CALIFORNIA STATE EDITION
A Supplement to:
October 22 2023 Vol. IV • No. 22
“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.” Your California Connection – Sharon Swanson – 1-760-518-4336 – sswanson@cegltd.com
Widening Work MCM Construction Expanding Capacity Along Pudding Creek With Bridge Project By Irwin Rapoport CEG CORRESPONDENT
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) $8.5 million Pudding Creek Widening and Rail Upgrade, being constructed by MCM Construction Inc., is slated for delivery in late October/early November. The project, financed by SB-1 and local funds, is rehabilitating the existing two lane, 340-ft. long Pudding Creek Bridge (Caltrans Bridge 10-0158) on State Route 1 (SR 1) in Fort Bragg in Mendocino County. The contractor also is building 8-ft. wide shoulders on each side. “The project is improving safety for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians,” Manny Machado, a District 1 Caltrans public information officer. “The upgrade will allow pedestrians and cyclists to access ample space to cross the bridge safely.” Construction began on Feb. 13 of this year. Crews are widening the bridge to accommodate two 12-ft.-wide lanes, two 8-ft. wide shoulders, two 6-ft. walkways and new bridge railings to meet current standards. Additional elements include “Complete Streets” improvements by constructing sidewalks on both sides of SR 1 from Pudding Creek Bridge south to Elm Street and north to Pudding Creek Drive, drainage improvements and relocation of the city of Fort Bragg’s waterline from the Pudding Creek Dam to SR 1. The bridge was built in 1959. The project was designed by Caltrans design team. “A hot tap method was used to bypass the live sewer main, making it possible to relocate on the main without shutting see PURDY page 8
MCM Construction is taking on the Caltrans $8.5 million Pudding Creek Widening and Rail Upgrade, which consists of rehabilitating the existing two lane, 340-ft. long Pudding Creek Bridge on State Route 1 in Fort Bragg in Mendocino County.
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A large John Deere backhoe removes gravel as MCM workers prepare to pour new sidewalks on the west side of Highway 1 just east of the Pudding Creek Bridge.
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Page 2 • October 22, 2023 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • California State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Construction Equipment Guide • California State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • October 22, 2023 • Page 3
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Page 4 • October 22, 2023 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • California State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Julie Rummer Wins Bobcat Backyard Makeover Contest
The votes are tallied, and Bobcat Company has announced the winner of the Bobcat Backyard Makeover Contest is Julie Rummer from Turlock, Calif.
Julie Rummer, who survived an auto accident in 1995 that left her paralyzed as a quadriplegic, is now wheelchair-dependent and often encounters challenges maneuvering in her backyard. While she loves to garden, the dirt and weeds often get stuck in her wheelchair.
The votes are tallied, and Bobcat Company is thrilled to announce the winner of the Bobcat Backyard Makeover Contest is Julie Rummer from Turlock, Calif. Rummer will receive a $25,000 backyard makeover using Bobcat equipment to transform her backyard and garden. She also will have the opportunity to meet country music superstar — and Bobcat enthusiast — Justin Moore. Five finalists were selected based on the originality and creativity in their contest entry submission, as well as sharing the impact of how a backyard makeover would empower them to accomplish more. Rummer’s powerful story received the most votes from the public. Rummer survived an auto accident in 1995 that left her paralyzed as a quadriplegic. She is now wheelchair-dependent and often encounters challenges maneuvering in her backyard. While she loves to garden, the dirt and weeds often get stuck in her wheelchair. She would like to makeover her backyard and make it wheelchair accessible so she can be outdoors more often, which she says helps her forget her mobility limitations. “We are thrilled to announce Julie Rummer as the winner of the Bobcat Backyard Makeover Contest and can’t wait to bring her backyard dreams to life,” said Laura Ness Owens, vice president of global brand and communications and North American marketing. “At Bobcat, we are committed to empowering people to conquer their biggest challenges, and we are proud to help Julie in her pursuits by enhancing her backyard.”
