Building Trades News

IBEW Local 441
Douglas M. Chappell, Bus. Mgr.
309 N. Rampart, Suite M
Orange, CA 92868
(714) 939-3131
www.ibewoc.com

Apollo Electric of Brea, CA recently completed an impressive photovoltaic project on the Wal-Mart store in Santa Ana. The project was completed as a joint venture between Apollo and Makai Construction Corporation.

This system has the capacity to add a total of 684 amps at 480 volts to the store. This means that the collection of the solar power will be able to supply approximately 40 percent of the store's power during the peak demands of the day. There were 3,560 solar panels installed, with the string wiring to combiner boxes to two 250 KW inverters. The alternating current wiring was then pulled through Apollo's conduit system, through a performance metering equipment and interconnected to the store's electrical system.

Our members working for Apollo Electric contributed more than 1,700 man-hours to this solar project. Brett Galle was the Foreman for Apollo; he and his crew did an excellent job on this project.

Special Thanks to Al Ybarra, a Great Labor Leader and Friend

I would like to pay special tribute to one of our esteemed brothers. Although not an IBEW member, Al Ybarra has always been one of Local 441's true friends and advocates.

Born in East Los Angeles and raised in Watts, Al began his union career and advocacy for workers many years ago. After serving our country in the Air Force, he went to work for Rockwell and became a shop steward for UAW Local 887 in 1962. For the next 40 years, he served his Local Union and his International through many positions, including President and International Rep., before retiring in 2002.

Al has not confined his activities to just his union. He was elected Delegate to National Democratic Conventions for presidential candidates Jerry Brown, Mike Dukakis, Bill Clinton, Al Gore and John Kerry. Al is also an elected delegate from the 56th Assembly District, a member of the Orange County Central Committee Executive Board and Executive Board member of the California Democratic Party. It would take many pages to list all the community and labor awards he has received over the years – all well deserved.

Following his retirement from the UAW, Al agreed to accept the position of Secretary-Treasurer of the Orange County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, serving an affiliation of 85 local unions and approximately 140,000 members. He has been a great leader to all of labor and to those of us who have had the pleasure of working with him.

Sometime in the near future, Al and his wife Rachel, will be able to enjoy a real retirement, including spending more time with their three children and eight grandchildren. Before he retires, I want to recognize Al and let him know that his friendship and leadership will always be remembered and truly appreciated.

–Brother Doug Chappell