Graniterock Builds Protective Underground Water Freeway
By Chuck MacDonald
The city of Morgan Hill in Santa Clara County sits at the southern tip of Silicon Valley. The city is home to several high-tech companies and has attracted upscale residents for dining, shopping, wineries and outdoor pursuits.
While many California cities don’t get enough water, Morgan Hill sometimes gets too much. Fed by a multitude of tributaries and reservoirs, Llagas Creek often swells during significant rains, resulting in damaging floods to the nearby communities.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District designed a project to help control Llagas Creek. Valley Water called on Graniterock, headquartered in Watsonville, to handle construction.
Graniterock’s work will protect the area from 100-year flood levels.
A key element of the effort includes widening a 6.5-mi. stretch of the creek by removing an estimated 720,000 cu. yds. of dirt and rock. Project leaders believe this piece of the job will keep excavators, bulldozers and trucks in action for some time. The effort will cost $129 million, with Phase 2B considered one of the top flood protection projects in the nation.
The completed box culvert intake will be 10 ft. by 9 ft. and will improve the
Some of the dirt and rock that is excavated will be used to reclaim an old mining pit near Hollister.
A key element of the Llagas Creek project includes widening a 6.5-mile stretch of the creek by removing an estimated 720,000 cu. yds. of dirt and rock.
with
and the hole-in-one challenge.
The foursome from Vitco Foods at the Closest to the Pin challenge (L-R) are Sean Beltran, Steve Randazzo, Isaiah Beltran and Tony Dominguez, with pro golfer Kailie Vonsaga in the center.
Sonsray Hosts Golf Championship, Raises Funds for PanCAN Nonprofit
More than 140 customers and industry partners gathered on Nov. 13, 2025, at Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine for Sonsray’s Annual V.I.P. Golf Championship in Southern California — a day of golf, camaraderie and charitable giving.
The event honored Vernon Isaac Passini, the longtime West Coast director of sales of Sonsray Fleet Services, who passed away in 2024 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
“Vernon excelled not only in his career but in making everyone feel valued,” said Matthew Hoelscher, president of Sonsray Inc. “He was known for his problem-solving skills, exceptional customer service and friendly demeanor — qualities that made him a respected colleague and friend.”
The tournament kicked off with a shotgun start following morning registration. Golfers enjoyed lunch on the course and concluded the day with a dinner and awards ceremony. Participants competed in challenges including a $20,000 Hole-in-One contest, Beat the Pro, Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin.
In tribute to Passini, Sonsray donated 100 percent of the proceeds — approximately $10,000 — to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), a nonprofit dedicated to improving patient outcomes and advancing pancreatic cancer research.
Prizes included a $5,000 food, beverage and golf credit, along with a one-year Dormie Network membership valued at more than $55,000.
Clear skies, strong participation and successful fundraising made this year’s tournament one of Sonsray’s most memorable events. CEG
(All photographs in this article are Copyright 2025 Construction Equipment Guide. All Rights Reserved.)
(L-R) are James Martinez of Sonsray, Trey Golston of Innovative Capital, Derek Irma of Arbor Related Trust and Zach Sullivan of Sonsray.
The Sonsray team wore purple for PanCan. (L-R, top row) are Mike Wright, Matthew Horner, Mike Smith, Dennis Harbin and Eric Holder. (L-R, middle row) are Jagaira Burciaga, Dalonte Mason, Gregg Raslowsky, Shawni Young and Alan Grenier. (L-R, bottom row) are Zoe Wakayama, Marleny Galvez, Joanna Verastegui, Brenda Lujano and Brooke Caviglia, associate director for Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Rush Truck Centers participants (L-R) included Andrew Vivilacqua, Aiden Gomez and James Ashcraft.
Female pro golfers Kailie Vonsaga (L) and Ellie Slama tested the players
the closest to the pin challenge
shotgun start.
(L-R) are Robert Avery of GS Foods, Roger Toman of Rush Truck Leasing, Dylan George of Rush Truck Leasing and David George of Rush Truck Leasing.
CALIFORNIA
COLUSA
1960 Highway y 20 Colusa, CA 95932
DIXON
793 N First Street
Dixon CA95620
Phone: (9916) 649-00
DOS PALOS
2173 Blossom Street
Dos Palos, CA 93620
Phone: (530) 458-216
REDDING
2535 Ellis Street
Redding, C 96001
Phone: (530) 245-9000
STOCKTON
a A 66
Phone: (209) 392-216
MERCED
600 S. State Highway y Merced, CA 95341
Phone: (209) 383-58
1340 W. Charter Way y
Phone: (209) 944-5500
STRATTFORD
20280 Main St.
Stratford, CA 93266
Phone: (559) 947-3301
TURLOCK
1215 West Glenwoo Avve Tuurlock, C 95380-5703
Phone: (209) 634-1777
827 Nort Teehama St
Willows, CA 95988 Phone: (530) 934-3382
YUBA CITY
Stockton, C 95206 ,
3056 Colusa Highway y Yuba City CA 95993
Phone: (530) 923-7675
1455 Glendale Avve. Sparks, NV 89431
Phone: (775) 358-5000
HARRISBURG
230 Sommerville Avvenue
Harrisburg, O 974446 Phone: (541) 995-2262
HILLSBORO
185 W Main St. Ext.
Hillsboro, O 97123
Phone: (503) 648-4178
MADRAS
36 NW A Street
Madras, OR 977441
Phone: (541) 475-2253
905 Rick Pho
(503) 981-0151
Flood Protection Project Features Major Creek Widening
UNDERGROUND from page 1
The construction team also will reroute some of the tributaries to reduce their flow as well as to allow for the construction of a massive double box culvert in the city limits of Morgan Hill. When completed, the Llagas Creek Flood Protection Project will protect more than 1,000 homes, 500 businesses and 1,300 acres of agricultural land.
