John Calderon

John was born in East Los Angeles, California, and was raised in the Greater L.A. area. On his own at 16, he made the decision to graduate from high school six months early and enlist in the Navy.

Because of his love of the ocean and his desire for challenges, John became a Nuclear Engineer. Choosing to become a Nuc Mechanic (which he jokingly refers to as "a glorified pipe fitter"), he decided to volunteer in submarines, in order to have the opportunity to become a Navy Scuba Diver. John served aboard a submarine stationed in San Diego for 3 years, performing duties as Ship's Diver and Mechanical Operator. He qualified to the position of Engineroom Supervisor prior to being discharged from the Navy.

John's naval training in electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems prepared him for being a well-rounded employee in the manufacturing industry; while the metallurgy, engineering, and nuclear physics training prepared him for a career as a Deputy Building Inspector in Los Angeles. The nuclear physics training also helped to define his philosophical and spiritual beliefs.

After leaving the Navy, John moved to Fresno to begin working as a Journeyman Maintenance Mechanic in a paper (cardboard) box factory. John acquired additional skills in welding, relay and programmable logic circuitry, and building maintenance.

Wanting to move back to Los Angeles and always ambitious, John picked up the position of Senior Service Representative for Signode Service Business for the Greater L.A. Area. Installing, troubleshooting and servicing factory equipment throughout Los Angeles and California, John was able to gain a unique insight to many different manufacturing processes. John was introduced to computer-based manufacturing equipment, which enhanced his computer literacy skills.

John's pull toward the ocean prompted him to go back to a stable factory mechanic position, so he could attend the College of Oceaneering (COO) in Wilmington, California. John's initial aspiration was to become a commercial diver, working in the Gulf of Mexico, but his desire to remain in Los Angeles guided him into studying Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), in order to become a Welding Inspector and NDT Technician. The skills acquired at the COO enabled him to obtain his Welding Inspector Certification within six months of graduating COO.

John quit his maintenance job shortly after graduation to gain some quick experience at a couple of NDT shops before joining the International Union of Operating Engineers as an inspector, and was quickly hired on at Smith-Emery Company, one of the largest commercial inspection firms in Los Angeles. John's training, experience and his drive to be among the most qualified inspectors helped to maintain Smith-Emery's reputation as the leading inspection firm in Los Angeles. After working on high-profile projects such as the Hollywood Bowl, UCLA-Ronald Reagan Hospital, and 2000 Avenue of the Stars in Century City; John took the next step in his career and is now working for the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, where he currently works in the Bureau of Contract Administration as a Construction Inspector.

John carries the following certifications/licenses:

City of Los Angeles Deputy Building Inspector: Structural Steel/Welding, Fireproofing, Drilled-In Anchors, Reinforced Concrete, Masonry, Shotcrete

American Welding Society: Certified Welding Inspector

International Code Council: Structural Steel/Welding, Reinforced Concrete, Prestressed Concrete, Masonry, and Spray-Applied Fireproofing Special Inspector

American Society for Non-Destructive Testing Level II Technician: Liquid Penetrant, Magnetic Particle, Ultrasonic methods

American Concrete Institute: Grade 1 Technician

City of Los Angeles Certified Welder-Manual Process
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