California 8, April 9, 2023

Volvo, Greg Rents Answer SoCal’s Power Restrictions

Greg Rents, an Oak View Calif., rental company, recently added a Volvo ECR 25 electric excavator to its growing fleet.

This marked the first sale of an electric mini-excavator sold to an independent rental company in California and was the first retail unit sold by Volvo Construction Equipment & Services (VCES).

“I bought the electric vehicle to cater to municipalities and homeowners in the Ojai Valley that have ordinances for no gas-powered equipment,” said Greg Webster, a 6th generation Ventura County businessman and owner of Greg Rents.

Webster received the unit at the start of the slow season — the end of September — and with the rain that California has received over the past few months, it’s been a slow start for renting it out. He did have a masonry contractor use it to build a footing for a large block wall.

Everyone was “buzzing about it,” according to Webster. “The contractor loved it, but struggled a little bit plugging it in, mostly because people weren’t following proper procedure.”

To combat this, Webster is putting a QR code on his machines that will take people to his YouTube channel and

“will walk customers through the proper way to do it. This will save people a ton of time. So, at the end of the day, they can pull up the video and find out quickly what they need to do to properly charge the vehicle,” Webster said.

This was the first piece of equipment purchased from VCES, but it has opened the door to much more business.

Webster “appreciates the relationship that he has developed with Ed Galindo, e-mobility product manager, and believes that VCES is a leader in the industry because it has a dedicated e-mobility product manager.

Galindo is seeing “more electric machines that have sold

see GREG page 4

Ed Galindo, e-mobility product manager of Volvo Construction Equipment and Services (VCES), and Greg Webster, owner of Greg Rents in Oak View, Calif., with the first electric mini-excavator sold to an independent rental company in California and the first retail unit sold by VCES.

GET THE BEST TOOL AROUND WITH THE ALL-NEW CAT® CENTRAL APP

Order parts and get support when you need it – anytime, anywhere. The all-new Cat® Central app offers features that put a whole lot of power in your hands. Find local pricing and in-stock availability for parts, get support and maintenance info whenever you need it and use the scan feature to immediately access information tailored to your asset. We’ve put it all in one place. That’s Cat Central.

Download the app now to get access to parts and support whenever you need it!

Mini-Excavator Marks First Retail Unit Sold By VCES

GREG from page 1

that are going to independent rental companies like Greg Rents, or to a contractor that does a lot of housing development, and to municipalities where there are sustainability measures and noise levels that they must meet. Electric meets those measures.”

Galindo also stressed the importance of “qualifying the customer and the job, making sure that it will meet their requirements on the job.”

Galindo outlined the benefits of electric which include, “it’s environmentally friendly: The Volvo electric compact excavator is emission-free and produces no exhaust fumes and provides enough power to run for a full day, reduced noise pollution, which makes it great for urban areas, lower operating costs due to no fuel or emissions related expenses and the electric motor provides instant torque, resulting in better performance than traditional diesel engines.”

The feedback that Galindo has received is positive.

“Customers are saying that you get a full workday out of it, because when you factor

in idle time on a job site, it can be 40 percent to 60 percent of the time on a mini excavator,” Galindo said.

“Others that are using it non stop need to use a different apparatus or bring in two units,” he added. “The biggest positive is

zero emissions, the safety aspect of no diesel engine noise and vibration, so you can communicate with the people around you on the job site — its quieter, you can hear them and they can hear you.”

Galindo knows that there is always “push-

back, diesel is going to run longer, it’s only going to take 10 minutes to fill the tank and I’m back to finishing up the job.”

He also admits that there is a high upfront cost.

“The initial cost of the Volvo electric compact excavator is higher than that of traditional diesel-powered excavators,” he said. “But when you factor in your maintenance cost, your fuel costs, things of that nature, that starts to close the gap quickly. But there also are some funding opportunities for that right now. The inflation reduction act of 2023 that came in — I believe it is $7,500 for zero emissions or EV equipment and this falls under that category.

