United Contractors Magazine September 2022

Industry Snapshot

Everything You Need. Plus Equipment.

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BAKERSFIELD

3340 Allen Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93314 (661) 631-5777

CONCORD

5151 Port Chicago Highway Concord, CA 94520 (925) 822-0366

FRESNO

5704 S. Toyota Place Fresno, CA 93275 (559) 442-8989

HAYWARD

4125 Breakwater Avenue Hayward, CA 94545 (510) 786-9506

RENO

12905 Old Virginia Road Reno, NV 89521 (775) 348-0140

SACRAMENTO

8565 Elder Creek Road Sacramento, CA 95828 (916) 383-7475

SALT LAKE CITY

1135 S. Pioneer Road Salt Lake City, UT 84104 (801)886-0586

SAN JOSE

2969 Daylight Way San Jose, CA 95111 (408)224-1052

SAN LUIS OBISPO

635 Tank Farm Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805)543-0113

TURLOCK

2800 N. Golden State Blvd. Turlock, CA 95382 (209)632-5084

SANTA ROSA

3963 Santa Rosa Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95407 (707) 523-2350

SAN FRANCISCO

255 Selby Street

San Francisco, CA 94124 (415) 642-2350

2022 UNITED CONTRACTORS BOARD OFFICERS

President Joe Sostaric, The Conco Companies

VP/President-Elect Ron Bianchini, Preston Pipelines, Inc.

Secretary/Treasurer Christi Plum, P C & N Construction, Inc.

Sec/Treas-Elect Dale Breen, Midstate Barrier, Inc.

UNITED CONTRACTORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Juan C. Arrequin, Bay Line Cutting & Coring, Inc.; Tom Barr, Ghilotti Bros., Inc.; Bryn Burke, Dees Burke Engineering; Steve Concannon, Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc.; Teresa Dias, Peterson Trucks, Inc. Greg Goebel Jr., Goebel Construction, Inc.; Kevin Hester, McGuire and Hester; Kurt Kniffin, Stacy and Witbeck, Inc.; Tony Naranjo, J&M Concrete Contractors; Jeff Peel, Steve P. Rados, Inc.; Greg Silva, Knife River Construction; Keary Sullivan, F & M Bank

UCON LEADERS

United Contractors Committee Chairs

Associates: Keary Sullivan (Associate Director), F & M Bank; Teresa Dias (Associate Director-Elect), Peterson Trucks, Inc. | Caltrans: Michael Ghilotti (Chairman), Ghilotti Bros., Inc. | Legislative: Rob Layne, O.C. Jones & Sons, Inc. | Political Action (PAC): Chris Young (Chairman), D.W. Young Construction Co., Inc. | Safety & Insurance: Robert Sabin, Harbor Linx, Inc. | Attorney Roundtable (ART): Facilitated by Mark Breslin | SF City Contractor Liaison: Mike Ghilotti (Chairman), Ghilotti Bros., Inc., Miguel Galarza (Chairman), Yerba Buena Engineering & Construction, Inc. | Scholarship: Trony Fuller, West Coast Sand & Gravel | Southern CA Steering Committee: Steve Concannon, Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc.

UNITED CONTRACTORS STAFF

Mark Breslin, Chief Executive Officer; Emily Cohen, Executive Vice President; Tejel Patel, Executive Assistant to CEO; Julie Hinge, Executive Assistant to EVP; Victor Sella, Vice President of Labor Relations; Clay O’Neal, Regional Vice President, Southern CA Operations; Dave Jenkins, Contractor Services, Southern California; Ruby Varnadore, Labor Contracts Manager; Lucia Mixon, Senior Labor & Member Services Specialist; Sandra Kaya, Administrative Specialist; Sue Weiler-Doke, Labor Relations Consultant; Melissa Gutwald, Director of Finance & Operations; Denise Ramirez, Online Services Manager; Emmy McConnell, Senior Accountant; Michelle Hannigan, Bookkeeper; Angelica Gouig, Director of Events & Education; Christine Traina, Event Manager; Ann Danen, Events & Education Assistant; Marissa Miller, Marketing & Communications Manager; Michelle Vejby, Publications Manager; Eddie Bernacchi, UCON Chief Lobbyist; Christopher Lee, Safety Consultant

UP Front

Will Build

Next Great Projects?

By Joe Sostaric, The Conco Companies, UCON 2022 President

LABOR

Industry Through

By Victor Sella, UCON VP of Labor Relations

Union

By Lucia Mixon, UCON Senior Labor Relations Specialist

UCON Labor & Member Services

INSIDE the Capitol

By Emily Cohen, UCON EVP

PROJECTS

San Ramon, CA 94583.

front

By Joe Sostaric, The Conco Companies UCON 2022 President

Who Will Build Our Next Great Projects?

Every year, UCON and other trade magazines publish an edition that highlights the unique and special projects that were built by their members. Over the years, UCON has always been one of my favorite magazines to peruse.

What draws my eyes first is the excellent photography. Capturing the special qualities of a project in photographs is an art. The next thing that I start looking at is the complexity associated with building the structure as I ask myself, “How did they do that”?

What makes construction so special is that there is very little “same ol’, same ol’.” Sure, there are certain processes and steps we take when performing our work that are similar, but virtually every project has its

Too often, companies take the easy route and simply steal people that were developed by others by o ering them more money to jump ship. This approach is not sustainable. We all must pro-actively look at what we can do to attract, develop, and retain the next generation of qualified workers and leaders in our great industry.

unique characteristics that make it one-of-a-kind. How many other industries can say that what they offer are truly customized products designed to meet the individual needs of their clients?

That is the world we live in, yet most of us don’t give a second thought to what it takes to do what we do. It takes special people to take a set of two-dimensional plans (yes, I know that 3-D models are becoming more common), visualize the project, and estimate what it will take in both manpower and equipment to develop a construction plan and execute that plan—safely! All

the while, we need to charge enough for our services so we can pay our employees and creditors and generate enough of a profit to keep us moving forward.

To continue to build great structures, we must constantly find ways to attract talented people to our industry. As a kid, my parents were schoolteachers, so I got into this business almost by accident. I was sent by a job recruiter to interview with a cement company for an accounting position—and 38 years later, I am still in this industry and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

When I was growing up, my parents were hoping I would be a doctor or a lawyer, so to this day my mother still isn’t quite sure what I do for a living. Because I focused on concrete construction, I have had to clarify countless times the difference between cement and concrete. For those of you who don’t know, ask Siri, as I am tired of explaining it.

The interesting fact about concrete however, is that it is the most consumed man-made product on the planet. Annual concrete production is about 1 ton for every man, woman, and child on the planet (approximately 8 billion tons total). How can a product that is produced at such a level be relatively unknown to your average person? The answer to this question speaks to a major challenge for the construction industry. People see us out there building the structures that they depend on for shelter, transportation, and many other of life’s necessities, but many have no clue what it takes to enter this business and, therefore, would never consider construction as a career opportunity. I know; because back in time, I was one of those people.

The construction industry typically does not advertise on television, and the marketing that is done by many companies consists of a website and a glossy brochure. People who entered this business often did so because they knew someone who was in the industry and just followed the path blazed by others. This approach has tended to work for us in the past, but as we struggle

to fill positions within our companies, we must look at what we are doing to attract the next generation to the construction sector.

Up at Chico State University, the concrete industry can point to a collaborative effort between business and academia in creating a degreed program in Concrete Industry Management (CIM). Chico State is one of a handful of universities across the country to offer a degree in concrete, and now, over 20 years later, the program continues to grow. Many students in the program had their first exposure to concrete on campus by attending presentations or learning about CIM from other students in the program. By any measure, the CIM program has been wildly successful as virtually every student in the program has had a job in the industry waiting for them upon graduation that pays higher than average wages. More importantly, graduates of the program are staying in the industry, with many already in management positions within their companies.

