the confidence to jump in headfirst, knowing this was the place for me,” says Rex.

Rex joined WECA as the Central Valley Regional Relationship Manager in late 2022 and became WECA’s Government Relations Director in 2023. Prior to WECA, Rex majored in Strategic and Corporate Communication and minored in Political Science at Chapman University and worked as a registered lobbyist and the Vice President of Strategic Communication for the California Business Properties Association for five years.

As WECA’s Government Relations Director, Rex serves as the “eyes, ears, and megaphone of the association at the local, state, and federal levels, representing the interests of WECA membership. Essentially, I manage relationships with federal, state, and local elected officials, regulators, key public policy officials, and influential members of the public. If people are trying to take away your opportunity to work in any way, shape, or form, I will ensure your voice is at the table – because if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”

Rex appreciates many things about working at WECA but particularly appreciates WECA’s member-driven ethos.

“For those of you who have only known WECA when it comes to your association experience, frankly, you are spoiled,” says Rex. “The fact that WECA is truly a member-driven organization drives our success. If members want to make something happen, have a small idea, or a crazy idea, in any branch of work WECA takes part in, the amazing staff always accepts the challenge and gets to work. Our members’ continued involvement in board meetings, public testimony at political meetings, helping with interviews for apprentice intake, among everything else, is a clear sign from membership to staff—you’re not alone, and membership is here to work with staff and help us achieve our goals. Thank you to all the members and staff at WECA who have made my time here a pleasure.”

Rex has accomplished much in his time here at WECA but continually strives ever higher.

“I hope to end the discrimination that persists in the construction industry based solely on affiliation. Every contractor and every worker, regardless of their affiliation, deserves a fair chance to earn a living, provide for their families, and contribute to building our communities. I hope to level the playing field, foster real competition, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and fairly,” says Rex.

Remember Rex’s affinity for advocacy? He takes it seriously. Outside of work, when Rex is not working out or watching sports (specifically the Sacramento Kings), he continues to think of creative ways to promote fair and open competition in the construction industry, even going as far as to promote it on the Jumbotron at a Kings Game at Golden 1 Center.

“Advocacy never ends!”, quips Rex.

Thank you, Rex, for your tireless advocacy for WECA and our membership, and for your ceaseless (and creative!) promotion of fair and open competition in the construction industry. 

Meet WECA Industry Partner Kojo, a Procurement and Inventory Management Platform Tailored for the Construction Industry

Want to Improve Your Company's Procurement Process? Join WECA, Kojo, and Special Guest (WECA Member Contractor Reyff Electric) for "7 Steps to Better Procurement" Webinar on June 5th



 

Kojo, originally founded as Agora Systems in 2018 by CEO Maria Davidson, is a procurement and inventory management platform tailored for the construction industry. The company rebranded to Kojo in 2022 to reflect its expanded focus beyond the electrical trade to encompass all major construction trades, including mechanical, concrete, drywall, roofing, flooring, and self-performing general contractors.

As of 2025, Kojo has powered over 10,000 construction projects across 46 states, helping contractors reduce material costs and waste while improving operational efficiency.

Kojo streamlines the entire materials management process by connecting field teams, purchasing departments, warehouse crews, accounting teams, and vendors on a single platform.

Key features of Kojo’s solutions include:

Procurement Management: Kojo simplifies the procurement process by allowing users to process material orders efficiently, compare pricing and availability across multiple vendors, and place field requests via a mobile app.

Inventory Management: The platform provides real-time visibility into warehouse inventory, enabling contractors to track materials, manage stock levels, and streamline the distribution of materials to job sites.

Operations Optimization: Kojo offers automated insights into material spending and team ordering behaviors, facilitating better business planning, cost savings, and increased labor efficiency.

Accounting Integration: Kojo integrates seamlessly with accounting systems, ensuring accurate tracking of material costs and simplifying financial processes.

By consolidating these functions, Kojo enhances operational efficiency, reduces material waste, and improves overall project profitability for contractors.

Kojo distinguishes itself from its competitors with the following solutions and features:

Mobile-Friendly: Kojo has a mobile app that allows field teams to request materials directly from their phones, improving convenience and responsiveness on-site.

Vendor Comparison: Kojo allows users to compare pricing and availability from multiple vendors, helping contractors secure the best deals and avoid overpaying for materials.

Accounting Integrations: Kojo integrates seamlessly with accounting systems, streamlining the reconciliation of invoices and POs and reducing manual errors.

Comprehensive All-in-One Platform: Kojo provides a full suite of procurement, inventory, and project management tools, reducing the need for contractors to use multiple software systems.

As a new industry partner of WECA, Kojo is excited to help WECA’s electrical contractor members streamline and modernize their operations. Kojo helps get their materials to the field faster, eliminate waste, and improve their bottom line—all while providing more control and visibility over their operations.

Using Kojo Reduces Material Spend—Yielding a 4% Savings on Overall Material Costs

o  Gain a transparent and connected material workflow

o  Make the best decision on where to buy your parts

o  Mitigate risks of human error in your procurement process

Using Kojo Eliminates Waste—Yielding a 90% Reduction in Material Waste

o  Do more with the people you have by removing tedious tasks

o  Stop over-ordering materials because of poor communication

o  Leverage your investment in your warehouse, tools, and prefab

Kojo Helps Contractors Support the Field—Yielding 4 Hours Saved Each Week by Foremen

o  Instant collaboration between the field and everyone lese

o  Make sure projects have the right materials at the right time

o  Keep field teams building, not playing phone tag with the office

Kojo and WECA share goals such as driving innovation and improving efficiency across the electrical industry.

To that end, Kojo will offer 10% off of the first-year contract for new WECA Member Contractor customers.

WECA Member Contractors who would like to partner with Kojo should reach out to Alex Harmon at alex.harmon@usekojo.com to learn more about Kojo. Additionally, WECA Member Contractors can learn more about Kojo here. 

------------------------------
 

7 Steps to Better Procurement

A WECA-Hosted Webinar Featuring Industry Partner Kojo

with Special Guest WECA Member Reyff Electric

June 5, 2025 at 12 PM PST


 

Good material procurement keeps a business operating, but great procurement allows a contractor to:

• Outperform their competition
• Grow their top-line revenue at scale
• Withstand unforeseen changes in pricing and availability
• Complete more work with less overhead
• Reduce risk of errors and job delays

After interviewing thousands of contractors, Kojo identified seven steps that businesses with an efficient procurement process typically follow.

In this webinar, Kojo will present the '7 Steps to Better Procurement', breaking down each crucial step and discussing common inefficiencies and opportunities.

In addition, Heath Coppock, Project Engineer for WECA Member Contractor Reyff Electric, will provide real-world examples on how his company made improvements to streamline their procurement processes.

Maria Davidson is the CEO and Founder of WECA Industry Partner Kojo, construction's leading materials management software. Before Kojo, Maria helped build 8VC, a venture fund with over $3.5 billion in assets under management, and spent time as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs. She holds a BA from Oxford University. Maria has been selected to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and named one of Inc. Magazine's Top 100 Female Founders.

Register today to join us online on June 5th at 12 PM PST for this informative webinar.

This webinar is free for WECA Member Contractors and their employees--it's included in the WECA Member Benefits package.

Register here

Content Courtesy of California DIR


 

The California Labor Commissioner's Office (LCO) is responsible for enforcing the California Labor Code, including compliance with newly enacted or amended laws. This letter seeks to inform and ensure that employers understand their legal requirements and potential consequences for noncompliance with California state law. Each of these provisions are effective as of January 1, 2025.

California's New Minimum Wage Effective January 1, 2025

The minimum wage in California, effective January 1, 2025, is $16.50 per hour for all employers, regardless of employee headcount. "Fast food restaurant" employers and certain health care employers have a higher minimum wage. Get more information regarding the applicable minimum wage here.

Repeal of Special Minimum Wage for Persons with Disabilities

In 2022, Senate Bill (SB) 639 went into effect, ending California's participation in the federal subminimum wage program for persons with disabilities under Labor Code sections 1191 and 1191.5. Labor Code section 1191 allowed the Labor Commissioner to issue a one-year license to a person with a disability, authorizing employment at a wage less than the legal minimum wage. Labor Code section 1191.5(a) allowed the Labor Commissioner to issue a license to a nonprofit organization, e.g., a sheltered workshop or rehabilitation facility, to employ workers at a special minimum wage. As a result of SB 639, effective January 1, 2025, Labor Code section 1191 is inoperative, and Labor Code section 1191.5 is repealed. Beginning January 1, 2025, an employee with a disability shall not be paid less than the legal minimum wage required or the applicable local minimum wage ordinance, whichever is higher.

California Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act

SB 399 enacted Labor Code section 1137, which prohibits an employer from subjecting, or threatening to subject, an employee to discharge, discrimination, retaliation, or any other adverse action because the employee declines to attend an employer-sponsored hearing held for the purpose of communicating the employer's opinion regarding political or religious matters, or affirmatively declines to participate in, receive, or listen to any communications from the employer or its agents or representatives on the same topics. An employee working at the time of a meeting who elects not to attend the meeting shall continue to be paid while the meeting is held. In addition to any other remedy, an employer who violates this section shall be subject to a $500 civil penalty. The Labor Commissioner may enforce this section, and any employee who has suffered a violation may also bring a civil action for damages and injunctive relief.

Labor Code section 1137 expressly does not prohibit the following:

• An employer from communicating to its employees any information that the employer is required by law to communicate.
• An employer communicating any information that is necessary for those employees to perform their job duties.
• An institution of higher education from meeting with or participating in any communications with its employees that are part of coursework, any symposia, or an academic program at that institution.
• A public entity employer from communicating to its employees any information related to a policy of the public entity or any law or regulation that the public entity is responsible for administering.

Additionally, Labor Code section 1137 does not apply to:

• A religious corporation, entity, association, educational institution, or society that is exempt from the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or is exempt from employment discrimination protections of state law requiring employees who perform work connected with the activities undertaken by that religious corporation, entity, association, educational institution, or society to attend employer-sponsored meetings or to participate in any communications with the employer, the purpose of which is to communicate the employer's speech on religious matters.
• A political organization or party requiring its employees to attend an employer-sponsored meeting or to participate in any communications with the employer, the purpose of which is to communicate the employer's political tenets or purposes.
• An educational institution requiring a student or instructor to attend lectures on political or religious matters that are part of the regular coursework at the institution; and to a nonprofit, tax-exempt training program requiring a student or instructor to attend classroom instruction, complete fieldwork, or perform community service hours on political or religious matters as it relates to the mission of the training program or sponsor.
• An employer requiring employees to undergo training to meet the employer's legal obligations, including obligations under civil rights laws and occupational safety and health laws; or to a public employer holding a new employee orientation or a provider holding an orientation.

Expanded Use of Paid Sick Leave for Agricultural Employees

Labor Code section 246.5(a)(3) now provides that agricultural employees who work outside and who qualify for paid sick days may use paid sick days to avoid smoke, heat or flooding created by a local or state emergency, including when the employee's worksite is closed due to the smoke, heat, or flooding conditions. This provision was added due to the passage of SB 1105 and Assembly Bill (AB) 2499.

Alignment of LCO's Claims Period against Public Works Performance Bonds

AB 2705 amended Labor Code section 1743 to provide that the limitations period for the Labor Commissioner to sue on a payment bond be governed by the 18-month limitations period in Labor Code section 1741 and the tolling provisions in Labor Code section 1741.1., as opposed to the 6-month limitations period in Civil Code section 9558.

Expansion of Victims of Crime Protections and Transfer of Jurisdiction to CRD

AB 2499 expanded and strengthened protections for victims of crime. AB 2499 moved the protections under Labor Code sections 230 and 230.1 to the Government Code as part of the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) enforced by the Civil Rights Department (CRD). Labor Code sections 230.2 and 230.5 protections for crime victim's time off remain under the LCO's jurisdiction and were not impacted by the bill. LCO will also continue to handle paid sick leave claims for victims and family members of victims under Labor Code section 246.5, which has been updated to reference the new Government Code section.

Whistleblower Protections: Model List of Rights and Responsibilities

AB 2299 required the LCO to develop a model list of employees' rights and responsibilities under existing whistleblower laws for employer use to meet existing posting requirements. The LCO developed a model list that complies with the requirements of Labor Code section 1102.8(a), whistle blower posting, which is now available on our website. An employer shall be deemed in compliance with the posting requirement if the employer posts the model list developed by the LCO.

Please reach out to our Business Engagement Program if you have questions or are interested in having our team provide a presentation on employers' legal obligations. Inquiries and requests should be sent to MakeItFair@dir.ca.gov.

Sheldon High School



Elk Grove Unified School District



Foresthill High School
 

WECA's Apprenticeship Workforce Development Recruiter and Outreach Specialist, Brandon Drew, continued his steady schedule of college and career fairs in April with three visits to Sacramento-area high schools/events.

• Sheldon High School in Elk Grove on April 16th
• Elk Grove Unified School District's event on April 17th
• Foresthill High School in Foresthill on April 29th

As always, Brandon engaged high school students and staff alike about WECA's apprenticeship programs and discussed the benefits of enrolling in WECA's apprenticeship programs. Brandon also had students spin WECA's prize wheel for the chance to win prizes.

With the end of the school year approaching, Brandon looks forward to enjoying a slightly calmer outreach season during the summer, but eagerly anticipates performing outreach again in the fall!

Join WECA and Cook Brown, LLP for a Two-Part Webinar Series on Prevailing Wage and Skilled and Trained Workforce

Part 1 (Prevailing Wage) on Jun. 17

Part 2 (Skilled and Trained Workforce) on Jun. 19

Free for WECA Members and Their Employees. All Others $95.

Join Cook Brown Partner Carrie Bushman June 17th for Part 1 of a two-part webinar series on Prevailing Wage and Skilled and Trained Workforce. Part 1 will cover Prevailing Wage, including:

• Identifying and understanding the wage determination applicable to your project
• Taking credit for employer-provided fringe benefits
• Record-keeping
• Apprenticeship compliance
• Enforcement

Register today to join us online on June 17th, from 8:30 to 11:30 AM, for Part 1 of this informative webinar series.

This webinar is free for WECA Member Contractors and their employees. All others are $95/registration.

Register for the June 17th webinar here!

Join Cook Brown Partner Carrie Bushman for Part 2 of a two-part webinar series on June 19th. Part 2 will focus on Skilled and Trained Workforce, where Carrie will discuss:

• Recognizing to which types of projects Skilled and Trained Workforce requirements apply
• Understanding apprentice graduation requirements
• Compliance and enforcement

Register today to join us online on June 19th, from 8:30 to 9:30 AM, for Part 2 of this informative webinar series.

This webinar is free for WECA Member Contractors and their employees. All others are $95/registration.

Register for the June 19th webinar here!

 

WECA Invites Our Member Contractors to Join Us Virtually for Second Annual 22 Push-Up Challenge to Raise Awareness for Veterans Suicide Prevention on May 29th at 10:30 AM



Download the flyer here
 

This year, WECA invites our Member Contractors to join us virtually for our second annual 22 push-up challenge contest to raise awareness for veteran suicide prevention. As you may know, an alarming number of veterans struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after serving our country. This challenge is a way to honor their sacrifice and show support while bringing attention to this critical issue. 

WECA employees (and onsite apprentices!) will also participate in the challenge from their respective locations. 

If you and/or your employees would like to participate, please join us on Zoom on May 29th at 10:30 AM. 

If you are unable to perform push-ups, you and/or your employees can still participate by counting others' push-ups or just by being present to show your support for our veterans. 

Let's come together to raise awareness for this critical issue and help those who have served our country. 

Meet us online and enter the following meeting ID: 874 4437 9013 if necessary.

Content Courtesy of the California Public Utilities Commission's Solar Utilities Reporting Guidance and Education (SURGE) Initiative


 

Content courtesy of SURGE

Dear Contractor,

This is a friendly reminder that certified payrolls are due biannually to SURGE on July 1st and December 31st of each year. These are the reporting periods:

July 1st, 2025: December 1st-June 30th

December 31st, 2025: July 1st-November 30th

Important things to keep in mind when submitting payrolls:

• You can submit more frequently than the biannual deadlines (weekly, monthly, etc.).
• If you are submitting final payrolls, be sure to label them as such on the submission.
• If you have non-performance weeks, be sure to submit a Statement of Non-Performance form.
• Make sure you are using the DIR A-1-131 payroll reporting form or another similar reporting form with the required information.
• Ensure that any subcontractors on your project have also submitted their certified payrolls. The prime will be contracted regarding any non-compliant subcontractors.
• If you have added or removed any subcontractors from your project, make sure to update your project registration to keep your records up-to-date in our system.

If you have any questions, please visit the SURGE website and view our FAQ page to see if your question has already been answered.

If you need further assistance, please contact us at info@cpucsurge.org or 1-800-549-2143.

Thank you,

The SURGE Team

AB 942 – Legislative Call to Action Assembly Bill 942 still includes language that would eliminate NEM benefits for new non-beneficiary property owners and place them on Net Billing Tax (NBT). A shift to NBT could have a handful of consequences, but from a WECA perspective, it could deter future investments in solar-enabled housing. If you would like to share your experience with your issue, please email us by May 14^th so we can be included in a larger effort to advocate on this legislation. It would be helpful to focus your experience based on how it would impact your property or business upon a sale, in terms of how a shift to NBT would influence the sale price of a property and the impact of solar relief on energy cost. Lastly, if you feel so compelled, contacting your local legislator is always a great way to magnify your voice.

—

States Pile On Seventeen US states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s pause of $3.3 billion in funding to build electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These funds were part of a $5 billion plan passed during Biden's presidency under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to help states build EV charging stations. The suit was filed on Wednesday and is being led by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, and Washington. They contend that only Congress can bar or block the funding, not the Federal Highway Administration. The Department of Transportation hasn't responded to the lawsuit yet.

This latest suit against the Trump administration, California’s 19th so far, is an attempt to rescue billions in frozen federal funds. As with most of the suits that California has joined against President Donald Trump, it’s a largely blue-state coalition. But in some ways, this filing could be of most use to the Republican states that aren’t signed onto it.

Texas is the state that’s supposed to receive the largest award from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program — a $5 billion pot in 2021’s BIL that’s divvied up through a highway-based funding formula — at around $408 million. The state has around 4,400 public chargers, a fraction of California’s more than 80,000.

California was supposed to get the second-highest amount, at $384 million. But that’s a drop in the bucket compared to the $2 billion it’s already spent in state funding, and the $1.4 billion it still has coming from various state coffers. For rural (read Republican) states, the money is much more important. NEVI funding makes up a disproportionately high portion of EV charging funding in Republican states, where state funding is often lacking.

“I think that most, probably all of the states, would like to have this funding, but they are afraid to sue the Trump administration,” said Bill Magavern, policy director at Coalition for Clean Air. “Almost every Republican elected official has just gone silent, and attorneys general are elected officials.”

However, the NEVI funding will still have an impact, even in California. That’s because the program is designed to place charging stations no more than 50 miles away from each other along major highways. That means locations in the Central Valley and along the Northern California coast, rather than just urban centers like Los Angeles and the Bay Area, where EV adoption has been highest. “We need public funding, especially to go into the areas where the private sector may be more reluctant to venture,” Magavern said. “That includes rural areas and disadvantaged communities.”