Rummer and her husband love to entertain family, friends and neighbors at their home. They have dreamt of making improvements to their yard — both visually and to make it more wheelchair-friendly — but haven’t had the time or money. “Gardening is one of my biggest passions and being outdoors makes me forget my daily limitations. I am so incredibly grateful to Bobcat for this opportunity to create a completely accessible yard that will allow me the garden of my dreams,” said Rummer. “I’ve been brought to tears at the thought of winning this contest. The kindness, love and support from my family, friends, neighbors and total strangers has filled my heart.” In addition to the backyard makeover, Rummer will have the opportunity to meet Justin Moore as he joins the Bobcat team in the renovation project. Moore has been a brand ambassador for Bobcat Company since 2021. As an owner and operator of multiple pieces of Bobcat equipment, including a compact loader and compact tractor, Moore keeps busy on his 80-acre property in Arkansas. In addition to meeting Moore, Rummer will work with an area landscape contractor and her local Bobcat dealer to plan and create her dream backyard. “Bobcat is known for empowering people and in my case, they are helping me to enjoy more sunshine and time in my happy place — my backyard,” said Rummer. “Thank you for your generosity and commitment to lifting people up and helping me find a new path.”
Construction Equipment Guide • California State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • October 22, 2023 • Page 5
Next Issue Closes November 8
Page 6 • October 22, 2023 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • California State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
J&R Logging Runs Successful Biz With Family Members “I hate logging,” said Robert D’Agostini Jr., standing on the California ranch his great-grandparents settled six generations ago. “The only thing I hate more is not logging.” The love-hate relationship is all part of the job for D’Agostini. As the president and CEO of J&R Logging in Mount Akum, Calif., he’s seen both sides. He started logging with his father, working in the woods during the summer as a 14-year-old. For a moment, D’Agostini thought he’d try something else and took a job in construction. That only lasted six months before logging called him back into the woods. “I couldn’t stand being away from it,” D’Agostini said. “My wife says I’m a bear. She knew I should go back to logging.” He hated the other job’s commute, the traffic and drive-thru lunches. As a logger, he gets quiet time, two moonlight drives and a picnic in the woods. “I know I will get those things every day,” he said. “It’s awesome.” D’Agostini runs the family business from the 800-acre ranch in Mount Akum, located approximately 50 mi. east of Sacramento. His great-grandparents, Italian immigrants, settled there in 1924. Legend has it they paid for the first 150 acres by cutting firewood and hauling it to San Francisco. D’Agostini can’t say if that’s true or not — but no matter how it started, he’s proud to build on their legacy. Most of the family lives on the land, including D’Agostini, his wife Nikki and their two children, Daisy and Luke. “We intend to keep the ranch in its entirety for future generations,” he said. “It’s a true blessing to our family and our company to be able to work from this land.” D’Agostini’s father, Robert Sr., started J&R Logging in 1979 with just one logging
site and two trucks. When Robert Jr. came on as an owner in 2006, the company was processing approximately 2 million board foot a year. Today he, his father, his brother, Michael, and their business partners manage a 50 million board foot per year operation and 40 employees. Michael oversees the trucking division of the company. “The team we have working for us are salt of the earth folks, the best of the best,” D’Agostini said. “Many of them are our family and friends, plus those of our partners, the Jimenez family.” Hired on by Robert Sr., Saul Jimenez joined J&R as a processor operator in 2000. Jimenez quickly stood out among the crew
When Robert Jr. came on as an owner in 2006, the company was processing approximately 2 million board foot a year. Curently, the company managesa 50 million board foot per year operation and 40 employees.
Robert D’Agostini runs the family business from the 800-acre ranch in Mount Akum, located approximately 50 mi. east of Sacramento.
