California Engineering Contractors Upgrades the Port of Oakland’s Middle Harbor
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Precision, Power, and Partnership: California Engineering Contractors
Upgrades the Port of Oakland’s Middle Harbor
When you’re working in one of the busiest container ports on the West Coast, where every hour of downtime means lost revenue, efficiency isn’t just a goal, it’s a necessity. California Engineering Contractors, Inc. (CEC) recently completed the Middle Harbor Berths 55–59 Upgrade at the Port of Oakland, a project that demanded precision engineering, tight scheduling, and nonstop coordination. The Oakland International Container Terminal (OICT) moves roughly 60% of the Port’s total cargo, contributing to over two million TEUs annually and
about 50 vessel calls per month, a throughput level that leaves almost zero margin for construction missteps.
Modernizing a Vital Maritime Hub
The Port of Oakland’s Middle Harbor serves as the core of its container operations, and is the busiest gateway between Los Angeles/Long Beach and Seattle. Originally built in the early 2000s, the five berths were designed for vessels carrying 8,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). With today’s container ships reaching 24,000 TEUs,
modernization was crucial to maintain competitiveness and operational safety. The upgrade dovetails with the Port’s broader strategy to widen the Inner and Outer Harbor turning basins in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, critical moves to keep Oakland a preferred West Coast gateway for importers and exporters.
The $10.8 million upgrade, part of the Port’s Terminal Modernization Program, strengthened the berths to accommodate vessels ranging from 6,000 to 24,000 TEUs. Construction began in December
By Brian Hoover / Photos provided by California Engineering Contractors Inc.
CEC has plenty of large marine equipment, but this project required more finesse than muscle. Large barges and on-water cranes could not be used while the adjacent Berths were in operation.
2022 and reached substantial completion by February 2025, all while maintaining cargo throughput across active berths. The project was competitively bid with five compliant bids; the engineer’s estimate was about $23 million, underscoring the value CEC delivered.
Engineering Challenges and Creative Solutions
Engineering firm Moffatt & Nichol determined that the existing fenders, bollards, and wharf decks lacked the strength to support the heavier loads required by ultralarge container vessels (ULCVs). The design team developed a prefabrication and retrofit plan that eliminated the need for pile driving and concrete curing in the tidal zone, minimizing disruption to the Port’s nonstop operations. The design also reserved space for a future Mobile Shore Power Outlet (MSPO) track, enabling next-gen ships to plug into shoreside power and aligning with California’s cleanfreight standards.
CEC installed 92 new single super-cone fenders, each rated for 950 ft-kips of energy absorption and designed to distribute impact across the wharf face while reducing structural stress.
CEC used a combination of smaller mobile cranes and extended reach forklifts to handle components during pre-assembly and placement. Thanks to United Rentals and HercRentals for their support of the project.
Supporting these fenders were heavy steel dropdown panel extensions bolted onto the existing concrete, allowing installation nearly two feet lower than the original configuration, a key modification to handle modern ship drafts. At Berths 55–56, where the wharf deck was insufficient to take the new fender reactions, CEC installed steel load-path bracing beneath the wharf deck to carry berthing forces directly into the waterside crane beam, keeping cranes productive and vessels moving.
On the mooring side, the team replaced and added a total of 98 high-capacity bollards, ranging from 200-metric-ton doublebitts to 300-metric-ton T-head models. Each new bollard can accommodate multiple mooring ropes, giving the Port significantly more flexibility in handling vessels of varying size and tonnage. The team also reused the original through-deck anchor sleeves for the new 200-MT bollards, avoiding
drilling that could threaten rebar or utilities. The new 300-MT units were added at strategic gaps to increase tying options where line geometry is tight.
Field Ingenuity and Marine Equipment in Action
CEC’s crews faced tidal swings of up to nine feet, restricted deck space, and the challenge of working above and below the waterline, all while the Port remained fully operational. To overcome these constraints, the company constructed custombuilt under-deck platforms, which gave workers the ability to secure new steel bracing and remove old fenders without relying on tides to access the wharf.
Crews completed the removal and replacement of 96 rubber cone fenders and 85 existing 200-ton bollards, followed by the installation of 14 new 300-ton
bollards. Each operation required millimeter-level accuracy from crane operators and rigging specialists, who prefabricated lifting assemblies off-site to streamline placement and minimize time spent over open water.
CEC engineers reused the original through-deck anchor sleeves, extracting the old, grouted anchors and installing new steel rods through the same sleeves to preserve the rebar and avoid utility conflicts. Custom-fabricated changeover plates aligned old and new bolt patterns, allowing seamless transitions between legacy structures and new highstrength hardware. Where new drilling was unavoidable (for the added 300-MT units), layouts were sequenced with non-destructive deck scanning to miss steel and conduit—another step that prevented delays.