Johannes Copeland, chief operating officer at Skycharger, a charger supplier that’s won NEVI grants in California and New Mexico, told POLITICO shortly after the DOT announced the freeze in February that the loss of federal funding and Biden-era tax credits that help cover costs of building and operating chargers could force some companies to reconsider investing in rural areas, where there are no guarantees they’ll ever be profitable. “The riskier sites may not get built,” Copeland said at the time. “That’s absolutely a risk in losing the money associated with the program.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom is also using the lawsuit to resume his jabs at Trump, taunting the president over a March decision to turn the White House lawn into a Tesla showroom to support Elon Musk. The governor also pointed to China’s growing manufacturers like BYD, which is now the largest EV maker in the world. “President Trump’s illegal action withholding funds for electric vehicle infrastructure is yet another Trump gift to China — ceding American innovation and killing thousands of jobs,” Newsom said in a statement. “Instead of hawking Teslas on the White House lawn, President Trump could actually help Elon — and the nation — by following the law and releasing this bipartisan funding.” Read more

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More Pain for HSR Trump said Tuesday that the federal government (a euphemism for taxpayers) will not pay for California’s medium-speed train, another potential wrinkle in a troubled project that has repeatedly blown past its budget and completion timeline since voters approved funding in 2008. “That train is the worst cost overrun I’ve ever seen,” Trump, who’s seen many of his own projects and endeavors fail, told reporters in the Oval Office during a joint appearance with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada. “It’s, like, totally out of control.” He added: “This government (i.e., taxpayers) is not going to pay.” The president’s comments came three months after his administration launched a review of how California is spending a $3.1 billion federal grant issued under the Biden administration. That audit has not yet been completed. Story

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Bonta Soft on Child Sex Abuse? While California Attorney General and aspiring Governor Rob Bonta is quick to sue the Trump Administration, he is less inclined to charge a former official with sexual assault. Former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner was not charged with a sex crime but was charged with three felony counts of child abuse and two felony counts of possessing assault weapons by the California Department of Justice in February.

The charges stemmed from an incident at his Tehachapi house in April of last year, where Scrivner was stabbed in the upper torso by one of his four children, who was trying to protect another child from being sexually assaulted by Scrivner, according to Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood. Detectives seized around 30 firearms and psychedelic mushrooms from Scrivner’s house after the incident. Scrivner resigned from the Board of Supervisors last August after taking a lengthy medical leave of absence. According to the complaint filed by the Department of Justice, Scrivner allegedly got into bed with one of his children and touched the child inappropriately.

The case wound up on Bonta’s desk due to a familial conflict with Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer.

The decision not to charge Scrivner didn’t sit well with Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains (D-Bakersfield), who wrote a letter to Bonta asking for clarification on the charges filed against Scrivner to know why he was not charged with a sex crime. Story

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Praise the Lord, Congress Focuses on Important Stuff! The Gulf of America Act of 2025 (HR 276) renames the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. The bill directs the Board on Geographic Names within the Department of the Interior to oversee the implementation of the renaming concerning each federal document and map. Each federal agency must update its records and maps within 180 days of the bill's enactment. All nine of California's Republicans voted AYE today on the bill. All the state's Democrats voted no. The House voted for the renaming by a margin of 211 to 206. Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Roseville, explained why he backed the plan, which would write into law the renaming plan proposed by President Donald Trump on his first day in office. "The Gulf of America is a critical region to our country's economy. It's a staple of energy independence that fuels economic growth, creates jobs, and is a tourist destination for people across the United States," Kiley said. Story

—

Navigating California’s New Regulations on Automated Decision-Making Tools The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) has recently approved regulations under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) to address discrimination in employment resulting from the use of automated decision-making systems, including artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms. These regulations apply to all employers covered by the FEHA and are expected to take effect in July, once they have completed the final administrative approval process with the Office of Administrative Law. Story

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California Court of Appeal Affirms Enforceability of Prospective Meal Period Waivers In a ruling that clarifies a previously unsettled area of California employment law, a California Court of Appeal affirmed the enforceability of written, prospective meal period waivers for shifts between five and six hours long. The April 21, 2025, decision in Bradsbery v. Vicar Operating, Inc. explained that advanced “blanket” waivers are valid under the law if freely revocable and absent evidence of coercion or unconscionability. For California employers, Bradsbery provides much-needed guidance on how to implement meal period waivers in compliance with the law. Story

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Good News, Gov. Newsom has launched a website fact-checking anonymous X accounts, in-state Republicans, and President Donald Trump — escalating a campaign to defend his home state and record against false and misleading information online, Politico reports. “This site is for everyone sick of the BS about California,” Newsom said in a statement. “We’re done letting the MAGA trolls define the Golden State. We’re going on the offense and fighting back — with facts.” Posts already on the site dispense with some serious whoppers from questionable sources. One claim, from an X account named “Beauty Hub,” incorrectly asserts that stealing up to $950 is legal in California. Another post, from Libs of TikTok, falsely claimed California reservoirs ran dry during the LA fires. Californiafacts.com deploys some of Newsom’s go-to answers for common criticisms of his home state. It responds to economic digs by touting California’s status as the fourth-largest economy. To an X post that accused Democrats of being a party of “zealous open border immigration,” it notes the federal government’s jurisdiction over the issue. It cites the economic benefits of people commuting across the Mexico-California border for work.

—

AZ Valley Voters, Lawmakers Should Stand Up to California Labor Union An out-of-state labor-affiliated group has cast a shadow over the Valley’s economic development future. Voters and elected officials can help clear things up. An example is Glendale City Council’s recent approval of zoning for a 39-acre site on the west side of Loop 101 across from State Farm Stadium, which is set to feature a mix of multifamily housing, retail and hotels. It’s the type of development cities typically welcome. They create jobs, generate tax revenues and generally improve a community’s quality of life thanks to new amenities. Worker Power, the Los Angeles-based political arm of the hospitality union UniteHere, opposes the zoning approval and is poised to thwart development at the site. A representative was at the April 22 Council meeting to express the group’s opposition, specifically calling out the inclusion of a hotel in the development. More

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Legislator Wants School Funds to be Given to Utilities Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris is attempting to reintroduce legislation that would provide a one-time credit to most of the state’s electricity customers with funding from a program that provides money for school heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades, reports Politico. Petrie-Norris, a Democrat who chairs the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee, is refusing to hear AB 832 by Assembly Education Chair Al Muratsuchi, which would give school districts more time to use some $192 million for HVAC improvements and plumbing.

While Muratsuchi's bill would extend the time that schools can tap the funding for HVAC improvements until 2031, Petrie-Norris proposed amendments that would redirect any funding not used by December 2026 to the state’s utilities, which would then distribute the money to customers as credits. Muratsuchi's office confirmed that he wouldn't take the amendments. He said he was “disappointed” that Petrie-Norris won’t hear his bill, which “ensures that schools have access to critical funds to improve indoor air quality and create healthier learning environments.”

“California’s students and staff deserve to learn and work in spaces with safe, effective ventilation systems,” he said in a statement. It's the second year that Petrie-Norris has proposed redirecting school HVAC funding to electricity bills, as well as the second year that school advocates have proposed extending the funding deadline, which was established in 2020's AB 841. A similar bill proposed last year by former Assemblymember Phil Ting died before it received a floor vote.



WECA's Southern California Government Relations Representative Dave Everett gives Riverside City Councilman Chuck Condor a tour of WECA Riverside's labs.

Councilman Visits Riverside City Councilman Chuck Condor recently toured WECA Riverside for a discussion about workforce development. Joined by Dave Everett with WECA’s Government Affairs team, Condor sat down to learn more about WECA’s commitment to apprenticeship, training and safety. Currently, the City of Riverside is looking at several construction projects, including a $32.8 million construction contract to bring the Museum of Riverside closer to reopening and a proposed 126-acre sports complex. On the tour, WECA highlighted the great opportunity that apprenticeships are for students and how beneficial it is for young adults to begin adulthood debt-free. Thank you, Riverside Councilman Chuck Condor, for taking time out of your busy schedule to learn more about our members and students!

WECA Member Contractor Pavletich Electric & Communications Named One of Bakersfield's Favorite Electrical Companies by the Bakersfield Californian's 2025 Best Of Readers' Choice Poll



Congratulations to WECA Member Contractor Pavletich Electric & Communications on being named one of Bakersfield's favorite electrical companies in the "Best electrical company" category of the Bakersfield Californian's 2025 Best Of Readers' Choice Poll!

Content Courtesy of Chamber Business News' article "Governor and OEO connect Arizonans with new apprenticeship opportunities, announce new grants"


 

Content courtesy of Chamber Business News

Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) announced that the BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative has successfully connected nearly 3,000 Arizonans with apprenticeship opportunities in the construction industry. The announcement also included the release of more than $1 million in new grants to expand training programs and the launch of the largest round of BuildItAZ funding to date.

The BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative was launched in 2023 to address the growing demand for skilled construction workers. Arizona is projected to need an additional 20,000 construction workers by 2030, according to Talent Ready AZ. Since the initiative’s start, the number of active construction and trades registered apprentices in Arizona has grown from 4,350 to 7,252, with the goal of reaching 8,700 by the end of 2026.

“Together, with industry-led registered apprenticeship programs, we’ve expanded capacity of high-quality programs with state workforce development funding and connected thousands of Arizonans with earn-while-you-learn career pathways that are jobs from day one with competitive wages, and a nationally recognized credential,” OEO Director Carlos Contreras said. “Next, we plan to meet the critical 2026 goal by continuing to invest in apprenticeship capacity and launching a new outreach campaign to reach and inspire the builders across the state who could be future carpenters, laborers, electricians, superintendents and pipefitters.”

The newly announced grants will support seven construction and trades registered apprenticeship programs across the state. The second-round grant recipients are:

• Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors of America, Inc. Apprenticeship Trust Fund
• Boilermakers Local 627
• Laborer’s Training School and Retraining Trust Fund
• Phoenix Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee
• Sundt Construction
• Tucson Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program
• Western Electrical Contractors Association Inc.

Funding from the BuildItAZ initiative, including the $650,000 awarded in the first round last year, focuses on recruiting and retaining apprentices. It supports wrap-around services such as childcare and transportation assistance, program tuition, tools, boots, textbooks, and essential training equipment. These resources aim to eliminate barriers to employment and expand capacity in existing apprenticeship programs.

“Tucson Electrical Apprenticeship currently serves 175 active apprentices across Pima County, Cochise County, Greenlee County, Yuma County, Graham County, Pinal County and even as far as west of La Paz County,” said Tucson Electrical Apprenticeship Training Director Karen King. “The apprenticeship program is committed to creating pathways to enter the skilled trades. With the rapid growth of the construction sector in Arizona, this expansion is essential to fill the workforce gap and ensure the supply of qualified electricians in the state.”

In addition to the grant awards, Hobbs announced a third round of BuildItAZ funding totaling $3 million—the initiative’s largest single investment yet. This funding is intended to further the state’s commitment to growing a strong, industry-led construction workforce.

“This BuildItAZ grant is a significant enhancement for Sundt’s workforce development initiatives in Arizona,” said Sundt Construction Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Nicole Calamaio. “These funds will expand apprenticeship opportunities, empower more women to enter the construction industry, and provide Spanish-speaking residents in Maricopa County with accessible training and career pathways. This investment strengthens our commitment to build a diverse, skilled workforce that reflects the communities we serve.”

This spring, OEO will also launch a BuildItAZ multimedia outreach campaign designed to inspire more Arizonans, especially women, to pursue careers in construction. The campaign will use digital media and community engagement to promote construction as a stable, well-paying career path and to increase participation in apprenticeship programs.

BuildItAZ is funded by workforce grants through the Office of Economic Opportunity. For more information about the initiative visit BuildItAZ.az.gov.

Share the benefits of apprenticeship! Download the flyer here.

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Here's WECA Commercial Electrical Apprentice Wesley Hornich on Apprenticeship:


 

WECA Commercial Electrical Apprentice Wesley Hornich spoke to WECA, discussing how he appreciates the opportunity to build America and how his passion for the trades translates into a fulfilling career in his community.

"What really took me and kept me in electrical was the fact that I'm directly helping my community and I'm able to go and build America," says Wesley.

Wesley also shared his gratitude for his employer, Bill Sharp of WECA Member Contractor Sharp Electric, saying "I ended up with a good company that wants to put their guys through school and educate them and make sure they're a well-rounded, skilled electrician. You owe that company that put you through school ... Bill put me through this. I owe Bill a little bit of something. And I'm going to give him that."

Thank you for sharing your passion for your apprenticeship experience and the electrical industry with us, Wesley!

WECA Government Relations Director Rex Hime (second from right) and WECA CEO Don Black (third from right) join Rex Moore leadership and apprentices at the California State Capitol.






 

Content courtesy of Rex Moore:

"Rex Moore was in the house -- literally in the State Capitol, representing apprentices across California at the Senate floor session. We watched with pride as SCR 55 was passed by the Senate, officially designating April 27th - May 3rd as Apprentice Week in California. Our apprentices are the lifeblood of our company, shaping who we are today with their dedication and tenacity, and truly deserve this recognition. A sincere thank you to Western Electrical Contractors Association, Inc. for providing exceptional curriculum, state-of-the-art labs, and relentless advocacy, ensuring our apprentices are the most skilled and knowledgeable in the state. Join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements of Apprenticeship Week in California!"

WECA Industry Partner Simpro Hosting "Unlocking Productivity: Strategies to Transform Your Operations" Webinar on May 21st at 1 PM

Learn Actions and Insights to Fuel Field Services Growth

Content Courtesy of WECA Industry Partner Simpro

Content courtesy of Simpro

In today's fast-paced business environment, operational inefficiencies can cost organizations valuable time and resources. This webinar dives deep into the core challenges hindering productivity and offers actionable strategies to streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and maximize outcomes.

What you'll learn:

• Productivity challenges across industries
• Strategies for operational efficiency
• The role of technology in driving productivity
• Case studies and best practices

This webinar is perfect for professionals looking to enhance their operational efficiency and achieve lasting results.

Register now

Get Answers Within, Content Courtesy of California Public Utilities Commission's Solar-Utilities Reporting, Guidance, and Education (SURGE) Program


 

Content courtesy of SURGE

Have questions about AB 2143 and certified payroll submission? The SURGE Program is here to help! We've compiled a list of some of our most frequently asked questions for easy access. Check them out below:

What is defined as a Public Works Project under AB 2143?

• Under AB 2143/PUC 769.2, public works projects are described as follows:

§ Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 1720 of the Labor Code, construction of any renewable electrical generation facility, and any associated battery storage, after December 31, 2023, that receives service pursuant to the standard contract or tariff developed pursuant to Section 2827.1, shall constitute a public works project for purposes of Article 2 (commencing with Section 1770) of Chapter 1 of Part 7 of Division 2 of the Labor Code, except as specified in subdivision (f). This section does not apply to a project that is a public work, as defined in Section 1720 of the Labor Code, and that is subject to Article 2 (commencing with Section 1770) of Chapter 1 of Part 7 of Division 2 of the Labor Code. See here for full text.

• For further context, of the definition of a public works project outside of the AB 2143/PUC 769.2 regulations, please consult Section 1720 definition of public works.

Are contractors required to submit certified payroll reports to the DIR (in addition to SURGE)?

• Yes. Pursuant to the applicable labor code provisions referenced in AB 2143 and PUC 769.2, contractors are required to upload certified payroll reports to the DIR via the eCPR portal. The DIR payroll submission is required in addition to the requirement that copies of certified payroll be uploaded to teh SURGE Compliance Portal by July 1st and December 31st. See Frequently Asked Questions about Prevailing Wage here.

How do I know what wage determination to use for these projects?

• Prevailing wage rates depend on the scope of work, location of the project, and bid advertised date of the project and can be found here.
• Per the Public Works Manual Section 3.2.4, if an awarding body does not advertise the public works project for bid, other benchmark events, including the first written memorialization of the agreement concerning the public works elements of project or the contract governing the award of public funds will be utilized instead.
• You may also visit the DIR's FAQ Page for more information on determining the prevailing wage rates.

Didn't see your question on the list? Check out our FAQ page on the SURGE website for a full list of all our frequently asked questions.

If you need further assistance, please contact the SURGE Support Team at info@cpucsurge.org or 1-800-549-2143.

WECA California Member Contractors: You Can Utilize WECA's Student Referral Service to Find Eager-to-Work Electrician Trainees in Your Area

Are you looking to hire Electrician Trainees? We have individuals throughout California, currently getting top-notch educations in WECA's Electrician Trainee Certificate Program, looking to get referred to a WECA Member Contractor through our Student Referral Service!

Electrician Trainees currently enrolled in the WECA ET Program are available for work in the following counties:

• Butte
• Contra Costa
• El Dorado
• Fresno
• Kern
• Los Angeles
• Madera
• Mendocino
• Merced
• Monterey
• Nevada
• Orange
• Placer
• Riverside
• Sacramento
• San Bernardino
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• San Joaquin
• Santa Cruz
• Sonoma
• Stanislaus
• Tulare
• Tuolumne
• Yuba

WECA's Student Referral Service is a complimentary for our Member Contractors job referral service that introduces our current Electrician Trainee, Journeyperson, and WECA-grad job seekers to Member Contractors in order to help Members meet their staffing needs.

This service provides additional customer service by having WECA staff supply you with hands-on referrals. In other words--we take some of the hard work off your plate! The Student Referral Service refers employees to you, and you hire them directly.

To receive referrals from WECA's Student Referral Service TODAY, please call the WECA Client Services Team at (877) 444-9322.

California Business & Industrial Alliance (CABIA) Hosting PAGA Prevention and Penalty Reduction Webinar on May 15th at 10 AM

Content Courtesy of CABIA


 

CABIA is hosting a PAGA Prevention and Penalty Reduction Webinar on May 15th.

Join us at 10:00 am for an hour to learn more on how you can prevent being a victim of PAGA and proactive steps you can take to significantly reduce penalties if you do get a PAGA notice.

Please send an email to maria@cabia.org to sign up.

 

Kojo, originally founded as Agora Systems in 2018 by CEO Maria Davidson, is a procurement and inventory management platform tailored for the construction industry. The company rebranded to Kojo in 2022 to reflect its expanded focus beyond the electrical trade to encompass all major construction trades, including mechanical, concrete, drywall, roofing, flooring, and self-performing general contractors.

As of 2025, Kojo has powered over 10,000 construction projects across 46 states, helping contractors reduce material costs and waste while improving operational efficiency.

Kojo streamlines the entire materials management process by connecting field teams, purchasing departments, warehouse crews, accounting teams, and vendors on a single platform.

Key features of Kojo’s solutions include:

Procurement Management: Kojo simplifies the procurement process by allowing users to process material orders efficiently, compare pricing and availability across multiple vendors, and place field requests via a mobile app.

Inventory Management: The platform provides real-time visibility into warehouse inventory, enabling contractors to track materials, manage stock levels, and streamline the distribution of materials to job sites.

Operations Optimization: Kojo offers automated insights into material spending and team ordering behaviors, facilitating better business planning, cost savings, and increased labor efficiency.

Accounting Integration: Kojo integrates seamlessly with accounting systems, ensuring accurate tracking of material costs and simplifying financial processes.

By consolidating these functions, Kojo enhances operational efficiency, reduces material waste, and improves overall project profitability for contractors.

Kojo distinguishes itself from its competitors with the following solutions and features:

Mobile-Friendly: Kojo has a mobile app that allows field teams to request materials directly from their phones, improving convenience and responsiveness on-site.

Vendor Comparison: Kojo allows users to compare pricing and availability from multiple vendors, helping contractors secure the best deals and avoid overpaying for materials.

Accounting Integrations: Kojo integrates seamlessly with accounting systems, streamlining the reconciliation of invoices and POs and reducing manual errors.

Comprehensive All-in-One Platform: Kojo provides a full suite of procurement, inventory, and project management tools, reducing the need for contractors to use multiple software systems.

As a new industry partner of WECA, Kojo is excited to help WECA’s electrical contractor members streamline and modernize their operations. Kojo helps get their materials to the field faster, eliminate waste, and improve their bottom line—all while providing more control and visibility over their operations.

Using Kojo Reduces Material Spend—Yielding a 4% Savings on Overall Material Costs

o  Gain a transparent and connected material workflow

o  Make the best decision on where to buy your parts

o  Mitigate risks of human error in your procurement process

Using Kojo Eliminates Waste—Yielding a 90% Reduction in Material Waste

o  Do more with the people you have by removing tedious tasks

o  Stop over-ordering materials because of poor communication

o  Leverage your investment in your warehouse, tools, and prefab

Kojo Helps Contractors Support the Field—Yielding 4 Hours Saved Each Week by Foremen

o  Instant collaboration between the field and everyone lese

o  Make sure projects have the right materials at the right time

o  Keep field teams building, not playing phone tag with the office

Kojo and WECA share goals such as driving innovation and improving efficiency across the electrical industry.