The problem of attracting talented people to the construction industry and our companies is one of

the biggest challenges we face to date. Too often, companies take the easy route and simply steal people that were developed by others by offering them more money to jump ship. This approach is not sustainable. We all must pro-actively look at what we can do to attract, develop, and retain the next generation of qualified workers and leaders in our great industry. The CIM program addressed one specific need in the construction industry, but all parties that have a stake in this industry must work together to develop and execute a plan to deal with the other shortcomings we have, like attracting tradespeople.

Take time with this issue to not only view the project photos, but read about the UCON Scholarship Awards, given to future leaders (pages 52-55). The Program is another way to promote the industry, and our membership simultaneously. Thank you to UCON’s Scholarship Committee, and everyone who donated to the program this year. It is another way to work together to attract more tradespeople. Because if we don’t, we won’t have the people to build the next set of iconic projects to celebrate. ◆

By Victor Sella, UCON Vice President of Labor Relations

Transforming the Industry Through Partnership

Over 390 contractors across California have come to rely on UCON for our labor relations advocacy and services. While we’re here to support you and your business, it’s our contractor members, not staff, develop UCON’s labor relations policies and strategies. And the relationships that all of us cultivate with our union partners are the foundation

and foster relationships with their union counterparts while talking about common ground issues facing union contractors. The discussions can also lead to the formation of subcommittees to tackle specific areas of concern, such as non-union competition.

...the opportunity to develop relationships with industry influencers is what pays dividends, and that’s the opportunity UCON creates through Industry Partner Meetings.

IPMs have generated many successful initiatives, such as labor-management job fairs, joint legislative initiatives supporting industry funding, safety policy initiatives, and other programs to generate union market share growth. Yet, previous participants will likely tell you that the real value is spending time face-to-face getting to know industry leaders. In other words, the opportunity to develop relationships with industry influencers is what pays dividends, and that’s the opportunity UCON creates through IPMs.

Even through the pandemic, UCON continued to hold IPMs virtually, including our first IPMs with SCDCL and OE12. We will be starting up again around the end of this year and in 2023, and we’ll be announcing IPMs as they are scheduled.

Want to learn more or participate? Contact any member of the UCON Labor & Member Services team to find out more—memberinfo@unitedcontractors.org, (925) 855-7900.

LABOR

By Lucia Mixon, UCON Senior Labor Relations Specialist

E ective Union Pre-Job Conferences

Pre-job conferences are often required by many of the construction trade unions, based on dollar amount or other criteria. We are seeing an increase in the number of pre-jobs being requested by the unions and expect this to continue. The objective of a pre-job conference is for the prime contractors, subs, and the unions involved to have a common understanding of the project, the scope of work, and how the job will be manned, as well as to communicate and resolve any issues which may arise before the project starts. This helps to establish an effective working relationship and to minimize problems so that the project is costeffective, completed on time and beneficial to all parties, particularly the owner of the project.

The following tips for conducting an effective pre-job meeting apply whether the contractor conducts the meeting or uses UCON staff to facilitate the meeting.

Before the Meeting

• Set up the pre-job meeting well in advance of the start of the project.

• Insure all the parties receive a copy of the completed pre-job form with a subcontractor list.

• Request the parties provide any issues in advance if possible.

At the Meeting

• Set up a functional room to hold the meeting.

• Start the meeting with introductions, explanations of roles, and a sign in-sheet.

• Make a presentation of the project details including scope, time frames, manning levels, and processes, in order to address local issues and concerns.

• Request trades identify any issues at the meeting regarding jurisdiction, manning needs, dispatching process, travelers, etc.

• Ask each participant if they have any questions or concerns.

• Provide a contact document listing project managers, superintendents and phone contact numbers. Collect business cards from Building Trade Representatives.

After the Meeting

• Provide a copy of the minutes to all parties within five days of the meeting.

Pre-jobs can also be conducted by conference call or videoconference. The same tips apply.

Members can get additional information (union requirements, UCON’s pre-job conference forms) in our online Contractor Resources Library. If you need help setting up a pre-job conference, contact me at (925) 855-7900 or lmixon@unitedcontractors.org.

By UCON Labor Relations & Member Services

AB 5 Trucking Update: U.S. Supreme Court Refuses to Hear AB 5 Appeal—Enforcement

Retroactive to January 1, 2020

In January 2020, when AB 5 went into effect, the California Trucking Association and certain individual owner operators filed a lawsuit in federal district court to block enforcement of AB 5 in connection with motor carriers. The district court entered a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of AB 5 as to motor carriers. The Teamsters and the State of California filed an appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. On April 28, 2021, the Ninth Circuit Court overturned the lower court’s injunction and ruled that AB 5 is applicable to the trucking industry in California. The California Trucking Association and individual owneroperator truckers sought U.S. Supreme Court review of the Ninth Circuit’s decision. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to grant review of the Ninth Circuit’s decision. As a consequence, the Ninth Circuit’s decision has now taken effect, the district court injunction is dissolved, and AB 5 applies as to motor carriers, including truckers providing construction trucking services to or from work sites.

UCON helped secure the construction trucking services exemption in AB 5 for the benefit of the construction industry. This allows subcontractors providing trucking/hauling services to meet specific standards - but not the usual “ABC” test—in order to not be classified as employees. The exemption was extended last year to sunset at the end of 2024 (AB 1561). Extending this exemption further is a top legislative priority for UCON.

UCON Resources

40 YEARS SERVING NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Concrete pumping provides benefits that best support the project’s critical schedule and enhances job site safety. We can pump concrete from one location while keeping ready mix trucks safely at the curb. Our trucks can pour more concrete in a shorter time than other methods resulting in time and labor savings.

Northern California since 1977, CF&T Concrete Pumping is a 100% Employee Owned Company that provides commercial and residential concrete pumping to our valued customers.

The CapitolINSIDE

Covid-19 Paid Leave Relief Package

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the Program

After significant advocacy from United Contractors, the California legislature is poised to pass budget trailer bill language (AB 152) to implement the COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program. After six months of negotiations, led by UCON’s Advocacy Team, the bill will be sent to the Governor.

While falling far short of what we hoped for, the program will provide up to $50,000 in financial relief for small businesses, as defined, including many of our contractors. Unfortunately, and despite strong opposition from UCON and CA employer groups, the Governor plans to extend COVID pay until the end of the year.

Securing funding and launching this program is a notable achievement. While far from perfect, the program directly results from United Contractors’ efforts. The grassroots and direct lobbying e orts that UCON deployed had a significant e ect in providing specific relief for construction employers. As with all major legislative endeavors, the process necessitates negotiation and compromise. After we had secured the initial program funding in the California state budget, signed by the Governor June 13, several additional industries brought differing priorities to the negotiations.

When UCON started this fight to secure financial relief for our contractors, we knew the odds were against us. Nonetheless, UCON’s political advocacy team met with dozens of elected officials, and our members wrote hundreds of grassroots letters. We made the case. While we are disappointed that we couldn’t secure more financial relief for a greater number of our contractors, we are pleased that our efforts will deliver relief for many of our small contractors.

By Emily Cohen, UCON EVP

Thank you to the UCON members who met with elected officials and participated in the grassroots campaign. Additionally, gratitude goes out to UCON Chief Lobbyist Eddie Bernacchi, of Politico Group, for his relentless work on this topic.

Below is a summary of “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” of AB 152, the COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program.

THE GOOD: CA to Implement Grant Relief Program to Provide Employers with Some Financial Relief for COVID Paid Leave

Due to the specific efforts of UCON and the unionconstruction industry, California will be implementing a quarter of a billion-dollar COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program to help employers recoup cost associated with providing mandatory paid leave under the COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) program.

An additional $70 million dollars may be added to the grant program if federal relief funds are secured by the state. Qualifying employers will be eligible to be reimbursed up to $50,000.00 for costs incurred to provide COVID-19 SPSL, pursuant to Sections 248.6 and 248.7 of the California Labor Code.