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Logistics and Coordination Under Pressure
Because only one berth out of five could be shutdown to maritime operations at any given time, sequencing and material handling required meticulous coordination. Every steel component, from fenders and bollards to bracing struts, was prefabricated, stored off-site, and delivered in time for installation. When global shipping schedules shifted, CEC sequenced work around active ship arrivals while keeping the project on schedule. The bid documents embedded a “do-as-much-aspossible in advance” strategy, utility locating, fabrication measurements, and anchor layouts, so the minute a berth opened, installation could begin without delays.
50 vessel calls per month and container cranes operating just yards away, CEC maintained a flawless safety record with zero recordable incidents or claims.
Overcoming Supply Chain and Environmental Challenges
The project unfolded during an era of supply chain instability, demanding creativity and foresight. When metric-sized fasteners were delayed, CEC sourced U.S. SAE substitutes, maintaining parallel inventories to ensure work continued uninterrupted. Each substitution underwent engineering review and field verification to confirm strength and performance.
Clockwise from above left: Fender components were assembled dockside, Access platforms are shuffled to the next needed location, a worker installs bolts and nuts on a 200MT bollard's crossover plate, workers install the non-skid cover on a 300MT crossover plate.
This project stands as a model for engineering innovation, demonstrating how careful planning, prefabrication, and collaboration can achieve { Continued from page 8 }
Safety was paramount throughout the process. Lock-out/ tag-out protocols protected both CEC crews and port personnel from the terminal’s 15 kV crane power system. Despite roughly
The project also supported the Port’s sustainability goals by integrating capacity for future shore-power systems and adhering to California’s cleanfreight standards. No new piles were driven during construction, reducing environmental impact and minimizing disturbance to the bay’s tidal ecosystem. Lowering
fenders to clear the future MSPO track wasn’t just a geometry tweak, it keeps the wharf compatible with evolving zero-emission rules without another retrofit.
Results That Speak for Themselves
CEC delivered the project on time, under budget, and at roughly half of the Port’s $22 million budget estimate. The completed upgrades now allow Middle Harbor’s five berths to safely accommodate container ships carrying up to 24,000 TEUs, extending the wharf’s operational life and improving port efficiency for decades to come. That performance also beat a $23 million engineer’s estimate and emerged from a competitive field of five bids, a strong market validation of CEC’s approach.
[ Continued on page 12 ]
Right: A row of new fenders is receiving the final sets of heavy-duty chains as a new 200MT bollard is positioned into place.
Below: A worker puts the finishing touches on a new bollard while admiring the world-class view.
CEC worked closely with Shibata Fender Team to furnish all new fenders, bollards, struts, and fastening hardware installed on the project.
{ Continued from page 10 }
large-scale marine retrofits without compromising safety or operations. It also fits into the Port’s modernization arc, including turning-basin widening to improve maneuvering envelopes for ULCVs and maintain schedule reliability.
“This project really hearkens back to our roots more than 40 years ago, when the company was just getting started in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Back then, we performed work at the Port of Oakland and on the seawall at Fort Point in San Francisco, so our foundation is truly in marine construction. For many years, our focus shifted to roads and bridges, but over the past decade we’ve returned to our marine roots and have built up a strong inventory of marine equipment, says company spokesperson, Robert Ikenberry. “I also want to emphasize that no project like this succeeds through the efforts of just one company. Success comes from cooperation, communication, and compromise, and CEC was fortunate to establish strong relationships early on with all the key project stakeholders.”
As a mark of distinction, the project has been submitted as a candidate for AGC-California’s prestigious Constructor Awards, which celebrate standout achievements in heavy civil and other construction categories, highlighting exceptional innovation, planning, and execution in the industry.
About California Engineering Contractors
Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Pleasanton, CA, California Engineering Contractors, Inc. (CEC) is one of California’s most respected heavy civil and marine contractors. The company specializes in bridge retrofits, seismic strengthening, waterway structures, and transportation infrastructure, combining technical
skill with innovative construction methods.
CEC’s work at the Port of Oakland exemplifies the company’s longstanding reputation for innovation, safety, and partnership. With over five decades of experience, CEC continues to deliver complex public works projects that strengthen California’s infrastructure and keep the state’s economy moving forward. From seismic retrofits to marine structures, CEC’s calling card is the same: field-smart engineering that finishes on time inside live, high-risk environments, exactly what this job demanded.
For more information on California Engineering Contractors, please visit www.cecmain.com or call their Pleasanton headquarters at (925) 461-1500. Cc
Atkinson Concrete Construction, Inc.: Building Quality, Family, and Community
Since 2003
Atkinson Concrete Construction, Inc. (ACCI) was founded in 2003 out of a simple but meaningful decision. After 25 years of building bridges across the western United States, owners Chuck and Suzy Atkinson chose to put down roots closer to home. Having spent decades on the road delivering complex structural projects, he wanted to bring that same precision and discipline to work that strengthened his own community. From its base in Atascadero, ACCI has grown into a company where concrete is not just a trade, but a craft shaped
by experience, integrity, and a team that takes pride in every pour.