To that end, Kojo will offer 10% off of the first-year contract for new WECA Member Contractor customers.

WECA Member Contractors who would like to partner with Kojo should reach out to Alex Harmon at alex.harmon@usekojo.com to learn more about Kojo. Additionally, WECA Member Contractors can learn more about Kojo here. 

NABTU Sues Over PLA Exemption North America’s Building Trades Unions filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia recently against two federal agencies and their chiefs for ignoring a still-in-effect executive order from former President Joe Biden requiring project labor agreements on some federal jobs. They asked the court to enjoin the Department of Defense and the General Services Administration from foregoing PLA use, as the Biden-era order remains on the books. Since Trump took office, he has enacted a flurry of executive orders undoing many Biden-era policies, and in January, a judge severely weakened the case for the federal government to use PLAs, but NABTU argues that the original order is still in effect. Story

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New Building for California Lawmakers Costing as Much as an NFL Stadium Leaders overseeing California's Capitol Annex project refuse to explain the cost of what will be one of the most expensive buildings in the United States. The $1.1 billion (and counting) Capitol Annex Project had an original cost estimate of $543.2 million in 2018. Within the next few years, the building will house offices for the state’s 120 lawmakers, the governor, lieutenant governor, and staff. It will also have committee hearing rooms where lawmakers debate and vote on various issues. The price tag is also expected to pay for a parking garage, but maybe not a new visitors' center on the west side of the historic state capitol building. Story

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When Headless PAGAs Attack! A split in authority has developed in the California Courts of Appeal regarding what to do when an employer moves to compel arbitration of a Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) that is “headless”—that is, a claim seeking penalties on behalf of all allegedly aggrieved employees except the named plaintiff. (This is the latest trick the plaintiff’s bar has come up with to thwart enforceable arbitration agreements, because if there’s one thing plaintiffs’ lawyers hate, it’s arbitration!)

In Leeper v. Shipt, Inc., the court held that a PAGA claim cannot be headless, so in this circumstance, the “individual” PAGA claim is implied and can be compelled to arbitration. On the other hand, Parra Rodriguez v. Packers Sanitation, Inc. held that a court must take the complaint as it finds it and cannot “imply” an individual PAGA claim that was not pled.

The California Supreme Court has granted review of Leeper to answer two questions:

1. Does every PAGA action necessarily include both individual and non-individual PAGA claims, regardless of whether the complaint specifically alleges individual claims?
2. Can a plaintiff choose to bring only a non-individual PAGA action?

Story

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Changes to WC Mandate? To address concerns that some construction contractor applicants or licensees were providing a certification of exemption even though they had employees, SB 216 (Dodd, Chapter 978, Statues of 2022) expanded the license classifications required to have a Certificate of Workers’ Compensation Insurance on file with the CSLB to include the C-8 (Concrete), C-20 (HVAC), C-22 (Asbestos Abatement), and D-49 (Tree Service), regardless if the contractor has employees, effective January 1, 2023, and additionally required that all licensing classifications (regardless of employee status) obtain workers’ compensation beginning January 1, 2026. Before the passage of SB 216, only a C-39 (Roofing) contractor was required to have workers’ compensation insurance regardless of the number of employees.

The impetus for the CSLB’s sponsorship of SB 216 stemmed from enforcement-related work conducted by the CSLB. The CSLB reported that between January 2018 and March 2020, it issued 500 stop-work orders to licensed contractors on job sites for failure to secure workers’ compensation. It also took 342 legal actions against licensed contractors for workers’ compensation insurance violations. In addition, in 2017, CSLB conducted an audit of a sample of contractors in four classifications that perform outdoor construction likely to require multiple workers: C-8 (Concrete), C-12 (Earthwork/Paving), C-27 (Landscaping), and D-49 (Tree Trimming). The survey revealed that 59% of contractors audited had false workers’ compensation exemptions on file with the CSLB. Contractors who file a false workers’ compensation exemption are subject to disciplinary action and cancellation of the false exemption, which subjects the license to suspension.

SB 1455 and Sunset Review. The CSLB is subject to the joint sunset oversight review process. In December 2023, the CSLB submitted its required sunset review report to this committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions. That report noted significant challenges stemming from the implementation of SB 216. The report highlighted concerns that the implementation of SB 216 would have had a greater impact on CSLB’s workload than anticipated and could potentially increase license processing times. At that time, in early 2024, the CSLB reported the following concerning the issue of implementing the requirement for workers’ compensation coverage:

“If the 2026 mandate in SB 216 took effect today, approximately 115,000 contractors would currently need a policy. CSLB may expect 10 percent of licensees to stop paying to maintain a license, resulting in a possible loss of $8 million to CSLB’s fund that may impact enforcement operations. Staff also anticipates a significant increase in document processing with an increase in certificates and possibly applications to inactivate or cancel licenses. Staff will need to explore an entirely online certificate process or pursue a partnership with the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau to assist with the tracking and registering of certificates…

…As to workforce issues, contractors have expressed concern about being forced to pay for a policy that does not benefit them. There has always been a concern with any requirement of this nature that a percentage of licentiate will “go underground” instead of paying for workers’ compensation insurance.”

As a result of the concern raised concerning those potential licensees who may qualify for an exemption and to address the administrative workload impacts from the CSLB, SB 1455 (Ashby, Chapter 485, Statutes of 2024) paused the requirement for all licensees to have workers’ compensation coverage, regardless of employee status by January 1, 2026, and instead delayed implementation of the requirement until January 1, 2028, and additionally required the CSLB to establish a process, no later than January 1, 2027, to verify through and audit or other means that a contractor applicant or licensee may not have employees.

Although SB 1455 provided the CSLB with additional time to implement the requirement that all licensees obtain workers’ compensation as part of the licensure or renewal process and further required the CSLB to establish a process to verify that an applicant or licensee may legitimately not have employees, the CSLB has instead sponsored this bill as a means to achieve the legislative directive in SB 1455.

Instead of mandating workers’ compensation coverage for all licensees, as required by SB 216, SB 291 (Grayson) would instead exempt a licensee who self-certifies that they have no employees and whose work includes labor and materials, which are no more than $2,000, from the requirement to have workers’ compensation coverage. SB 291 specifies that a $2,000 contract cannot be split into more than one contract for the project to avoid the coverage requirements. This bill would remove the previous mandate for a C-8 (Concrete), D-49 (Tree Service), and C-20 (Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning) licensee to have workers’ compensation, regardless of employee status, and allow these licensees to self-certify that they do not have employees. This bill will now require only a C-39 (roofing contractor) to obtain workers’ compensation insurance regardless of employee status.

To address the Legislature’s mandate that the CSLB establish a process to verify that a licensee or applicant who states that they do not have any employees, SB 291 would require the CSLB to establish as part of the application and renewal process, an open book examination, which will require applicants and licensees to answer questions correctly regarding workers’ compensation laws.

Under current law, BPC § 7126 explicitly states that any licensee or agent who violates the workers’ compensation requirements under existing law is guilty of a misdemeanor. This bill adds new civil penalties for violating the requirement to have workers’ compensation insurance for those applicants and licensees who have employees, in addition to the current misdemeanor penalties. The civil penalties range between $10,000 and $30,000, depending on the license type and the number of violations received.

Policy Issues Raised by Committee The Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee raised several points about this proposed retreat when it heard the bill on April 21.

Is an open-book examination sufficient? Will an open-book examination aid the CSLB in evaluating whether or not a licensee truly has no employees? The exam may be duplicative, as the content should be included in the Law and Business exam, which is already a requirement for licensure. The examination adds another step in the licensure and renewal process, which could increase application and renewal processing timeframes, costs for printing and mailing the exam, and may not ensure the applicant or licensee has a sufficient understanding of the law.

Rolling back previous workers’ compensation requirements for higher risk classifications. SB 216 required four different licensing classifications to obtain workers’ compensation insurance regardless of employee status. The classifications include asbestos abatement contractors, concrete contractors, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractors, and tree service contractors. As currently drafted, this bill would roll back the requirement for these licensing classifications to be mandated to have workers’ compensation insurance, regardless of employees, and allow them to file an exemption if they contract for less than $2,000. This rollback does not take into account prior research conducted by the CSLB. Could this bill place those licensees or employees at risk? The CSLB may need to complete an updated industry study on those licensing classifications that may be able to operate without employees.

Are there potential workarounds for the $2,000 contract threshold? This bill would allow a licensee to self-certify that they have no employees if they contract for a project (labor and materials) less than $2,000 and specifies that the contract cannot be broken into multiple contracts to avoid the $2,000 threshold. Unfortunately, this exemption could potentially be circumvented. The $2,000 threshold appears to be arbitrary and does not reflect any study conducted by the CSLB finding that only contracts offered at $2,000 or less ensures that a licensee would be eligible for an exemption, or that any contract higher would require employees.

Does this bill satisfy the legislative mandate for an audit or other proof to verify an applicant or licensee’s eligibility for a workers’ compensation exemption? The CSLB is required to establish a process and procedure that may include an audit, proof, or other means to verify that an applicant or licensee is eligible for an exemption from the requirement to obtain workers’ compensation insurance by January 1, 2027 (BPC § 7125.7). It’s unclear if the provisions of this bill satisfy the legislative mandate for the CSLB to establish a process to verify if a licensee may not have any employees and would be eligible for an exemption. The proposed increased civil penalty and open book examination are not comparable to an audit or providing proof that an applicant or licensee does not have employees.

To address the concerns raised above, the author agreed to amend the bill to strike the current contents of this bill, except the increased penalties for violating the current workers’ compensation coverage requirements and the inclusion of disciplinary actions related to workers’ compensation violations in the report the CSLB submits annually to the Legislature, to provide greater insight into the current number of violations for workers compensation exemptions. In addition, to reinforce that the Legislature already provided time for the CSLB to address the issue of verifying employee status, this bill should clarify that the CSLB must provide a mechanism no later than January 1, 2027, to effectively determine whether a licensee has no employees and qualifies for an exemption to the workers compensation coverage requirements and report back to the Legislature.

With those amendments, the Committee approved the bill 11-0.

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Trump Orders Federal Procurement Overhaul President Trump ordered federal agencies to overhaul their procurement systems and regulations. According to Federal News Network, this is the biggest effort to modernize how federal agencies buy products and services since Congress passed the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act and the Federal Acquisition Reform Act into law in the ’90s.

Trump’s April 15 executive order said the FAR had evolved “into an excessive and overcomplicated regulatory framework.” He called for it to include only those “provisions required by statute or essential to sound procurement,” and said any provisions that do not advance these objectives should be removed.

In a second order on April 16, Trump also directed agencies to purchase only commercially available products and services, rather than unique government systems or custom solutions, unless they are given a waiver from the agency’s approval authority. Story

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Former Edison Executive Calderon, Now A Lawmaker, Seeks to Cut Rooftop Solar Credits Nearly 2 million California rooftop solar owners could lose the energy credits that help them cover what they spent to install the expensive, climate-friendly systems under a proposed bill. The bill’s author, Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier), is a former executive at Southern California Edison and its parent company, Edison International. She says the credits that rooftop solar owners receive when they send unused electricity to the grid raise the bills of customers who don’t own the panels. Assembly Bill 942 would limit the program’s benefits to 10 years, half the 20-year period the state had told the rooftop owners they would receive. The bill would also cancel the solar contracts if the home were sold. Story

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Steve Hilton, Former Fox News Host, Is Running for California Governor Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host who has also worked in conservative politics in Britain, announced on Monday that he was running to become California’s next governor. Mr. Hilton is the second prominent Republican to enter the 2026 race, but he faces difficult odds. California voters have not elected a Republican to statewide office since they re-elected Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. Story

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Here's Where Your Tax Dollars Are Going Individual income taxes are the largest source of tax revenues and half of total annual receipts. Here's what they support in the federal budget. More



From Hostile to Union Leaders to Vacationing with Them Leaders at the Chula Vista Elementary School District once had an adversarial relationship with the teachers’ union. That’s changed in the years since Francisco Tamayo, a former union leader in the Sweetwater Union High School District, joined the Chula Vista school board. With Tamayo on the Chula Vista Elementary District Board, Voice of San Diego reports, the district’s teachers’ union has gotten pay raises five of the last eight years and won concessions from district leaders – even as the district faces a $15 million budget deficit this year. Tamayo’s partnership with union president Rosi Martinez has made those gains possible. Martinez and Tamayo both say their relationship is professional. But their close ties have provoked questions about accountability. Story

Checking in on Commercial Electrical Apprentices in Sacramento and Riverside

First Year, Second Semester Commercial Electrical Apprentices in Sacramento













Third Year, Second Semester Commercial Electrical Apprentices in Riverside

Join WECA at an Apprenticeship Programs Open House in Sacramento in Celebration of National Apprenticeship Day 2025!

Already an Apprentice? Share This Opportunity with Someone You Know!


 

What to expect at the WECA Apprenticeship Programs Open House, a video preview:

This April 30th, WECA is celebrating National Apprenticeship Day 2025 with an Open House event from 2:30 to 4:30 PM at our Sacramento Apprenticeship Training Facility! Please join us for this fun and informative April event that just might be your first step into your future career!

At this WECA Apprenticeship Program Open House, you'll:

• Learn more about WECA's three state and federally-approved Electrical (Commercial Electrical and Residential Electrical) and Low Voltage (Sound and Communications Installer-Voice Data Video and Fire Life Safety) Apprenticeship programs
• Tour the facility
• See lab demos
• Meet WECA instructors and staff
• Get your individual questions answered
• Learn about the application process
• And more!

We encourage you to pre-register for the event ahead of time to secure your spot, but will also accept walk-ins on the day of the event if space allows. Pre-registration will allow you to receive event reminders and updated event information.

Apprenticeship means you get paid to learn. It's a path to a great, skilled career, without having to take on any college debt.

Please RSVP here for the WECA Sacramento Open House!

Spread the word! Download a flyer:

WECA is excited to announce a new self-paced online course offering for Journeyworkers and advanced Electrician Trainees: Residential Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)!

This self-paced intermediate residential electrical course will help you comprehensively understand a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), including installation and commissioning. While there are many Energy Storage Systems (ESS), this course will focus on rechargeable batteries, specifically Lithium-Ion.

Learning Objectives for this course:

• You will be able to identify the required equipment for a residential BESS.
• You will be able to explain National Electrical Code requirements applicable to a BESS.
• You will simulate a residential BESS's correct equipment layout and conduit sizing requirements.
• You will be able to identify safety procedures and required steps applicable to installing and commissioning a BESS.

Total class hours available: 16
Standard tuition fee: $199

Enroll in Self-Paced Residential Battery Energy Storage Systems today!

 

For WECA and our longtime Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship instructor Zach Wallace, it’s not only a heartfelt goodbye and thank you—but also a “see you soon”!

Zach Wallace clocked out from teaching WECA Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship full-time on March 31st, after 19 total years with WECA (with two years first spent teaching for the Electrician Trainee Program and then seventeen years spent teaching for the Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program). However, Zach will continue to teach part-time for WECA's GetWired program, so luckily for all of us and our students, we haven't seen or heard the last of him!

During his tenure with WECA, Zach has been a devoted and popular instructor and an instrumental part of the WECA family. The mark he has left on WECA is indelible—but it seems that WECA left a positive lasting mark on him, too.

“While working at WECA, I learned how to overcome my fear of public speaking,” Zach recalled. “Not only that, but WECA taught me how to have a career and not just a job. I can honestly say I’ve lived a dream.”

Zach’s favorite aspects of his career were the countless opportunities to train and educate the future electrical workforce and being part of the WECA team.

“The service that we provide is awesome. But for me, helping students get something that is important to them and seeing them start out untrained and five years later noticing the growth that has taken place in them—and for me to have been a small piece of that—is really satisfying.”

“The staff,” Zach continued, “is like family. People here are so supportive and genuinely care to help in any way they can. I would not have had the success that I’ve had if it wasn’t for all of you.”

With tenure and retirement comes wisdom—which Zach has in spades.

“I would like to say to my colleagues, laugh, have fun, and learn as you go. Even from the students. Everyone has something to offer in this educational system,” Zach said.

“My parting advice for apprentices is, you are our future electricians. Never forget when you started and what that felt like. You will become the trainers and leaders in this industry. Treat your apprentices the way you would want to be treated,” Zach advised.

For Zach, “retirement” is a hard word to grasp. “Let’s call it the next chapter,” Zach says instead. “I want to say I am turning the page. I am planning on doing a little electrical work for myself. Thinking about getting a real estate license. Just to name a few. But I don’t really know yet. I want to restore an old car or maybe just sit on the porch and drink lemonade all day…not! Maybe some hunting and fishing. (Zach is moving to Alabama.) The list goes on and on…”

Zach, your next chapter sounds incredible, and we are confident that you will nail it! We thank you for all of your hard work, dedication, and contributions to the WECA family over the years, and are glad that current and future classes of GetWired program students will get to enjoy having you as their instructor for a bit longer. 

------------------------------------------

We celebrated Zach and his contributions to WECA at a semi-retirement gathering at WECA's Sacramento Training Facility on March 31st!

During the gathering, onsite and remote colleagues alike feted Zach with a retrospective slideshow and delicious cake!

 

WECA recently attended the SkillsUSA California State Leadership and Skills Conference at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, CA, to lead the judging of the electrical construction wiring competition.

SkillsUSA plays a vital role in bridging the skills gap by preparing students for successful careers in essential trades and technical fields. This competition event helps students hone their skills and abilities and provides a platform for them to demonstrate their abilities.

WECA Apprenticeship Curriculum Developer and Instructor Neil Pesarillo served as the head judge of the electrical wiring competition, while WECA Director of Apprenticeship Training and Facilities John Berkhoel and WECA Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship instructor Sebastian Caparelli were also on hand to support and judge the Electrical Station.

"The event was high-energy and impressive, as competitors demonstrated their knowledge and skills in electrical construction wiring," said John.

WECA's always thrilled to help out at the SkillsUSA California State Leadership and support youth workforce development at every opportunity!

Enroll in Our Newly-Updated, Self-Paced Online Fire Life Safety Exam Preparation and Code Refresher Course

WECA's Fire Life Safety Exam Preparation and Code Refresher Course has received an update to its coverage of the NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.

This self-paced online course is for students who want to study for the California Fire Life Safety Technician certification exam at their own pace.

Informative presentations help guide students through the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) as well as the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA 72). It is meant for individuals almost ready to take the exam.

It is also suitable as journeyman electrician continuing education for those looking to further their knowledge in the area of Fire/Life Safety.

Much of the class is dedicated to sample testing similar to state exams. It focuses on practical research by the students to find the answers to code questions rather than instruction by lecture.

Learning how to effectively subject index exam questions, whether located in the NFPA 70 or the NFPA 72, will help students to:

• Effectively find the answers to any exam question
• Improve exam-taking speed
• Gain a greater understanding of their field

Course Lessons Include:

• Subject Indexing In the NFPA 70
• Review of Several Key NEC Articles
• Subject Indexing In the NFPA 72
• Review of NFASC Articles
• Review of the CAL/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry
• Ohms Law Review
• Kirchhoff's Law Review
• Review of Symbols and Diagrams
• Photovoltaic Systems with Backup Power

Total class hours available: 32
Standard Tuition Fee: $279

Enroll in the recently-updated Fire Life Safety Exam Preparation and Code Refresher course!

Announcement for WECA Electrician Trainees and Journey Worker Continuing Education Students: Our Summer 2025 (Jul - Sep) course catalog is now available on our website, and GetWired instructor-led classes always fill quickly. Be sure to enroll ASAP to get your spot!

View the Electrician Trainee course catalog

Jump to the Continuing Education course catalog

You can also enroll over the phone at (877) 444-9322, in person at our Rancho Cordova training facility, or by email at info@goweca.com.

Don't wait to secure your seat in instructor-led classes!