Robert D’Agostini’s father, Robert Sr., started J&R Logging in 1979 with just one logging site and two trucks.
as a hard worker with an eye for operations and an entrepreneurial spirit. D’Agostini encouraged Jimenez to become more deeply involved in the company as a co-owner in 2008. “With Saul, I knew we’d make one heck of a good company,” D’Agostini said. “We like to say we’ve got windshields but no rearview mirrors. It’s been a great run.” Jimenez has been logging since he was 18 years old. He remembers getting hired, starting out at the bottom and how he took every opportunity to move up in the company — from processor operator and delimber to now vice president. He’s responsible for running three different mechanical work sites and keeping operations as efficient as possible. “I manage my guys day-by-day, telling them where we are going and keeping things rolling,” Jimenez explained. “The next day it will be the same. That’s how we’re doing things over there.” The family ties keep rolling, too. Jimenez’s sons, Saul Jr. and Alex, are now both in management roles at J&R. The J&R team recently worked in Caldor, located in the Eldorado National Forest. They’re completing a 500-ft. hazard abatement from burn salvage using three HTH624C Waratah harvester heads. J&R invested in its first Waratah heads — a pair of HTH 24-in. Supers — in 2005. Once the Waratahs were delivered, Jimenez was an instant believer. “These are really good heads made of tough materials that are built to work,” Jimenez said. That’s especially important for J&R’s jobs
in Northern California’s heavy pine. After 18 years of investing in Waratah, D’Agostini said he is just as impressed with the backend support as he is with the product. “The support at Waratah is great,” he said. “If we want parts today, we can order them and pick them up in about three hours at the Sacramento airport. That’s second to none.” The commitment to their customers is a shared value between Waratah and J&R Logging. For D’Agostini, it’s the only way to run a business — a piece of advice passed down from his father. “I was taught at a young age to treat this like a business, not a job,” he explained. “My dad and his generations could go out and log and come in and run business. It’s not that way today. The capital stakes are too high. The stakes are too high in general.” “We run the business,” he continued. “And then we go out and get logs. It seems counterintuitive, but I believe that’s what sets J&R Logging apart.” That’s what it takes in a tough business like logging. D’Agostini formerly served as the president of the Associated California Loggers, which collaborates with the American Loggers Council to bring together loggers from all over the United States. Everyone in the room has a different accent, but they all have the same logger’s heart. “It takes quite an individual to want to get up in the dark and go home in the dark to make a living,” he said. “The hours are hard, and the dust is thick. It’s tough work. But when you’ve worked hard, you sleep well, and you get to go back to work tomorrow.” (All photos courtesy of J&R Logging.)
Construction Equipment Guide • California State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • October 22, 2023 • Page 7
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AGC of California Selects Granite as Presenting Parnter The Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of California) and the AGC Construction Education Foundation (AGC CEF) announced Granite Construction as the Presenting Partner of AGC of California’s Inclusive Leaders Institute. With their generous sponsorship, Granite Construction will be helping support the program effort to equip executive leaders in the construction industry with the skills needed to create an inclusive workplace. “The demand for skilled workers in the construction industry is projected to continue growing in the next decade and we have a critical need to attract more people, including those who may not have traditionally considered construction as a career,” explained Granite President and CEO Kyle Larkin. “Our best leaders have always been inclusive, and as the industry expands, so will the expectation that all leaders be inclusive,” Larkin continued. “Granite applauds the AGC of California for launching the Inclusive Leaders Institute. We are proud to be an inaugural sponsor of this vital training resource that will help leaders attract, retain, and build stronger construction teams for California,” concluded Larkin. The Inclusive Leaders Institute saw its
first cohort successfully go through the program in the of Fall of 2022. The program is focused on educating and empowering executive leaders in the construction industry with the strategies needed to lead inclusively. Initiated by the AGC of California Task Force Report, the program was developed by AGC of California’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Steering Committee over the last few years to create accountability for leading organizations through inclusive practices. In addition to learning practical applications for their leadership, participants engage with peers across the industry to develop networks and strengthen knowledge. The program is open to executives who work at AGC member companies nationwide as well as non-member companies. As part of the sponsorship, heavy civil contractor Granite Construction, based in Watsonville, California, will receive exclusive “powered by” status, along with other enhanced visibility throughout the program. “It is vital for the current leaders of the construction industry to create a vision for the future of our industry where everyone can thrive,” said Erin Volk, AGC of California’s senior vice president, workforce & community development, and executive vdirector, AGC Construction Education
Foundation. “The more inclusive a leader is, the more they can leverage their power and influence to cultivate belonging for the current and future workforce. Inclusive Leaders Institute provides a shared language and peer accountability for the leaders of our industry to implement strategies that fortify the cultural shift our industry needs.” Opportunities to join the Inclusive Leaders Institute’s Fall 2023 cohort, which will run from Oct. 17 to Dec. 7 virtually, can be found here. About AGC Construction Education Foundation In 2001, the AGC Construction Education Foundation (AGC CEF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit benefit corporation, was created by construction industry leaders to address California’s future and current workforce needs and systemic barriers for underserved communities into the construction industry. The AGC CEF mission is to inspire, develop, and equip California’s current and future construction workforce. AGC CEF offers five programs: Build California, College Access & Success, Training and Education, Emerging Leaders and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Small Business initiatives.
