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Photo Essay: LA Lineman's Rodeo, 5/17/08

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Over the weekend, teams of electrical linemen gathered at the Department of Water & Power in Sun Valley to compete in the 2008 Lineman's Rodeo. Hosted by the DWP and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 18, electrical journeymen and apprentices showed off their agility and raced against the clock in various competitions. Events included the cross arm change, insulator change, jumper installation, "hurtman" rescue and pole climb. It was also a family affair with exhibits, games for the kids and a local band.

During this incredibly hot day, one couldn't help but admire the bravery and skill of the linemen. Though this was a one-day competition, it's incredible to think that this is the kind of work they do every single day.

As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.

Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.

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