In addition, those labor code sections will be updated, to the benefit of employers, as it relates to testing. The program details are as follows:

Secured, at a minimum, $250 million for a grant program to help employers recoup costs associated with providing mandatory paid COVID-19 leave.

• The grant program will be administered by the California Office of Small Business Advocate within the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).

• Qualifying employers will be eligible to receive up to $50,000.

• Any grant funds received by an employer will not be subject to state tax.

• Construction employers are specifically provided expanded qualification status based on “core employees.” (More on that below)

• Under existing law, if an employee is receiving COVID-19 SPSL due to a positive test, then an employer may require the employee to submit to a second diagnostic test on or after the fifth day following the first positive test and may require the employee to provide documentation of those results. AB 152 further authorizes the employer to require, if that second diagnostic test for COVID-19 is also positive, the employee to submit to a third diagnostic test within no less than 24 hours. Finally, the measure specifies that the employer has no obligation to provide COVID-19 SPSL to any employee who refuses to submit to these aforementioned tests.

Applying for the Grant Program: First, Governor Newsom will have to sign the bill into law. Once that happens, UCON will closely monitor for when and where applications for grant relief occur. We will notify all members and provide additional information on how to apply.

THE BAD: Grant Relief Program is Limited to Employers with 26-49 Employees.

During negotiations, both the Governor’s office and the California Chamber of Commerce were extremely concerned with oversubscription of the COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program. As such, both pushed to limit grant access to employers with less than 50 employees. (Employers with 25 or less employees are not subject to the requirement to provide the paid leave.)

While we pushed back on any suggested eligibility limit, the Administration’s fear that the program money

would run out in the first days that the grants became available was insurmountable. In the end, unfortunately only employers with between 26 to 49 employees will qualify for access to the grant program.

It is important to note that California construction employers were the only employers who were provided a variance when calculating the less than 50 employee threshold. While the grant program contains the less than 50 employee qualifier to access grant funds for all other employers in the state, we were able to secure industry specific language to allow construction employers to count only “core employees” towards the less than 50 employee threshold. That exemption reads as follows:

“For purposes of calculating the number of employees to determine if the employer meets the 26 to 49 employees requirement for access to the grant program, an employer covered by Industrial Welfare Commission Order No. 16-2001, shall calculate their number of employees as the number of full-time employees that have worked for the employer, without any break in employment, for the past 24 months.”

This language should significantly increase the number of contractors who will qualify for access to the grant program.

THE UGLY: AB 152 Extends Paid COVID Leave at the 11th Hour

A primary focus of the industry efforts surrounding the promotion of a COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program was to also thwart any attempt to implement another round of COVID-19 SPSL. While we have been successful in that effort, the budget language that establishes the grant program also extends the sunset for the current COVID-19 SPSL from September 30, 2022, to December 31, 2022. UCON is and continues to be opposed to any extension of the existing or implementation of a new COVID-19 SPSL.

The language that the California Labor Federation placed into AB 152, in the eleventh hour, to extend the current COVID-19 SPSL is not a reset of the program. Any employee who has already exhausted their 80 hours under the current COVID-19 SPSL is not eligible for any additional paid leave.

A

ABOVE

UCON MEMBER PROJECTS

EMBRACING INNOVATION ON THE JOB

UCON would like to thank all of our members, large and small, for their dedication to pushing this industry forward through constant hard work and innovation. On the following pages, we share project photos from many of our members. We are proud of the work our members perform, and are dedicated to serving you!

Stacy and Witbeck, Inc. (Photo at right) Mid-Coast Corridor, San Diego, CA (www.stacywitbeck.com).

Preston Pipelines Infrastructure LLC (Above photos) Sacramento, CA (www.prestonpipelines.com).

Sully-Miller Contracting Company

(Photo top left) Annual Residential Street

Rehabilitation Project, Compton; (above) Port of LA Wilmington Waterfront Promenade; (photo at left) Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW) Emergency Vehicle Operations Center, Castaic (www.sully-miller.com).

Viking Construction Company

UCON MEMBER PROJECTS

Serafix Engineering Contractors, Inc.

(Above and left)

Caltrans project in Lucia, CA to place 63” HDPE pipe and reconstruct a historical headwall, Foreman: Kevin Williams.

Bay Cities Paving & Grading, Inc.

(Above and left) Bay Cities Paving & Grading, in partnership with Caltrans and Kiewit, worked to remove and to replace over 350,000 tons of asphalt on a 17 miles stretch of North and South bound lanes of Highway 101, from SF Airport to Whipple Avenue Exit. This project was completed 3 months early and under budget (www.baycities.us).

The Conco Companies

(Above) Project: Tasman East–The Station, Santa Clara, CA. Conco is excited to help build this new 8-story apartment building (1 level below grade and 8 levels above grade) with 311 residential units, parking, common areas, and retail spaces. Conco will provide concrete, rebar and PT cable services to the tune of 16,780 cubic yards of concrete, 1,600 tons of rebar, and 582,000 linear feet of PT cable. The mat foundation will be 64,000 SF and the four elevated PT decks will total 235,000 SF (www.conconow.com).

Silverado Contractors, Inc. (Above) Project: San Francisco SWPCP Biosolids Digester Facility. As part of a 10+ year plan to upgrade the wastewater treatment system of San Francisco, SFPUC is constructing 5 biosolids digesters, a large processing facility along with multiple auxiliary and support buildings. Our Client, Malcolm Drilling Company, tasked Silverado with the management of mass excavation, hauling, and disposal of general excavation spoils (www.silveradocontractors.com).

UCON MEMBER PROJECTS

Robert A. Bothman Construction

(Top photo) Magical Bridge Playground, Red Morton Community Park, Redwood City; (above left) Lynbrook High School, San Jose; (above right) College of San Mateo (CSM) Water Tank, San Mateo (www.bothman.com).

Veteran Pipeline Construction (Above and right) Ongoing work in Butte County, rebuilding gas and power infrastructure as part of the Community Rebuild and Resiliency Program (www.vpccharge.com).

Super Seal & Stripe

(Below photo) 3-month project in Santa Cruz (photo credit, Alberto Roa, Striper Journeyman); (middle photo) project completion of Route 395, (photo credit, Ray Montanez, Striper Journeyman).

Team Ghilotti, Inc.

(Above photos) County of Sonoma 2017 Fire Debris Damaged Roads Paving Contract, awarded this year. Our team’s largest paving contract year to date at $14.5 million—89,000 Tons of AC, and the first time using our new CAT 1055F Paver (www.teamghilotti.com).

(Above) Super Seal & Stripe teamed up with Total Barricade Service and Western Oil Spreading, donating the equipment, time, and material needed to give the game court at the local Boys & Girls Club of Santa Paula a fresh look for the Summer (photo credit: Mark Thomas, pictured far right, Striper Leadsman).

PROJECTS

W. C. Maloney, Inc.

(Left ) W. C. Maloney was retained by Granite Construction Company as part of the Highway 99 Bridge Replacement Project in Elk Grove, CA. In total, 8 bridges were removed, with a railroad-outage on August 28 to remove the final 2. One was an actual railroad bridge and the other was the original highway 99 bridge that spanned the tracks. We had about 6 weeks of prep work removing bridge deck, at times with only a 45 minute work window between trains, and a 12 hour and 5 hour outage on the same day to remove the final 2 bridges. Scope included providing the track protection, as well as the removal and disposal of the bridges. The project was completed within the outage window with zero injuries to our team (www.wcmaloney.com).

as as

Toro Enterprises, Inc.

(Above) Project: Downtown Los Angeles on Grand Avenue (www.toroenterprises.com).

UCON MEMBER PROJECTS

Ground Control Inc.

(Above) Project: 900 Innes in Bayview-Hunters Point will be San Francisco’s largest (and most expensive) park project in history—Ground Control Inc. completed the installation and removal of a 500’ long water barrier that supported the remediation of 30,000 tons of soil and import of 30,000 tons clean fill for the site remediation. Scope also included building demolition, concrete wharf demolition and isolated sand caps in the water under regulatory oversight (www.groundci.com).