After launching ACCI, Atkinson quickly began securing a wide range of local projects from small residential work to large-scale commercial and public contracts. A 30,000-square-foot mini-mall foundation in King City was one of those formative wins. Word spread, and over time the project list grew in size and complexity to 60,000- to 70,000-square-foot slabs, theaters, commercial pads, structural retaining walls, and custom homes that demanded the kind of engineering literacy
Atkinson brought from bridge building.
One iconic project rose above the cliffs of Morro Bay, a five-story residence with a three-car garage supporting another garage above, a 40-foot cast-in-place elevator shaft, and an upper third-floor slab. ACCI performed the entire concrete scope, from excavation and foundations to elevated work and walls. Atkinson, typically understated, called the project “interesting.” The understatement is telling; the company’s default approach is to bring big-project rigor to communityscale work, without fanfare.
By Brian Hoover / Photos provided by Atkinson Concrete Construction, Inc.
Over the last several years, ACCI has developed a strong portfolio in K–12 modernization and new construction throughout San Luis Obispo County. A Templeton program, exceeding $3 million, combined a 20,000-square-foot building foundation with approximately 30,000 square feet of flatwork, six to seven hundred linear feet of retaining walls, curb and gutter, ADA ramps, and a host of site improvements. The company has just begun a similarly sized effort in San Luis Obispo featuring architecturally custom bench seating and technically challenging retaining walls, exactly the sort of elements that reward the firm’s structural temperament. As Atkinson puts it with a smile, “If I can build a bridge, I can build a bench.”
The hallmark of ACCI’s practice is a full-range delivered carefully. The firm carries a swimming-pool license and frequently handles pool excavation, demolition, and reconstruction where precision matters more than brute force. On one recent project, Atkinson personally removed a failed shell
while preserving the surrounding deck, work that required surgical demolition from inside the pool footprint. “We literally didn’t chip not even one small spot,” he says, extremely pleased with the result. On another ongoing pool, an underground spring forced a mid-stream redesign; the team installed a French drain system beneath the shell to keep the site dry and stable before proceeding. Whether the scope is a complex hillside home or a tight-access backyard amenity, the standard is the same: protect what’s there, solve what’s hidden, and leave a clean, durable result.
Not every assignment is high drama. A newly completed pickleball court in a private backyard shows the firm’s attention to detail in more modest volumes. Atkinson helped tailor a fiber-rich mix to minimize visible scoring and manage early shrinkage, while also coordinating turf and lighting, and delivering a surface fit for tournament players. In all, about 60 cubic yards of concrete was placed on this project, with the same
care the company brings to large institutional jobs.
That consistency is supported by a deliberately “right-sized” fleet. ACCI runs a lineup that is 99 percent John Deere, selected, Atkinson says, for performance, reliability, value and the tremendous service they receive from their dealer, Coastline Equipment. John Deere excavators range from the nimble 17G, ideal for gates, side yards, and pool work, through 30G, 35G, closed cab 50G, and a preferred open-cab 50G for excavation visibility and easy egress, to the larger 60G, units. Skid steers include a 317G, two 325Gs, and a 333G for heavier handling and grading. The philosophy is pragmatic: smaller to mid-frame machines go almost anywhere, can be transported on lighter trucks without the insurance and DMV weight penalties of 80-ton rigs, and still “move mountains,” as Atkinson likes to say. He points to a barn project requiring a 30-plus-foot
Above: Chuck Atkinson and his Mini Aussies, Charlie and Kali.
Above Right: Carson McMillin, Lead Operator, ACCI.
Right: Austin McMillin, Chief Estimator, ACCI.
hillside cut executed with just a 60G excavator and the 333G skid steer, proof that intelligent sequencing and skilled operators can often out-perform heavyweight iron in tight conditions.
ACCI’s dealer support comes from Coastline Equipment, where sales representative Albert Fernandez stays in regular contact. “Albert has been awesome to work with,” Atkinson says. “He checks in, lets me know about deals and financing, and Coastline’s service has always been phenomenal.” Routine maintenance is primarily handled in-house by ACCI’s own mechanic to ensure uptime. The combination, standardized iron, attentive dealer, and internal care, keeps the fleet ready for anything from clearing and grubbing to footing excavation, backfill, truck loading, and subgrade preparation.
While equipment matters, people matter more at ACCI, by design. None of this would be possible without the hard work and support of my wife Suzy Atkinson. The company employs roughly 15 and is proudly family-run. Atkinson’s brother, Terry, manages field operations and is, in Chuck’s words, “the key guy out there.” His
daughter, Kristy McMillin, runs the office, and all the bookkeeping, he emphasizes, is “the force behind keeping this company running smoothly.” Two grandsons are building careers inside the firm: Carson McMillin is ACCI’s lead operator, and Austin McMillin serves as the company’s chief estimator while supporting both office and field as needed. Beyond family, Atkinson makes it clear that everyone at ACCI performs their tasks to perfection. We have incredible people who have dedicated years of hard work, skill, and loyalty to our team. The result is a tight-knit team that communicates quickly, mobilizes efficiently, and treats each project with a sense of ownership that clients can feel.
