LADWP Hosts 34th Annual Lineman’s Rodeo Competition

Sun Valley, CA (June 9, 2026) - The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), in partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 18, hosted the 34^th annual Lineman's Rodeo on Saturday, May 16, at the Truesdale Training Center in Sun Valley. The event brought together utility lineworkers from LADWP, Southern California area utilities, and competitors from across the Western United States to compete in a series of challenging, real-world events designed to test technical ability, teamwork, and safety practices. A total of 32 journeyman teams and 43 apprentice competitors participated in this year's event, including 18 apprentices and 11 journeyman teams representing LADWP.

LADWP swept the Apprentice Test and Overall scoring categories, securing the top six spots. Brian Gobeli earned first overall and first on the Apprentice Quiz, followed by Gunner Halstead, second overall and second on the Apprentice Quiz, Hale Atwell, third overall and fourth on the Apprentice Quiz and Todd McElroy, fourth overall and third on the Apprentice Quiz.

In the Journeyman category, LADWP teams also earned multiple top finishes across several field events. David Angove and his hybrid team - a team made up of competitors from multiple utilities or contractors - placed first overall, while Sal Flores, Chuy Lopez, and Brian Lomeli placed second overall. Aaron Lopez, Josafat Luna, and Anthony Valdez earned third Overall and first in the Hurt-man Rescue event. Uriel Sanchez, Daniel Orellana, and Samuel Tapia also earned a second-place finish in the 4.8KV Switch Change.

The annual competition featured journeyman and apprentice lineworkers participating in timed events that simulated the demanding conditions utility crews face in the field every day while maintaining and restoring power service for the City of Los Angeles and surrounding communities. The family-friendly event also included vendor exhibits, community and children's activities, and recruitment opportunities highlighting careers in the utility industry.

"The Lineman's Rodeo is an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary skill, professionalism, and dedication of the employees who help keep the lights on for Los Angeles," said David W. Hanson, LADWP Interim General Manager. "This event highlights the training, teamwork, and safety culture that are essential to providing reliable power service to the communities we serve."

Competitors took part in events including pole climbing, Hurt-man rescue, crossarm change, insulator change, obstacle course, and other technical challenges modeled after real-life utility work. The competition emphasized safe work practices, precision, and efficiency under pressure.

"Local 18 is proud to support our members participating in this event and recognize their contributions to keeping the lights on every day," said Martin Marrufo, Business Manager, IBEW Local 18.

"Reliable power service depends on a workforce that is prepared to respond in complex and demanding environments," said Jason Rondou, Interim Chief Operating Officer and Senior Assistant General Manager - Power System. "LADWP is proud to have some of the most skilled lineworkers in the industry, and the Lineman's Rodeo reflects the coordination, training, and operational readiness required to maintain critical infrastructure, support the needs of the power system, and invest in the next generation of skilled utility professionals."

The Lineman's Rodeo also served as a recruitment opportunity for those interested in pursuing careers in the utility industry, with information available about skilled trade opportunities at LADWP at JoinLADWP.com.