Cell-Crete Corporation

(Left) Wilmington Waterfront Promenade, Port of Los Angeles; (above) placement of cellular concrete I-405 Improvement (www.cell-crete.com).

Royal Electric Company

(Top left) Project: Folsom Lake Intake Improvements—subcontracted by Granite Construction Company to assist in improving the reliability of the original 1958 intake, included new structures, pumps/piping, electrical control and site modifications; (top right photos) SFO Runway 10L-28R Rehabilitation, SFO’s longest runway. Project included taxiways D&T; (above left) UC Davis Teaching and Learning Complex; (above middle) Waymark Transit Village, a residential mixed-use 358-unit project adjacent to the Walnut Creek, CA BART Station (www.royalelect.com).

BrightView Landscape Development, Inc. (Above) SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA (www.brightview.com).

UCON MEMBER PROJECTS

Duran & Venables, Inc.

(Top photo) South Valley Middle School, Gilroy, CA; (above) San Jose Fire Department Training & Emergency Operations Center, San Jose, CA; (right) Equinix, San Jose, CA (www.duran-venables.com).

Pacific Boring, Inc.

(Top photo) the 120-in Tunnel Machine ready to launch on the (Caltrans) Rat Creek Emergency Culvert Replacement project in Big Sur, CA. The installation required the installation of a new 120” diameter culvert 30.56% downhill, which is nearly 80-ft of fall over the 250-ft drive, beneath Highway 1, and daylight over the Pacific Ocean where the Tunnel Machine was recovered by a Chinook Helicopter. Pacific Boring was subcontracted by Papich Construction Company, Inc. to perform the Tunnel; (top right) Pacific Boring crew working in a 40’ deep, 13’ diameter shaft, in Santa Rosa where we were tasked with installing approximately 1,200-lf of clay No-Dig sewer ranging from 12” to 20” diameter, over multiple drives. Pacific Boring was subcontracted by Team Ghilotti, Inc. to perform the trenchless work for The City of Santa Rosa, North Trunk Sewer Replacement, Mendocino Ave to Terra Linda Dr. (www.pacificboring.com).

DMZ Builders

(Photo above) San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) King Street Substation Replacement, San Francisco; (right) BART 34.5kV Cable Replacement and Fiber Optic Cable Installation R-Line, Richmond (www.dmzbuilders.com).

Doyle’s Work Company, Inc. (Above left) SF State University New Science Building; (above) Skybox Data Center; (left) Mammoth The Parcel Phase 1.

UCON MEMBER PROJECTS

Sukut Construction LLC

(Top photo) San Pasqual Undergrounding Project in Escondido, CA—

On this project, Sukut Construction is removing, relocating, and replacing approximately two and a half miles of the Escondido Canal that crosses through the San Pasqual Indian Reservation. The project scope includes: desilting basin construction, demolition and replacement of existing canal with concrete box, and 60-inch pipeline installation. Construction of a new 60-inch diameter pipeline in a new 1.5-mile-long alignment across portions of the San Pasqual Indian Reservation will include a 350-foot-long tunnel to minimize environmental impacts to a riparian area.

(Above photos, and at right) North Indio Flood Control Project, Phase 2 in Indio, CA—Sukut Construction is performing 16,000 linear feet of channel improvements, which require over 100,000 cubic yards of concrete placement and 1.1 million cubic yards of excavation; construction of two upstream inlets and one downstream outlet; completion of the crossing of six existing public streets, which will require the construction of reinforced concrete box culverts, utility relocations, and street reconstruction.

(Right) Altamont Landfill FA2 Phase 5 and Compost Facility

Contact Water Pond 2, Livermore, CA—excavation of about 600,000 cubic yards of soil and rock, placement of 40,000 cubic yards of a clay liner, importing 50,000 tons of LCRS and underdrain gravel, and screening about 80,000 cubic yards of a one-inch material. In addition, Sukut will excavate and fill place approximately 70,000 cubic yards of soil to construct a contact water pond, including stormwater improvements and erosion control (www.sukutconstruction.com).

Underwater Resources, Inc. (Top photos) Project: O’Shaughnessy (OSH) Dam Outlet Investigation by Divers— Underwater Resources, Inc. (URI) was contracted by SFPUC to conduct an underwater investigation of OSH Dam located within Yosemite National Park near Groveland, CA. Construction of the concrete gravity dam, which supplies all the drinking to San Francisco and other communities along the way, was completed in 1923. The purpose of this project investigation was to measure the extent of corrosion and ensure the condition of this nearly 100-year-old dam would continue to safely function as designed for future water storage and distribution.

Final planning and refinement of the inspection scope began in October 2021 and diving operations commenced early in January 2022, just after one of the largest snowfalls ever recorded on record in the month of December. Due to crumbling rock, snow, and ice along the boat ramp next to the dam and spillway, a 35-ton boom truck was mobilized to launch our 27’ utility and dive boat which was deployed from the dam and remained in the reservoir for the entire project duration. Our dive and ROV inspection crew of seven, conducted 24 dives over 13 days in water depths up to 127’ at El. 3770’. The cold lake water (46°F) required the use of hot water equipment to keep our divers warm and the water depth with high altitude location required the staging of a recompression chamber at the top of the boat ramp. Divers inspected the upper outlet opening within the large screen rack structure located on the upstream dam face. It was fortunate that mild weather was present throughout the project and that UW conditions were reported in better condition than expected (www.urdiving.com).

Pavement Coatings Co. (Left photos) Pavement Coatings Co. placing slurry across California (www.pavementrecycling.com).

UCON MEMBER PROJECTS

Ghilotti Construction Co.

(Above and right) Ghilotti Construction Co. (GCC) recently joined public o cials representing the federal, state, and local tra c authorities to celebrate the substantial completion of the final US101 HOV lane widening contract through Sonoma County. The project broke ground in Petaluma late in 2019, and continued without interruption through the completion of the construction. The project is completing a full season ahead of schedule, nearly a full year ahead of the project’s baseline schedule.

The success of the construction came with GCC partnering with Caltrans and SCTA to work through the various challenges and seasonal conditions that could have impacted the continuous progress. This project is one of the largest public works contracts GCC has had the privilege to construct and had some impressive statistics including 230,000 CY of embankment fill, 130,000 Tons of asphalt material, the recycle and resuse of 110,000 Tons of aggregate material with nearly 50,000 tons produced on-site from the old freeway facilities, 16,000 CY of structural concrete, and 3,000,000 pounds of reinforcing steel. GCC is completing the final items of the contract currently and would like the thank all of Sonoma County for another safe and successful project (www.ghilotti.com).

Chrisp Company

(Above and right) Crews installing Endurablend (a hybrid cement mixture) at the corner of Washington Blvd. and Osgood Road in Fremont. This project is testing how well the product works at a busy intersection (www.chrispco.com).

Casey-Fogli Concrete Contractors

(Above and right) Pleasanton Fire Station: As part of a $9.2 MM overhaul for Pleasanton Fire Station #3, Casey-Fogli installed 6-inch driveway paving and did all flat work on-site and street area. This included drive aisles, sidewalks, and curb & gutter (www.caseyfogli.com).

UCON MEMBER PROJECTS

Flatiron West, Inc.

(Top and right photo) Project: South San Francisco Water Treatment Plant–Digester 3 Lid pick at the South San Francisco Wet Weather and Digestor Improvement Project, September 2021; (right) aerial view of the project following completion, July 2022;

(Lower right photos) Route 20 Timbuctoo Roadway Improvement and Bridge Project, which won the “Conventional State Highway Project of the Year” award from the California Transportation Foundation (CTF). Started in February 2020 and concluded in September 2021, Flatiron completed the Route 20 Timbuctoo Roadway Improvement and Bridge Project more than 30 days ahead of schedule. Owned by Caltrans, this $34 million project was located a half mile east of the Yuba River in eastern Yuba County, California. The project included highway upgrading and widening, which brought the roadway up to current 55-mph highway design standards. The project also included the construction of the Clear Creek Bridge, an 800-foot cast-in-place box girder bridge that was built on 60-foot-tall falsework (www.flatironcorp.com).