That culture flows from the company’s stated ethos. “Excellence and Professionalism” at ACCI isn’t a tagline; it’s the operating system. The family-owned and operated, full-service construction company has kept its passion simple since inception in 2003: produce topquality work and true customer satisfaction at competitive pricing. Atkinson believes a home should tell the story of who the owner is,
and he has assembled a team with a broad spectrum of knowledge and more than 35 years of experience dedicated to creating spaces that do just that. The firm’s reputation has been earned project by project by consistently exceeding expectations.
Licensure and scope reflect that seriousness. Atkinson Concrete Construction, Inc. is a licensed general contractor specializing in concrete placement (License No. A929726). The company serves residential, commercial, and industrial clients and is equally at home on schools, hospitals, and highway/Caltrans work. Agricultural buildings, structural concrete, and decorative finishes round out the offering. In practical terms, that means ACCI self-performs excavation and grading, foundations of all types, flatwork, site walls and retaining systems, curb and gutter, ADA improvements, pools (new, demo, and rehab), and specialty scopes like theaters and architecturally custom seating, often within the constraints of tight access, complex soils, and active campuses.
Above: Terry Atkinson, Superintendent (left), Carson McMillin, Lead Operator, and his dog, Trigger; Kristy McMillin, Corporate Secretary; Suzy Atkinson, CEO; and Chuck Atkinson, Founder.
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Geographically, ACCI focuses on San Luis Obispo County and the surrounding area, roughly a 100-mile radius from Atascadero. The company’s size and structure enable hands-on leadership from preconstruction through closeout, direct lines of communication with owners and GCs, and schedule accountability that comes from being part of the community the projects serve. The team often partners with a local pre-engineered metal-building provider, handling their concrete packages end to end, from site cuts and pads to flatwork, ramps, and ADA details.
Looking forward, Atkinson is pragmatic about growth. There are always pieces of equipment and additional employees on the wish list, but timing matters, and the firm’s current focus is on executing the substantial work already under contract, among them, the new school program in San Luis Obispo with its mix of structural and architectural concrete. The pipeline also includes high-end residential projects, amenity spaces, and pool and hardscape work that reward the company’s precision, patience, and problem-solving mindset.
If you ask Atkinson what most distinguishes ACCI after more than two decades, he won’t point first to an award or a number. He’ll talk about documentation, the habit of logging jobs from start to finish, both to show clients what’s possible and to scrutinize the firm’s own results. Atkinson is particularly proud of a below-grade residential theater: roughly 50 by 60 feet, sunk about 20 feet into the ground, with massive concrete walls and a home constructed above. It’s the kind of project where engineering, sequencing, and craft converge, and the kind that feels like a natural extension of a bridge builder’s sensibility.
Whether ACCI is modernizing a campus, shaping a cliff-side residence, or pouring a backyard pickleball court that brings family and friends together, the company’s work is built to last, and built by people who will still be there to stand behind it. For more information on Atkinson Concrete Construction, Inc., please visit www.atkinsonconstruction.org, or call their Atascadero headquarters at (805) 462-2715. Cc
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Above Left: ACCI’s John Deere 325G skid steer clearing brush on a project site in San Luis Obispo.
Above Right: Chuck Atkinson removes demolished concrete using ACCI’s John Deere 35G compact excavator.
Above: From commercial foundations to backyard patios, ACCI handles projects of every size.
Arrow Disposal Services, Inc. - The Unsung Backbone of California’s Construction Industry
By Brian Hoover
Above: Fleet of company trucks positioned for material transport and debris removal.
When most people picture construction, they see bulldozers and cranes reshaping highways and skylines. What rarely makes the highlight reel is the essential, highly regulated work of removing and recycling the debris that follows every excavation, demolition, and pour. Without a reliable waste partner, even well-planned jobs can slow or stall. That’s the niche Arrow Disposal Services, Inc. has owned for four decades across Southern California.
Founded in 1984 by Mr. Kirk Tahmizian, Arrow Disposal Services, Inc. began with a single roll-off delivery vehicle and a relentless work ethic rooted in a family tradition. As a child, Tahmizian worked alongside
his father and uncle at Zakaroff Rubbish; by 16, he knew his calling. Arrow Disposal Services (Arrow) was born from that early immersion in the craft and a determination to serve contractors better.
“We only service the construction industry,” said Frank Sahagun, vice president of sales. “That’s our focus. We know what contractors need, and we provide it on time and professionally.”