“The complete warranty is six years and is broken down by two-year, bumper-tobumper, two-year, 2,000 hours, an additional four-year, 3,000 hours gets you six-year, 5,000 hours in the sixth year is on major components like batteries, pumps and things of that nature. And it still has a lifetime frame warranty just

see GREG page 11

Greg Webster (L), owner of Greg Rents, and his team are excited about the electric vehicle because it is great for local homeowners and municipalities in the Ojai Valley with ordinances for no gas-powered equipment.

(L-R): Greg Webster and Eric Brown talk about their expectations for the challenge while Joshua Gobbell begins filming for the YouTube video.

Eric Brown, a 25-year local 12 union equipment operator, in the Volvo ECR 25 electric excavator wins — no matter which machine he is in. Showing that the power of the electric excavator is not compromised in any way — it simply comes down to the skills of the operator.

4191 Power Inn Road, Suite D Sacramento, CA 95826

916-737-7777

PIRTEK

San Leandro

1997 Burroughs Ave

San Leandro, CA 94577

510-568-5000

San Francisco, CA 650-532-9200

AGC of California Hosts Its ‘Oscar Night’ at 2023 Gala

The Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of California) announced the winners of the prestigious Constructor Awards and Achievement Awards at the Fairmont San Francisco, at its annual blacktie Installation & Awards Gala honoring the year’s best in the construction industry.

“Every year, AGC of California celebrates the construction industry’s innovators who are leading the way in building our state,” said Dina Kimble, 2022-2023 AGC of California State Board president. Kimble, president and chief executive officer of Royal Electric Company, was elected to serve her second term as president of AGC of California’s State Board. “This year, we recognize a diverse group of people and projects that represent how many facets of California life construction affects,” she said.

AGC of California’s prestigious Constructor Awards program recognizes members’ achievements for their skill, unique undertakings and ability to address the most difficult challenges contractors encounter during project development. Only one prestigious constructor sculpture is awarded in each category during AGC of California’s Installation & Awards Gala.

AGC of California’s Achievement Awards honor individuals for outstanding contributions to the construction industry. The Construction Education Friend Award recognizes individuals who make outstanding contributions to construction education efforts and the development of the future construction workforce.

“This year’s award recipients represent the diverse ways that people and the projects they build contribute to our communities,” said Peter Tateishi, chief executive officer of AGC of California. “Each of our winners reflects the ingenuity and originality that the construction industry needs to build a brighter future for the state of California.”

This year, AGC of California offers its appreciation and congratulations to the following recipients:

AGC of California’s 2023 Constructor Awards

Specialty Under $10 Million

Caliagua Inc. AMC: Site Work & Rail Systems Project

Specialty $10 Million & Over

Royal Electric Company: SFO Runway 10L-28R

Heavy Civil $15 Million & Under Granite Construction Company: Highway 101 Multi-Use Path Overcrossing at Adobe Creek

Heavy Civil $15 Million to $100 Million

Flatiron Construction: State Route 710 Freeway Widening & Rehabilitation

Heavy Civil $100 Million &

Over

Skanska: Regional Connector Transit Project

Builder $15 Million to $75 Million

Otto Construction: Stanislaus State Vasché Library Renovation

Builder $75 Million to $200 Million

Hensel Phelps: LAX Airport Police Facility

Builder $200 Million & Over

Turner Construction Company: New Natural Resources Headquarters

Excellence in Partnering

Granite Construction Company: State Route 99 Cosumnes Bridge Replacement Project

AGC of California’s 2023 Achievement Awards

Harry Eckstein Safety Professional of the Year Award

Tod Decker: Blois Construction Inc.

I.R. Achievement Award (Skill, Integrity & Responsibility)

Jose Mejia: California State Council of Laborers (Retired).

Construction Education Friend Award

Emiliano Sanchez: Oakland Unified School District

Associate Achievement Award

Dr. Giovanna Brasfield: Brasfield & Associates

Specialty Contractor Achievement Award

Nataline Lomedico: Giroux Glass Inc.