Redgwick Construction Co.

(Above and top right) Tully Road on-ramp and Highway 101: placing trench shoring and placing a concrete culvert pipe for a storm damage repair project; (right) excavating dirt on the side of Highway 84 for a slope repair project (www.redgwick.com).

McGuire and Hester

(Above) MLK Shoreline: The goal of this project is to maintain a balance between the need to protect and conserve resources and the need to provide opportunities for recreational use of the parklands. McGuire and Hester used Thor’s Hammer to assist in demolishing and removing currently existing structures on the MLK Shoreline to install a new shoreline trail. Once the pre-existing boat ramp was demolished, the hammer is removed and exchanged for a 48” bucket so the concrete rubble can be o oaded to a local recycler; (above right) Hale Creek: The Hale Creek Enhancement Pilot Project is restoring and stabilizing a 650-foot section of the concrete-lined channel on Hale Creek in Mountain View and Los Altos. The photo is of McGuire and Hester crews removing the existing channel sidewalls and cutting the rebar to remove the concrete in sections. This will allow the installation of soldier piles and lagging (www.MandHcorp.com).

UCON MEMBER PROJECTS

Ghilotti Bros., Inc. (Above and left) San Anselmo Flood Risk Project, Fairfax, CA–The County of Marin (Flood and Water District) partnered with Ghilotti Bros., Inc. to build the “San Anselmo Flood Risk Project,” which will serve as a flood mitigation basin, just north of Fairfax, CA and upstream from the town of San Anselmo. The project is built just along the banks of the Fairfax Creek and will allow the diversion of creek water into the basin to be stored and released to manage high water levels flowing downstream during major storm events (www.gbi1914.com).

Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc.

Cold milling from the beaches of San Diego to subdivisions of Sacramento and beyond (www.pavementrecycling.com).

BATS Traffic

Graniterock

UCON MEMBER PROJECTS

Joseph J. Albanese, Inc.

Project: Joseph J. Albanese, Inc. is proud to be building the Mokelumne Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing in Brentwood (www.jjalbanese.com).

UCON MEMBER PROJECTS

By Rob Reaugh, President, OrgMetrics LLC

Think of the best projects you have worked on. What made those teams click?

One of my favorite books for construction leadership is “The Ideal Team Player” by Patrick Lencioni. It’s a short parable about a contractor based in Marin County. In the book, within a month the company wins two bids, which basically double their typical volume and then loses their founder to a heart condition. In order to survive the change and growth, the new leadership team sets up criteria to hire people. The book chronicles their journey as they land on the three virtues, to help them ensure each candidate can live the company’s values and be a great fit. As we all know, a great hire is

Ideal Team Players worth more than 2 people—a bad hire is like minus two people, so they needed to develop criteria for hiring optimal cultural fits. To do this, they developed three virtues… hungry, humble, and smart. I’m going to share the story of UCON-Member led project teams that each had all three virtues, but really excelled in one of these categories, so you can start developing these behaviors with your people and your teams.

• HUNGRY — Hungry individuals and teams are selfmotivated and do not need others to direct them or convince them to work hard. They are A-players in terms of effort. They are also resilient when dealing with adversity. Hungry people are creative and seek to take on challenging projects in order to grow.

• HUMBLE — Humble people are driven by the mission, the task, or the team. They seek to optimize the outcome of the group. Staff lacking humility will compete for attention, the best work, or will try to curry favor from others. They tend to make work environments feel political.

• SMART — In the book they define smart as “people smart.” I love this definition! What this means is emotionally intelligent. An emotionally intelligent team member understands the motivations of others. They can “read a room” and know when to lead and when to follow.

HUNGRY.

SFO Harvey Milk Terminal Boarding Area B: Desilva Gates Construction and Granitrock

The $2.4B SFO Harvey Milk Terminal 1 Program which represented two simultaneously delivered mega projects and set a new standard for collaboration and innovation on an airport terminal program. Many UCON-Member firms performed on this program, but I will focus on the effort of two firms in particular, DeSilva Gates and Graniterock operating as Golden Gate Constructors J.V. Borrowing from Lencioni, a “hungry” team is self-motivated, creative, and goal oriented. For this mega program, there were three critical dates that the entire team focused on—the milestone openings of 9 gates, 18 gates, and 25 gates, which marked the conclusion of the Boarding Area B scope.

TEAM PLAYER KEYS: This team demonstrated hunger by taking on extremely challenging scopes and delivering where the two programs overlapped, ultimately saving the program $10M and 3 months of schedule:

1. FLEXIBILITY — One of the key challenges for this project was the marriage of two separate structural designs for how to build the walls of the utilidor (a joint utility trench). The team needed to figure out how to marry the two structural pieces. The concepts were completely different and there was a layout issue that needed to be reconciled. The utilidor piping had to run from the T1 area into the BAB building across the project boundary, which became known as the CJ Line. The engineering effort and execution by the GGC team resulted in a fully coordinated design and construction program that prevented redundancy in the building low voltage and mechanical systems and saved the project an estimated $5,000,000 on this scope.

2. CREATIVITY — Through the partnering, the Terminal 1 C team (guided by Hensel Phelps and Gensler),

agreed to give the key airfield infrastructure scopes to the BAB team. This continuity across the program meant that the GGC crews took on significantly more scope, but added crews to build the systems and install equipment across the program, which created dozens of efficiencies. The team estimated they saved $5M on the airfield construction alone by optimizing and consolidating the scopes to this high performing team member.

SFO Harvey Milk Terminal 1 Team

• Owner: San Francisco International Airport

• Boarding Area B Prime Contractor: Austin Commercial & Webcor Builders Joint Venture

• Boarding Area B Designer: HKS | Woods Bagot | ED2

International | KYA

• Boarding Area B PMSS: WSP / Parsons Brinkerho | AGS

• Boarding Area B Apron Subcontractor: Golden Gate

Constructors

• Terminal 1 Center Prime Contractor: Hensel Phelps

• Terminal 1 Center Designer: Gensler / Kuth Ranieri

• Terminal 1 Center PMSS: AECOM & CPM Associates

Joint Venture

• Partnering Facilitator: OrgMetrics LLC

UCON MEMBER PROJECTS

Ranger Pipelines, San Andreas Pipeline Project

HUMBLE.

San Francisco San Andreas Pipeline 2 Project: Ranger Pipelines, Inc.

The San Francisco San Andreas Pipeline 2 Project built by Ranger Pipelines, Inc. provides an outstanding example of how humility among the team and commitment to the mission helps drive successful project implementation. During this project the team installed roughly 5,000 feet of pipeline along four reaches in San Bruno. This team upgraded a pipeline that ruptured in 2015, dumping 15M gallons of water, and finished ahead of schedule and within budget.

TEAM PLAYER KEYS:

1. COMMON PURPOSE — This team was committed to delivering this repair project quickly and efficiently to serve the residents of San Bruno. They worked through more than $750,000 in issues and paid special attention to notable neighbors including an apartment complex and YouTube’s office.

2. TEAMWORK — One key issue resolved by this team occurred when the SFPUC Project Manager and Kennedy Jencks worked with both the cities of San Bruno and the City and County of San Mateo to help fund the $120K replacement of an aging culvert that would improve long-standing erosion and drainage planning. The agreement and design were finalized in September 2020 and the team installed the repair by October 2020.

San Andreas Pipeline No. 2 Project Team

• Owner: San Francisco Public Utilities Commission

• Prime Contractor: Ranger Pipelines, Inc.

• Designer: Kennedy and Jencks

• Partnering Facilitator: OrgMetrics LLC

Route 210, Los Angeles County Rehabilitation Project: Flatiron West, Inc..