FROM ONE TRUCK TO A REGIONAL FORCE
Arrow’s evolution mirrors the region’s building boom. What started with one truck has grown into one of Southern California’s largest fleets dedicated exclusively to construction roll-off service. Today, Arrow operates
approximately 34 roll-off trucks within a 50-mile radius of its headquarters in La Puenta, along with specialized units for smallbin service and sanitation. The company services projects across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, reaching as far north as Van Nuys and east into the Inland Empire.
Arrow Disposal Services Inc. was founded by Mr. Kirk Tahmizian in 1984, rooted in a family tradition of hard work and dedication to the waste industry. Over the past 40 years, Arrow has become a trusted partner to contractors, large and small, by providing reliable, tailored hauloff and recycling services that keep jobsites clean, safe, and compliant.
Photos provided by Arrow Disposal Services, Inc.
CONSTRUCTION-ONLY—AND PROUD OF IT
Arrow’s specialty is a differentiator: the company engages only within the civil general engineering and building construction sectors. That includes demolition outfits, interior remodelers, heavy civil firms, vertical builders, and even do-ityourselfers who need professional roll-off and diversion solutions. Container offerings range from 10-, 20-, and 40-yard bins, available with welded, certified crane hooks (“sky hooks”) and fitted lids, to three-yard bins delivered in batches by trucks outfitted with trailer hitches.
Unlike haulers that treat smallbin pickups as municipal solid waste, Arrow processes three-yard material for diversion. “Southern California is serious about recycling every piece of C&D (construction and demolition),” Sahagun said. “We consolidate those small loads into 40s and move them to transfer facilities for proper sorting and
diversion so clients get credit for what they actually recycle.”
The sanitation division adds further value with portable toilets and wash stations, making Arrow a one-stop resource for construction logistics.
COMPETING WITH GIANTS ON SERVICE, SPEED, AND SCALE
There are, of course, other large corporate entities that serve the municipal waste landscape. But on construction and demolition (C&D), Arrow goes toe-to-toe by out-executing all competitors within its 50-mile service zone.
“If a national firm dedicates six to 12 trucks to that footprint, we run 39,” Sahagun said. “That translates into truly personalized service and a real two-hour window anywhere in L.A. Our same-day service is our calling card, said Sahagun. That responsiveness has earned Arrow repeat work with some of the most recognizable builders in the West, including companies such as Skanska,
Above: Marisol Vazquez, Construction Sales Executive (left) and Frank Sahagun, Vice President of Sales, Arrow Disposal Services, Inc.
Above: Kirk Thamizian (left), President and Frank Sahagun, Vice President of Sales, Arrow Disposal Services, Inc.
Above: Arrow Disposal Services headquarters, serving as the central hub for project management, logistics, and client coordination.
Griffith, Turner Construction, and Hensel Phelps. On the SR-57/60 interchange, Arrow cycled 10 to 15 bins a day at peak. At LAX, Arrow is among the few haulers fully badged, insured, and 100% compliant. Drivers hold TWIC credentials, supporting work at Terminal 5 and elsewhere. Beyond LAX, the company serves projects at Burbank, John Wayne, and Ontario airports, as well as the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
“Safety is our number one priority,” Sahagun said. “Every hook, every bin is certified. Our crews have the access credentials and training to operate in the most secure environments.”
WHAT ARROW HAULS—AND WHAT IT DOESN’T
Arrow specializes in clean loads and inert materials: concrete, asphalt, dirt, and green waste. As vertical work rises, the stream expands to include wood, drywall, and mixed C&D. The company also provides metal collection and recycling services.
There are limits by design. Arrow does not handle asbestoscontaining materials, contaminated soil, or hazardous waste. “We keep it clean and we stay clean,” Sahagun said.
INNOVATION THAT SOLVES REAL JOBSITE PROBLEMS
Jobsite space is precious, yet increasingly strict recycling rules, LEED included, push builders to separate materials by commodity. On tight urban or airside projects, finding space for multiple 40-yard bins (wood, metal, drywall, inert, carpet, etc.) can be impractical. Cross-contamination risks are high, and a single misthrow can invalidate a diversion load.
Arrow’s answer is its single-bin system, created with a partner transfer facility. Serving projects across Southern California, Arrow Disposal specializes in solutions for large-scale needs, from heavy civil projects to expansive vertical builds. “With a commitment to innovation, we set the standard in eco-friendly practices, including an industry-first single-bin system, achieving over 90% diversion rates,” says Sahagun.
Operationally, mixed C&D goes into one container (inert soil streams excluded). At the transfer facility, material passes through a three-stage sorting process in which each commodity is separated, identified, and weighed. Arrow then issues a detailed diversion report that aligns with LEED documentation needs.
The results average over 90% diversion, “about 92% on our current runs,” Sahagun noted, often reaching LEED Platinum thresholds. “It saves space, saves time, and keeps clients compliant,” he said. “And it means you don’t lose credit because someone tossed the wrong material into the wrong bin at the last minute.”
