november 2013 eog - american society of civil engineers · engineers without borders, sacramento...

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The Engineerogram March/April 2013

The EngineerogramNovember 2013 Volume 76, No. 2

Capital Branch Central Valley Branch Feather River Branch Shasta Branch

IN THIS ISSUEASCE Sacramento Section 2013-2014 Board & Offi cers 2ASCE Sacramento Section Contacts 2ASCE Sacramento Section Awards & Installation 4-6ASCE Sacramento Section Project Award Rules 16ASCE Sacramento Section Project Award Entry Forms 17Advertising Rates 2Announcements 6 Branches - Capital, Central Valley, Feather River, Shasta 3Calendar 3Evening with an Industry - Sacramento State 7Girl Scouts Heart of Central California 7Membership Update Link 3Outstanding Projects and Leaders 9-11President’s Message 1Region 9 Update 12-14The Law and Civil Engineering 8This Month in the State Capital 13-14YMF Newsletter 15

President's Message

It has been a very busy month at the Section.

We have all been working hard to transition over to a new administration and to a new year. Thank you Thor Larsen for helping make the transition smooth and pain-less. Congratulations to all the new offi cers. I am looking forward to working with you all. The October EOG listed the position of President-Elect as vacant. We are still looking for someone to fi ll

that role. If you or anyone you know is interested in fi lling that position, please contact us. In the monthly President’s Mes-sage column, I will touch on each of the four objectives that I set for the Section.

by Kimberly Brown, P.E., President

Increase Member Involvement-We have several active Institutes within the Sacramento Sec-tion. Last month, the Geo-Institute held a joint meeting with the Association of Engineering Geologists which discussed the California Integrated Seismic Network and a half-day seminar which discussed the 2013 California Building Code updates for engineers and geologists, Each of the Institutes focuses on the technical, educational, scientifi c and professional aspects within each industry. I encourage you to attend an Institute meeting. Check out the Sacramento Section website (http://asce-sacto.org/content.php?page=Institutes) for future Institute meetings or get on an e-mail list for the Institute which suites your specialty.

Increase ASCE Legislative Presence-The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2013 has passed the Senate and moved to the House of Representatives. This is a popular bill that authorizes the Army Corps of Engi-neers projects and provides policy direction to the Corps. If this bill passes in the House of Representatives, it could provide funding for infrastructure in the Sacramento Section.

Increase Interaction with Students & Younger Members-Congratulations to the student offi cers that have volunteered to lead their fellow students this year. The ASCE Student Chapters are busy with chapter meetings and are beginning to prepare for concrete canoe, steel bridge, and the water competition. We are looking for professionals to help our student chapters by serving as Practioner Advisors. If you are interested in helping our student chapters please contact me. In addition, our sec-tion offers the Golze Scholarship. If you or your company is interested in contributing to the scholarship fund please contact me. The Younger Member Forum (YMF) has also installed new offi cers. Congratulations to the younger engineers who have volunteered their time. The YMF meetings take place on the fi rst Thursday of every month. Check out the Sacramento Section YMF webpage (http://www.sacymf.org/) for upcoming events.

Increase Interaction with Community-Last month the Sacramento Section and YMF participated in the Girl Scouts Heart of Central California “Renaissance Girls!” Girls in attendance were exposed to interactive displays, and hands on activities promoting the civil engineering profession. I would like to give a big thank you to Joyce Copelan and Holly Canada for making the event a success. In closing, I invite each of you to communicate your ideas to the Board of Directors. Please send your thoughts to: [email protected].

Sincerely, Kimberly Brown

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November 2013 The Engineerogram

The Engineerogram, P.O. Box 1492, Fair Oaks, CA 95628(916) 961-2723 (phone) • (916) 965-6234 (FAX) • e-mail: [email protected] • Web site: www.asce-sacto.org

The Engineerogram is the offi cial publication of the Sacramento Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers and made available to ASCE members paying local dues to the Section. It is published regularly at the beginning of the month. To contribute articles, mail, fax, or e-mail to ASCE/Sacramento Section Executive Secretary, Lori Campbell, at [email protected]. Deadline for articles is on the 20th of the month prior to the issue. Advertising Rates: Full Page $250 - A page is 7 1/2” x 9 1/2” Half Page $130 - 1/2 page (either horizontal 7 1/2 x 4 3/4; or vertical 3 3/4 x 9 1/2) Quarter Page $75 - 3 3/4 x 4 1/4 Professional Card $150 for a full year - 2 1/2 x 1 1/2 (reduced down from 2 x 3 1/2); OR $175 for a full year for 2 x 3 1/2 size business card Classifi ed Ad in Newsletter or Website $50/100 words - no logo(To our contributing writers: The Engineerogram reserves the right to make revisions, correct spelling and grammatical errors, to prioritize information and to summarize content. Articles may be shortened as editorial requirements dictate. Questions regarding this policy may be directed to the President of the Sacramento Section. Thank you for your understanding. Editors.)