The Route 210 Rehabilitation Team led by Flatiron West, Inc. and Caltrans was another team that demonstrated outstanding teamwork and humility. This team needed to effectively coordinate with multiple high-profile stakeholders to successfully implement the project including the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, City of Pasadena, La Canada Flintridge on top of the typical Caltrans stakeholders.

During the project, it wasn’t just the Flatiron West team who demonstrated humility and open-mindedness. In order to enable use of the key ramps by the Tournament of Roses, the mission of the project became the delivery of 30 freeway ramps within 30 days. In order to achieve the accelerated schedule, they made several integral changes to the design and innovated as a team. First, they eliminated precast panels in the connectors and replaced reinforced concrete from existing on-site materials, which saved $3.94M.

Flatiron West, Inc., Route 210 Project

TEAM PLAYER KEYS:

1. CULTURE OF INNOVATION — This team was mission focused, but in order to achieve the mission, the status quo would have failed. On this project, they piloted two innovations in design. The first was with a precast pavement panel connection, which is now become a standard for Caltrans projects. The second was with a two-lift composite pavement system with recycled pavement (which required FHWA approvals). In each of these cases, the Flatiron team needed to demonstrate the value of the innovation and the Caltrans design team needed to be flexible in the design. Through collaboration, the team resolved nearly $19M of changes and yet completed the project within contingency.

Route 210 Rehabilitation Project Team

• Owner: California Department of Transportation

• Prime Contractor: Flatiron West, Inc.

• Partnering Facilitator: W.E. McCleish Associates

SMART.

SFO Field Lighting Building #1: Schembri Construction Company Inc.

Lencioni defined smart individuals as people who are people smart. Sometimes you have people who are hungry and humble, but don’t seem to read the room or make sure people feel heard.

The SFO Field Lighting Building #1 project delivered by UCON Member Schembri Construction Company Inc. exemplified what it is to be a smart team by starting with client service and by ensuring very consistent communication throughout the project so there were no surprises.

TEAM PLAYER KEYS:

1. EMPHASIZE LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS — Smart teams take a long view to their relationships. They don’t focus on winning every transaction, because they understand that fairness in the collective sense will ultimately lead to better outcomes. This team overcame suspension, the pandemic, fires and poor air quality, and material supply chain challenges, to deliver upgrades to the electrical system that feeds key lighting for SFO’s runways. We joked that it was the project that wouldn’t die, but the team also advocated for themselves by being great partners throughout the program as they rehabilitated the electrical panels and the building that controls SFO’s runway lights.

2. DEVELOP STAFF — Smart teams also recognize that they must develop their younger team members. This project had three Construction Managers, three Project Managers, and involved key turnover with the subcontractors. Ultimately, the team delivered a quality project for the project stakeholders and simultaneously mentored younger staff who developed during the project.

SFO Field Lighting Building #1 Electrical System Upgrade

• Owner: San Francisco International Airport

• Prime Contractor: Schembri Construction Company Inc.

• Partnering Facilitator: OrgMetrics LLC

So, when you are working with your team (or hiring any new potential candidates), make sure to focus and teach in those three areas. Imagine what outstanding work your teams could get in place if they are Hungry, Humble and Smart. I encourage you to share these keys to being a team player with your teams and see how they land.

Rob Reaugh is the President of OrgMetrics LLC, a UCON member since 1994, www.orgmet.com.

Flatiron West, Inc., Route 210 Project

UP

By Angelica Gouig, Director of Events and Education

Have

Taken Advantage of Your Member

Professional Development

OCTOBER COURSES:

6 What We Look For at the Scales

Thursday, October 6; 2:30pm-3:30pm

Instructors: Ronald Leimer, CHP Class Style: Virtual | Class Limit: Unlimited Cost – Member: FREE Non-member: $100

It’s heading into Fall—have you taken advantage of UCON’s Professional Development Programs—70+ classes specially curated for our members. Check with your manager, and sign up for a class

We have

the October

11 How to Get Paid/Prompt Payment

Tuesday, October 11; 2:30pm-4:30pm

Instructor: A Robert Rosin, Leonidou & Rosin Professional Corp. Class Style: Virtual | Class Limit: Unlimited Cost – Member: FREE | Non-member: $100

13 Sub-Contractor Contract Writing Series Course 5: Insurance and Indemnity

Thursday, October 13; 2:30pm-4:30pm

Instructors: Craig Wallace & Karissa Fox, Smith, Currie & Hancock LLP Class Style: Virtual | Class Limit: Unlimited Cost – Member: FREE | Non-member: $100

18 E ective Planning Tools for Field Leaders

Thursday, October 18; 2:30pm-4:30pm

Instructor: Luke Matelan, FMI Class Style: Virtual | Class Limit: Unlimited Cost – Member: FREE | Non-member: $100

20 How the Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations Apply to Me, a Motor Carrier

Thursday, October 20; 2:30pm-3:30pm

Instructor: Dave Helge, Idealease

Class Style: Virtual | Class Limit: Unlimited

Cost – Member: FREE | Non-member: $100

Insurance & Surety Solutions

Risk Management Training

Insurance & Surety Solutions

Risk, Safety

Risk Management Training

Management

Subcontractor Insurance

Risk, Safety & Claim Management

OCIP/CCIP Program & Coverage

& Compliance

Subcontractor Insurance Audits & Compliance

Employee Benefits

OCIP/CCIP Program & Coverage

Employee Benefits

Jim Untiedt, President 408.418.2743

Jim Untiedt, President 408.418.2743

2033 Gateway Place, Suite 150 San Jose CA 95110

2033 Gateway Place, Suite 150 San Jose CA 95110

License #0G47886 California • Georgia • Illinois

License #0G47886

California • Georgia

25 How to Build a Sustainable Relationship with Owners’ Agencies

Tuesday, October 25; 2:30pm-4:30pm

Instructor: Abbigail Brown, CPM Logistics

Illinois

Alabama

Alabama

Class Style: Virtual | Class Limit: Unlimited

Cost – Member: FREE | Non-member: $100

Field

Southern

Wednesday, October

5:00pm-8:00pm

Instructors: Mark Breslin, United

Class Style: In-Person

Location: Sheraton Cerritos Hotel, Cerritos,

Cost – Member: $210

(Discount

Non-member:

Thursday,

Instructors:

Class

2022 Annual Sponsors

UP

us at this year’s Advocacy Auction and help support

By Christine Traina, Event Manager

event and get premiere marketing

Contractors’ political advocacy

increase public works funding for contractors, protect industry interests inside the Capitol, defend industry against burdensome regulations, and improve California’s business climate for union contractors—see opposite page for more details.

DONATE a LIVE or SILENT auction item

packaged items

UCON’s Auction

business—sponsor levels

Sponsor:

Sponsor: $4,000

Sponsor: $2,500

Wine Sponsor: $2,000

Sponsor: $1,500

Sponsor: $750

register, donate, sponsor, or more information,

ATTEND and invite other UCON members

nonmembers

attend

industry!

Christine Traina, Event Manager, ctraina@ unitedcontractors.org, (925) 309-5503.

FACES

SUMMER BEACH BASH

The Huntington Beach House

UCON’s Summer Beach Bash was a packed house on August 11th! An epic evening of tequila tastings, live music, friends, and great food was enjoyed by all at the trendy Huntington Beach House. This Southern California networking event connected UCON members with new contractors, unions and other industry leaders. Over 100 people from across the Southern California region, including Huntington Beach mayor, Kim Carr, mixed and mingled with UCON sta , members, and partners as we watched the sun set into the Pacific while sipping handcrafted cocktails, and enjoying custom s’mores at the fire pits. UCON’s Regional VP of Southern CA, Clay O’Neal, welcomed the attendees, emphasizing UCON’s commitment to building relationships and uniting the industry!

— Yolanda Mohagen

“A fantastic event hosted by the best and enjoyed by many!”

FACES

THANK YOU UCON 2022 ANNUAL SPONSORS:

PLATINUM SPONSORS

ANNUAL GOLD SPONSORS —

Anvil Builders

Bay Area Traffic Solutions

Chrisp Company

Graniterock

Griffin Soil Group

Joseph J. Albanese, Inc.