Contractor Achievement Award

Dan McGrew: Griffith Company (Retired).

For more information, visit https://www.agc-ca.org/sites/2023installation/

About the Associated General Contractors of California

Since 1920, the Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of California) has worked alongside members to provide advocacy, education, career development, and networking opportunities to experienced and next generation construction and contracting professionals. AGC of California advocates for contractors with state and local governments, while helping members connect with industry leaders through services, innovative programs and events. Learn more at www.agcca.org. 

(All photos courtesy of Jayrol San Jose/AGC of California.)

Dina Kimble, president of AGC of California’s state board of directors and president/CEO of Royal Electric Co.

Peter Tateishi, CEO of AGC of California.

Jose Mejia (R) accepts the S.I.R. Achievement Award from presenter Steve Agor of Skanska.

Ural Yal of Flatiron Construction, sits on the AGC of California state board of directors as vice president of highway/transportation division, presents the 2023 Associate Achievement Award to Dr. Giovanna Brasfield, of Brasfield & Associates, who is AGC of California’s DE&I steering committee chair.

Nataline Lomedico (L) accepts the Specialty Contractor Achievement Award from presenter Greg Timmerman of ISEC Inc.

Emiliano Sanchez (R) receives the Construction Education Friend Award from presenter Daniel Dumke, of Shawmut Design & Construction Inc.

CTC Investing $878M in Projects in Latest Funding Round

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) this week approved $1 billion for 93 new walking and biking projects for disadvantaged communities as part of the 2023 Active Transportation Program and allocated more than $878 million for projects to repair and improve transportation infrastructure throughout the state. The allocation includes more than $209 million in funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and more than $339 million in funding from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

The active transportation projects approved at the meeting will benefit disadvantaged communities throughout California, two-thirds of which will implement safe routes for children to walk or bike to school. The projects make up more than half of the 2023 Active Transportation Program, with an additional $700 million to be awarded in the spring. Much of the funding comes from a one-time infusion of $1 billion for active transportation in the 202223 state budget as part of a nearly $15 billion transportation infrastructure package.

“California and our federal partners are continuing to make historic headway in addressing our transportation needs and advancing safety, equity, climate action and economic prosperity,” said Tony Tavares, Caltrans director. “Importantly, this includes significant investments in infrastructure that allows everyone to access active means of transportation, like walking and biking.”

District 1: Eureka

• Approximately $21 million, including more than $18.6M in federal IIJA funding, toward improvements at Eel River Bridge No. 10-0236 on Route 162 near Longvale in Mendocino County.

• Approximately $12.4 million, including more than $10.9 million in federal IIJA funding, toward the construction of a retaining wall and drainage improvements along Route 254 south of Maple Hills Road near Miranda in Humboldt County.

District 2: Redding

• Red Bluff Bridges Project (In Red Bluff, at East Sand Slough Bridge, Samson Slough Bridge and Paynes Creek Slough Bridge): Seismic retrofit of three bridges.

• Big Springs Road: Phase 1 Project (In Siskiyou County near Weed on Big Springs road from Highway 97 northerly 4.13 mi.): Rehabilitate roadway. This project includes $3.53 million in IIJA funding.

• Jewett Creek Bridge at Kirkwood Road Project: Replace 1,925 functional obsolete bridge.

District 3: Marysville/Sacramento

• A total of $740,000 for right-ofway and project development support costs on a $5 million project to install a traffic signal at the intersection of State Route 32 and Meridian Road, west of Chico. Construction is estimated to start in summer 2023.

District 4: Bay Area/Oakland

• A total of $16 million: Install steel column casings to seismically retrofit five bridges. The $16 million allocation includes more than $14.4 million in federal IIJA funding.

• $3.3 million: Replace and rehabilitate culverts to facilitate drainage and prevent damage to the highway system.

• $5 million: Rehabilitate roadway, upgrade guardrail and Transportation Management System (TMS) elements, rehabilitate drainage systems, upgrade facilities to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and make bicycle improvements.

• $5 million: Upgrade bridge rails near Pescadero at Pescadero Creek Bridge.