For more ASCE activities if you wish to be active in a committee, career opportunities, complete text for the legislative activities, go to the Sacra-mento Section web site at www.asce-sacto.org, or contact a current offi cer. To MAKE CHANGES OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP, go to website: www.asce.org. For MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS, please e-mail to [email protected].

OFFICER CONTACTSPresident Kimberly Brown, P.E. 916-817-4925 [email protected] President-Elect VacantSenior Director Kristy Chapman, P.E. 916-764-1640 [email protected] Director Kenny Dosanjh, P.E. 530-400-5739 [email protected] Secretary Keith Flaherty, P.E. 916-925-0952 keith.fl [email protected] Kyle Sanford 916-817-4768 [email protected] President 2012-2013 Thor Larsen, P.E. 916-973-0356 [email protected]

Executive Director Oscar Serrano, P.E. 530-458-8231 [email protected] Board Representative Marie Silveira [email protected] 9 Chair Jennifer Epp, P.E. - [email protected] 9 Sacramento Section Governor Oscar Serrano, P.E. 530-458-8231 [email protected] Without Borders, Sacramento Chapter Doug Ganey, President 916-947-1000 [email protected] Auxiliary President Marlene Tobia - [email protected] Secretary Lori K. Campbell 916-961-2723 [email protected] Editor Lori K. Campbell 916-961-2723 [email protected] Branch President Daren Mack, P.E. 916-543-9250 [email protected] Valley Branch President Kevin Seeman 916-684-5534 [email protected] River Branch President Amie McAllister, P.E. 530-228-6003 [email protected] Branch President Susan Goodwin, P.E. 530-223-2585 [email protected]

INSTITUTESCoasts, Oceans Ports & Rivers Institute Zia Zafi r, P.E. 916-366-1701 zzafi [email protected] Institute Louay Owaidat, P.E., A.M.ASCE Lowaidat@magnuspacifi c.comEnvironmental & Water Resources Institute Pal Hegedus, P.E., D.WRE 916-928-5177 [email protected] Matt Moyneur, P.E. 916-372-1434 [email protected] Engineering Institute Joyce Copelan, P.E., MS 530-908-8372 [email protected] & Development Institute Nader Tamannaie 916-448-1980 [email protected]

STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRSCollege Accreditation Joan Al-Kazily, Ph.D, P.E., M.ASCE 530-756-9530 [email protected] Preparedness Howard Zabel, P.E. 916-635-9370 [email protected] & Awards Thor Larsen, P.E. 916-973-0356 [email protected] Relations Craig Copelan, P.E. 530-908-4790 [email protected] & Heritage - - -Membership-Life Members Ray Zelinski, P.E. 916-961-4222 [email protected] Eric Polson, P.E. 916-801-6290 [email protected] Robert Roscoe, P.E. 916-679-3994 [email protected] Publications Martin A. Farber, P.E., D.WRE 707-253-9606 [email protected] J.D. Christiansen 405-735-6096 [email protected]

UNIVERSITIESCalifornia State University, Chico Bryan Perrin, President - [email protected] California State University, Sacramento Travis Weston, President - [email protected] of the Pacifi c Brylle Cabacungan, President - [email protected] c.edu

The Engineerogram November 2013

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MASTER CALENDAR Date(s) Time(s) Event Location Information

NOVEMBER No Meeting this Month Capital Branch Luncheon

Darren Mack 916-543-9250 [email protected]

Tuesday-Thursday November 5-7

USHSR Conference Metro Headquarters Los Angeles, CA

David M. Schwegel http://www.ushsr.com/events/losangeles2013.html

Thursday, November 7 5:30 p.m.

Sacramento State University Evening with an Industry

Sacramento State Alumni Center

RSVP to 916-278-6982 or [email protected]

Thursday November 14 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

YMF November Mixer 2013 And Technical Presentation

Luigi’s Slice 1050 20th Street, #150 Sacramento, CA 95814

www.sacymf.org RSVP not required

Sunday, November 17 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m.

Old Sacramento Underground Tour Old Sacramento [email protected] RSVP by November 14 Tickets $10 Members/$15 Nonmembers

Monday November 18 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

ASCE Sacramento Section Board Meeting

TBD Kimberly Brown [email protected]

Wednesday November 20

The Engineerogram - Deadline Lori Campbell 916-961-2723 [email protected]

Wednesday November 20 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Engineers without Borders Sacramento Valley Professional Chapter Meeting

Locations Varies Doug Ganey [email protected] http://www.ewb-sac.org

Thursday-Friday November 21-22

ASCE Seminar: Structural Condition Assessment of Existing Structures

Sheraton Grand Sacramento 1230 J Street Sacramento, CA 95814

Martin Farber 707-253-9606 Click here for link to event registration

Saturday November 23 12:00 noon – 6:00 p.m.