The Graniterock project management team includes project engineers Josh Cutler and Gio Giannotta and senior project managers Dave Olivas and Jim Mitchell. Because the box culvert will be in an already built-out city, workers will construct it underground instead of in the traditional manner of cut and cover precast box culverts.
Much like building an underwater highway for water, the construction team began the early phases of the work with extensive rerouting of utilities, sewer lines and other pieces of infrastructure. The team carefully selected which types of equipment to use, considering the presence of overhead power lines and other restrictions.
Construction teams have begun the work by digging a hole approximately 15 ft. deep and setting up the shoring system to keep the walls safe for work. Carpenters were next in building the false works for concrete pouring and positioning rebar.
The completed box culvert intake will be 10 ft. by 9 ft. Construction of this box culvert will cost approximately $30 million and require several million pounds of steel. The box culvert will replace and improve the city’s storm drainage system.
Next year, the project team will construct another set of
box culverts. It will be composed of two 10-ft. by 9-ft. cells.
“This work will greatly improve our environment,” Cutler said. “In addition, some of the dirt and rock that is excavated will be used to reclaim an old mining pit near Hollister. That will enable us to restore the site close to its original level.”
The work will require serious equipment muscle to control the water and bring safety to the community:
• John Deere 470 GLC excavator
• John Deere 850 dozer
• Cat D8 dozer
• 80-ton crane with vibratory head
• 40-ton crane used for assembling other cranes
• 250-ton crane used for lifts
• Water trucks for dust control
• More than 50 haul trucks
“Often, we have had as many as 400 loads of dirt leave the work sites in a day,” Cutler said. “In addition to truck drivers, we average 70 workers daily on the site.”
The project is like Graniterock’s previous job built for Santa Clara Valley Water at Llagas Creek in 2020. The Morgan Hill project is more challenging because of its location in downtown Morgan Hill.
The project’s lead estimator, Randy Bonino, is a huge fan of the project after seeing the damage from winter floods in the area.
“I’ve been going to public meetings about this for years,” he said. “I care about this project because it’s in my backyard, and it’s only a matter of time before the creek floods again.” CEG
(All photos courtesy of Graniterock.)
Turner Breaks Ground On New SoCal Emergency Ops Center
Turner Construction Co. joined state leaders on Oct. 16, 2025, in Costa Mesa to celebrate the groundbreaking of California’s new Southern Regional Emergency Operations Center, a 60,000sq.-ft. facility designed to enhance coordination and response during major emergencies across Southern California.
Commissioned by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and delivered in partnership with the Department of General Services (DGS), the new center will serve as a strategic hub supporting response to earthquakes, wildfires, floods and other critical events. The facility will complement the State Operations Center in Mather, expanding the state’s emergency management network to better protect more than 23 million residents in the region.
In
Komatsu West Expands With Sacramento, Fresno Branches
“This facility gives us the tools, technology and space to make coordinated, decisive actions with our local partners — actions that will protect lives and property when disaster strikes,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward.
Located on 15 acres within the former Fairview Developmental Center campus, the complex will include a 39,000-sq.-ft. operations building and a 21,000-sq.-ft. warehouse with full utility, roadway and security upgrades. The project is designed to achieve Zero Net Energy and LEED Gold certification, featuring solar panels, battery storage and onsite power systems for uninterrupted operations.
“DGS welcomes the opportunity to partner with Cal OES as we join forces to bring vital state resources closer to the millions of residents who will be served by this innovative new Southern California campus,” said DGS Director Ana M. Lasso. Completion is scheduled for late 2027.
“We’re proud to partner with Cal OES and DGS to deliver a facility that advances California’s emergency response capabilities,” said Joe Pobanz, project executive, Turner Construction Co. “Our team is committed to building an efficient, resilient and sustainable operations center that will serve as a cornerstone for protecting communities across Southern California.”
Komatsu announced on Nov. 17, 2025, the expansion of its Komatsu West company-owned dealer organization into Northern California.
Komatsu West will now serve as the dealer for that territory and has launched new operations in Fresno and Sacramento, taking over the former Gee Heavy Machinery locations.
Both sites are now fully operational and staffed with experienced Komatsu professionals, including many of the same technicians who have long served local customers. With this expansion, Komatsu West will offer complete sales, rental, parts and service capabilities to help maximize operational uptime and productivity.
Customers in Northern California also will find an expanded selection of preowned equipment, with more than 350 pieces now available for purchase through these locations.
“Our focus is on supporting customers and helping them keep their operations running smoothly,” said Todd Gaspers, vice president of operations, Komatsu West. “By expanding our operations into Northern California, we’re making sure customers
Komatsu is expanding its presence in Northern California.
have the local expertise, inventory and service they depend on.”
The Sacramento location is 5400 Raley Blvd., 916/375-3540. The Fresno location is 5461 Nikita Ave., 559/834-3149. For more information, visit komatsustores.com.
When completed, the Llagas Creek Flood Protection Project will protect more than 1,000 homes, 500 businesses and 1,300 acres of agricultural land.
addition to truck drivers, the project averages 70 workers daily on the site.
Komatsu photo