Prefer self-paced? Enroll anytime

WECA loves seeing our alumni in the news! Phoenix radio station KJZZ 91.5 highlighted the Arizona Department of Economic Security's first registered Apprenticeship Summit, which featured a speech from recent WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship graduate Shannon Denetsosie.

"The entire time I was in that apprenticeship, it boosted my confidence. So now I'm at a position to where I provide for my own family, even as a single mom. While you're in school, you're paid while you're in school. So nothing to worry about," said Shannon.

Shannon also shared that graduating from WECA has given her the opportunity to pursue promotions that she would not have considered applying for before.

Thank you, Shannon, for representing WECA excellence and championing the merits of the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship program!

Read KJZZ 91.5's coverage of the event.

May's Theme: Money and Mental Health

Not Yet Signed Up for SmartDollar? Get Started Below



 

Content courtesy of SmartDollar

May is Mental Health Awareness Month--a reminder that our mental and financial well-being are deeply connected. Money stress can impact sleep, relationships, and overall peace of mind, making it harder to manage day-to-day finances. Taking small steps like creating a budget, building an emergency fund, or simply talking to a coach about money can make a big difference. Take a moment to check out SmartDollar--because taking care of your mind and your money go hand in hand.

---------------------------------

Not yet signed up for SmartDollar? No worries -- getting started is easy! Learn how below.

SmartDollar is a financial wellness benefit for WECA apprentices. We announced our partnership with the Dave Ramsey-founded online financial wellness platform in January, 2021 to provide our apprentices with a sound foundation in personal finance management. This benefit is available to all WECA apprentices free of charge. Not yet signed up for SmartDollar? No worries -- scroll to the bottom of this article for instructions!

What is SmartDollar? SmartDollar is a step-by-step approach to handling money with the number-one authority in personal finance, Dave Ramsey. More than 4.5 million people have started on Dave's plan and taken control of their money, and you can too! SmartDollar will equip you to get out of debt, on a budget, and on your way to a strong financial foundation.

The average person pays off $9,405 of debt and saves $6,127 in the first twelve months, and you can too!

"This program is powerful yet simple to understand. The Baby Steps make understanding how to win with money easy! Dave's lessons are fun, informative, and incredibly encouraging. It really doesn't feel like I'm taking a financial course. It's more like learning finances from a good friend...or a financially savvy stand-up comedian! The online tools are fantastic as well, and I love being able to 'ASK DAVE' any question and do my budget online. Love it all!" - Recent participant

With SmartDollar, you'll learn how to...

• Jump-start your money
• Knock out debt
• Secure your dream home
• Retire in style
• Demystify your credit score

How does SmartDollar work? With so many ways to engage in SmartDollar activities and content, SmartDollar Points have been designed to encourage users to establish true behavior change. (Check out the graph below for a quick rundown). The greater the importance and required time of each activity, the greater the amount of points that can be earned. For example, each Core Lesson video completed is worth 250 points. Completing a shorter Deep Dive video is worth 50 points. Tracking a transaction in EveryDollar is only worth 20 points, but users are encouraged to track all their financial transactions with no points limitations. These example activities are key for building the confidence you need to reach your financial goals.







 

Taking advantage of your free financial wellness benefit, SmartDollar, is easy!

To set up your account after accessing your dashboard, click either of the links shown as highlighted in the screenshot to the right of this paragraph. You'll be taken to a page with a SmartDollar enrollment link, where you will be able to set up immediate access to this important benefit.

Ready to get started?

Login to your GOWECA dashboard

 

WECA Instructors and Leadership Help Judge Electrical Construction Wiring Competition at SkillsUSA California State Leadership and Skills Conference






 

This past weekend, WECA attended the SkillsUSA California State Leadership and Skills Conference at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, CA, to lead the judging of the electrical construction wiring competition.

SkillsUSA plays a vital role in bridging the skills gap by preparing students for successful careers in essential trades and technical fields. This competition event helps students hone their skills and abilities and provides a platform for them to demonstrate their abilities.

WECA Apprenticeship Curriculum Developer and Instructor Neil Pesarillo served as the head judge of the electrical wiring competition, while WECA Director of Apprenticeship Training and Facilities John Berkhoel and WECA Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship instructor Sebastian Caparelli were also on hand to support and judge the Electrical Station.

"The event was high-energy and impressive, as competitors demonstrated their knowledge and skills in electrical construction wiring," said John.

WECA's always thrilled to help out at the SkillsUSA California State Leadership and support youth workforce development at every opportunity!

Also Highlights WECA's Gratitude for Member Contractor Support and Hopes for Future of Arizona's Commercial Electrical Workforce


 

WECA thanks journalist Al Petrillo of The Electric Times for profiling WECA Arizona's Women in Construction Week 2025 Open House--which included a panel of women working in Arizona's commercial electrical industry, comprised of current WECA Arizona apprentice Solei Donahue, recent WECA Arizona apprenticeship graduate Shannon Denetsosie, and two employees of WECA Arizona member contractors (Arlev Oquendo-Boscan of Corbins and Ashley Whelihan of K2 Electric)--in their April 2025 issue. 

In the article, Heath Anderson, WECA Arizona's Outreach and Workforce Development Specialist, is quoted as saying "The support of our partners is just as important as the efforts of our members in providing a quality view of the opportunity that awaits women who would like to become tomorrow's electricians. We deeply appreciate Corbins, K2 Electric, and PCL Construction for having staff on hand to speak to our guests about working in our trade. Several guests have already put in applications for apprenticeship with a few of our members. Hopefully, the coming years will see a greater number of women helping build the Arizona we want."

Read the full article

WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Grad Shannon Denetsosie Champions Program at Arizona Department of Economic Security's First Apprenticeship Summit


 

WECA loves seeing our alumni in the news! Phoenix radio station KJZZ 91.5 highlighted the Arizona Department of Economic Security's first registered Apprenticeship Summit, which featured a speech from recent WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship graduate Shannon Denetsosie.

"The entire time I was in that apprenticeship, it boosted my confidence. So now I'm at a position to where I provide for my own family, even as a single mom. While you're in school, you're paid while you're in school. So nothing to worry about," said Shannon.

Shannon also shared that graduating from WECA has given her the opportunity to pursue promotions that she would not have considered applying for before.

Thank you, Shannon, for representing WECA excellence and championing the merits of the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship program!

Read KJZZ 91.5's coverage of the event.

Encourage Them to Enroll in Our Newly-Updated, Self-Paced Online Fire Life Safety Exam Preparation and Code Refresher Course

WECA's Fire Life Safety Exam Preparation and Code Refresher Course has received an update to its coverage of the NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.


 

This self-paced online course is for students who want to study for the California Fire Life Safety Technician certification exam at their own pace.

?Informative presentations help guide students through the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) as well as the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA 72). It is meant for individuals almost ready to take the exam.

It is also suitable as journeyman electrician continuing education for those looking to further their knowledge in the area of Fire/Life Safety.

Much of the class is dedicated to sample testing similar to state exams. It focuses on practical research by the students to find the answers to code questions rather than instruction by lecture.

Learning how to effectively subject index exam questions, whether located in the NFPA 70 or the NFPA 72, will help students to:

• Effectively find the answers to any exam question
• Improve exam-taking speed
• Gain a greater understanding of their field

Course Lessons Include:

• Subject Indexing In the NFPA 70
• Review of Several Key NEC Articles
• Subject Indexing In the NFPA 72
• Review of NFASC Articles
• Review of the CAL/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry
• Ohms Law Review
• Kirchhoff's Law Review
• Review of Symbols and Diagrams
• Photovoltaic Systems with Backup Power

Total class hours available: 32

Standard Tuition Fee: $279

Encourage your employees to enroll in the recently-updated Fire Life Safety Exam Preparation and Code Refresher course!

 

This April 30th, WECA is celebrating National Apprenticeship Day 2025 with an Open House event from 2:30 to 4:30 PM at our Sacramento Apprenticeship Training Facility! Encourage your employees to join us for this fun and informative April event that just might be their first step into their future career!

At this WECA Apprenticeship Programs Open House, attendees will:

• Learn more about WECA's three state and federally-approved Electrical (Commercial Electrical and Residential Electrical) and Low Voltage (Sound and Communications Installer-Voice Data Video and Fire Life Safety) Apprenticeship programs
• Tour the facility
• See lab demos
• Meet WECA instructors and staff
• Get their individual questions answered
• Learn about the application process
• And more!

Please encourage your employees to pre-register for the event ahead of time to secure their spot, but let them know that we will also accept walk-ins on the day of the event if space allows. Pre-registration will allow them to receive event reminders and updated event information.

Apprenticeship means they get paid to learn. It's a path to a great, skilled career, without having to take on any college debt.

Encourage your employees to RSVP for the open house here

Spread the word--download this flyer to share with your employees




 

Clashing Compromises Chavez’ Celebration Assemblymember Corey Jackson recently confronted Assemblymember Carl DeMaio on the body’s floor over remarks about a resolution celebrating labor leader Cesar Chavez ahead of the state-observed holiday Cesar Chavez Day. Chavez’s views on undocumented immigrants were complicated and related to their role as strikebreakers when he was organizing the United Farm Workers union in the 1960s and 1970s.

DeMaio, a San Diego Republican known for needling Democrats, drew attention to this with his floor speech. “During his life, Cesar Chavez spoke out against illegal immigration while affirming legal immigration,” DeMaio said. “He was a strong voice for the Latino community and Latino workers in our country while also holding concerns and opposing illegal immigration.”

Jackson, a Riverside-area Democrat, took issue with this frame, calling it “very disrespectful to the heroes of our communities” and leaving his seat to chastise DeMaio at his desk. “You should be disgusted [with] yourself,” he yelled. “Grow a soul for a change. That’s a piece of crap move.”

DeMaio remained seated at his desk during the interaction while Assemblymember Tina McKinnor and Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry stood in front of Jackson, and Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal tugged at his arm and guided him away.

DeMaio later claimed in an X post Jackson “physically lunged” at him. However, the video that accompanied the post also appeared to show DeMaio smiling during the face-off. The incident was reminiscent of a similar exchange that took place last year, when Jackson and Republican Assemblymember Bill Essayli got into a dispute during a tense floor debate over a bill banning school districts from outing transgender students. [Politico]

And in related news, Former Assemblymember Bill Essayli is wasting no time jumping into his new job as U.S. attorney. Essayli announced a federal task force to investigate “fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption involving funds allocated toward the eradication of homelessness” in the state’s Central District. He threatened arrests if the task force finds federal violations. “California has spent more than $24 billion over the past five years to address homelessness,” Essayli said in a statement. “But officials have been unable to account for all the expenditures and outcomes, and the homeless crisis has only gotten worse. Taxpayers deserve answers for where and how their hard-earned money has been spent.”

—

Copper Caper Clampdown The Fresno City Council will take a swing at fighting copper theft with an ordinance that could mean jail time for having more than 10 pounds without a legitimate purpose. The Fresno County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a similar ordinance recently. It was introduced by Supervisors Garry Bredefeld and Nathan Magsig. The county ordinance prohibits receiving, possessing and transporting more than 10 pounds of commercial grade wire stripped of its protective sheathing, except by a licensed business.

An afternoon news conference after the supervisors’ vote brought out business, farming and elected officials from the county and city of Fresno. The action represents a collaborative effort to fight copper theft, which causes tens of thousands of dollars in damages to water pumps and machinery for something worth about $3.25 a pound from a recycler.

At the Fresno City Council’s meeting on Thursday, April 10, members will consider an ordinance that goes even further with penalties in city limits. It was introduced by Council President Mike Karbassi and Councilmembers Annalisa Perea and Tyler Maxwell.

—

Utah’s Mike Lee won the energy gavel. Now what? It's been more than three months since Mike Lee took control of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and colleagues and advocates are still wondering how the Utah Republican will use his perch, writes Kelsey Brugger. Lee, who has a deeply conservative voting record, has been pushing politically difficult ideas like selling public lands and retooling environmental laws. But he is not known for being a schmoozer or dealmaker. [Politico]

—

DA to Diversion The California State Bar is sending San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to a diversion program after a series of ethics complaints against her. Story

—

Commissioner Compromises Career With less than two years left in his final term, Insurance Commissioner (you know we have one, right?) Ricardo Lara has been using what appears to be a shell campaign committee to pay for nearly $30,000 in meals and drinks at some of the country’s fanciest restaurants and bars, according to an investigation by The Standard. Almost a third of these charges were listed as campaign meetings, and it’s unclear who Lara has been wining and dining during meals costing hundreds or, in at least one case, more than $1,000. Story

—

WECA’s Government Relations Surveys Legislation At its April meeting, WECA’s Government Relations Committee adopted the following positions:

AB 76 (Alvarez - D) Existing law sets rules for how local agencies dispose of surplus land, which is land declared unnecessary for their use through formal action. "Exempt surplus land" is land meeting criteria like having at least 25% of units for lower-income households and a minimum average density of 10 units per acre. This bill proposes changing these requirements so that 25% of units, excluding those for academic institution students, faculty, or staff, must be for lower-income households. The density requirement remains 10 units per acre, calculated over the entire area, including housing for students, faculty, and staff. WECA Position: SIA (Support if Amended)

AB 231 (Ta - R) Would allow up to a $5,000 tax credit for employers with five or fewer employees equal to 40% of the qualified wages paid to an individual that, among other things, has been convicted of a felony, as provided, and has a hiring date not more than one year after the date the individual was convicted or was released from prison WECA Position: Support

AB 296 (Davies - R) This bill would require school districts and schools to host at least one apprenticeship fair event during each school year. WECA Position: Support

AB 303 (Addis - D) Restricts new installations of utility size BESS WECA Position: Oppose

AB 305 (Arambula - D) This bill would exempt small modular reactors from existing law prohibiting new nuclear power plant construction until it’s too late. WECA Position: Support

AB 306 (Schultz - D) It proposes a moratorium on adopting or modifying new state and local building standards affecting residential units from June 1, 2025, to June 1, 2031, with limited exceptions. WECA Position: Support

AB 345 (Jackson - D) Implements a deadline by which the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) must render a decision on an application for a new apprenticeship program outside of the building and construction trades and firefighting programs and provides for conditional approval if certain conditions are met. WECA Position: Watch

AB 485 (Ortega - D) Supported by unions, AB 485 requires state license agencies like CSLB to deny an application or renewal to an employer with any unsatisfied final judgment for nonpayment of wages. Only opponent is the hospital association. WECA Position: Support

AB 521 (Carrillo - D) Provides that the Contractors State License Board is not liable for legal fees or costs related to actions against a contractor when the contractor has a deposit filed with the Board in lieu of a bond. Specifically, this bill provides that the Contractors State License Board is not liable for any legal fees or costs in any action, as specified, against any deposit filed with the Board, regardless of when it was filed with the registrar. WECA Position: Support

AB 538 (Berman - D) Section 1776 already requires the production of CPRs within 10 days of receipt of a request, and AB 538 doesn't change that. Instead, the bill's intent appears to address situations where a request for CPRs is made through the awarding body, but the awarding body doesn't have the records in its possession. These amendments require the awarding body to obtain the documents from the "relevant contractor." If the contractor doesn't comply, the awarding body must notify DLSE, who can seek penalties. WECA Position: Watch

AB 559 (Berman - D) This bill expands "home improvement" to include construction related to ADUs on residential properties. It imposes penalties for licensees or unlicensed individuals who take excessive down payments or progress payments that cause financial loss to consumers, with license revocation and a minimum $10,000 civil penalty for violators. WECA Position: Watch

AB 667 (Solache - D) Requires CSLB to provide examination interpreters WECA Position: Watch

AB 742 (Elhawary - D) Requires CSLB to prioritize license applications from contractors who are descendants of American slaves WECA Position: Watch

AB 765 (Flora - R) Sponsored by Coalition for ETP and Jobs, this bill would prohibit money in the Employment Training Fund from being diverted, transferred, or otherwise used to pay the interest charged on federal loans to the Unemployment Fund or related liabilities without the approval of the Legislature by statute and a public report justifying the necessity for the diversion, transfer, or use. The bill would also make related findings and declarations. WECA Position: Support

AB 862 (Castillo - R) It requires the collection and reporting through the California School Dashboard (Dashboard) and Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) of the percentage of students who intend to enroll in college or specified careers. WECA Position: Support

AB 963 (Petrie-Norris - D) Requires owners and developers undertaking any public works project to make specified records available to the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), multi-employer Taft-Hartley trust funds, and to joint labor-management committees (JLMCs). Supported by unions, opposed by developers and contractors. Opposed by California Housing Consortium, California Housing Partnership Corporation, Housing California WECA Position: Watch

AB 1002 (Gabriel - D) AB 1002 will allow the DOJ to bring a civil action that would revoke or suspend an existing contractor license, or bar the licensure or deny the re-licensure of a contractor previously found to be illegally withholding wages. CEA thinks they'll be okay so long as jurisdictional issues can’t be included in the process. The bill was triggered by West Coast Drywall, which was a pretty bad actor. WECA Position: Watch

AB 1104 (Pellerin - D) The bill proposes that nonresidential photovoltaic facilities producing less than one megawatt can qualify for NEM tariffs, even if contractor compliance issues exist. Such contractors are granted 90 days to rectify unintentional violations, avoiding penalties if promptly addressed and proven corrected. WECA Position: Support

AB 1198 (Haney - D) Requires contractors to pay the new prevailing wage whenever DIR changes them. WECA Position: Oppose

AB 1221 (Bryan - D) This bill requires employers to notify workers 30 days before introducing any workplace surveillance tools. The notification must detail the data collected, its purpose, and the necessity of the surveillance. It prohibits the use of surveillance technologies that incorporate facial, gait, or emotion recognition. The Labor Commissioner is responsible for enforcing the bill, employees can take civil action for violations, and public prosecutors can also enforce the provisions. Employers violating the bill face a $500 civil penalty for each infraction. WECA Position: Oppose

AB 1234 (Ortega - D) AB 1234 (Ortega) penalizes defendants for exercising their right to a hearing on the merits. It creates a new, automatic thirty percent penalty that would apply regardless of whether the defendant acted in good faith. WECA Position: Oppose

AB 1235 (Rogers - D) Prohibits a contractor from being prequalified for, shortlisted for, or awarded a design-build contract with the Trustees of the California State University unless the contractor provides an enforceable commitment to the trustees that the contractor and its subcontractors at every tier will use a skilled and trained workforce to perform all work on the project or contract WECA Position: Watch

AB 1327 (Aguiar-Curry - D) This author sponsored bill would enable consumers to cancel home solicitation contracts, home improvement contracts, and seminar sales contracts via email WECA Position: Watch

AB 1331 (Elhawary - D) AB 1331 functionally prohibits the use of surveillance in every California workplace because of its overbroad language and, in doing so, undermines workplace safety. WECA Position: Oppose

AB 1371 (Sharp-Collins - D) This bill would revise and recast existing law to, among other things, allow an employee to refuse to perform a task assigned by an employer if the employee has an apprehension that the performance of the assigned task would result in injury or illness to the employee or other employees. WECA Position: Oppose

SB 61 (Cortese - D) Limits the retention payment amount for a private work of improvement from exceeding five percent, subject to certain exceptions. WECA Position: Support

SB 75 (Smallwood-Cuevas - D) Creates a Reentry Pilot Project in the counties of Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego to provide workforce training and transitional support to formerly incarcerated individuals committed to careers in the skilled trades. WECA Position: Support

SB 84 (Niello - R) SB 84 would prohibit construction-related accessibility claims under the ADA and the Unruh Civil Rights Act from being initiated until a small business defendant has been served with a demand letter specifying each alleged violation and given 120 days to correct them. WECA Position: Support

SB 261 (Wahab - D) This bill attempts to recover unpaid wages owed to workers by: 1) requiring the Labor Commissioner (LC) to post a copy of an order, decision, or award (ODA) on a claim for unpaid wages on the division’s internet website; 2) prescribing when a posting can be removed; 3) requiring notification by certified mail to employers before the posting of an ODA; 4) subjecting, for final judgments unsatisfied after 180 days, the employer to a civil penalty not to exceed three times the outstanding judgment amount; and 5) authorizing the LC to adopt regulations and rules of practice and procedures to enforce these provisions. Posting every single ODA online effectively creates a shopping list for trial attorneys WECA Position: Oppose

SB 272 (Becker - D) SB 272 authorizes the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) to enter into job order contracts (JOCs). Requires JOCs to be subject to the project labor agreement (PLA) between SamTrans and the San Mateo Building Trades Council or an amendment or extension of that agreement. WECA Position: SIA (Support if Amended)

SB 291 (Grayson - D) Repeals the requirement that all contractors must have a workers' compensation policy, except for roofers. WECA Position: Oppose

SB 310 (Wiener - D) Violates last year’s amendments to PAGA by permitting W&H penalties to be recovered through an independent civil action under PAGA. WECA Position: Oppose

SB 464 (Smallwood-Cuevas - D) SB 464 would encourage new, costly litigation against employers based on the publication of broad, unreliable data collected by the state. WECA Position: Oppose

SB 573 (Smallwood-Cuevas - D) SB 573 would replace the state’s existing corporate tax rate with a tiered tax rate based on the difference between the median employee pay and the pay of the highest-paid executive. The rates would become active on January 1, 2026, ranging from 7 percent to 13 percent, depending on the pay ratio. The rate would increase by 50 percent if a company reduces employees in the United States by 10 percent or more and increases foreign contracted employees. WECA Position: Oppose

SB 682 (Allen - D) This bill prohibits a person from distributing, selling, or offering for sale covered products that contain intentionally added PFAS beginning January 1, 2027. Prohibits certain specified products that contain intentionally added PFAS unless the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) made a determination that the use of PFAS in the product is a currently unavoidable use. By banning essential materials—from heat pumps to electrical cabling—SB 682 would drive up housing costs, jeopardize safety, and further exacerbate the state’s housing crisis. WECA Position: Oppose

SCR 55 (Niello - R) Would declare the week of April 27, 2025, to May 3, 2025, inclusive, as “Apprenticeship Week” in the State of California and would request that the Governor issue a proclamation calling on the people of the great State of California to observe the week with appropriate programs and educational activities. WECA Position: Support

WECA is excited to announce a new self-paced online course offering for Journeyworkers and advanced Electrician Trainees: Residential Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)!