WHY CONTRACTORS OUTSOURCE HAULING
Some contractors consider running their own trucks. Arrow argues that outsourcing reduces liability and cost while increasing certainty. “You can haul your own waste,” Sagan said. “But you won’t have the transfer-station relationships that come with moving 6,000 to 7,500 tons of C&D a month. You won’t have the negotiated disposal rates, the highest diversion numbers, or the documentation rigor that keeps you in compliance and maximizes recycling value.”
Arrow helps estimating teams before a project breaks ground, writing waste management plans, forecasting likely commodities, and setting quarterly pricing updates for disposal and scrap markets (ferrous/nonferrous). That way, bids plug in current haul rates and
[ Continued on page 28 ]
Above L & R: Arrow Disposal Services supports construction and site cleanup with timely equipment and material delivery and removal.
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realistic recycling credits. “There’s no guesswork,” Sahagun said. “Estimators use our numbers, and their budgets reflect reality from day one.”
Where recycled revenue is involved, Arrow can dump into the client’s account or its own, with proceeds passed back per agreement. “We’ll do it either way,” Sahagun said. “Transparency is the point.”
FLEET, YARD, AND THE CARBON FOOTPRINT
Owner, Kirk Tahmizian, has consistently reinvested in the operation, fleet, sanitation, people, and sustainability. Arrow runs Mack trucks powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and maintains two on-site fueling systems for redundancy.
“When you look at our yard, it’s uniform and disciplined,” Sahagun said. “Every truck has a spot. Crews finish, plug in, and fuel for the next day. Reliability, efficiency, and sustainability aren’t buzzwords here, they’re how the place runs.”
Sahagun makes it clear that Arrow Disposal takes great pride
on their consistent reliability, efficiency, and sustainability practices, ensuring every project is handled with care and precision. “We’re here to help keep your site clean, safe, and on schedule,” he concludes.
HEADCOUNT, CAPACITY, AND CULTURE
Arrow’s footprint is substantial: more than 75 employees, including around 50 drivers, 24 office staff, and a six-person in-house mechanic team. On any given day, close to 50 vehicles may be on the road. Despite the scale, Sahagun calls the operation “fine-tuned,” citing a three-person sales team that supports multi-year, multibillion-dollar programs.
Sahagun credits Tahmizian’s leadership and reinvestment with Arrow’s capabilities and durability. “Kirk started with nothing and keeps pouring back into the company,” he said. “He’s given us the tools, the trucks, the sanitation division, the CNG systems. And he’s built a team that executes.”
Sahagun brings his own deep experience to the table, with prior
stints at National Demolition, Republic Services and Athens. “I loved that Arrow is specific to construction,” he said. “It’s an industry that’s given me so much, and now I get to help push it forward here with Arrow.”
THE BOTTOM LINE
For 40 years, Arrow Disposal Services, Inc. has turned a behindthe-scenes task into a strategic advantage for contractors. The company’s construction-only model, same-day responsiveness, clean-load specialization, CNG fleet, and industry-first single-bin diversion system combine to keep jobsites moving and compliant.
“We’re not just picking up debris,” Sahagun said. “We’re keeping projects moving, keeping contractors in compliance, and keeping California on track with its recycling goals. That’s the role we play, and it’s essential.”
For more information on Arrow Disposal Services, Inc., please visit their website at www.arrowservicesinc.com or call their La Puente headquarters at (626) 336-2255. Cc
Right: Excavator in use during the controlled demolition phase, preparing the site for redevelopment.
RESTORING THE RIVER Placer County Leads American River Bridge Debris Removal Project
By Brian Hoover
When Placer County crews began pulling massive chunks of steel and concrete from the American River this fall, they weren’t just tackling another public-works job, they were closing a 60-year-old chapter of California infrastructure history.
A Legacy Left Beneath the Surface
In December 1964, the Hell Hole Dam collapsed during a multi-day storm that dumped roughly 22 inches of rain into the watershed. The failure unleashed a wall of water and debris through the canyon, destroying bridges and scouring the landscape. Among the casualties was the original State Route 49 bridge near Auburn. Roughly 750 tons of twisted steel and concrete from the fallen span sank into the riverbed and have remained there ever since.
At the time, officials chose to leave the wreckage in place, anticipating that the proposed Auburn Dam project would eventually submerge the debris under a reservoir. But with that dam never constructed, the remnants of the bridge have remained hidden hazards in one of the region’s most popular recreation corridors.
From Advocacy to Action
Local advocacy helped bring long-awaited change. The nonprofit Protect American River Canyons pressed county and state leaders to address the safety concerns posed by the submerged bridge structure.