Knife River Construction - Stockton

PACE Supply

Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc.

Peterson Cat

Sierra Mountain Construction, Inc.

Smith Currie & Hancock, LLP

Stacy and Witbeck, Inc.

Sully-Miller Contracting Company

Sweeney Mason LLP

Teichert Inc.

United Rentals Trench Safety

Volvo Construction Equipment & Services

Vulcan Materials Company

Woodruff-Sawyer & Co.

ANNUAL SILVER SPONSORS —

Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.

Bauman Landscape and Construction, Inc.

Bay Area Temporary Sanitation

Blue Iron Foundations & Shoring LLC

California Bank of Commerce

CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

The Conco Companies

DMZ Builders

Doyle’s Work Company, Inc.

Dynamic Office & Accounting Solutions/

Dynamic Technical Partners

Ghilotti Bros., Inc.

The Hartford

Heritage Bank of Commerce

Hoseley Corporation

JCC, Inc.

Kiewit Infrastructure West Co.

Marina Landscape, Inc.

McSherry & Hudson, LLC

Midstate Barrier, Inc.

Moss Adams LLP

National Trench Safety, LLC

Newfront

PentaRisk Insurance Services LLC

Silverado Contractors, Inc.

Sukut Construction LLC

Team Ghilotti, Inc.

Toro Enterprises, Inc.

TYS, LLP

Walsh Construction Company II, LLC

SPECIAL THANK YOU —

UCON Board of Directors

Huntington Beach House

Jessica Franz Photography

Construct Your Image

Winslow & Associates

LEARN

By Denise Ramirez, Online Services Manager, Scholarship Committee Liaison

Congratulations to UCON’s 2022 Scholarship Award Winners!

United Contractors recently announced the winners of the 2022 Scholarship Awards Program. Thirteen bright and talented students were selected to win a total of $50,000 for their academic achievements.

Since 1994, UCON’s Scholarship Awards Committee has awarded over $600,000 to member affiliates of our organization and industry. We are committed to giving back and providing additional resources to those committed to making a difference, for themselves, and our future. Congratulations to our 2022 recipients!

UCON’s Scholarship Awards Program is offered

annually to member affiliates and California college students majoring in civil engineering or construction management. Applications are typically made available by March of each year. For more information, visit www.unitedcontractors.org/scholarship. A BIG THANK YOU to the members of UCON’s Scholarship Committee. Without your dedication to the program, these scholarships would not be possible:

Teresa Dias, Peterson Trucks

Patrick Diebel, Woodruff-Sawyer & Co.

Tom Evan, Ferma Corporation

Karissa Fox, Smith Currie & Hancock, LLP

Trony Fuller, Vulcan Materials Co., Western Division

Sareena Grewal, HSG Safety Supplies, Inc. Chuck Griswold, McSherry & Hudson

Dave Jordan, Vulcan Materials Co., Western Division Michael Landucci, Woodruff-Sawyer & Co.

Bret Lawrence, Woodruff-Sawyer & Co.

Dave Miller, Bolton & Company

Christi Plum, P C & N Construction, Inc. Lynn Sauer, Berkley Insurance Services, LLC/ Berkley Environmental Barbara Young, D.W. Young Construction Co., Inc.

For more information about the scholarship committee, or the scholarship awards program, contact Denise Ramirez at dramirez@unitedcontractors.org.

Thank you to our UCON 2022 Annual Sponsors (see page 42, who allow us to increase our donations and sponsor awards!!

MEMORIAL AWARD WINNERS:

David W. Young Memorial Scholarship Award from D.W. Young Construction Co., Inc., $4,000

EMELY AGUIRRE

Con-Quest Contractors, Inc.

College: San Francisco State University Major: Civil Engineering

“Thank you for awarding me the D.W. Young Memorial Award Scholarship. I would like to acknowledge that money itself is worth nothing, but it means everything for those that have nothing. These past few years have been rough sailing for me, everything has been in constant change, but along the way there have been a few lifelines keeping my head above the water. In this moment in time, this scholarship arrived when I needed it most.

I started o as an intern at Con-Quest contractors in San Francisco however, I quickly showed potential and now work for them part time. Once I graduate with my bachelor’s in civil engineering, I hope to continue with them full time while I pursue my masters in structural engineering. With enough experience and connections, I plan to expand and work for a structural engineering firm one day.”

ANDREW ABDELNOUR, $4,000

College: California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

Major: Civil Engineering

“Thank you for selecting me as a scholarship recipient. I am truly honored, and I really appreciate it.”

“After graduation, my first career goal is to find a Contractor that a I can see myself working with for a long time that also encourages having a good work-life balance. My second goal is to start as a Field Engineer and eventually become a Superintendent. I hope to keep moving up the ranks as far as I can.”

Favorite Quote: “Dream big, stay positive, work hard, and enjoy the journey.”

LORRAINE MAE ALEJANDRE, $4,000

Kiewit Infrastructure West Co.

College: California State University

Long Beach

Major: Construction Management

“I extend my gratitude to all of you and I am beyond thrilled for this award! As a nontraditional undergraduate student, this gives me hope that everyone has a chance at scholarships as long as they share their story genuinely—along with persevering in anything that life throws at us, especially while being a student, and pursuing to make the most out of our education. This motivates me even more to do my best in school, because of UCON’s support!”

“After graduation, I plan on getting my CIT certification and pursuing a Master’s Degree. I would love to give back by mentoring college students as I have my own mentors and they have truly helped pave the way through school, work, the construction industry, and life.”

Favorite Quote: “My whole life changed when I finally discovered it’s all risky. The minute you were born it got risky. If you think trying is risky, wait till they hand you the bill for not trying. if you think investing is risky wait till you get the tab for not investing. Getting married is risky, having children Is risky, going into business is risky, investing your money is risky, it’s all risky. I’ll tell you how risky life is, you’re not going to get out of it alive.” — Jim Rohn

Mario Ghilotti Family Foundation Memorial Scholarship Award from Ghilotti Bros., Inc., $4,000

JOSEPH SILVI

College: University of California, Berkeley

Major: Environmental Engineering

“I want to express my utmost gratitude for this scholarship. Words cannot express how grateful my family and I are for this scholarship! It will be used wisely to cover various college expenses. Once I am finished with college, I plan to pursue a career in STEM that will ultimately benefit my community and the world. I hope to work in revolutionary spaces that will change the world for the better.”

Favorite Quote: “Do unto others as you would have them done unto you.” — Matthew 7:12

Favorite Quote: “Success lies in perseverance. If things get tough and plans don’t work out as you’d like to, take it as a challenge and keep going! Rise above your trials!”

Bruce W. Woolpert Memorial Scholarship Award from Graniterock, $3,000

BRANDON LIM

College: California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Major: Civil Engineering

“I am sincerely honored and grateful to have been selected as the recipient of the Bruce Woolpert Memorial Award Scholarship. This scholarship will aid the pursuit of my academic and career goals with greater success and allow me to become an excellent engineer in the future.”

“My goal after college is to work in the construction industry, specifically construction management. Through my past internship experiences in the construction industry, I have enjoyed the constant challenges that are presented to me every day on the job which allows me to problem solve and continuously learn and improve myself. I see myself one day becoming a project manager and overseeing the construction of large awesome projects.”

Favorite Quote: “You never know until you try.” — Unknown

Winners continued on next page

LEARN

DENISE AREVALO, $4,000

Harbor Linx, Inc.

College: University of California, Davis

Major: Political Science

UCON 2022 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS:

DIEGO BALINO MARTINEZ, $4,000

College: University of California, Berkeley

Major: Civil Engineering

“Thank you so much to the UCON Scholarship Committee for choosing me for this award. It will be a great help towards paying for my college. I appreciate your assistance.”

“My career goals when I finish my undergraduate degree are to hopefully get into law school with the intent of pursuing construction law.”