Sac State–UC Davis Football Game + Tailgate

Hornet Stadium 6000 J Street Sacramento, CA 95819

[email protected] RSVP by November 18 Tickets $10 Members/$15 Nonmembers

DECEMBER Thursday December 5 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

December Social 2013 Holiday Dinner and Toy Drive

Old Spaghetti Factory 1910 J Street Sacramento, CA 95811

[email protected] RSVP by December 2 Dinner Free for YMF Members; $20 for Guests

Monday December 16 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

ASCE Sacramento Section Board Meeting

TBD Kimberly Brown [email protected]

Shasta Branch For more information about the Shasta Branch meetings, please contact Susan Goodwin at [email protected]

Feather River Branch For more information about the Feather River Branch meetings, please contact Amie McAllister at [email protected]

Capital Branch For more information about the Capital Branch, you may e-mail or call Darren Mack at 916-543-9250, [email protected]

Central Valley Branch For more information about the Central Valley Branch meetings, please contact Kevin Seeman at 916-684-5534, [email protected]

Please Keep Your Membership Information Updated

Have you changed your membership information lately? Please go to the membership page of the ASCE National website to join, renew, or change your membership information. Please note that this is the only way that the Sacramento Section is able to receive your information in our database so that we may keep you informed about Section activities. http://www.asce.org/pplcontentwide.aspx?id=9641.

Section Meeting Conferences Seminar YMF Event

Section Board & Officer Meeting Region 9 Event Outreach Event Student Event

Section Event Branch Meeting EWB Event


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Outstanding Community Service AwardGuy Hopes

Lifetime Achievement Award Jim Yost

ASCE, SACRAMENTO SECTION Awards and Installation Banquet

September 25, 2013 Photographs and Corrections to October 2013 The Engineerogram Article

As reported last month, on September 25, 2013, a very nice evening was enjoyed by all who attended the Annual Awards and Installation Banquet at the Double Tree in Sacramento. Included are photographs of the Banquet, and we would like to add one important award to Guy Hopes for his Outstanding Community Service, and also correct and recognize the participation of our generous evening Sponsors.

Sacramento Section Officers President Kimberly Brown President Elect Vacant – Open Secretary Keith Flaherty Treasurer Kyle Sanford Executive Director Oscar Serrano Senior Director Kristy Chapman Junior Director Kenny Dosanjh Webmaster JD Christiansen Past President Thor Larsen

Sacramento Section Award Winners Civil Engineer in the Private Sector Louay Owaidat Civil Engineer in the Public Sector Rich Lorenz Lifetime Achievement Award Jim Yost Outstanding ASCE Life Member Ray Zelinski Outstanding Community Service Award Guy Hopes Outstanding Younger Civil Engineer Jared Williams Drury Butler Officer of the Year JD Christiansen Outstanding ASCE Branch Officer Mario Carreon Outstanding ASCE Younger Member Officer James Pangburn Legislator of the Year Doris Matsui Excellence in Journalism Lian Duan Jonathan B. Brown Education Award Camilla Saviz Stewart Mitchell History & Heritage Greg Young Thomas A Stanton Outstanding ASCE Event OBC Conference


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William H. Hall Flood Control AwardMichael Bessette

Sacramento State Student AwardsMax Hardy and Kyle Cameron with Dr. Ben Fell

Sacramento Section - Institute Award Winners Charles C. Pope Construction Award Thor Larsen Francis N. Hveem Geotechnical Award Richard Millet Frederik W. Panhorst Structural Award Sashi Kunnath David N. Kennedy Water Resources Award Steve Darlymple William H. Hall Flood Control Award Michael Bessette Arthur L. Elliot Bridge Engineering Award Craig Copelan

Sacramento Section - Student Award Winners There are four Student Chapters within the Section: California State University, Chico; California State University, Sacramento; University of California, Davis; and the University of the Pacific in Stockton. Outstanding Civil Engineering Student CSUC Elizabeth Jachens Outstanding Civil Engineering Student CSUS Max Hardy Outstanding Civil Engineering Student UCD Eduardo Cerna Outstanding Civil Engineering Student UOP Shawn Layva Professional Service CSUC Alex Oran Professional Service CSUS Kyle Cameron Professional Service UCD Rose Rutherford Professional Service UOP Elizabeth Avelar Academic Achievement CSUC Gregory Hinds Academic Achievement CSUS Deanna Becker Academic Achievement UCD Brian Giffin Academic Achievement UOP John Loomis


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Thank You to the Awards and Installation Banquet Table Sponsors

SAVE THE DATE!