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This self-paced intermediate residential electrical course will help your team members to comprehensively understand a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), including installation and commissioning. While there are many Energy Storage Systems (ESS), this course will focus on rechargeable batteries, specifically Lithium-Ion.

Course Outcomes Include:

• Students will be able to identify the required equipment for a residential BESS.
• Students will be able to explain National Electrical Code requirements applicable to a BESS.
• Students will simulate a residential BESS's correct equipment layout and conduit sizing requirements.
• Students will be able to identify safety procedures and required steps applicable to installing and commissioning a BESS.

Total class hours available: 16

Standard tuition fee: $199

WECA Member Contractor discounts apply! (Call us at 1-877-444-9322 if you'd like to learn more about that.) Or, if you're already set up:

Enroll your team in Self-Paced Residential Battery Energy Storage Systems today!

And watch for Commercial BESS, coming soon!

Encourage Your Employees to Join WECA at an Apprenticeship Programs Open House in Sacramento in Celebration of National Apprenticeship Day 2025 on April 30th!



---------------------------------

This April 30th, WECA is celebrating National Apprenticeship Day 2025 with an Open House event from 2:30 to 4:30 PM at our Sacramento Apprenticeship Training Facility! Please encourage your employees to join us for this fun and informative April event that just might be their first step into their future career!

At this WECA Apprenticeship Program Open House, your employees will:

• Learn more about WECA's three state and federally-approved Electrical (Commercial Electrical and Residential Electrical) and Low Voltage (Sound and Communications Installer-Voice Data Video and Fire Life Safety) Apprenticeship programs
• Tour the facility
• See lab demos
• Meet WECA instructors and staff
• Get their individual questions answered
• Learn about the application process
• And more!

Please encourage your employees to pre-register for the event ahead of time to secure their spot, but we will also accept walk-ins on the day of the event if space allows. Pre-registration will allow them to receive event reminders and updated event information.

Apprenticeship means they get paid to learn. It's a path to a great, skilled career, without having to take on any college debt.

Please encourage your employees to RSVP here for the WECA Sacramento Open House!

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Spread the word! Download a flyer to share with your employees!

 

Thank You to Member Contractor K S Telecom for Joining Our Efforts!








 

March was a busy but productive month for Brandon Drew, WECA's Apprenticeship Workforce Development Recruiter and Outreach Specialist!

Brandon conducted outreach with high school students at the following Sacramento-area high schools: Marysville High School in Marysville, Natomas High School in Sacramento, and Twelve Bridges High School in Lincoln. Also joining Brandon at Twelve Bridges' third-annual High School and College Career Fair was WECA Member Contractor K S Telecom!

We can't wait to see where Brandon goes in April!

Heath Anderson, who handles our outreach efforts in Arizona, has some upcoming events on the docket as well!

 

For WECA and our longtime Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship instructor Zach Wallace, it’s not only a heartfelt goodbye and thank you—but also a “see you soon”!

Zach Wallace clocked out from teaching WECA Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship full-time on March 31st, after 19 total years with WECA (with two years first spent teaching for the Electrician Trainee Program and then seventeen years spent teaching for the Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program). However, Zach will continue to teach part-time for WECA's GetWired program, so luckily for all of us and our students, we haven't seen or heard the last of him!

During his tenure with WECA, Zach has been a devoted and popular instructor and an instrumental part of the WECA family. The mark he has left on WECA is indelible—but it seems that WECA left a positive lasting mark on him, too.

“While working at WECA, I learned how to overcome my fear of public speaking,” Zach recalled. “Not only that, but WECA taught me how to have a career and not just a job. I can honestly say I’ve lived a dream.”

Zach’s favorite aspects of his career were the countless opportunities to train and educate the future electrical workforce and being part of the WECA team.

“The service that we provide is awesome. But for me, helping students get something that is important to them and seeing them start out untrained and five years later noticing the growth that has taken place in them—and for me to have been a small piece of that—is really satisfying.”

“The staff,” Zach continued, “is like family. People here are so supportive and genuinely care to help in any way they can. I would not have had the success that I’ve had if it wasn’t for all of you.”

With tenure and retirement comes wisdom—which Zach has in spades.

“I would like to say to my colleagues, laugh, have fun, and learn as you go. Even from the students. Everyone has something to offer in this educational system,” Zach said.

“My parting advice for apprentices is, you are our future electricians. Never forget when you started and what that felt like. You will become the trainers and leaders in this industry. Treat your apprentices the way you would want to be treated,” Zach advised.

For Zach, “retirement” is a hard word to grasp. “Let’s call it the next chapter,” Zach says instead. “I want to say I am turning the page. I am planning on doing a little electrical work for myself. Thinking about getting a real estate license. Just to name a few. But I don’t really know yet. I want to restore an old car or maybe just sit on the porch and drink lemonade all day…not! Maybe some hunting and fishing. (Zach is moving to Alabama.) The list goes on and on…”

Zach, your next chapter sounds incredible, and we are confident that you will nail it! We thank you for all of your hard work, dedication, and contributions to the WECA family over the years, and are glad that current and future classes of GetWired program students will get to enjoy having you as their instructor for a bit longer. 

-------------------------------------------------------

We celebrated Zach and his contributions to WECA at a semi-retirement gathering at WECA's Sacramento Training Facility on March 31st!

During the gathering, onsite and remote colleagues alike feted Zach with a retrospective slideshow and delicious cake!

 

WECA's Summer 2025 (Jul-Sep) course catalog is now available on our website for your Electrician Trainees and Journeypersons to enroll in.

Encourage your employees to enroll as soon as they can--instructor-led classes always fill quickly! (And as always, there are plenty of self-paced online options, too.)

Share the Electrician Trainee course catalog

Share the Continuing Education course catalog

Your employees can also enroll over the phone at (877) 444-9322, in person at our Sacramento-area Training Facility, or by email at info@goweca.com.

Schedule Your Tour of a WECA Training Facility and See Why Our Programs and Member Benefits and Services Have Been Called "the Best in the West"


 

We've got an open invitation to electrical contractors to come tour a WECA Training Facility and see firsthand why WECA's apprenticeship and training programs and contractor member benefits and services have been called the "best in the West"!

Arrange your tour today

 

WECA is pleased to congratulate WECA Arizona Member Contractors Corbins, K2 Electric, and SECON for making the Phoenix Business Journal's Largest Phoenix-Area Electrical Contractors list!

Congratulations, everyone, on this achievement!

See the full list here.

Go Behind the Scenes at Our Open Houses

Video: Women in Construction Week 2025 Open House at WECA's Sacramento Region Office and Training Center?



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Women in Construction Week 2025 Open House at WECA's Phoenix Training Center/Arizona Headquarters

WECA Arizona hosted a Women in Construction Week 2025 open house in support of Women in Construction Week 2025 at our Phoenix Training Center/Arizona Headquarters on March 6.

The open house, which celebrated women in construction and educated attendees on the merits of WECA Arizona's Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship program, hosted attendees including secondary and post-secondary students, individuals pursuing career transitions, Phoenix-area electrical contractors and Phoenix-area community partners, educational partners and policy makers.

The highlight of the open house was a panel comprised of women from the apprenticeship and administrative sides of Phoenix's electrical industry. Participating in the panel were Shannon Denetsosie, WECA Arizona's first woman Commercial Electrical apprentice graduate and employee of WECA Arizona member contractor Corbins; Solei Donahue, a first-year WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical apprentice who works for Corbins; Arlev Oquendo-Boscan, a Quality Assurance Quality Control Inspector for Corbins and Ashley Whelihan, who works in Business Development for WECA Arizona Member Contractor K2 Electric.

The panel members provided insight into their reasons for working in the electrical industry and the rewards and challenges of doing so, and shared advice with attendees considering pursuing careers in the electrical industry.

Shelly Seitz, a program manager for Grand Canyon University's Center for Workforce Development, and Kate Glantz, the co-founder of Move Over Bob, a tradeswoman-led media and lifestyle brand, also attended the open house.

"The support of our partners is just as important as the efforts of our members in providing a quality view of the opportunity that awaits the women who would like to become tomorrow's electricians," said Heath Anderson, WECA Arizona's Outreach and Workforce Development Specialist. "We deeply appreciate Corbins, K2, and PCL for having staff on hand to speak to our guests about working in our trade. Several guests have already put in applications [for apprenticeship] with a few of our members. Hopefully, the coming years will see a greater number of women helping build the Arizona we want."







K2 Electric employees there in support included (from left to right): Michelle Cameron, HR Recruiting; Stephanie Misplay, Workforce Planning Specialist; Amber Todd, HR Supervisor; Ashley Whelihan, Business Development, and Robyn Rosenboom, Director of Workforce Development



Corbins panel participants (from left to right): Solei Donahue; Shannon Denetsosie, and Arlev Oquendo-Boscan



Speaking panel of Corbins and K2 Electric employees included (from left to right): Shannon Denetsosie of Corbins; Arlev Oquendo-Boscan of Corbins; Ashley Whelihan of K2 Electric, and Solei Donahue of Corbins

 

WECA is excited to announce an update to our original WECA-developed virtual reality (VR) app for apprenticeship: BESS 2.0, the second iteration of WECA’s VR gaming app focused on Commercial Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)!

Fourth-year Commercial Electrical apprentices studying Commercial BESS have been practicing hands-on skills on a real-world project complete with interactive jobsite simulations in VR since the app’s introduction in our curriculum in Fall 2023.

During gameplay in the BESS VR app, apprentices reference plans; see the actual scale and layout of BESS containers; and explore and interact with PV inverters, transformers, and switchboards. Apprentices also use maps and checklists to walk through the jobsite and inspect equipment, connections, signage and more—everything needed for pre-commissioning approval. Along the way, they're quizzed with questions related to Code articles and site-specific requirements, and presented with problems and opportunities to fix them to pass inspection.

BESS 2.0 adds solar panels, enhanced accuracy in replicating real-world jobsites to prepare apprentices for the evolving demands of the industry, an expanded range of learner interactions such as new tools and tasks that help apprentices verify that clearances meet code requirements and reinforce critical safety and compliance standards, and advanced assessment and feedback features that offer detailed performance insights to help apprentices improve their skills.

“Our newly enhanced in-house BESS VR simulation offers a cutting-edge training experience with a streamlined inspection process, allowing users to efficiently navigate job site evaluation for pre-commissioning,” says Maris Kaplan, WECA’s Curriculum Development Manager. “These enhancements were driven by extensive testing conducted by our curriculum team, who observed apprentices in real training sessions and gathered instructor feedback. This iterative process revealed opportunities to improve engagement and clarity, leading to key upgrades such as the introduction of Ollie, our virtual site supervisor. Ollie provides real-time guidance and hints, ensuring a smoother learning curve. Additionally, we condensed the original three-part inspection into one, prioritizing key takeaways and increasing immersion.”

BESS 2.0 is already rolling out in a fourth-year WECA commercial apprenticeship classroom near you. We’re pleased to continue our apprentices’ journey of immersive discovery and for WECA to continue to pave the way for implementing state-of-the-art learning technologies in industry-leading apprenticeship curriculum. 

Content Courtesy of Construction Dive
 

As spending, interest and education around artificial intelligence increases, pressure grows for contractors to either adapt or get left by the wayside.

By: Matthew Thibault • Published Jan. 8, 2025

In an era of rapid technological advancement for the construction industry, one piece of technology looms above the rest in status and notoriety — artificial intelligence.

Its omnipresence in the larger business conversation has not escaped construction. While industry pros took a cautious stance toward the tech after its widespread release in late 2022, contractors are now increasingly turning to AI in order to solve business problems, largely via chat-like interfaces that serve up hard-to-find project specs with just a few keystrokes.

For example, London-based Balfour Beatty is in the process of developing StoaOne, a large language model generative AI assistant that will help employees mine what Kasey Bevans, Balfour Beatty US chief information officer, calls “untold billions of data points.”

“To our teammates, it will feel like StoaOne is talking to them, providing instant insights and project information as they procure, plan and execute their projects,” Bevans said in an email to Construction Dive.

Swedish contractor Skanska is also working on its own AI helper — Sidekick, a generative AI chatbot built on the same technology as ChatGPT, which will help employees at the company plumb the firm’s collective expertise on projects and problems. The company told Construction Dive that Sidekick had seen over 2,500 interactions during the 30 days prior to Dec. 16, when Skanska pulled the data.

Using AI in this way addresses one of construction’s oldest and most fundamental challenges – namely, culling together and making sense of information from hundreds and even thousands of stakeholders on a project in an industry that is more fragmented than unified. The result has been an AI arms race among contractors to develop tools — or bolt them together off the shelf — to make sense of myriad data sources in seconds. 

“Data is everywhere, and it’s unstructured, and the challenge that I’ve had over the last four or five years is coming up with the right meta tagging schemes or structures to make them universally useful to everyone,” said Mike Zeppieri, vice president of emerging technology at Skanska USA. “What AI has allowed us to do is not have to worry about that as much, as long as we build it into a data model.”

Top down and bottom up

However, as AI democratizes access to project information and the knowledge gap levels out, contractors are also feeling heat to adopt it faster, and better, than their peers.

While most see it as a tool to aid their business, contractors are also experiencing a subtle, underlying pressure to adapt or get left behind — whether from higher ups at the home office or teams’ telegraphed sense of urgency in the field. 

In particular, small contractors have reached a critical point in their businesses, where it’s important to keep up with tech adoption.

“It’s time to get big or strongly consider an exit very shortly,” said Chad Prinkey, the CEO of Baltimore-based Well Built Construction Consulting, a strategic consulting firm. Prinkey added that for a business to make those leaps, it needs financial strength.

“If you’d rather spare yourself the hassle of growth, consider selling as close to now as possible. Prices for small firms will diminish as the gap in sophistication between them and their acquirers grows,” Prinkey said.

In that sense, technology leaders may get squeezed from the top down, but also from the bottom up, where if they don’t implement AI as a business, their boots on the ground may go out and acquire it themselves. For example, while Gilbane prides itself as a tech-forward contractor, its field personnel have been clamoring for even faster uptake.

“We [started] to hear a lot of feedback and a lot of noise from our field teams, saying, ‘Why are we not doing this?’” said Rawle Sawh, Providence, Rhode Island-based Gilbane Building Co.’s director of operations technology. “‘A competitor of ours is doing this. Why are we not doing it?’”

More tech, more money

Contractors across the globe are already experimenting with AI as a means to enhance their businesses via outside companies.

Gilbane, for example, used New York City-based Trunk Tools’ chat-like offering to track nearly 21,000 documents on its $456 million joint venture renovation of the Baird Center, a Milwaukee convention venue. 

“How important is AI to the business as we move forward?” mused Lindsay Marshall, Gilbane’s director of data and analytics. “We recognize the power and the criticality of staying on top of the value that AI can offer.”

As AI’s value grows, so does the cash spend on the part of contractors looking to leverage it better, faster and smarter.

Jim Barrett, chief innovation officer for New York City-based Turner Construction, said that the company has at least tripled or quadrupled its investment in AI over the past couple years. 

Barrett said that while the firm already has in-house AI staff, the next steps would be to implement other large language models, like Google Gemini or Anthropic’s Claude, another conversational LLM backed by Google and Amazon, and integrate them into the company’s in-house systems.

“We’re moving very quickly, and the challenge is keeping up with the rate of improvement in the AI solutions,” Barrett said.

Gilbane’s philosophy on AI usage is similar. Sawh said that if teams can demonstrate a need for a solution as well as a return on investment for the builder, Gilbane will likely spring for it.

“Let’s just say, where there’s a will, there’s a way,” Sawh said.

No risk, no opportunity

While contractors say AI provides a host of benefits, the advancement brings an implied problem — builders who fall behind in adopting the tech also risk losing a competitive edge in the marketplace, experts say.

Turner’s Barrett echoed a popular refrain — that AI won’t take a worker’s job, but the person who uses AI will. The same, he said, is true of companies, in that a builder that uses AI will disrupt the business of a builder that doesn’t.

“What I see in our industry and other industries is caution, almost fear, imagining all these scenarios of things that could go wrong,” Barrett said. “If you want zero risk, you also have zero opportunity.”

Balfour Beatty’s Bevans agreed.

“We also know that adopting new technologies and implementing them in our operations differentiates ourselves so we can significantly change the construction industry,” Bevans said.

Gilbane’s Sawh takes a more measured approach. Despite the company’s ongoing adoption of AI, the tech’s status as make-or-break tool is still undecided, in his view.

“I don’t necessarily know if it would sink the ship,” he said about not adopting AI generally across the business to maintain a competitive position in the market. At the same time, he also aims to give his field teams the tools they need to do the job.

“We want to be able to support them, and this is the only way we can do it, by staying ahead of it,” Sawh said.

 

WECA is excited to announce an update to our original WECA-developed virtual reality (VR) app for apprenticeship: BESS 2.0, the second iteration of WECA’s VR gaming app focused on Commercial Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)!

Fourth-year Commercial Electrical apprentices studying Commercial BESS have been practicing hands-on skills on a real-world project complete with interactive jobsite simulations in VR since the app’s introduction in our curriculum in Fall 2023.

During gameplay in the BESS VR app, apprentices reference plans; see the actual scale and layout of BESS containers; and explore and interact with PV inverters, transformers, and switchboards. Apprentices also use maps and checklists to walk through the jobsite and inspect equipment, connections, signage and more—everything needed for pre-commissioning approval. Along the way, they're quizzed with questions related to Code articles and site-specific requirements, and presented with problems and opportunities to fix them to pass inspection.

BESS 2.0 adds solar panels, enhanced accuracy in replicating real-world jobsites to prepare apprentices for the evolving demands of the industry, an expanded range of learner interactions such as new tools and tasks that help apprentices verify that clearances meet code requirements and reinforce critical safety and compliance standards, and advanced assessment and feedback features that offer detailed performance insights to help apprentices improve their skills.