District 5: San Luis Obispo/ Santa Barbara

• Approximately $171 million, including more than $100 million in federal IIJA (federal) funding, to convert State Route 46 at the intersection of State Route 41 (the Wye) into a four-lane expressway near Cholame from approximately one-half mile west of Davis Road to just west of Antelope Road in San Luis Obispo County.

District 6: Fresno/Bakersfield

• Roundabout Construction Project in Kern County: $6 million project will construct a roundabout on State Route 43 at the intersection of Santa Fe Way and Los Angeles Avenue in Shafter.

• Median Barrier Project in Fresno County: $5.2 million in IIJA funding will construct a concrete median barrier and upgrade sign panels and guardrail on State Route 180 from Clovis Avenue to Temperance Avenue.

Tony Tavares Caltrans

District 7: Los Angeles

• Antelope Valley Transit Authority: Procurement of six zero-emission microtransit vehicles and six zero-emission school buses. Project valued at $2.07 million.

District 8: Riverside/ San Bernadino

No funds for projects allocated.

District 9: Bishop

• In Inyo County, on State Route 190, from 8.2 mi. east of the junction at U.S. 395 to 0.6 mi. west of Saline Valley Road, and from 2.1 mi. east of Panamint Road to 4.5 mi. west of Wildhorse Canyon Road, Tropical Storm Kay washed out pavement and drainage systems, damaged signs and left debris from Sept. 11, 2022 to Sept., 13,

vehicle pullouts and pave the slope beneath abutments to reduce maintenance needs and enhance highway worker safety.

• A project near Markleeville in Alpine County received $3.9 million to clear debris, repair roadway and drainage systems, and place rock slope protection along State Route 89 from Webster Street to Turtle Rock Park Road, where an intense storm in August 2022 caused flash flooding and debris flows in Millberry Creek.

District 11: San Diego

• $152,000,000 to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) to complete the environmental phase for a project that will cover the realignment of railroad tracks facing failure due to erosion into a tunnel that will cut through a Del Mar Hill.

• $10,554,000 to SANDAG for North County Transit District’s Sprinter light-rail City of Vista segment. The project between Mar Vista Drive and Civic Center Drive constructs 5,560 feet of Class 1 bikeway, pedestrian improvements at roadway crossings, fencing, lighting, and a pocket park.

• $9,835,000 on Interstate 5 from Genesee Avenue to Del Mar Heights Road to construct rumble strips on both shoulders, construct a Class 1 bike path as a complete streets element and install fiber optic cable/Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).

• $2,400,000 on Interstate 8 from the San Diego County line to just west of Imperial Highway in Imperial County. The project is needed to dispose of rock and debris, repair and/or replace guardrail, repair pavement, scale rocks and repair erosion damage caused by Tropical Storm Kay on September 9, 2022.

• $2,400,000 on State Routes 7, 78, 86 and 98 in Imperial County. The project is needed project is needed to remove debris, repair washouts, repair earthen ditches, construct concrete aprons, place rock slope protection and repair pavement caused by Tropical Storm Kay on Sept. 9, 2022.

2022. This $7.4 million dollar project will repair pavement, construct concrete aprons, repair washouts and earthen ditches, place Rock Slope Protection (RSP) and remove debris in 30 locations along these two stretches of highway.

District 10: Stockton

• A project in and near Manteca, Ripon and Salida from the Stanislaus County line to Yosemite Avenue at various locations received $3.1 million in IIJA funding to pave areas, construct maintenance

• $1,221,000 on State Route 79 near Santa Ysabel from State Route 78 to the Riverside County line to rehabilitate culverts, replace sign panels, and make bicycle and pedestrian improvements.

District 12: Orange County

• A total of $2.3 million toward replacing the damaged drainage system and guardrail near Newport Beach.

• A total of $3.8 million toward the installation of horizontal drains in the slope, installation of sub-drain trench at the top of the slope, repair damaged slope and add rock slope protection and repair damaged pavement. 