ASCE Region 9 California Infrastructure Symposium

and Awards Dinner

Friday, March 14, 2014

Delancey Street Foundation San Francisco, California


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Girl Scout Troops Creating Fun Structures From Gum Drops and Toothpicks

Girl Scout Troops Building and Enjoying Geometric Newspaper Domes

Girl Scouts Heart of Central California By Joyce Copelan, P.E.

K through 12 Girl Scouts to build leadership skills, seek knowledge, harness the spirit of the Renaissance, and try new things such as fun hands on activities to interest folks in engineering. On October 26, 2013, at Consumnes River College, Girl Scouts created structures such as domes large enough to hold Girl Scout troops and various 3-D geometric shapes out of 2 foot rolled newspaper tubes and duct tape. They had fun creating structures with gum drops and toothpicks. Families wrote what they appreciated about their home structure and favorite structures in their community on index cards which were posted on a wall behind the newspaper dome activity during the event. Websites for additional K-12 engineering related resources and activities were provided to try in troop meetings. The Girl Scouts Renaissance Fair was a huge success in reaching over 600 Girl Scouts plus their troop leaders and families who said, "Thank you so much!"


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The Law and Civil Engineering Mechanic’s Leins is not a Design Professionals’ Lien

By Eugene Bass, Esq.

A California case demonstrated the difference between a design professionals' lien and mechanic's' lien and the importance of recording a design professionals' lien where no on-site construction of the project was ever started.

A general contractor entered into a contract with a property owner to build a new hotel/retail development complex. Over the two years after entering into the contract, the contractor provided approximately $850,000 in design related services, both by performing design and planning services, and by hiring design professionals. Construction of the project never commenced due to the inability of the owner to obtain financing. No building permit was issued, nor were any building materials delivered to the project site and no actual visible construction or other work was conducted at the project site by the contractor or anyone else.

The general contractor sued the property owner for breach of a design-services contract and recorded a mechanic's lien. The lien was a mechanic’s lien and not a design professionals’ lien. A design professionals’ lien would allow a design professional to obtain a lien even in the absence of commencement of actual construction.

The owner of the property made a motion to have the lien released on the ground that it was not valid inasmuch as no work had actually commenced on the ground. The owner contended that a contractor who provided design services was not entitled to assert mechanic’s liens in the absence of actual commencement of construction even where the owner prevented commencement of the project. It cited the general rule that a mechanic's lien does not attach unless and until construction has been undertaken resulting in actual visible work on the land or the delivery of construction materials to the jobsite.

The contractor argued that a lien for design services was specifically authorized under the laws pertaining to design professionals’ liens and that it was immaterial that design services are performed by a licensed contractor, rather than by a design professional such as an architect, engineer or land surveyor who furnish their services pursuant to a written contract with a landowner. The contractor also contended that it’s lien was proper irrespective of the lack of work on the ground because an owner cannot defeat a lien by refusing to go ahead with construction.

The court did not support the contractor’s contention. It held that since the lien filed by contractor was a mechanic's lien, not a design professionals’ lien it could not be enforced since no construction had been commenced on the ground. The statute defines a "design professional" as "...any certificated architect, registered professional engineer, or licensed land surveyor who furnishes services pursuant to a written contract with a landowner for the design, engineering, or planning of a work of improvement..." The court in this case, however, did not address the question of whether or not a contractor, performing design services or employing design professionals, could assert a design professionals’ lien stating “...that question will have to wait for another day.”

Mechanic’s liens and design professional liens can be powerful tools to secure payment. Special care must be taken, however, to be sure that the proper type of lien is recorded and enforced.


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Night Time Operations The levee was degraded up to 23 feet to provide adequate clearance from overhead power lines.

Night Time Operations Under Power Lines WAPA Power Lines were de‐energized for night operations.

