I hired out in July of 1974 as a Switchmen/Trainmen for the Southern Pacific Railroad in Oakland, California.  I then transferred to Tracy, California as a Brakeman in May of 1975 after an 8 month layoff.  In December 1976, I went back to Oakland because I couldn’t work as a Brakeman any longer in Tracy.

In March of 1977, I became a Fireman on the Western Division of the Southern Pacific Railroad.  I was promoted to Locomotive Engineer in the fall of 1978.  After promotion, in 1983 I transferred seniority to Tracy, California.  This was the first time that a permanent transfer was ever offered.  Being number 4 out of 10 applicants, my career as a San Joaquin Division Engineer blossomed.  I worked the Triangle pool from Tracy to Roseville to Fresno.

In the late 1980’s when the D & RGW Railroad took over the Southern Pacific Railroad, I started working to Bakersfield, California.  In 1992 I became the Vice Local Chairman for BLE Division 692.  A few years later (1996), I became the Legislative Representative for the same division.  Then, at the California State Legislative Board’s Quadrenniel Convention held in 1998, I was elected to the position of 1^st Vice Chairman of the CSLB.

I have held that post since that time.  Through my sobriety which started in 1994, I felt the need to have the union work fill the void left from the party times I used to enjoy.  My union capacity has given me my self respect back that was lost due to my drug and alcohol use.  It has also given me a way to pay back those who helped me during some very hard times in my life, therefore fulfilling a dual purpose for which I remain very thankful.

I was told once at a rehab meeting that I had an addictive personality.  I didn’t know what that meant until I figured that I do things 100% or not at all.  That is the way I have always dealt with my official union duties…that is what is in my heart…100%!  I have truly enjoyed watching the California State Legislative Board grow over the years.

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