“Our newly enhanced in-house BESS VR simulation offers a cutting-edge training experience with a streamlined inspection process, allowing users to efficiently navigate job site evaluation for pre-commissioning,” says Maris Kaplan, WECA’s Curriculum Development Manager. “These enhancements were driven by extensive testing conducted by our curriculum team, who observed apprentices in real training sessions and gathered instructor feedback. This iterative process revealed opportunities to improve engagement and clarity, leading to key upgrades such as the introduction of Ollie, our virtual site supervisor. Ollie provides real-time guidance and hints, ensuring a smoother learning curve. Additionally, we condensed the original three-part inspection into one, prioritizing key takeaways and increasing immersion.”

BESS 2.0 is already rolling out in a fourth-year WECA commercial apprenticeship classroom near you. We’re pleased to continue our apprentices’ journey of immersive discovery and for WECA to continue to pave the way for implementing state-of-the-art learning technologies in industry-leading apprenticeship curriculum. 

Meet Some of the Inspiring Women in Our Programs and Go Behind the Scenes at Our Open Houses

Mariah Catuiza, WECA Fresno Commercial Electrical Apprentice

Mariah Catuiza, who works for WECA Member Contractor Westech Systems and is a Commercial Electrical Apprentice at our Fresno Training Facility, explains the benefits of WECA's apprenticeship training program, tying it to her own career progression, and encouraging other women to consider the electrician career path:



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Amanda Young, WECA Sacramento Low Voltage Apprentice

Amanda Young, Low Voltage Apprentice at our Sacramento Training Facility who works for WECA Member Contractor Intelecom Data and Fiber, discusses how fun and rewarding the work can be that she gets to undertake in WECA's apprenticeship training program. She talks about how the Low Voltage field covers a variety of technologies, and how she enjoys that she and other members of her cohort all get to work on different facets of the industry and share that knowledge with each other when they meet up in class. She strongly encourages other women to consider this career:



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Shannon Denetsosie, WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprentice Graduate

Shannon Denetsosie, WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprentice Graduate employed with WECA Member Contractor Corbins, discusses her sense of accomplishment in completing the four-year program, and talks positively about how at first it was a little intimidating being on a worksite that was mostly men, but she quickly found that everyone helps each other out and "It's like you're getting more brothers in your family." Shannon says that she's loving what she does, and she encourages other women to go for it and explore electrical apprenticeship with WECA and this career!



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In Her Own Words: Shannon Denetsosie, WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprentice Graduate

Content courtesy of Shannon Denetsosie

"Construction work was not new to me. Growing up on the Navajo reservation, I watched my grandfather work in mines and heard the stories of how he built the home that I was raised in with no training or schooling of any kind. Seeing what my grandfather built and later the buildings that my dad worked in as a welder, I was always so proud to know that my family had a hand in building things.

I went into construction at the age of 18 and worked as a laborer or welder's helper for a few years, until I became a mother at 20 years old. I became a stay-at-home mom for a year, then started working as a production worker, a picker, then one day I was given an opportunity to work as a Quality Control Inspector for a roofing company that produced roofing insulation. After that, I went on to work in quality positions in plastics and food companies.

During my last job before entering into electrical, I worked as a Production/Shipping/Quality Control Supervisor for a gelato company. As I worked, I attended Pima Medical Institute in Veterinary Technology. I graduated 9 years ago with an Associate degree. However, getting a job in that field is a lot harder than I expected and life sometimes does not allow you to continue what you aspired to do.

Going into the electrical trade was something that just happened after trying to make ends meet with just a warehouse position and crazy hours sometimes, but with very little pay to make ends up. To go into a specific trade, I had my fears and uncertainties of what I would have to deal with.

My first job as an electrical worker was with Delta Diversified at Desert Diamond Casino, where I learned how to terminate transformers, panels, dimmer panels, and all things electrical. I realized that I was good at what I was doing and became more interested in how everything worked.

I had planned to get into their apprenticeship program. However, their program did not fit my life. Then COVID hit and I was let go. I wanted to continue my journey in electrical, so through temp agencies I took jobs for electrical work or even QC work and put in applications with electrical companies.

After many interviews and no luck on anything, I decided to try getting back into veterinary.

Then I got an interview with Corbins and was hired that day in December 2020. Since that day, I went from being an electrical worker to an apprentice who is near the end of completing the program. (Editor's note: In the time since this was written, Shannon successfully completed and celebrated her graduation from WECA's Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship in Arizona.)

I honestly did not think that I would be able to come this far. However, with Corbins' partnership with WECA, it has made it possible for me to work and be in school, and get tons of on-the-job training, especially with being a single mother of two.

The apprenticeship program fits my life as a single mother and I love to learn new things and how things work. Throughout all these events leading up to where I am now, being in the construction trade has helped me build confidence in myself as well as enable me to provide for my kids.

I am now in the QA/QC department and am still looking to progress and learn more skills in this trade.

As a mother and woman in the electrical trade, I have set an example for my kids that if mom can do this, they can do it and accomplish their dreams.

Now my son is currently working for Delta Diversified at the second Desert Diamond Casino being built. He plans to enroll in their apprenticeship program at their next session.

Now with my daughter in her senior year of high school, her goals are to be a veterinarian, a welder, a mechanic, and an electrician.

It fills me with pride as a mother and woman, that I could set an example for my kids that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.

All thanks to Corbins and their partnership with WECA. I continue to learn and have had more doors open up to learning more in this trade." 

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Solei Donahue, WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprentice

This Women in Construction Week 2025, WECA is pleased to reintroduce Solei Donahue, a WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprentice.

WECA previously spotlighted Solei’s accomplishments in June 2024, following her inspiring speech during the 2024 State Workforce Summit in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Solei, who is a Native American woman from the Gila River Indian Community in Sacaton, Arizona, joined the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship program through WECA and her employer’s (WECA Arizona Founding Member Contractor Corbins) partnership with Grand Canyon University’s pre-apprenticeship program.

“I joined Corbins through a fifteen-week internship program at Grand Canyon University,” Solei said during her speech. “I decided it would be a good experience on my resume, and it would be useful for the future. But I knew once the second semester had started, that this was something I was interested in doing for the rest of my life.”

Solei also said during her speech that the pre-apprenticeship program “gave me confidence to keep pushing myself to stand for all the women in the workforce” and has aided her in “becoming a mature adult who is succeeding at life, in general…this program has given me all the tools and will continue to help me on my journey to becoming a future successful journeywoman.”

Looking back to when she started her official apprenticeship with WECA and Corbins, Solei reflects “I’ve always had an interest in doing the same things guys are doing, and when I found out they want women in construction, I was eager to join.”

Solei says that her first semester at WECA went by quickly but was motivating.

“It was a lot to learn, but I never got discouraged, because I was able to learn with my peers and the instructors are very helpful and encouraging,” Solei said. “I was able to gain new knowledge, and it has helped motivate me to keep furthering my education in the trade so I can help others who started out like me. It has allowed me to work independently in the field with the confidence in what I am doing every day.”

Solei’s positive experience with WECA and the industry leads her to believe that more women should pursue careers in the electrical industry because they will feel “empowered” and states her belief that women “often possess knowledge that others may not.”

Solei credits the powerful women who have “instilled confidence in her” with her success and determination.

“I’d like to thank Shelly Seitz for helping me be confident in my journey, and to the people who are more encouraging and accepting of women starting out in construction,” Solei said. “I’d also like to shout out my biggest supporter and the woman who made me who I am today—my mom, Janice. Without my mom, I wouldn’t be as strong as I am, or as passionate about speaking about my journey, no matter how hard it might have been. I have deep appreciation for everyone I’ve met on this journey and am very excited to see who I’ll meet in the future!”

Thank you for being part of the WECA family, and the growing cohort of women in the electrical industry, Solei! We are inspired by your dedication to encouraging women to join the electrical industry and your support for women already in the electrical industry. It is an honor to have you representing WECA (and women in the industry) in Arizona!

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Women in Construction Week 2025 Open House at WECA's Sacramento Region Office and Training Center



Women in Construction Week 2025 Open House at WECA's Phoenix Training Center/Arizona Headquarters

WECA Arizona hosted a Women in Construction Week 2025 open house in support of Women in Construction Week 2025 at our Phoenix Training Center/Arizona Headquarters on March 6.

The open house, which celebrated women in construction and educated attendees on the merits of WECA Arizona's Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship program, hosted attendees including secondary and post-secondary students, individuals pursuing career transitions, Phoenix-area electrical contractors and Phoenix-area community partners, educational partners and policy makers.

The highlight of the open house was a panel comprised of women from the apprenticeship and administrative sides of Phoenix's electrical industry. Participating in the panel were Shannon Denetsosie, WECA Arizona's first woman Commercial Electrical apprentice graduate and employee of WECA Arizona member contractor Corbins; Solei Donahue, a first-year WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical apprentice who works for Corbins; Arlev Oquendo-Boscan, a Quality Assurance Quality Control Inspector for Corbins and Ashley Whelihan, who works in Business Development for WECA Arizona Member Contractor K2 Electric.

The panel members provided insight into their reasons for working in the electrical industry and the rewards and challenges of doing so, and shared advice with attendees considering pursuing careers in the electrical industry.

Shelly Seitz, a program manager for Grand Canyon University's Center for Workforce Development, and Kate Glantz, the co-founder of Move Over Bob, a tradeswoman-led media and lifestyle brand, also attended the open house.

"The support of our partners is just as important as the efforts of our members in providing a quality view of the opportunity that awaits the women who would like to become tomorrow's electricians," said Heath Anderson, WECA Arizona's Outreach and Workforce Development Specialist. "We deeply appreciate Corbins, K2, and PCL for having staff on hand to speak to our guests about working in our trade. Several guests have already put in applications [for apprenticeship] with a few of our members. Hopefully, the coming years will see a greater number of women helping build the Arizona we want." 

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K2 Electric employees there in support included (from left to right): Michelle Cameron, HR Recruiting; Stephanie Misplay, Workforce Planning Specialist; Amber Todd, HR Supervisor; Ashley Whelihan, Business Development, and Robyn Rosenboom, Director of Workforce Development



Corbins panel participants (from left to right): Solei Donahue; Shannon Denetsosie, and Arlev Oquendo-Boscan



Speaking panel of Corbins and K2 Electric employees included (from left to right): Shannon Denetsosie of Corbins; Arlev Oquendo-Boscan of Corbins; Ashley Whelihan of K2 Electric, and Solei Donahue of Corbins


 

 

Attention Commercial Electrical, Residential Electrical, and Low Voltage Electrical Apprenticeship Grads in California, Arizona, and Utah:

Did You Know That You Can Seek College Credits for Program Completion?


 

WECA's California Commercial and Residential Electrical Apprenticeship programs received college credit recommendations from the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) in 2018, and the California Low Voltage Electrical Apprenticeship program received the college credit recommendation in 2021. WECA's Arizona and Utah Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship programs also received recommendations from NCCRS in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

This benefit provides WECA Commercial, Residential, and Low Voltage Electrical apprentice graduates the ability to gain access to college credits for completion of any of these programs by using credit recommendations set forth by NCCRS. While admissions and acceptance of transfer credit isn't guaranteed, more than 1,400 colleges and universities nationwide currently consider awarding credit based on NCCRS recommendations.

Using This Benefit: a Guide for Our Apprentices and Graduates

Q: Who is eligible?
A: Any graduates of WECA's Low Voltage Electrical Apprenticeship program in the class of 2021, or beyond. (Any graduates of WECA's Commercial or Residential Electrical Apprenticeships since September of 2013 are eligible for those programs.

Q: So WECA apprentice grads automatically have college credits?
A: No. NCCRS makes college credit recommendations. (From NCCRS: A college credit recommendation is an academic advisement about the comparability of a learning experience to college-level instruction, such as undergraduate or graduate course work, the amount of credit that may be awarded, and areas where credit could apply. The credit recommendations are intended to guide college officials as they consider awarding credit to persons who have successfully completed NCCRS evaluated learning experiences. College credit recommendations are not actual college credits because the New York State Board of Regents does not award college credit. Through the results of the NCCRS evaluations, however, the Board of Regents encourages colleges and universities to consider accepting the credit recommendations.)

Q: How does acceptance of college credit recommendations work?
A: It is up to the college or university to choose whether to grant college credits, how many, and in what subjects, for completion of a WECA program. NCCRS recommends specific credit amounts and subjects. College and university admissions departments should reference NCCRS' WECA listing here. NCCRS recommends up to 30 semester credit hours for completion of WECA's Low Voltage Electrical Apprenticeship program, up to 66 semester credit hours for completion of WECA's Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship program, and up to 40 semester credit hours for completion of WECA's Residential Electrical Apprenticeship program.

Q: How do WECA Commercial and Residential Electrical Apprenticeship grads use this benefit?
A: Apprentice grads should:

• Identify the college or university they wish to ask to accept a credit recommendation from NCCRS for work completed at WECA. (A list of colleges and universities who have previously participated with NCCRS is here. Seeing a college or university on this list is a promising sign that they will consider NCCRS' recommendation, but is not a guarantee. Further, just because a college or university is not yet shown on the list, does not mean the apprentice grad shouldn't request that they consider the credit recommendation.
• Work with their admissions advisor at their college or university of choice to learn the process for seeking college credits for their WECA Commercial, Residential, or Low Voltage Electrical Apprenticeship program completion. The college or university may refer to this as their PLA (prior learning assessment) process or policy. The applicant should share NCCRS' WECA credit recommendation with the decision makers at their college or university.
• Request a transcript from WECA as requested by their college or university. Email apregistrar@goweca.com with transcript requests.
• If the applicant encounters problems with their transfer credit request, they can contact NCCRS to request that NCCRS advocate on the applicant's behalf.

Q: What about the Electrician Trainee Program?
A: WECA is currently evaluating demand for college credit recommendations for its Electrician Trainee Program.

Q: What if I still have questions?
A: Please call us at 877-444-9322 and we'll do our best to help you out.

Attention Electrician Trainees and Continuing Education Students: April-June Instructor-Led ET/CE Classes Have Seats Remaining; Secure Yours ASAP

Prefer to Learn on Your Own Time and at Your Own Pace? Check Out Our Self-Paced ET/CE Course Options


 

The next round of WECA's GetWired classes for Electrician Trainees and Continuing Education students starts in a week and a half!

If you haven't yet signed up for your desired instructor-led classes, we've got good news for you: there are still seats open in some of these classes (with both online and onsite lab choices)! Enroll ASAP to reserve your spot!

Self-paced more your speed? Prefer to learn on your own time and at your own pace? We've got you covered there, too: check out our self-paced course options.

Use SmartDollar's (Your FREE Apprenticeship Benefit) Resources to Help You Prep Your Tax Returns




 

Content courtesy of SmartDollar

2024 Tax Season Breakdown

Tax season can be overwhelming, but a simple breakdown can make all the difference. Download the flyer to understand how to maximize your refund, avoid mistakes, and feel confident about your finances.

2024 Tax Checklist

It's that time of year again. Everyone is federally mandated to think about their money. Set yourself up for success by making sure you have everything you need to file. Download the checklist.

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Not yet signed up for SmartDollar? No worries -- getting started is easy! Learn how below.

SmartDollar is a financial wellness benefit for WECA apprentices. We announced our partnership with the Dave Ramsey-founded online financial wellness platform in January, 2021 to provide our apprentices with a sound foundation in personal finance management. This benefit is available to all WECA apprentices free of charge. Not yet signed up for SmartDollar? No worries -- scroll to the bottom of this article for instructions!

What is SmartDollar? SmartDollar is a step-by-step approach to handling money with the number-one authority in personal finance, Dave Ramsey. More than 4.5 million people have started on Dave's plan and taken control of their money, and you can too! SmartDollar will equip you to get out of debt, on a budget, and on your way to a strong financial foundation.

The average person pays off $9,405 of debt and saves $6,127 in the first twelve months, and you can too!

"This program is powerful yet simple to understand. The Baby Steps make understanding how to win with money easy! Dave's lessons are fun, informative, and incredibly encouraging. It really doesn't feel like I'm taking a financial course. It's more like learning finances from a good friend...or a financially savvy stand-up comedian! The online tools are fantastic as well, and I love being able to 'ASK DAVE' any question and do my budget online. Love it all!" - Recent participant

With SmartDollar, you'll learn how to...

• Jump-start your money
• Knock out debt
• Secure your dream home
• Retire in style
• Demystify your credit score

How does SmartDollar work? With so many ways to engage in SmartDollar activities and content, SmartDollar Points have been designed to encourage users to establish true behavior change. (Check out the graph below for a quick rundown). The greater the importance and required time of each activity, the greater the amount of points that can be earned. For example, each Core Lesson video completed is worth 250 points. Completing a shorter Deep Dive video is worth 50 points. Tracking a transaction in EveryDollar is only worth 20 points, but users are encouraged to track all their financial transactions with no points limitations. These example activities are key for building the confidence you need to reach your financial goals.







 

Taking advantage of your free financial wellness benefit, SmartDollar, is easy!

To set up your account after accessing your dashboard, click either of the links shown as highlighted in the screenshot to the right of this paragraph. You'll be taken to a page with a SmartDollar enrollment link, where you will be able to set up immediate access to this important benefit.

Ready to get started?

Login to your GOWECA dashboard

Congressional Democrats Re-Introduce PRO Act Last Wednesday, House and Senate Democrats re-introduced the “Protecting the Right to Organize Act” (or PRO Act), a bill that would rewrite much of the country’s private-sector labor laws by banning Right-to-Work states, require federal government-appointed arbitrators to mandate first contracts, effectively outlaw independent contracting, among other dramatic changes. Although it may only be a political stunt, as Teamsters’ President Sean O’Brien indicated during his podcast interview with Marianne Williamson, the legislation is being led this year by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), reported HuffPost. O’Brien explains the “inside baseball” being played inside Washington, explaining to Williamson how the “PRO Act was going to be used as a political pawn” (by Democrats). O’Brien then explains how the Teamsters are working with Democrats and Republicans to enact a “version” of the PRO Act and how his union avoids using the NLRB. The bill has passed the House of Representatives twice in the past, however, it has never reached the Senate Floor for a vote.

This year, with both the House and the Senate under Republican control, it is uncertain whether the bill would even pass the House, let alone reach the Senate Floor. In the unlikely event it were to pass both chambers, though, it would likely face a presidential veto.

On Tuesday, though, a bipartisan Senate bill was introduced that, if passed, would implement a key component of the PRO Act called binding arbitration. Given its bipartisanship and presuming the PRO Act fails, it is possible that the bipartisan binding arbitration bill may get support from both sides of the political divide. If that were to happen and the Faster Labor Contracts Act were to pass, it is unclear whether President Trump would veto it.

Predictably, employer representatives, including Associated Builders and Contractors and the Associated General Contractors of America, have long opposed the PRO Act, declaring it anti-competitive and claiming it may force workers to join a union when they don’t wish to.

“While the PRO Act purports to help workers, it actually strips away many of their rights and privacies while expanding opportunities to coerce law-abiding employers, thereby hurting the economy and upsetting a delicate balance of rights and restrictions established by the National Labor Relations Board, the courts, and Congress,” Brian Turmail, AGC’s vice president of public affairs and workforce, told Construction Dive. “If enacted, this measure will harm workers, undermine the economy and end decades of labor stability.” In a statement, Kristen Swearingen, ABC’s Vice President of Legislative and Political Affairs, called the PRO Act and its provisions harmful. Story

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California Union Pushes Arizona Jobs Out For more than 30 years, Axon, a public safety technology company that makes Tasers and bodycams, has called Scottsdale, AZ home. Founded by Chaparral High School graduate Rick Smith, the company is planning a major expansion of its corporate headquarters as part of a development of 74 acres near Hayden and the 101. The new investment would be approximately $1.3 billion. But an out-of-state labor group, Worker Power, the political arm of the California-based UniteHere, was lurking, determined to disrupt the job-creation project. Story

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Study Shows Workers Want Better Communication, Psychological Safety

• While workplace safety remains a top priority for employees, significant gaps persist between employee expectations and employer efforts, according to a new study by risk management provider AlertMedia.
• The report surveyed more than 2,000 full-time U.S. employees to understand their perceptions of safety and to provide employers with data and insights into how they can better deliver against employees’ safety expectations.
• Among the key findings, while nearly all employees (96%) believe physical safety at work is essential, more than half (56%) do not feel completely safe at work.
• Nearly all (95%) consider mental health important, yet 15% believe their employer ignores it altogether.