In 2023, Placer County, working with then-State Sen. Brian Dahle, secured $8 million in Priority Legislative Budget Project funds to finally remove the debris, according to county reports. The funding was transferred to the Placer County Department of Public Works, which assumed project-management duties in partnership with Caltrans and the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Contractor and Consulting Team
The county awarded the construction contract to Myers & Sons Construction of Sacramento, a firm known for complex bridge and water-infrastructure projects. Environmental consulting services are being provided by Dokken Engineering of Folsom, handling regulatory compliance, permitting, and environmental review, according to Placer County’s August 2025 project update.
Complex Work Beneath the Waterline
“This is a very unique and complicated project,” said Cheyenne Toney, senior civil engineer with the Placer County Department of Public Works, in an interview with The Sacramento Bee. Crews first built a temporary access ramp and beach-style work pad to stage equipment and reach the debris field. Divers are using underwater cutting torches to slice through girders as long as 200 feet and as tall as 10 feet, while excavators hoist the heavy metal from the riverbed and onto waiting trucks.
Each removal is deliberate, balancing river safety, environmental protection, and logistical challenges inside the Auburn State Recreation Area.
Safety and Environmental Benefits
For decades, swimmers, kayakers, and anglers were largely
Large pieces of metal are being pulled out of the river.
(Photo taken Oct. 24, 2025) . source: www.placer.ca.gov/ARdebris
Image: Screenshot from Placer County Video Portal. source: www.placer.ca.gov/ARdebris
unaware of the jagged metal lying beneath the surface. “The way that it was twisted and mangled as it washed downstream left really sharp edges and unseen hazards,” Toney told The Sacramento Bee.
The project aims to restore a smoother river channel and improve safety for the thousands of people who visit the canyon each year. “Removing the debris allows for a more natural look in the canyon,” said Lauren Shoemaker, park superintendent with Auburn State Recreation Area, in the same interview.
Both officials noted that the removal will also improve water flow and reduce the risk of injuries or drownings as water levels fluctuate seasonally.
Managing Impacts and Access
To keep both workers and the public safe, Highway 49 traffic is reduced to 25 mph through the work zone, and trucks frequently enter and exit near the project site, according to Placer County. The Calcutta Falls Trailhead to No Hands Bridge section of trail remains closed during construction, along with river and shoreline access between the Old Foresthill Bridge and No Hands Bridge.
Looking Ahead
Once complete, the removal effort will eliminate one of the region’s most persistent river hazards while symbolically reclaiming a piece of California’s infrastructure past. For Placer County and its partners, the effort demonstrates how collaboration, funding advocacy, and technical ingenuity can restore both safety and natural beauty to a cherished waterway.
“This project is about stewardship,” Toney told The Sacramento Bee. “We’re not just removing steel, we’re repairing a part of the American River that’s been waiting 60 years to be made whole again.”
For more information and videos, please visit www.placer.ca.gov/ARdebris. Cc
SLIDE RAIL
SoCal JCB Opens New Flagship Headquarters in Colton, Built for Customers and Growth
A T-Shaped Dealership Built to JCB Standards
SoCal JCB has a new home, and it’s exactly where the company always intended to be. The dealer opened its purposebuilt headquarters at 2860 South Iowa Avenue in Colton, planting its flag along the I-215 “heavyequipment corridor” that has matured into Southern California’s de facto Equipment Row.
“We knew in 2019 that we wanted to buy land and build a proper JCB ‘green box,’ the T-shaped prototype facility,” said Caleb Wright, dealer principal at SoCal JCB. “It took time to find the right site, but this property was one of the last remaining parcels in the corridor. It ended up being perfect, right off
the freeway, surrounded by true peer competitors, and easy for customers to reach.
From Fontana to the 215 Corridor
SoCal JCB’s story in Southern California began in 2019, when JCB (the manufacturer) purchased the existing regional dealership. The team initially operated from Fontana, betting, like many others, that the area would evolve into Equipment Row. “Fontana pivoted toward warehousing,” Wright said. “Meanwhile, the stretch we’re in now became the real equipment hub. From an association standpoint, this geography is great for us.”
The prototype T-shape is more than a logical design; it’s a JCB operating standard model. The “front of the T” houses retail functions, including sales, parts pickup, and a grand lobby with space to display machines, while the “stem” is the workhorse, featuring an eight-bay workshop and service area.
“When a customer walks in, they can see and reach parts, service, and sales within 15 to 20 paces,” said Ryan Drusano, Commercial Real Estate and Development Senior Manager and JCB’s corporate facilities lead on the SoCal JCB project. “It consolidates daily operations, keeps functions close for our team, and makes the experience faster and more intuitive for our customers.”
The new approximately 13,000 square foot headquarters sits on
roughly three acres, giving the dealership ample room for equipment inventory, demonstration, and customer traffic. The building aligns with JCB’s global standards for size, layout, and aesthetics.