About Granite Construction Granite is America’s Infrastructure Company Incorporated in 1922, Granite (NYSE:GVA) is one of the largest diversified construction and construction materials companies in the United States as well as a full-suite provider in the transportation, water infrastructure, and mineral exploration markets. Granite’s Code of Conduct and strong Core Values guide the Company and its more than 6,000 employees to uphold the highest ethical standards. In addition to being one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for ten consecutive years, Granite is an industry leader in safety and an award-winning firm in quality and sustainability. About Inclusive Leaders Institute AGC of California Inclusive Leaders Institute is an executive leadership program that aims to equip organizational leaders with knowledge and skills to lead their companies toward a true culture evolution. The program is designed specifically for executive-level leaders in the construction industry. Participants will go through four instructor-led workshops and peer group sessions all of which will be 100 percent virtual.
Page 8 • October 22, 2023 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • California State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
MCM Crews Widen Lanes, Shoulders, Walkways On Bridge PURDY from page 1
the sewer line off,” said Roozbeh [Rooz] Hadipour, Caltrans resident engineer, Redwood Valley Construction Office. “This work was conducted by Tap Master Pipeline Inc. specialty services.” Full nightime closures of the bridge took place on July 18 and Sept. 6-7 to allow crews to complete various aspects of the work. Although this is a smaller project, it does have some challenges. ‘This is just a one-season schedule and we had to build two phases in a limited time,” said Eric Graff, MCM’s project manager. “The work is proceeding on schedule. “The project is complex and on a tight schedule due to the permit stipulations to work over the creek, but on track for the most part,” said Hadipour. Crews are mainly putting in day shifts. “Due to the nature of the bridge, the contractor had to work with very limited spaces to install sewer, water and electrical connections that cross the structure,” said
Hadipour. “MCM has very limited work space in order to be able to grant the public continued access to the bridge crossing throughout the project progression.” Relations between MCM and Caltrans are very productive. “Caltrans has been proactive in keeping the job moving on schedules,” said Graff. “The entire west side of the bridge has been completed,” said Hadipour, “and what remains is to finish the east side of the bridge and the final pavement and striping, along with all finishing touch ups. Some sections of the sidewalk need to be demolished and reconstructed to meet the Americans with disabilities act parameters.” The safety of the workers is a constant concern. “The entire crew was trained and certified to use fall protection equipment and temporary railing was always in place on the edges of the bridge,” said Hadipour. Equipment-wise for the bridge work, MCM is using John Deere 135G excavators, a Cat TI1055 forklift, a crane, air compressors, generators and light plants.