Outstanding Projects and Leaders

This Month’s Outstanding Project American River Common Features Site R6

Story and Photos by Magnus Pacific Corporation HISTORY Having developed to the edges of the Sacramento and American Rivers, the City of Sacramento has struggled for many years to protect itself from seasonal floods; and as a result, has employed a network of levees, flood control structures, and land management measures. After the flood of 1986 nearly inundated the City of Sacramento - due to insufficient surface water storage capacity, levee stability issues, levee seepage issues, erosion, and levee height deficiencies - Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to develop and implement flood control improvements for the City of Sacramento. Studies completed in 1991 and 1996 recommended a flood control dam at Auburn Canyon and levee improvements throughout the City. Construction of the Auburn Dam was not authorized; however, construction of other features common to all plans was approved. The Common Features project was approved by the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1996. Congress also authorized Folsom Dam improvements in lieu of the Auburn Dam idea. The occurrence of the 1997 flood suggested that it may be necessary to re-compute flood-flow-frequency relationships for the American River at Sacramento. In February 1998, the USACE published a revised unregulated rain flood flow frequency analysis for the American River at Fair Oaks. The analysis produced a flood frequency curve that indicated large floods were appreciably more likely than previously thought. The result was the American River Common Features Project, a comprehensive effort that encompassed levee work on the Lower American River, levee work on the east bank of the Sacramento River adjacent to downtown, levee work in the Natomas Basin, installation of additional upstream flow gauges, and an improved flood warning system along the lower American River. Enhancement of the Common Features is an interim measure to reduce the flood risk. Future measures include modifying the outlet gates at Folsom Dam and raising it to hold back additional floodwater. The WRDA addressed known levee deficiencies in 1996 and again in 1999. New deficiencies were identified in the Natomas Basin after 1999 that were further affecting the greater Sacramento area.

Between 2000 and 2002, the USACE along with other State and Local flood control agencies began work on features to strengthen the existing levees along the lower American River in Sacramento as authorized by the WRDA of 1996. Slurry walls were constructed to prevent migration of seepage through and


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Day Time Excavation Under Power LinesOverhead SMUD and PG&E Power Lines remained energized during day time excavation.

The 42,546 square foot cement bentonite cutoff wall is up to 72 feet deep, with a maximum permeability of 5 x 10‐7 cm/second, and a minimum unconfined compressive strength of 50 psi.

beneath the levees; however, utility and other infrastructure complications along with a lack of financing made it necessary to leave gaps in the slurry wall that would need to be completed at a future point in time. The R6 Project represents part of the work required to fill those gaps in a multiple locations. When completed, the work on the American River Common Features Project will reduce projected flood risk in the Sacramento area to one chance in 213 annually.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION The American River Common Features Project Site R6 is located on the American River’s north bank between Spanos Court and the Campus Commons golf course in Sacramento, California. The project completes the tie-in to existing cut off walls both upstream and downstream of the site. Magnus Pacific constructed a 42,546 square foot cement bentonite cutoff wall to a maximum depth of 72-feet, meeting a maximum permeability of 5 x 10-7 cm/second and a minimum unconfined compressive strength of 50 psi in 28 days. Project Challenges: Magnus Pacific was faced with many challenges during this project. Challenges included:

Extensive coordination with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), the Western Area Power Authority (WAPA), and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).

Construction of a temporary detour in lieu of the American River Bike Trail during construction activities; installation of steel plate access to the site to protect 64-inch and 74-inch sanitary sewer lines during construction.

Mobilization and set-up of a slurry batch plant within the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District Pumping Facility. All mixing and batch plant equipment had to be placed within secondary containment to prevent accidental releases of slurry.

Levee degrade consisting of 28,115 CY of material disposed of at an approved offsite location. This activity had to be carefully executed under three sets of live power lines that were active during degrade operations.

The levee was degraded to an elevation 23 feet below the levee crown to provide adequate overhead clearance beneath the overhead power lines. Access ramps with 10:1 slopes were constructed on the upstream and downstream of the excavation.

Excavation of the slag cement bentonite wall started under the WAPA power line and proceeded upstream to the 10:1 slope, crossing under the SMUD power line and tying into the existing soil cement bentonite cut off wall. Once tied into the existing wall, the machine was relocated to the start of the wall.

Another 15-foot tie-in was constructed into the slag cement bentonite wall, continuing downstream towards the PG&E power line and up the 10:1 slope tying into the downstream soil cement bentonite wall. Careful execution of the tie-ins took place to ensure that there was no damage done to the existing wall.

Project sequencing required nighttime operations during construction under the WAPA power line. The power line needed to be de-energized at 19:00 hours and reenergized by 06:00 hours. This was completed throughout four working shifts.


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Completed ProjectView of reconstructed 12‐foot wide bituminous surface patrol road at levee crown (center)

and 12‐foot wide rubberized asphalt bike trail at toe of levee (right).

Overhead SMUD and PG&E power lines remained energized during daytime excavation. Constant communication between a positioned spotter in a man lift and the operator in the long reach excavator ensured a safe working range.

Upon completion of the slag cement bentonite cut off wall, a minimum unconfined compressive strength of 20 psi had to be achieved prior to the reconstruction of the levee embankment. Magnus Pacific achieved this within 14 days.

