Chris Maag | Journeyman
“Being part of the union, there’s good career opportunities, and it’s made it easier to raise a family and buy a house. I’ve been helped along the way, so it’s good to give back to the Local. Setting up the San Jose Christmas tree was fun, even though it was also a little bit of a fiasco.
The City had put some pieces together, and we had to take it apart and put it back together. Then one of the boom lifts was stuck, and we had to send another lift up to get one of our guys. We persevered and got the job done. And that’s how we do things in the IBEW!”
Edward Wong (Dad/Journeyman) & Jacob Castrejon (Son/Apprentice)
“I’ve been with the Local since 1999, and this is the first time I did the tree. There were a lot of challenges with the installation. But there’s always things that aren’t planned for, and as electricians, you adjust and adapt. One of my proudest moments was when my son entered the trades,” said Edward.
His son Jacob chimed in, “My father sparked my interest in the trades in childhood. When told they put the tree up every year, I wanted to be there 100% and meet more of the union members. It’s pretty cool to say you helped build that tree.”
Timothy & Lilliana Martinez (Husband & Wife)
For Tim and Lilliana Martinez, being electricians and volunteering with the Local is a family affair. Tim turned out in 2010, while Lilliana is finishing up her last year in the inside apprenticeship. She was featured in a previous newsletter. For Tim, volunteering is all about community.
He said, “Being involved with the union is good camaraderie, while showing the community that we care. The IBEW is out there and always giving back. It’s important for people to see us in a positive light and maybe we can inspire some kid walking by to get into the trades.”
Elvis Paramo | Apprentice
”Putting up the tree is something I’ve always wanted to do, and it was a great way to fulfill service hours. I’m proud of representing the Local and helping out the community. I was there at 7am on Saturday, and we ran into some problems, so we had to come back again on Sunday.
When we hung the lights, I felt really proud of it. I grew up in the area, and since I was a little kid, my mom would take us to Christmas in the Park. Now that I have my own kids, it was my turn to bring them. But now I can say I put up this tree!”