Read More

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Legislation

Licensure

SB 291 – Grayson | The CSLB wants to reverse the industry-supported elimination of workers’ compensation exemptions for construction contractors.

SB 282 – Wiener | Requires the California Energy Commission, by 2027, to establish a statewide certification program for licensed contractors of residential heat pump water heaters and heat pump heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to obtain a heat pump installation certification, and would require the commission to create a state training program.

Apprenticeship:

AB 296 – Davies | Would require schools to hold at least one career fair every year, which would include information on apprenticeships.

Contracts:

AB 483 – Irwin | Would create new contact requirements for installment contracts that could make home improvement loans disappear.

AB 559 – Berman | Would clarify that ADU construction falls under HIC requirements, controlling progress payments. The bill is in reaction to recent cases in which consumers lost hundreds of thousands on ADUs that were never delivered.

AB 1327 – Aguiar-Curry | Would permit a notice of cancellation of a home improvement or home solicitation contract to be conveyed to the seller orally by telephone.

SB 61 – Cortese | Will limit retention on private construction projects to 5% of the contract value.

SB 517 – Niello | Will require a home improvement contract with a subcontractor performing more than 50% of the total estimated project cost to contain the subcontractor's name and contact information.

Public Works:

AB 963 – Petrie-Norris | Requires contractors and developers to give unions extensive documents about development projects, putting contractors and their employees at risk.

AB 1198 – Haney | Will require contractors to pay new prevailing wage rates whenever DIR changes them.

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Lori Chavez-DeRemer Confirmed as Labor Secretary Several unions welcomed news of Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation on Monday evening. The Amalgamated Transit Union called the former congresswoman from Oregon “a strong advocate for working people and unions.” Sean O’Brien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, said Chavez-DeRemer will do “an excellent job” and “protect the working class.” Story

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Solar-Utilities Reporting, Guidance, and Education (SURGE) provides some essential resources to help solar contractors better understand prevailing wage requirements as they submit copies of certified payroll records to the SURGE Compliance Portal per AB 2143 and PUC 769.2.

Prevailing Wage/Labor Compliance Training The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has announced its series of upcoming trainings for 2025. These educational seminars across the state provide an overview of prevailing wage and apprenticeship standards compliance and public works enforcement. The first webinar event is on Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM. To explore all of these upcoming events, please visit the following link: DIR Upcoming Trainings

DIR Distribution List To stay current with the DIR prevailing wage training and other information and resources, you can sign up for email notices. Please use the following link to sign up on the DIR’s website. Sign Up for DIR Email Notices

SURGE Upcoming Events Additionally, SURGE has upcoming events for solar contractors to navigate the SURGE Compliance Portal. Visit the SURGE Happenings website for upcoming event information.

• March 25, 2025: CPUC SURGE Event: What is AB 2143/PUC 769.2? How to Stay in Compliance - Register Here
• April 16, 2025: SURGE & DIR Informational Webinar (registration coming soon)

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30 states have adopted English as an official language—11 through ballot measures—since 1920 On March 1, President Donald Trump (R) issued an executive order "[designating] English as the official language of the United States." While the federal government had never established an official national language before, 30 states have designated English as their official language. Three of the 30 states—Alaska, Hawaii, and South Dakota—also recognize some Indigenous languages as co-official languages. Nebraska was the first state to adopt an official language by ballot measure in 1920. Oklahoma is the most recent state to vote on a measure, with voters approving State Question 751 in 2010. Story

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District Supes Denounce Taxpayers Association School districts pushing bond measures have long coveted endorsements from the San Diego County Taxpayers Association. But district superintendents started getting sick of the process the Taxpayers Association demanded. They raised concerns to the media before Taxpayers Association CEO Haney Hong resigned late last week. Story

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Rivas Purges Members from Assembly Committee Posts A group of Republican lawmakers—and at least one Democrat—have touched a nerve with Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister). In a late Friday night announcement, Rivas booted five Republican lawmakers from key committee posts. Story

—

Out Of Energy: California paused a $290 million home energy rebate program on Monday, citing the uncertainty created by President Donald Trump's decision to freeze funding for climate-related programs, reports POLITICO. The California Energy Commission said it will stop accepting applications for the program, which uses federal money to help homeowners replace broken or inefficient heating or cooling systems with more efficient heat pumps. However, the commission said it would continue to honor rebates for homeowners whose applications have already been approved. The commission said in a statement that the program will be paused "until the Trump Administration provides additional information on the funding for this program."

—

Law On Legislators’ Sponsored Travel Falls Short Following a CalMatters investigation, California’s campaign finance watchdog agency concluded this month that a law — meant to make transparent who is paying for California legislators’ sponsored travel — is falling short. In 2023, CalMatters revealed that a 2015 law requiring trip organizers to annually disclose their major donors had been used only twice in seven years — despite interest groups paying for millions of dollars in travel for lawmakers during that time. The Fair Political Practices Commission’s audit, triggered by CalMatters’ reporting, recommends simplifying disclosure requirements to cover more interest groups that take lawmakers to policy conferences and on international study tours — a change that can only be made by those very same legislators.

—

My View

WECA’s new Industry Partner, Boyett Petroleum, is a third-generation independent fuel supplier of branded and unbranded petroleum products—including wholesale gasoline and diesel fuel—for the Western and Central United States. Their wholesale fuel solutions serve a variety of industries, such as branded gas stations, unbranded gas stations, trucking companies, and the agricultural industry.

Boyett Petroleum also offers a CRUISE Americard fleet card designed to help manage and maintain companies’ fleet fuel needs. This universal fleet card is a great tool to help businesses manage one of their largest expenses—fuel for their vehicles—and it’s customizable to help businesses save money on fuel. Businesses can set restrictions on the card including time of day, transactions per day, dollar limits per day, dollar limits per month, and the blockage of expensive stations to save, on average, 20 cents per gallon.

Boyett Petroleum’s solutions can help WECA Member Contractors “know to the penny” what they are spending on fuel. The universal fleet card is versatile—it can be used for fuel, or it can be used at businesses such as Jiffy Lube for oil changes. The card’s versatility is up to the discretion of the business. Fraud protection is included free of charge, and Boyett Petroleum does not charge any fees, does not require a contract, and customers receive 10 cents off per gallon of fuel for the first three months of use.

WECA Member Contractors interested in working with Boyett Petroleum for their fueling or vehicle maintenance needs can contact:

Northern California and Utah: Ryan Ostorero, CRUISE Americard Business Development Representative, at ROstorero@Boyett.net

Southern California and Arizona: Erica Alvarez, CRUISE Americard Business Development Executive, at EAlvarez@Boyett.net





Download Boyett Petroleum's CRUISE Americard flyer here.

Meet Some of the Inspiring Women in Our Programs

Mariah Catuiza, WECA Fresno Commercial Electrical Apprentice

Mariah Catuiza, who works for WECA Member Contractor Westech Systems and is a Commercial Electrical Apprentice at our Fresno Training Facility, explains the benefits of WECA's apprenticeship training program, tying it to her own career progression, and encouraging other women to consider the electrician career path:



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Amanda Young, WECA Sacramento Low Voltage Apprentice

Amanda Young, Low Voltage Apprentice at our Sacramento Training Facility who works for WECA Member Contractor Intelecom Data and Fiber, discusses how fun and rewarding the work can be that she gets to undertake in WECA's apprenticeship training program. She talks about how the Low Voltage field covers a variety of technologies, and how she enjoys that she and other members of her cohort all get to work on different facets of the industry and share that knowledge with each other when they meet up in class. She strongly encourages other women to consider this career:



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Shannon Denetsosie, WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprentice Graduate

Shannon Denetsosie, WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprentice Graduate employed with WECA Member Contractor Corbins, discusses her sense of accomplishment in completing the four-year program, and talks positively about how at first it was a little intimidating being on a worksite that was mostly men, but she quickly found that everyone helps each other out and "It's like you're getting more brothers in your family." Shannon says that she's loving what she does, and she encourages other women to go for it and explore electrical apprenticeship with WECA and this career!



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In Her Own Words: Shannon Denetsosie, WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprentice Graduate

Content courtesy of Shannon Denetsosie

"Construction work was not new to me. Growing up on the Navajo reservation, I watched my grandfather work in mines and heard the stories of how he built the home that I was raised in with no training or schooling of any kind. Seeing what my grandfather built and later the buildings that my dad worked in as a welder, I was always so proud to know that my family had a hand in building things.

I went into construction at the age of 18 and worked as a laborer or welder's helper for a few years, until I became a mother at 20 years old. I became a stay-at-home mom for a year, then started working as a production worker, a picker, then one day I was given an opportunity to work as a Quality Control Inspector for a roofing company that produced roofing insulation. After that, I went on to work in quality positions in plastics and food companies.

During my last job before entering into electrical, I worked as a Production/Shipping/Quality Control Supervisor for a gelato company. As I worked, I attended Pima Medical Institute in Veterinary Technology. I graduated 9 years ago with an Associate degree. However, getting a job in that field is a lot harder than I expected and life sometimes does not allow you to continue what you aspired to do.

Going into the electrical trade was something that just happened after trying to make ends meet with just a warehouse position and crazy hours sometimes, but with very little pay to make ends up. To go into a specific trade, I had my fears and uncertainties of what I would have to deal with.

My first job as an electrical worker was with Delta Diversified at Desert Diamond Casino, where I learned how to terminate transformers, panels, dimmer panels, and all things electrical. I realized that I was good at what I was doing and became more interested in how everything worked.

I had planned to get into their apprenticeship program. However, their program did not fit my life. Then COVID hit and I was let go. I wanted to continue my journey in electrical, so through temp agencies I took jobs for electrical work or even QC work and put in applications with electrical companies.

After many interviews and no luck on anything, I decided to try getting back into veterinary.

Then I got an interview with Corbins and was hired that day in December 2020. Since that day, I went from being an electrical worker to an apprentice who is near the end of completing the program. (Editor's note: In the time since this was written, Shannon successfully completed and celebrated her graduation from WECA's Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship in Arizona.)

I honestly did not think that I would be able to come this far. However, with Corbins' partnership with WECA, it has made it possible for me to work and be in school, and get tons of on-the-job training, especially with being a single mother of two.

The apprenticeship program fits my life as a single mother and I love to learn new things and how things work. Throughout all these events leading up to where I am now, being in the construction trade has helped me build confidence in myself as well as enable me to provide for my kids.

I am now in the QA/QC department and am still looking to progress and learn more skills in this trade.

As a mother and woman in the electrical trade, I have set an example for my kids that if mom can do this, they can do it and accomplish their dreams.

Now my son is currently working for Delta Diversified at the second Desert Diamond Casino being built. He plans to enroll in their apprenticeship program at their next session.

Now with my daughter in her senior year of high school, her goals are to be a veterinarian, a welder, a mechanic, and an electrician.

It fills me with pride as a mother and woman, that I could set an example for my kids that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.

All thanks to Corbins and their partnership with WECA. I continue to learn and have had more doors open up to learning more in this trade." 

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Solei Donahue, WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprentice

This Women in Construction Week 2025, WECA is pleased to reintroduce Solei Donahue, a WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprentice.

WECA previously spotlighted Solei’s accomplishments in June 2024, following her inspiring speech during the 2024 State Workforce Summit in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Solei, who is a Native American woman from the Gila River Indian Community in Sacaton, Arizona, joined the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship program through WECA and her employer’s (WECA Arizona Founding Member Contractor Corbins) partnership with Grand Canyon University’s pre-apprenticeship program.

“I joined Corbins through a fifteen-week internship program at Grand Canyon University,” Solei said during her speech. “I decided it would be a good experience on my resume, and it would be useful for the future. But I knew once the second semester had started, that this was something I was interested in doing for the rest of my life.”

Solei also said during her speech that the pre-apprenticeship program “gave me confidence to keep pushing myself to stand for all the women in the workforce” and has aided her in “becoming a mature adult who is succeeding at life, in general…this program has given me all the tools and will continue to help me on my journey to becoming a future successful journeywoman.”

Looking back to when she started her official apprenticeship with WECA and Corbins, Solei reflects “I’ve always had an interest in doing the same things guys are doing, and when I found out they want women in construction, I was eager to join.”

Solei says that her first semester at WECA went by quickly but was motivating.

“It was a lot to learn, but I never got discouraged, because I was able to learn with my peers and the instructors are very helpful and encouraging,” Solei said. “I was able to gain new knowledge, and it has helped motivate me to keep furthering my education in the trade so I can help others who started out like me. It has allowed me to work independently in the field with the confidence in what I am doing every day.”

Solei’s positive experience with WECA and the industry leads her to believe that more women should pursue careers in the electrical industry because they will feel “empowered” and states her belief that women “often possess knowledge that others may not.”

Solei credits the powerful women who have “instilled confidence in her” with her success and determination.

“I’d like to thank Shelly Seitz for helping me be confident in my journey, and to the people who are more encouraging and accepting of women starting out in construction,” Solei said. “I’d also like to shout out my biggest supporter and the woman who made me who I am today—my mom, Janice. Without my mom, I wouldn’t be as strong as I am, or as passionate about speaking about my journey, no matter how hard it might have been. I have deep appreciation for everyone I’ve met on this journey and am very excited to see who I’ll meet in the future!”

Thank you for being part of the WECA family, and the growing cohort of women in the electrical industry, Solei! We are inspired by your dedication to encouraging women to join the electrical industry and your support for women already in the electrical industry. It is an honor to have you representing WECA (and women in the industry) in Arizona!

 

WECA is pleased to introduce you to Brandon Drew, our Apprenticeship Workforce Development Recruiter and Outreach Specialist.

Brandon, who is based at WECA’s California headquarters in Sacramento/Rancho Cordova, is a Sacramento native and a graduate of Sacramento State. He previously worked as a regional recruiter in the security industry and was drawn to WECA because of the heavy emphasis on recruitment and outreach.

“I take pride in supporting the community, and this role allows me to connect with many people from different communities and backgrounds,” says Brandon.

Brandon’s role at WECA is multifaceted and dynamic. He is often out in the field, attending career fairs and speaking at schools to educate students on the benefits of WECA’s apprenticeship programs. When back in the office, Brandon proctors apprenticeship intake tests and hosts orientation sessions for accepted apprenticeship applicants.

“I like the work environment at WECA, visiting people in the community, and the support that I receive from WECA’s Workforce Development team. The confidence and support my team provide helps me daily and lets me know we are all working toward the same goal,” says Brandon.

When not hard at work reaching out to and educating future apprentices about WECA’s apprenticeship programs, Brandon’s mantra is “soccer is my life”.

Aside from watching games “religiously”, Brandon enjoys watching his daughter play competitively for Placer United. And, when his daughter is not playing, Brandon plays soccer on Sundays in an adult league.

Brandon is a great asset to WECA’s Workforce Development team. His enthusiasm for performing outreach and championing WECA’s apprenticeship programs shines through in everything he does. We look forward to seeing him continue to excel in his role! 

 

WECA is happy to announce the launch of the new and improved WECA Gear Store--now offering many items, with offerings slated to grow over time. 

Additionally, the WECA Gear Store is now entirely self-service for online fulfillment. 

Check it out here. Happy shopping! 

Content Courtesy of CPUC


 

Content courtesy of CPUC

We’re pleased to invite you to an upcoming webinar hosted by the Solar-Utilities Reporting, Guidance, and Education (SURGE) initiative on Tuesday, March 25th, 2025, from 12:30-1:30 pm via Microsoft Teams.

This webinar will provide valuable information on the SURGE initiative, designed to streamline the reporting process for solar contractors who need to comply with AB 2143/PUC 769.2. During the webinar, we’ll cover topics on prevailing wages and how to ensure compliance with AB 2143. Whether you’re a prime contractor, subcontractor, or industry professional, this webinar will help you understand and prepare to meet AB 2143 requirements.

Register here

Please visit our website for more information and resources for contractors. 

And the Sponsors and Gift Donors Who Helped Make Their Graduation Celebration Memorable

Watch highlights from the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2024 Graduation:



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Please join us in congratulating the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2024 on their graduation!

WECA celebrated our graduates' hard work and accomplishments with a graduation ceremony on February 8th at the Doubletree Suites by Hilton Hotel in Phoenix.

The graduation was emceed by WECA Arizona Apprenticeship Manager and Lead Instructor Keith Smart, who ensured the evening proceeded seamlessly. WECA was also pleased to have Don Black (CEO), John Berkhoel (Director of Apprenticeship Training and Facilities), Wendy Flanagan (Director of Apprenticeship Operations), Bob Bartlett (Regional Manager of Business Development, Outreach, and Arizona Operations), and LaKeal Morris (Sacramento-based WECA Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship instructor) on hand to help hand out diplomas, grad gifts, and celebrate.

Relive the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2024 graduation celebration through some recollections below:

Don Black: “It is always inspiring and a pleasure to attend a WECA graduation. Arizona’s graduation was especially wonderful, as many of the graduates spoke during the ceremony. It is rewarding to hear how wonderful their experience was and how grateful they are to have been a part of WECA and the gratitude they show towards their sponsoring employer.”

Keith Smart: “It was an amazing night in seeing the progression from apprentice to journeyman. It was an emotional night filled with the excitement and anticipation of the next step in each new journeyman’s life and career. It is an honor to be part of their lives, even if only for a short time.”

Wendy Flanagan: “It was great to see so many of the grads and their loved ones and the contractors that sponsored them at the event. Everyone was excited, and you could feel the energy in the room. Many of the grads chose to say a few words and hearing them thank their contractors, families, WECA, and Keith especially, was quite moving.”

Bob Bartlett: “The graduation was a resounding success, with a jubilant atmosphere among graduates and their families and friends. Many graduates shared their personal achievements and reflections upon receiving their certificates. Notably, those who had transferred from other programs highlighted the superior quality of WECA’s training compared to our competitors. One graduate remarked that the differences between WECA and the other training organization were substantial—like comparing day and night.”

Congratulations to the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2024! Thank you for being part of the WECA family and exemplifying WECA excellence in Arizona. We are proud of your hard work and dedication and look forward to seeing the collective impact you will continue to have on Arizona’s commercial electrical industry. 

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Some snaps from the evening:

























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Thank you to the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2024 Sponsors and Gift Donors for their generosity and support:


 

Our sponsors and gift donors helped make the graduation a night to remember for our graduates and their families!

Volts Level Sponsors

Corbins

K2 Electric

Amps Level Sponsor

Fluor

Watts Level Sponsors

PCL Construction

Switchgear Solutions Inc.

 

Gift Donors

Milwaukee Tool

Klein Tools

IDEAL Industries

 

Valedictorian Logan Lambert

Prior to becoming a Commercial Electrical apprentice, WECA Arizona Class of 2024 Valedictorian Logan Lambert, an employee of WECA Arizona founding Member Contractor Corbins, learned the value of hard work and using his hands to get the job done by working on various construction projects with his uncle.

Logan, however, credits WECA and WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship instructor Keith Smart with giving him the additional knowledge, skills, and tools needed to thrive in Arizona’s commercial electrical industry.

“WECA was informative and constructive for us students, and was a lot of fun,” says Logan. “WECA prepared me for my career by teaching electrical theory through presentations, book work, and navigating the National Electrical Code book and tests. Having hands-on labs also helped test our knowledge and understanding of the subjects taught. And Keith’s extensive knowledge in the field and ability to teach and guide us clearly was crucial.”

Logan’s on-the-job experience with Corbins was also instrumental in his success.