29,154 CY of levee embankment fill material was utilized to construct a permanent cap over the cutoff wall and to reconstruct the levee to final grade. Special precautions had to be taken when reconstructing the levee below and adjacent to the WAPA overhead power line. Small compact earth moving equipment was used to keep a safe operating range while rebuilding the levee to final grade.

A 12-foot wide 1,392 SY bituminous surface patrol road was reconstructed along the levee crown, tying in to existing patrol roads. A 12-foot wide, rubberized asphalt bike trail was reconstructed at the toe of the levee. The staging area was resurfaced using 31,000 SF of asphalt paving.

Congresswoman Doris Matsui and her staff visited the R6 site during construction. She thanked the team for working hard to secure the levees, to keep the citizens of Sacramento safe. Magnus Pacific showed the Congresswoman around the site and explained the latest types of construction methods used. Through innovative techniques, Magnus Pacific was able to construct the wall without having to remove the overhead power lines. Work was conducted safely, and at the same time, prevented adverse impacts on the neighboring residents. Magnus Pacific worked day and night to meet the schedule, and in turn completed the project on time and under budget. The overall success of the project could not have been achieved without the teamwork and cooperation between the Magnus Pacific team and the various government agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, the Department of Water Resources, and the American River Flood Control District. American River Common Features Site R6 was honored with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Sacramento Section Flood Control Project of the Year Award for 2012.

Visit from Congresswoman Doris MatsuiCongresswoman Doris Matsui and her staff visited

the site during construction.


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ASCE Region 9 New Governor Perspective

By Oscar Serrano, P.E., M. ASCE, ASCE Region 9 Sacramento Section Governor

I am very excited to be writing this article as the new ASCE Region 9 Governor for the Sacramento Section. First of all, I would like to thank the outgoing Governors: Fareed Pittalwala, Camilla Saviz, and Brent Siemer, for all of their hard work over the past three years. The new incoming Governors: Kwame Agyare (San Francisco Section Governor), Gregg Fiegel (Governor At-Large), and I, have big shoes to fill. Over the next three years, I will strive to provide great leadership and support to the Sacramento Section, Region 9, and the Region 9 Board. Throughout my career, I have been an active ASCE participant, and served in many capacities including YMF President and Sacramento Section President. In my previous positions as an ASCE Officer, I have participated in legislative activities including the Washington D.C. Fly-in and legislative activities in Sacramento. I have participated in WRYMC and WSBL, so I am familiar with the message that ASCE is promoting. Part of what I enjoy about ASCE is giving back to the community and also the students. I’ve judged and volunteered at Mid-Pac competitions, helped on scholarship committees, individual and project award committees, participated in several resume workshops, helped with the annual golf tournament benefiting the Make-A-Wish foundation, and many other activities. As Governor, I don’t see my role changing much from what I had been previously doing; it will simply be expanding to a larger audience. As Governor I will act as a liaison between the Sacramento Section and Region 9 and bring forward any issues that arise. In my previous role as President of the Sacramento Section, I actively represented the Section on the Region 9 Board which provided me with an introduction to the experience required and the issues that will be dealt with throughout my term including legislative activities, project and individual awards, infrastructure report cards, etc. I think my experience with ASCE will be a valuable asset to the ASCE Region 9 Board and I look forward to working with all of the ASCE members within Region 9.


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This Month in the State Capital – November By Richard Markuson

Legislative Update September saw the end of the first year of this two-year session. The Governor has until October 12 to sign or veto legislation. Signed Bills of Interest AB 14 (Lowenthal) (Support) will require the Transportation Agency to prepare a state freight plan with specified elements to govern the immediate and long-range planning activities and capital investments of the state with respect to the movement of freight. The bill requires the agency to establish a freight advisory committee with various responsibilities in that regard. The initial state freight plan would be submitted to the Legislature, the Governor, and certain state agencies by December 31, 2014, and updated every 5 years thereafter. AB 528 (Lowenthal) will revise the items required to be included in the State Rail Plan and the business plan. The bill would require the State Rail Plan to be submitted to the California Transportation Commission for advice 6 months prior to submitting the final State Rail Plan to the Transportation Agency for approval, and, on or before March 1, 2017, would require the approved State Rail Plan to be submitted to the Legislature, the Governor, and other specified entities. The bill would require the state rail plan to be updated, at a minimum, every 5 years. AB 811 (Lowenthal) Current law authorizes the Attorney General, a district attorney, or the state or a local agency that issued a permit to excavate to bring an action for the enforcement of a civil penalty against an operator or excavator who negligently or knowingly and willfully violates the requirements of these and related provisions. AB 811 will require statewide information provided by operators and excavators regarding facility events to be compiled and made available in an annual report by regional notification centers and posted on the Internet Web sites of those regional notification centers. AB 1259 (Olsen) enacts conforming changes as a follow-up to SB 1278 (Wolk, 2012) and AB 1965 (Pan, 2012), which revised the flood hazard planning and development requirements for cities and counties located in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley.