Approximately 1,300 linear ft. of sidewalks are being installed on both sides of SR 1 from Pudding Creek Bridge south to Elm Street and north to Pudding Creek Drive. “Sidewalk construction on the west section of the road started in April and has been completed,” said Hadipour. “The east section is being constructed now and should be finished in October.” For the drainage improvements, crews relocated the city of Fort Bragg’s waterline from the Pudding Creek Dam to SR 1. “We relocated the sewer main to accommodate the wider bridge and created a new crossing to grant access to city water for residents north of Pudding creek,” said Hadipour. The MCM management team is being assisted by MJD, Tap Master and Advantage Reline. “The work is complex due to having multiple subcontractors in such a limited workspace,” said Hadipour. “It is challenging to work without getting in each other’s way. The see PURDY page 10
Crews are widening the bridge to accommodate two 12-ft.-wide lanes, two 8-ft.-wide shoulders, two 6-ft. walkways and new bridge railings to meet current standards.
Construction Equipment Guide • California State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • October 22, 2023 • Page 9
Caltrans Signs Contract For First N.A. Zero-Emission Trains Western Rentals Offers Custom Vocational Truck Builds. 14635 Valley Blvd. Fontana, CA 92335
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Caltrans recently signed a historic, $80 million contract with Stadler Rail Inc. to deliver the first zero-emission, hydrogen intercity passenger trains in North America, furthering California’s standing as a world leader in clean transportation. The vehicles will be based on Stadler’s successful Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train (FLIRT) concept, extending work done with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority to develop selfpowered multiple-unit trains using zeroemission hydrogen fuel cells without the need of a separate locomotive. The purchase is funded through Gov. Gavin Newsom’s historic $10 billion, multiyear zero-emission vehicle package, which included $407 million for the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) to demonstrate and purchase or lease clean bus and rail equipment and infrastructure. “California is once again leading the country in delivering innovative clean transportation options that benefit people and the planet,” said Toks Omishakin, California transportation secretary. “These state-of-theart hydrogen train sets will demonstrate the
capability of an emerging technology and will complement our future electrified highspeed rail line for an expanded clean rail network.” “California is using our transportation dollars to fund innovation solutions like these zero-emission, hydrogen passenger trains to significantly reduce planet-warming pollution and combat and adapt to climate change ― while providing travelers an alternative to driving,” said Tony Tavares, Caltrans director. “It is great to be part of California’s move toward eco-friendly travel with another zeroemission project in the state and we look forward to continuing our work with the California State Transportation Agency and Caltrans to make this a reality,” said Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler US. The contract includes a base order of $80 million for the first four trainsets with options for up to 25 additional trainsets that can be used throughout California. The announcement builds on more than $1 billion in zero-emission transportation investments in the past few months alone.
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Page 10 • October 22, 2023 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • California State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Contractor Reuses Excavation Spoils On Same Project PURDY from page 8
crews have been outstanding, working multiple 12hour shifts to meet schedules and being away from home all this time, They are making many sacrifices to deliver the project.” Typical days have between 20 and 25 MCM and subcontractor employees on-site. The subcontractors include MJD for drainage; DBE for polyester placement; Crystal O’ Neil for electrical; Penhal for bump grinding; Acacia for erosion control; Dirt & Agg for guard railing; Olivera fencing for cable railing; Chrisp for striping; and Rock and Roll for signs. The final amounts for excavation and demolition have not been finalized yet. “Most of the excavation spoils have been reused on the same project to rebuild the slopes,” said Hadipour. “Concrete debris have been given to GeoAggregates for processing and reused as crushed rock.” The figures for new materials are still being tabulated. MCM equipment is well maintained and thus far, there have been no major mechanical issues to deal with. Mechanics are brought in as needed. MCM purchases and rents equipment from local and regional dealerships. CEG (All photos courtesy of Caltrans.)
Additional elements include “Complete Streets” improvements by constructing sidewalks on both sides of SR 1 from Pudding Creek Bridge south to Elm Street and north to Pudding Creek Drive, drainage improvements and relocation of the city of Fort Bragg’s waterline from the Pudding Creek Dam to SR 1.
Approximately 1,300 linear ft. of sidewalks are being installed on both sides of SR 1 from Pudding Creek Bridge south to Elm Street and north to Pudding Creek Drive.
Construction Equipment Guide • California State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • October 22, 2023 • Page 11
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Page 12 • October 22, 2023 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • California State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
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