Chimbole Center renovation

A carpenters' representative voiced strong support, saying local workers want jobs near home and praising Icon West's PLA track record on LAUSD and other projects.

Criticized the project as four years late and said the city shouldn't pat itself on the back for a fix that should have been done long ago.

An eight-year Local 11 member described brutal commutes over the hill and urged the council to let local workers build their own hometown project.

A Palmdale-raised Iron Workers Local 433 member urged approval, saying building his hometown's civic center would mean more than a paycheck.

A sprinkler fitters Local 709 business agent asked the council to pass opportunity to the next generation of apprentices as someone once did for him.

Said local work lets tradespeople be present parents and recycles tax dollars back into the community, and noted members couldn't attend because they were stuck commuting.

A 30-year resident and union member said PLA agreements open doors for people entering the trades and let him keep coaching his son's soccer team.

An IBEW representative who grew up on Ninth Street and walked to the library said building it is personal, and urged support for the CWA.

Delivered sharp criticism: the project ballooned from a $5 million repair to $31 million with no grants applied for, no public meetings, and architecture that doesn't match the civic center.

An IBEW electrician and Antelope Valley native since 1970 said the project is a chance to show young people the trades as an alternative to college debt.

Speaking for his business manager, highlighted that CWAs give second-chance workers and high schoolers a path into the trades.

A second-generation iron worker said he supports the project but wants far more local jobs — he's working seven twelves and missing his 13-year-old son.