Leadership on Display
One distinctive, and intentional, feature is transparency of leadership. Wright’s office fronts the lobby behind glass. “Customers see the Dealer Principal working, because that’s who JCB looks for: operators, not just investors,” he said. “I’m a 75-hours-a-week guy, and accessibility and flexibility are our model. People want to know the owner is engaged, knows their jobs, and will pick up the phone. I am there for each one of our customers and that is not standard in our industry.”
That visibility, Wright added, contrasts with larger, more distant dealer experiences. “We hear, ‘I used to have the owner’s number, now I don’t even know who they are.’ We built this new facility so that the connection is obvious the moment you walk in.”
Culture Lift: Recruiting, Retaining, and Performing
Moving from a small two-bay shop to a modern, organized
campus has been transformative for the team. “In the old building it was hard to keep things clean and optimize processes because we were constrained,” Wright said. “Here, the space matches who we are structurally. It has elevated our day-to-day conversations, our problem-solving, and it’s already attracting a higher caliber of candidates. We’ve told people for years we’re growing, this proves it.”
Customers are taking notice, too. “They’re impressed by the investment, and the proximity to Riverside County,” Wright said. “Customers know our investment only pays off if it first pays off for them. JCB built this building for our customers; we benefit because it lets us build more capability around their needs.”
Choosing the Builder: Relationships and Resolve
JCB gave the SoCal team significant input in selecting a general contractor. After interviews with six finalists, SoCal JCB and JCB selected Forefront Construction Services, led by Mike Hoover. “Forefront was probably the smallest of the finalists,” Ryan said. “But they’d been an indispensable resource from the beginning, helping us
navigate California permitting and construction. We valued their responsiveness and the team they assembled.”
Wright said the decision ultimately came down to trust and fit. “Once we knew several firms could do the job, it became relational: Who do we want to talk to every day for 12 months? Who won’t run when and if the going gets tough? Forefront checked those boxes.” JCB has since praised the final result as one of its highest-quality buildings in North America.
General contractor, Forefront Construction Services was supported by several subcontractors throughout construction, including Winv Painting & Coating, Toneman Concrete, Bell Brothers Steel, Western Sheet Metal, Western States Landscape, Barza Construction, Catt Plumbing and Madison Air.
Built-In Sustainability
In step with JCB’s growing electric-equipment portfolio, the Colton facility integrates significant green-energy infrastructure. “We’re investing nearly $1 million between a 124.2kW system of 256 solar panels and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to reduce demand charges and provide backup power for critical equipment during grid outages. Drusano noted. “Some of that is required by the state, but we’re going above and beyond to further modernize the building. This investment will produce more than 190,000 kWh of clean electricity, offsetting 133 metric tons of CO2 emissions, annually – equivalent to 26 homes’ electricity usage or like planting 2,200 trees every year. The system aligns with California’s clean-energy direction while showcasing JCB’s continuing sustainability message.
Below: Pictured at the SoCal JCB groundbreaking ceremony are Christie Wright (left), Caleb Wright, Alice Bamford and George Heining.
Territory, Network, and What’s Next
SoCal JCB is currently operating from their Colton (HQ) and from their La Mirada facility, serving Ventura County south through Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, and Riverside counties, with parts and service extending into San Diego County. A third location in the San Fernando Valley/Sun Valley area is planned for next year, with further expansion southward under consideration.
JCB: A Global Leader in Innovation
Founded in 1945 by Joseph Cyril Bamford in a small garage in Uttoxeter, England, JCB began by crafting tipping trailers from surplus WWII parts. From that humble start, the company has evolved into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction, agricultural, and industrial equipment. Today, JCB offers more than 300 machines sold in over 150 countries, operating
from manufacturing facilities on four continents.
JCB celebrated 80 years this October alongside Chairman Lord Bamford and is still very much a family business. JCB is renowned for innovation, engineering excellence, and a customer-first culture summed up by Alice Bamford, Vice President of JCB North America, “It’s exciting and inspiring to see JCB North America and SoCal JCB bring the JCB brand further to life here in Southern California through this impressive new Colton facility. As someone who lives, works and is raising a family in Southern California, I’m proud to see our family’s values of innovation, quality, and customer care represented so strongly. This opening, alongside the groundbreaking of JCB’s second manufacturing facility in North America located in San Antonio, Texas, marks an exciting moment of growth, one that reinforces our deep
commitment to growing our reach and serving customers across the United States with world-class products and dedicated local support.”
SoCal JCB: Global Brand, Local Commitment
As Southern California’s authorized JCB dealer, SoCal JCB delivers the resources of a global manufacturer through a local, service-driven team. “We’re proud to represent one of the world’s most innovative equipment brands while operating as a hands-on, accessible partner to our customers,” Wright said. “This new headquarters was built for them, and for where construction in Southern California is heading.”
A grand opening celebration will be held in Colton on November 19, 2025. Please visit www.socaljcb.com or call their Colton headquarters at (866) 522-7225 for more information Cc
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