“Corbins helped me apply theory and skills learned from WECA lessons and labs to my tasks at work. The many journeymen and foremen who passed on their knowledge and skills to me was also a huge help on-the-job. I’m thankful for the many mentors I have had through the four years I have worked at Corbins, who believed in me and gave me chances to grow and learn,” says Logan.

Current and future apprentices who would like to emulate Logan’s success would do well to heed his simple advice: “Apply yourself, both on-the-job and at school. Take it seriously, because four years flies by like nothing. You don’t want to miss anything or look back regretting that you didn’t try your hardest in the beginning, during the most critical learning years of your career.”

Moving forward, Logan plans to continue to work for his current employer, Corbins.

“They have treated me well and invested in me, so I plan to invest in them,” says Logan.

And last, but not least, Logan attributes his success and Valedictorian achievement to his mom, who taught him the importance of education and applying himself; his wife Elena, for supporting him throughout his apprenticeship, and Corbins employee and WECA Arizona Class of 2023 Valedictorian Logan Stroop, who has served as a great mentor, boss, and most importantly, good friend.

Congratulations, Logan! We are proud of your hard work and dedication to your craft, and for continuing to foster a culture of camaraderie and excellence within Corbins and the Arizona commercial electrical industry.

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Salutatorian Cody Cole

WECA Arizona Class of 2024 Salutatorian Cody Cole, who works for WECA Arizona founding Member Contractor Corbins, says that the WECA Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program helped him “build a good foundation with proper skills and knowledge to continue to add onto. During my time at WECA, I was able to apply the knowledge I was learning to on-the-job tasks, which helped me better understand the curriculum being taught.”

Outside of the classroom, Cody says that working in Corbins’ service department helped him be comfortable with many aspects of the electrical industry.

Ultimately, Cody credits his success to multiple factors.

“The largest factors that led to my success within WECA and Corbins was the support and guidance I was given throughout my apprenticeship, and my wife’s support,” says Cody. 

One thing that Cody learned during his apprenticeship that he would like to impart upon fellow apprentices is the importance of navigating the Code, because it will be the most helpful aspect in their careers.

Now that he has graduated, Cody plans to continue working towards his goals and continually improve his knowledge in the electrical field.

Congratulations, Cody, on your graduation and on excelling as the WECA Arizona Class of 2024 Salutatorian! We are excited to see how you continue to build upon the foundation of success and excellence you started here at WECA as you continue to navigate Arizona’s commercial electrical industry!

Sebastian Is Based at Our San Diego Training Facility


 

WECA is lucky to have such a well-rounded and diverse cohort of apprenticeship instructors—and Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Instructor Sebastian Caparelli, who is based at our San Diego Training Facility, is a fine addition to the team!

Sebastian’s journey in the electrical industry, which began in the early 1990s, has been multifaceted and purposeful. In addition to working in the industry, Sebastian also worked as a contract firefighter, pursued degrees in English and journalism, obtained his C-10 license, and acquired computer and networking certifications to further specialize in subspecialties such as smart home automation.

While working in the field, Sebastian enjoyed “moments where I had to think outside of the box” and found excitement in his success. However, Sebastian found out that he loved teaching during his twenty-year CPR teaching stint with the American Red Cross, and additionally during his time teaching English in Beijing, China.

“I love teaching. I never realized how rewarding it would be. When I started teaching electrical, it’s been one of the most rewarding careers I’ve ever had,” says Sebastian.

With that in mind, Sebastian specifically joined WECA because “WECA has always had a very good reputation, and I wanted to be a part of the gold standard for this industry.”

Now that he is teaching at WECA, Sebastian aims to continue familiarizing himself with the WECA team and the apprenticeship curriculum, and to impart wisdom on his students such as leaving their ego at the door, especially on-the-job.

Outside of work, Sebastian enjoys working on his psychological thriller novel, playing keyboard and guitar, and riding motorcycles.

You're Invited to WECA's Open Houses in Celebration of Women in Construction Week 2025

Phoenix: March 6th at 3:30 PM

Sacramento: March 4th at 3 PM

Please Join Us or Share This Invitation with Someone Who Should Attend







 

Next week, WECA is celebrating Women in Construction Week 2025 with Open House events at our Phoenix Training Center in Phoenix and our Sacramento Region Office and Training Center in Rancho Cordova.

We invite anyone considering careers as electricians or low voltage technicians, as well as community and education partners, to join us to learn how to get involved in WECA's electrical apprenticeship and training programs, get a tour of WECA's training facility and labs while meeting the WECA team and networking with women in the field, and to celebrate women in the electrical workforce.

We encourage you to pre-register for the event to secure your spot, though we will accept walk-ins on the day of the event. However, pre-registration will allow you to receive event reminders and updated event information.

RSVP for the Women in Construction Week 2025 Open House in Phoenix

RSVP for the Women in Construction Week 2025 Open House in Sacramento

Not for you? Please share this invitation with someone you know!



Download a Women in Construction Week 2025 Open House flyer for Phoenix



Download a Women in Construction Week 2025 Open House flyer for Sacramento

 

WECA is happy to announce the launch of the new and improved WECA Gear Store--now offering many items, with offerings slated to grow over time. 

Additionally, the WECA Gear Store is now entirely self-service for online fulfillment. 

Check it out here. Happy shopping! 

Know Someone Looking for a Rewarding and Lucrative Career? Share This Stat with Them


 

If you're reading this, you likely already know that training to be an electrician or low voltage technician is a path to a lucrative career, and that the need for these skilled professionals is just going to continue to grow. But if you know someone else who is looking for a career in a thriving industry, that would like to help build and maintain the United States' infrastructure, share this with them--it may just be the final push they need to get started on their electrical industry journey!

In the next decade, the employment of electricians will grow over twice as fast as all other occupations in the United States due to increasing demand for construction, the modernization or replacement of aging infrastructure, and electricians aging out of the workforce.

With WECA, there are multiple ways to pursue the electrician or low voltage technician career path. If you become an apprentice, your education will be paid for by your employing contractor. If you choose the independent electrician trainee path, your tuition will be affordable--comparable to community college tuition.

Explore WECA's Apprenticeship Programs in California, Arizona, and Utah and WECA's Electrician Trainee Program in California.

Journeyperson Electricians in the Sacramento and San Diego Areas

Get 16 Hours of Continuing Education

Basic Motor Controls, Part 2 on March 8th and March 15th in Sacramento and San Diego


 

Calling all journeyperson electricians in the Sacramento and San Diego areas looking for 16 more hours of continuing education!

Here's your chance to shore up your motor controls knowledge and have fun doing it: WECA is offering Basic Motor Controls, Part 2 on March 8th and March 15th at our Sacramento Region Training Center and San Diego Training Center!

Classes are starting soon--enroll ASAP to get your spot!

Plus, There Are a Few More Days Left to Participate in the February Cash Giveaway




 

Content courtesy of Ramsey SmartDollar and Ramsey SmartTax

Tax season is still upon us, but it doesn't have to be confusing or stressful. Ramsey SmartTax can guide you through it and give you what you need to e-file your federal and state tax returns for FREE. All the major federal forms and deductions are included.

Don't forget--there are only a few days left for the SmartDollar February Giveaway (with a chance to win a $5,000 cash grand prize), so make sure you're signing in to receive your entries for a chance to win the prize!

------------------------------

Not yet signed up for SmartDollar? No worries -- getting started is easy! Learn how below.

SmartDollar is a financial wellness benefit for WECA apprentices. We announced our partnership with the Dave Ramsey-founded online financial wellness platform in January, 2021 to provide our apprentices with a sound foundation in personal finance management. This benefit is available to all WECA apprentices free of charge. Not yet signed up for SmartDollar? No worries -- scroll to the bottom of this article for instructions!

What is SmartDollar? SmartDollar is a step-by-step approach to handling money with the number-one authority in personal finance, Dave Ramsey. More than 4.5 million people have started on Dave's plan and taken control of their money, and you can too! SmartDollar will equip you to get out of debt, on a budget, and on your way to a strong financial foundation.

The average person pays off $9,405 of debt and saves $6,127 in the first twelve months, and you can too!

"This program is powerful yet simple to understand. The Baby Steps make understanding how to win with money easy! Dave's lessons are fun, informative, and incredibly encouraging. It really doesn't feel like I'm taking a financial course. It's more like learning finances from a good friend...or a financially savvy stand-up comedian! The online tools are fantastic as well, and I love being able to 'ASK DAVE' any question and do my budget online. Love it all!" - Recent participant

With SmartDollar, you'll learn how to...

• Jump-start your money
• Knock out debt
• Secure your dream home
• Retire in style
• Demystify your credit score

How does SmartDollar work? With so many ways to engage in SmartDollar activities and content, SmartDollar Points have been designed to encourage users to establish true behavior change. (Check out the graph below for a quick rundown). The greater the importance and required time of each activity, the greater the amount of points that can be earned. For example, each Core Lesson video completed is worth 250 points. Completing a shorter Deep Dive video is worth 50 points. Tracking a transaction in EveryDollar is only worth 20 points, but users are encouraged to track all their financial transactions with no points limitations. These example activities are key for building the confidence you need to reach your financial goals.

Taking advantage of your free financial wellness benefit, SmartDollar, is easy!

To set up your account after accessing your dashboard, click either of the links shown as highlighted in the screenshot to the right of this paragraph. You'll be taken to a page with a SmartDollar enrollment link, where you will be able to set up immediate access to this important benefit.

Ready to get started?

Login to your GOWECA dashboard

Huntington Beach Councilman Tony Strickland Leads in Special Election for State Senate On Tuesday, Feb. 25, voters in California’s 36th State Senate District special election and an early tally of ballots in Orange and Los Angeles counties showed Republican Tony Strickland with a strong lead. As of the latest tally, Strickland maintained an early 51% lead over Democrat Jimmy Pham. Pham is an attorney and serves on Westminster’s traffic commission. Strickland, a Huntington Beach councilmember and former mayor, is eyeing a return to the California Legislature, where he has already served for a decade — first as an Assembly member from 1998 to 2004, then as a state senator from 2008 to 2012 — representing parts of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

“Tony Strickland has always been a great supporter of free enterprise and open competition,” said WECA’s Southern California Government Affairs Representative Dave Everett (pictured with Strickland). “Whether it is in the California Legislature or at the local level in Huntington Beach, merit shop contractors know they can count on Tony Strickland.” The special election was triggered after former State Senator Janet Nguyen vacated the seat to join the Orange County Board of Supervisors. Nguyen endorsed Strickland to succeed her in the Senate. The race for the 36th State Senate District, which includes communities in Los Angeles and Orange counties, could be decided outright if a candidate secures more than 50% of the vote in the primary, meaning the runoff election scheduled for April would be canceled.

Despite Strickland’s strong early lead, Orange County Democratic Party Chair Florice Hoffman said she is encouraged by the initial results. “It looks like Jimmy Pham will be in a runoff in this Republican district,” she said. Pham ran for the 70th Assembly District seat in 2024 but was defeated by Republican Assemblymember Tri Ta.  The 36th Senate District stretches from Seal Beach to San Clemente along the Orange County coast to a small portion of Los Angeles County. It includes portions of Buena Park, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Stanton, and Westminster in Orange County and Artesia, Cerritos, and Hawaiian Gardens in Los Angeles County. Republicans make up the district's most significant share of registered voters at 37.11%. Democrats follow with 33.93%, while 22.61% of voters are registered with no party preference. Whoever is elected in Tuesday’s primary or the general election in April will serve a term that runs through Dec. 7, 2026.



Huntington Beach Councilman Tony Strickland (left) and WECA Southern California Government Affairs Representative Dave Everett (right)

Stan Ellis (R) Wins Special Election for Assembly District 32 In a decisive victory, Bakersfield-area businessman Stan Ellis (whom WECA supported) has won the special election for California's 32nd Assembly District. Ellis, a Republican, secured 64% of the vote, avoiding a runoff and succeeding Vince Fong, who vacated the seat after winning a congressional election last year. Stan Ellis is a farmer, local businessman, and community member with deep roots in the Central Valley. Ellis's campaign focused on common-sense leadership, advocating for less regulation, safer communities, and economic opportunities. "This victory is a clear message that our communities want leadership that puts working families and our future first," Ellis stated in his victory email.

The district, which includes parts of Visalia and Bakersfield, has been without representation since June 2024. Ellis's win brings a renewed focus on addressing the critical needs of the Central Valley, and he expressed eagerness to begin his work in Sacramento.

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AZ’s Ciscomani Expresses Reservations Over House Republican Budget Resolution Southern Arizona U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R) is expressing reservations over a Republican budget blueprint that could result in significant cost shifts from the federal government to Arizona and negatively affect the state’s Medicaid program, known as AHCCCS, or the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. Story.

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Plaintiffs Are Responsible for Commencing Court-Ordered Arbitration The California Court of Appeal held that after the employer-defendant successfully moved to compel arbitration of the plaintiffs’ employment-related claims, the employer-defendant did not waive its right to arbitration by failing to commence arbitration. The fact that the employer was the only party that “wanted” arbitration was irrelevant. The arbitration agreement required the plaintiffs to initiate arbitration, which they failed to do. Michelle Arzate, et al. v. ACE American Insurance Company, Case No. B336829. Story

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Big day for crypto: The US Senate’s first subcommittee on digital asset policy convened this week. Punchbowl got a sneak peek at the opening remarks from the panel’s top Democrat Sen. Ruben Gallego (Ariz.). The Arizona Democrat, whose election bid was backed by the crypto super PAC network Fairshake, will say crypto “presents both extraordinary opportunities and significant challenges.” Gallego will also stress the need for “robust oversight,” including a call to ensure crypto is “not used to circumvent existing laws on money laundering, tax evasion, or illicit financing.” Gallego also wants to focus on “encouraging productive and useful innovation to everyday Americans. The growth of things like ‘meme coins’ on everything from Trump to DOGE to Peanut the Squirrel are about flashy headlines and trending on social media, not about helping traditionally un- and under-banked communities gain access to the financial system.” [Punchbowl]

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Labor Nominee Gets a Boost Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan will vote to advance Lori Chavez-DeRemer through the Senate HELP Committee on Thursday, significantly boosting the chances that Trump’s Labor secretary nominee will get confirmed. Hassan is the first Democrat on the HELP Committee to say she will vote for Chavez-DeRemer, making up for potential opposition from panel member Rand Paul. [Politico]

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What is Happening on the Labor Front in DC? Kristen Swearingen Explains. A lot is going on in Washington, DC, these days. In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Kristen Swearingen, Vice President, Legislative & Political Affairs at the Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc. and spokesperson for the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, joins host Peter List to discuss some of the issues, including the re-introduction of the PRO Act, Sen. Josh Hawley’s “PRO Act-Lite” framework, as well as President Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Listen

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Bill Introductions in the California Legislature Over the past decade, the California Legislature and its 120 legislators have introduced between 1,900 and 2,600 bills per year, each year of the 2-year legislative session, by the February introduction deadline. Fewer than 50 additional bills get introduced after the deadline (e.g., due to a rule waiver or a bill introduced by a committee, which are not subject to the introduction deadline). The 2023 California Legislative Session saw more introductions than usual, the highest number in over a decade. The 2024 Session returned those introduction numbers to more normal levels. Story

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Guess Who Stymies Housing Construction A passel of recent California laws was supposed to supercharge the construction of desperately needed housing. According to YIMBY Law, they haven’t even come close. One California law was supposed to flip defunct strip malls across California into apartment-lined corridors.

Another was designed to turn under-used church parking lots into fonts of new affordable housing.

A third would, according to supporters and opponents alike, “end single-family zoning as we know it.” Fast-forward to 2025 and this spate of recent California laws, and others like it intended to supercharge the construction of desperately needed housing, have had “limited to no impact on the state’s housing supply.”

That damning conclusion comes from a surprising source: A new report by YIMBY Law, a pro-development nonprofit that would very much like to see these laws work.

“It’s grim,” said Sonja Trauss, executive director of YIMBY Law. Though she acknowledged some of the laws are still new, she blamed their early ineffectiveness on the legislative process which saddled these bills with unworkable requirements and glaring loopholes.

“Everybody wants a piece,” she said. “The pieces taken out during the process wind up derailing the initial concept.”

What are these requirements and loopholes that have prevented these laws from succeeding? Maybe not surprisingly, they are the frequent objects of critique by YIMBY Law and the Yes in My Backyard movement more generally.

One is the inclusion of requirements that developers only hire union-affiliated workers or pay their workers higher wages. Story

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Acting NLRB General Counsel Rescinds Controversial Memoranda On February 14, 2025, National Labor Relations Board Acting General Counsel William Cowen issued Memorandum 25-05, rescinding more than a dozen policy memos issued by his predecessor. Cowen cited an unsustainable backlog of cases as the primary motivation for the rescission. Cowen also signaled that he plans to publish new guidance to replace some of the rescinded memos. Others may be abandoned altogether. Learn More

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CSLB Newsletter Please enjoy the Winter 2025 edition of the California Licensed Contractor Newsletter – a quarterly newsletter from the Contractors State License Board.

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Santa Barbara County Supervisors Are Planning to Give Themselves a 48% Raise On February 25, 2025, the Santa Barbara County Supervisors are planning to give themselves a 48% raise. You read that right. According to Andy Caldwell, Executive Director of the government watchdog COLAB (Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business), that means they will be making $171, 309 per year for a part-time job. They are currently paid $115,000. Story

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Hawley Sells Moreno on Government Control of Private Contracts Punchbowl News has reported that Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) is cosponsoring one of the bills based on Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-MO) recently released legislative framework implementing a “new direction” for Republican labor policy, which ironically appears to consist entirely of provisions stolen from Senator Bernie Sanders’ (D-VT) Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (S 567, HR 20, 118th Congress) and Senator Markey’s bill that brings the warehouse sector under government control and creates a new subagency at the Department of Labor (Warehouse Worker Protection Act, S 5208, 118th Congress). The framework is expected to be broken down into five pieces, and Moreno is reportedly cosponsoring the legislation that would implement government control over management-union contract negotiations.

The legislation, the Faster Labor Contracts Act, requires employers and unions to begin negotiating collective bargaining agreements within 10 days after a union wins a representation election and execute their agreement within months. Consequences for failing to meet this arbitrary timeline is mandatory arbitration, where government-appointed arbitrators set terms for the first contract. [Employment Policy Network]

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Electricity Causes 150 Workplace Deaths Each Year Electricity continues to be one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries in the U.S., according to new workplace safety statistics from ESFI.

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Mayor and San Diego Supervisor Candidate John McCann Visits WECA San Diego With less than 6 weeks until the April 8, 2025, special election for San Diego County Supervisor, WECA was proud to host Chula Vista Mayor John McCann for a tour and a discussion about workforce development this week at WECA’s San Diego Training Center. Joined by WECA Board President and CDM Electric Vice President Dru Wells, Bill Baber, and Dave Everett from WECA’s Government Affairs team, Mayor McCann sat down with WECA to discuss workforce development, public works projects, and apprenticeship opportunities.

Mayor John McCann is running for the open San Diego County Supervisor seat for District 1. With two Democrats and two Republicans on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, this election will decide which party sets the agenda for the county’s budget and services. A special election will occur on April 8th, with a possible runoff in July if no candidate wins 50% +1 votes. Three Democrats — San Diego City Councilmember Vivian Moreno, Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre, and Chula Vista Councilmember Carolina Chavez — and one Republican, Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, have confirmed they are running. Vivian Moreno voted for a discriminatory PLA on all City of San Diego construction, as did Carolina Chavez for the City of Chula Vista. And while the Laborers Union has endorsed Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre, she has not yet imposed a PLA on Imperial Beach. Mayor John McCann, of course, voted against the PLA in the City of Chula Vista.

On the tour of our San Diego facility this week with Mayor McCann, WECA highlighted how apprenticeship presents great opportunities for students, and how beneficial it is for young adults to begin adulthood debt-free. We also discussed some of the discrimination and cost increases involved with PLAs. Thank you, Mayor McCann, for taking time out of your busy schedule to learn more about our members and students. It was a critical discussion on the region’s workforce development needs as well as some of the challenges facing the construction industry in California.