SB 4 (Pavley) defines the terms well stimulation treatment, hydraulic fracturing, and hydraulic fracturing fluid. The bill requires the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, on or before January 1, 2015, to cause to be conducted, and completed, an independent scientific study on well stimulation treatments, including acid well stimulation and hydraulic fracturing treatments. The bill requires an owner or operator of a well to record and include all data on acid treatments and well stimulation treatments. Signing the bill, Governor Brown issued the following statement: To the Members of the California State Senate: I am signing Senate Bill 4, which establishes strong environmental protections and transparency requirements for hydraulic fracturing and other well stimulation operations. I am also directing the Department of Conservation, when implementing the bill, to develop an efficient permitting program for well stimulation activities that groups permits together based on factors such as known geologic conditions and environmental impacts, while providing for more particularized review in other situations when necessary. The bill needs some clarifying amendments and I will work with the author in making those changes next year. Sincerely, Edmund G. Brown Jr. SB 135 (Padilla) will require the Office of Emergency Services, in collaboration with various entities, including the United States Geological Survey, to develop a comprehensive statewide earthquake early warning system in California through a public-private partnership and would require the system to include certain features, including the installation of field sensors. The bill will require the office to develop an approval mechanism to review compliance with earthquake early warning standards as they are developed. SB 425 (DeSaulnier) (Support) will allow a public agency, principally tasked with administering, planning, developing, and operating a public works project, to establish a specified peer review group, as defined, and would require the administering agency, if a peer review group is established, to draft a charter, published on the agency's Internet Web site, related to the duties of the peer review group.


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Recent Reports CA Budget Project has released its report, “Uneven Progress: What the Economic Recovery Has Meant for California's Workers,” finds that the state “has added nearly 770,000 jobs since early 2010,” but 34 out of CA's 58 counties still have unemployment rates in double digits. The Legislative Analyst's Office has released the following review: Review of the proposed memorandum of understanding for Bargaining Unit 9, represented by the Professional Engineers in California Government. Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies has released a survey, "Climate Change in the Californian Mind," finds 79 percent of Californians believe global warming is happening and 11 percent believe it is not, also that 58 percent believe that if global warming is happening, it is "mostly due to human activities." Public Policy Institute of CA has released its report, "Parcel Taxes for Education in California," outlines proposal to lower threshold for passing school parcel taxes in local elections from two-thirds to 55%, finds reform "would probably allow far more parcel taxes to pass," but there is "no evidence that it would expand their use beyond the sort of wealthy Bay Area school districts that already have them." Next 10 releases "Cleantech Investment: A Decade of CA's Evolving Portfolio" finds corporate investors are "growing players California's clean-tech sector" while "traditional venture capitalists" continue playing "pivotal role." Environment California Research & Policy Center has released its report, "Will Solar Power Have a Home in California," finds "net energy metering is a vital part of a healthy residential solar energy market."

Appointments By Governor As Chief Deputy director at the CA Department of Water Resources: Laura King Moon, 53, Woodland, Democrat, project manager for the Bay Delta Conservation Plan. To CA Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank Board of Directors: Peter Luchetti, 57, Sausalito, decline-to-state, founder and managing partner at Table Rock Capital. Appointments By Speaker of Assembly To CA Coastal Commission: Greg Cox, 65, Chula Vista, Republican, chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Fills vacancy left when a previous commissioner's term expired. Cox's term expires May 2017. Compensation: $50 per meeting, $12.50 per hour in preparation for meetings not to exceed eight hours per meeting, plus actual and necessary expenses. As alternate to Mr. Cox on the CA Coastal Commission: Olga Diaz, 37, Escondido, Democrat, deputy mayor of Escondido. Pleasure term. Compensation: same as above for meetings she attends in Cox's place.

NOVEMBER 2013 NEWSLETTER

For any comments or suggestions, please e-mail Marie Silveira at [email protected]

NOVEMBER MIXER!! Don’t forget November’s mixer! The Mixer will be held at Luigi’s Slice on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 5:30 pm. Join us to hear about the life and times of Geotechnical Engineer (and Capital Branch President) Darren Mack. Mr. Mack has 17 years of professional experience in the geotechnical engineering field. He has provided geotechnical investigation, construction review and oversight, and project management for hundreds of public and private sector projects, including new/existing levee segments, hydropower facilities, roadway expansions, canal reconstruction, and single to multi-story building foundations. Come by and get the dirt on dirt ~ there’s food, there’s fun, there’s networking – don’t miss it! Want more info? Contact our Programs Chair, Bryan Perrin ([email protected]).