“Importantly, this includes significant investments in infrastructure that allows everyone to access active means of transportation...”

Tony Tavares Caltrans

“California and our federal partners are continuing to make historic headway in addressing our transportation needs and advancing safety, equity, climate action and economic prosperity.”

High-Speed Rail Project Creates 10,000 Construction Jobs

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) celebrated a historic milestone, announcing the creation of more than 10,000 construction jobs since the start of highspeed rail construction. Most of these jobs have gone to Central Valley residents and men and women from disadvantaged communities.

In partnership with the local and State Building and Construction Trades Council and the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board, the Authority is working alongside skilled laborers including electricians, cement masons, steel workers and others who are helping bring the nation’s first high-speed rail system to life while contributing to the local economy across five Central Valley counties.

“Ten thousand jobs created is one of many milestones to come on this historic project and the Federal Railroad Administration remains committed to strengthening state partnerships to advance even more progress and deliver the passenger rail benefits people want and deserve,” said Administrator Amit Bose. “Today is an opportunity to celebrate jobs and what these jobs are creating. High-speed rail will revolutionize travel in California and contribute to a greener future, resulting in less congestion on our roads and at our airports.”

“The California high-speed rail project is creating more than just jobs — it’s creating good-paying careers in trades that will continue to grow and develop the Central Valley

region long after the first high-speed trains go into operation,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “I have personally met with the women and men building this transformative project, and the tremendous pride they feel is palpable. Today is all about them and it’s truly worth celebrating.”

“The success of this project is owed in large part to the hard-working women and men who are building the bridges, overpasses and structures that will carry the nation’s first high-speed trains,” said Authority CEO Brian Kelly. “These jobs are good-paying union jobs that have allowed individuals from all backgrounds to stay local and thrive. Their stories and personal commitment to the hard work keep us moving in the right direction. We are truly appreciative for their efforts.”

On average, more than 1,000 workers are dispatched each

day to a high-speed rail construction site. Within the Central Valley, 3,367 jobs have gone to workers from Fresno County, 1,891 from Kern County, 1,007 from Tulare County, 430 from Madera County and 367 from Kings County.

“California’s high-speed rail project continues to deliver on its promise to create thousands of high road jobs for a diverse and inclusive group of Californians,” said Andrew Meredith, president of the State Building & Construction Trades Council of California. “As the project proceeds, the level of job creation will only magnify. The jobs being created offer barrier-free pathways to the middle class in communities where access to these opportunities has been historically limited. I look forward to working with the Authority to continue moving this project towards completion.”

California’s high-speed rail project is currently under design and construction across 171 mi. Design-builder contractors Tutor-Perini/Zachry/Parsons, DragadosFlatiron/Joint Venture and California Rail Builders have more than 30 active construction sites across the Central Valley.

Later this year, the high-speed rail project will mark another major milestone with the completion of the southernmost section of initial construction, Construction Package 4.

For more information, visit www.buildhsr.com 

AGC of California Names Darryl Kysar Its Newest Vice President

The Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of California) announced it has hired Darryl Kysar, formerly of Procore Technologies Inc., as vice president, strategic initiatives and partnerships, effective immediately.

In this new role at the state’s largest construction industry association, Kysar will focus on external relationships to develop and implement AGC of California’s workforce development programs, operated in collaboration with the AGC Construction Education Foundation (AGC CEF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit benefit corporation that develops training, education and career development programs and services for the current and future construction workforce.

Kysar previously served for three years on AGC CEF’s board of directors and helped develop and launch Build California, a comprehensive workforce development initiative

that shapes positive perceptions of the construction industry and informs young people about real career opportunities in construction and connects them to local training programs.

“Darryl was instrumental to the development of Build California and we are thrilled to have him on staff to help us continue developing quality programs to attract, develop and retain the current and next generation of the construction workforce,” said Erin Volk, AGC of California’s senior vice president, workforce and community development and executive director of AGC CEF, to whom he will report. “Thanks to his experience and his past work with AGC of California and AGC CEF, Darryl will be able to immediately help the organization tell the important story of our workforce development programs and help us build capacity for both greater impact and expansion of services.” 

