I'm an inside wireman in the Los Angeles area, and I believe there is a waiting period here as well in order to start an apprenticeship with the local union. I also understand that in the San Francisco area the local union is very strong, so that may or may not work to your advantage. You can check things out here for the LA area at: http://www.ibew11.org.

Work in general is good in the greater LA area, and there are also plenty of small, medium and large non-union contractors that could use bright and energetic help. Some belong to another contractors group that runs a separate state approved apprenticeship program. I was involved with that association 20 or so years ago, long before they developed their apprenticeship program, but I'm not able to be more help than that nowdays. I'm sure others here can help.

Hope this helps some,
Radar

There are 10 types of people. Those who know binary, and those who don't.