Calexico — A collapsed baseball dugout at Rodriguez Park, damaged during Storm Mario, is being repaired through a partnership between the city of Calexico and Carpenters Local 619, October 4, 2025.
The city is supplying equipment — including a backhoe or forklift with straps and chains — while union members are donating their labor at no cost. “The city is providing all the equipment, but the union is providing all the labor,” said Mr. Solano, who coordinated with city officials.
He added that he contacted Public Works Director Villegas immediately after the storm to secure permission and ensure the project remained in compliance. A formal report will be submitted to the city after the work is complete.
Union carpenter Fabian Martinez described the work: “We are going to actually bring the dugout back how it was because we got hit by Storm Mario. We’re going to lift it from the back, pivot it to the front, and anchor it with rotor hammers and bolts all the way down to the concrete. That way, it stays secure and won’t move at all.”
The union’s contribution represents a significant savings. Martinez said he had been working overtime on a project in Imperial earlier that day. Solano emphasized that union members could be earning overtime elsewhere but chose to volunteer instead.
The repairs are expected to be completed in a single day once the city-provided lift arrives. The project also highlights past union efforts at the park, including work on dugouts and concession stands, along with electricians and community members who donated their time.
Safety was a major factor. According to Solano, city staff had taped off the damaged dugout and placed it on a repair list, but storm priorities delayed the timeline. “It’s kind of dangerous in here,” he said, thanking Villegas and city crews for their quick response and collaboration with the union.
Solano thanked city officials for their responsiveness and willingness to work with the union, calling the collaboration a good example of how to get things done.
Calexico, Calif. — Mr. Solano, left, stands with Carpenters Local 619 members including an unidentified worker, Fabian Martinez, and another union carpenter at Rodriguez Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. The crew volunteered their time to help the city repair a baseball dugout damaged during Storm Mario.
CALEXICO, Calif. — A baseball dugout at Rodriguez Park sits collapsed after being damaged by Storm Mario. Carpenters Local 619 volunteers and the city of Calexico partnered Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, to lift and re-anchor the structure.
CALEXICO, Calif. — A different view shows the collapsed baseball dugout at Rodriguez Park, damaged during Storm Mario. Carpenters Local 619 volunteers and the city of Calexico worked together Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, to restore the structure.
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