AGC of California photo Darryl Kysar

High Speed Rail photo Chairman of the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board Tom Richards speaks at a press conference outlining how many jobs have been created.

Volvo Electric Excavator Optimal in No Gas-Power Settings

like the diesel version has,” added Galindo.

Another aspect of “pushback” is that it will have limited power output. Customers that haven’t tried it may believe that the electric motor may not provide as much power as a traditional diesel engine. To disprove this theory, Webster organized a competition, or a “Pepsi Challenge” of sorts, as he named it.

Webster invited Eric Brown, a 25-year local 12 union equipment operator, to compete with Webster in electric vs. diesel competition. Each operator was to dig a trench 10-ft. deep by 10-ft. long. They ran the contest twice with Brown operating each vehicle. Brown won the contest in either vehicle he was in, which to Webster, Brown and Galindo, meant that there is no sacrifice in power.

Brown was impressed with the electric machine.

“It swings and moves faster than the diesel version,” he said. “It has as much digging power and it has more breakout power. I think it is due to the electric motor vs. the diesel engine.”

Webster added, “this is spoken from a guy that operates professionally every day.”

Webster is excited about the machine and said it has “more breakout power, the turning speed was faster, the lifting was faster and that it was quicker overall. I think it was because of the lithium batteries. Even though it has a shorter run time, it’s more powerful because of those batteries. Its either on or off. You don’t have the torque of the diesel.”

Galindo appreciates that, “Greg took a bold step and he sees what the future brings. He needs to have the equipment to supply that and this just adds to what he already has. He was the first one to have it.”

Company Background

Greg Rents currently has 12 employees, including Webster and, besides the equipment rental, he also sells bulk material, which is located directly behind his building and has two truck and transport vehicles.

His biggest customers are homeowners within a 5- to 10mi. radius from his location. Webster asserts that “the majority of my business has always been homeowners; I’m just starting to make inroads with contractors.” And he believes that, “if you help the customer out, the money will come.” Webster’s generosity shows in the ways he has served and

donated his time and money to his community.

The original business, a construction equipment company, was owned by Webster’s father. It was a family business in which Webster grew up a part of. When he began running the business, he switched it from a company that was buying and selling equipment to a company buying new equipment and renting.

“I struggled initially, but once the full switch was done, I realized I was on to something,” Webster said. “I focused primarily on renting this new equipment, knowing I could help out homeowners, contractors and landscapers.”

In 2018, Webster changed the name to Greg Rents.

Webster was the honorary mayor at age 28. He has organized Christmas tree lightings, easter egg hunts and parades. He “thrives on being a part of the bigger community projects, installing the sidewalk in front of their location.”

Every tree that you see planted throughout Oakview, they planted — on their own — on a Sunday. His family was postmaster in 2001.

“We’ve been around six generations and have a nice history. I value that,” said Webster.

You can reach Greg Rents at 805/649-2590 and at its location 420 N. Ventura Ave., Oak View, Calif., 93022, www.gregrents.com. For more information regarding Volvo and its electric machines, you can reach Ed Galindo at Volvo Construction Equipment & Services: cell: 626/523-9522; office: 951/277-7620; www.vcesvolvo.com

(All photos courtesy of Greg Rents.)

Greg Webster in the Volvo ECR 25 electric excavator challenging Eric Brown, a 25-year local 12 union equipment operator, in the diesel version of who could complete the challenge first.

The Greg Rents location in Oak View California adds to its growing inventory and providing the necessary equipment for local ordinances against gas-powered equipment.

Greg Webster painting the official starting line for the “Pepsi Challenge” while Eric Brown, a 25-year local 12 union equipment operator, and videographer, Joshua Gobbell, look on. The challenge was recorded for Greg Rent’s YouTube channel to challenge the idea that the electric excavator has less power than its diesel counterpart.

GREG from page 4

Tough to beat for performance,

comfort and easy of use.