Favorite Quote: “Justice will not be served until those who are una ected are as outraged as those who are” — Benjamin Franklin

“I would like to thank UCON for selecting me for this award as it continues to help me in my journey in pursuing higher education as a first-generation college student. “This scholarship has saved me as it allowed me to take a break from working and enroll in a three-week pre-engineering program called PREP. Without this scholarship I wouldn’t have been able to attend this program and would have fallen behind in school.”

“One of my career goals once I finish college is to teach underprivileged high school students in low-income areas. Once I fulfill my desired goals as a civil engineer, I want to transition back into school and give back to my community by

ANNUAL SPONSOR SCHOLARSHIPS:

Platinum Sponsors Scholarships, $5,000

ALYSHA CURTIS

College: California State University, Fresno

Major: Civil Engineering

“Thank you for providing this wonderful opportunity to support student endeavors within the civil engineering and construction management majors. I am sincerely grateful for the recognition and support you have provided me through this award. Your support will lessen the burden of my financial obstacles and help promote an environment of growth. This award also serves as a testament to my future career as an engineer, as it has provided a reassurance in my confidence on this journey. Thank you, not only for your generosity and consideration, but for helping me reach my dreams.”

“Upon graduation, I plan to work full-time while studying to take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. I hope to continue my advocacy work with a great company that envisions and enacts similar values. Eventually, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in some form of management, striving to one day become a project manager.”

Favorite Quote: “Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”— Harriet Tubman

Gold Sponsors Scholarships, $3,500

ROBERT BYRNE

College: California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

Major: Civil Engineering

“I sincerely thank all those involved in selecting me to receive the award. My parents work incredibly hard to provide for me, so I am grateful for the opportunity to ease their load and thank them for all they have done. I am humbled by the potential that an organization such as your own sees in me, and that you believe that I have what it takes to succeed in this industry and be a future leader.”

“Through my experience working as an Apprentice Carpenter Intern this summer, I have discovered that I would like to be involved in the field as much as I can. I am interested in underground utilities, as a subcontractor on my site is working on a very complex issue using high-tech and sustainable solutions. I am currently enrolled in the heavy

pushing the next generation of students in pursuing higher education to change their lives, as well as their families.”

Favorite Quote: ““The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” — Walt Disney

CARMEN GARCIA, $4,000

Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc. College: California State University, Fullerton

Major: Psychology

“I am so honored to have been selected for a UCON Scholarship. The appreciation and gratitude I have for the committee’s consideration is overwhelming. I know there were likely many applicants, so to have been chosen for such a generous amount means the world to me and my family. This scholarship will enable me to focus on my education for the betterment of my family and my community.”

“Possessing a strong passion for helping others has always been part of my DNA. Earning my degree will allow me to

work intimately with those struggling with mental health issues. I intend to continue to my doctorate degree so I can assist people who need therapy for issues like PTSD, grief, relationship therapy, hospice support, and depression. I look forward to joining organizations that support cutting edge research in the field of mental health in order to treat the traumas I encounter with not only compassion, but the best modality of treatment possible.”

Favorite Quote: “The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” — Molière

JULIA LEIGH, $4,000

OSHA Training Institute Education Center College: Chapman University Major: Human Physiology

“Thank you so much for selecting me for this award! This scholarship will greatly help me in my first year of college because I will be able to focus more on my studies instead of splitting my time with a job. It also will aid me in the future because it will minimize the student loans I will need to pay o .”

civil minor program at Cal Poly and I am an alternate for the 2023 ASC Competition Heavy Civil team. I intend to work in the heavy civil sector of construction (highway construction, underground, marine).”

Favorite Quote: “Live in a way that will make those who have gone before you proud and in a way that those who are yet to come can look up to.”

Silver Sponsors Scholarships, $2,500

JACQUELINE ACOSTA

McGuire and Hester

College: University of California, Irvine

Major: Political Science

“Thank you to the UCON Scholarship Committee for selecting me as a recipient of a United Contractors Scholarship Award. This scholarship will allow me to pursue my desire to achieve a BA in Political Science while simultaneously competing as a colligate athlete in Track & Field. Your generosity in choosing me for this scholarship will allow me to focus my e orts on my academic success.”

Favorite Quote: “Patience isn’t waiting—it’s the knowledge that to become exceptional takes time.” — Allyson Felix

“After I finish undergrad, I hope to continue on to get my Master’s degree and eventually a PhD. I aim to become a microbiologist and study human cells and genetic diseases.”

Favorite Quote: “Am I better than I was yesterday?”

RYAN YOUNG, $4,000

C & W Construction Specialists, Inc. College: Kansas State University Major: Kinesiology

“I would like to say thank you to the committee/membership. This means so much to me because of all the hard work it took me to get my 4.0, get into the master’s program, and pass all my certification tests. I appreciate the support because it shows I am headed in the right direction and reinforces all the current steps I am taking to reach my intended career path in applied exercise science.”

“I hope to own a business or gym within the fitness community. I want to continue to train and enhance performance in all areas of fitness, for whatever a client wants to achieve, whether it be longevity, increased muscle mass, strength, power, etc.”

Favorite Quote: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16

OPPORTUNITY RISES IN THE WEST

UCON

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

United Contractors would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the following companies who are celebrating their anniversary of membership with our organization in September:

45 YEARS – 1977

Associate Member: Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers of California, Inc./Gallagher Construction Services Doug Bowring

38 YEARS – 1984

Associate Member: John S. Shelton, Inc. David Shelton

37 YEARS – 1985

Contractor Member: Andreini Brothers, Inc. Mario Andreini

Associate Member: The Liberty Companies Insurance Brokers Formerly Babcock Insurance Brokerage, Inc. Rob Babcock

28 YEARS – 1994

Associate Member: HUB International Insurance Service Inc. Mark Johnson

23 YEARS – 1999

Contractor Members:

Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring, Inc.

Thea Shupe

21 YEARS – 2001

Contractor Member: Andes Construction, Inc. Danilo Mayorga

20 YEARS – 2002

Contractor Members:

Griffin Soil Group Bill Howard

J.J.R. Construction, Inc. Carlos Raposo

Associate Member: Jensen Precast Jeff Friedman

19 YEARS – 2003

Contractor Member: Joseph J. Albanese, Inc. Phil Albanese

17 YEARS – 2005

Contractor Member: E.E. Gilbert Construction, Inc.

John Fagundes

13 YEARS – 2009

Contractor Member: J D Partners Concrete Jason Eggert

12 YEARS – 2010

Associate Member: Petrinovich Pugh & Company, LLP Kevin Kaefer

11 YEARS – 2011

Contractor Member: Sierra Mountain Construction, Inc. Douglas Benton

9 YEARS – 2013

Contractor Member: DMZ Builders Todd Majors

Associate Member: Stormwater Specialists, Inc. Mary A. Larsen

8 YEARS – 2014

Contractor Members: M.F. Maher, Inc. Mike Maher

Steve P. Rados, Inc. Stephen A. Rados

Notice of Annual Meeting:

Associate Members: Hopkins & Carley, A Law Corporation William Klein

7 YEARS – 2015

Associate Members: The Construction Zone Mindy Serrano

6 YEARS – 2016

Contractor Members: Jensen Landscape Contractor, LLC Jeff Colton

5 YEARS – 2017

Contractor Member: Shimmick/Disney JV Wendy Bonnell

4 YEARS – 2018

Contractor Members: Ford Construction Company, Inc.

Nick Jones

Teichert Pipelines, Inc.

Tom Griffith

W Contracting Corporation Mandy Maymo

Notice is given that the Annual Meeting of United Contractors will be held in the third quarter of 2022. Contact United Contractors for more information by calling (925) 855-7900.

By order of the Board, dated: September 29, 2022

Notice of Annual Report: Members of United Contractors have a right to receive a copy of the Annual Report as per Corporations Code Section 8321.

Project photo courtesy of DMZ Builders

Striping

Odigos