HOLIDAY DINNER

Mark your calendar for the upcoming Holiday Party! Details will be forthcoming, but save the date on Thursday, December 5 for our annual holiday party, to be held at Old Spaghetti Factory in downtown Sacramento! Keep our tradition going! We will be doing our annual TOY DRIVE!! Bring an unwrapped toy per person and donate as part of ASCE Sacramento Section YMF for this charitable cause. More information will be forthcoming, so keep your eye on an email from Membership Chair Kira Davis. Hope to see you there!

OCTOBER BUSINESS MEETING

It may be a business meeting, but it is still fun and games! We held our quarterly business meeting on Thursday, October 10, 2013, 5:30 pm at ERM in Natomas. YMF Elections were held at the July Business Meeting, and we officially passed the gavel to the new crew in October. Congratulations new officers and chairpersons!

YMFers take a load off and socialize after work. Presenting your 2013 – 2014 YMF Officers: Marie Silveira Executive Director Shauna England President Mike Konieczki Vice-President Guy Hopes Treasurer Dennis Gatchalian Secretary Cameron Ripley Education Director Heidi Cho Education Committee Co-Chair Elias Karam WRYMC 2013 Chair Steve Soldati Golf Tournament Chair Bryan Perrin Programs Chair Kira Davis Membership Chris Burlaza Newsletter Editor Cyrus Knorshidohehr Scholarships Steve Soldati Student Affairs Holly Canada Community Outreach Chris Burlaza Historian Bryan Martinez Website There are a couple of positions still available if you are interested in getting to know your YMF’ers a little better and, of course, give back to a great cause! Awards & Recognition Chair, Government Affairs Chair, and Student Outreach Chair are open and waiting for you! Get in touch with any of the officers or chairpersons above (psst – find us on our website or on Facebook) for more information! Want to know more about these outstanding officers and chairpersons? Check them out on our website, www.sacymf.org, under the “Officers” link!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mixer, Wednesday, November 14, 5:30 pm, Luigi’s Slice (1050 20th Street, #150 (MARRS Building), Sacramento, CA)

Old Sacramento Underground Tour, Sunday, November 17, 12 – 2 pm; RSVP (required) to Bryan Perrin, [email protected]

Holiday Party, Thursday, December 5, 5:30 pm, Old Spaghetti Factory

For more information, visit www.sacymf.org

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ASCE Sacramento Section 2013 Outstanding Engineering Project Award Entry Criteria

The Sacramento Section Outstanding Civil Engineering Project Award is presented by the Sacramento Section of ASCE to a project that demonstrates the greatest engineering skills and represents the greatest contribution to civil engineering progress and to society. In addition to the Outstanding Project of the Year award, additional subcategory awards will be given to projects of significance for their particular category of civil engineering. The sub-categories are listed on the Entry Form and below. Given to the project rather than to an individual, the Award(s) honor the outstanding work of the many engineers who have contributed to the project. Rules: 1. The project must be predominantly civil engineering work. 2. The project must be located in the Sacramento Section area. 3. The project must meet one of the following eligibility criteria: Bridges, tunnels, waterways, structures, roads: eligible when carrying traffic. Water supply, flood control facilities: eligible when ready to take the full design head of water. Power dams: eligible when the major civil-engineered construction is completed. Fuel power plants, heating or cooling facilities: eligible when power goes on-line. Buildings and structures: eligible when ready for use. Airports and other similar large developments: eligible when initial phase is 75% operational. Water supply, waste disposal: the entire project is eligible when its initial phase is 50% operational. Military projects (such as bases, launching units and harbor facilities): eligible for their engineering aspects. Urban development or recreation facilities: When open for public use. Natural resources restorations: When restoration is complete

The judging committee will determine the eligibility of projects not categorized above. Judging Criteria: 1. Contribution to the well-being of people and communities. 2. Resourcefulness in planning and solving design challenges. 3. Pioneering in use of materials and methods. 4. Innovations in construction. 5. Impact on physical environment. 6. Beneficial as well as adverse effects of the project, including aesthetic value. Entry Format: The award entry should inform the reader about the project and emphasize the appropriate items listed in the judging criteria above as well as any significant features of the project. Photos and/or drawings of significance should be included. Nominations: 1. Nominations may be submitted by any ASCE - Sacramento Section member. 2. Nomination materials must be received by January 3, 2013, for projects meeting eligibility in 2013. 3. Three (3) copies of the nomination must be submitted and accompanied by the Entry Form. 4. A non-winning project from an earlier year may be renominated if it meets the eligibility rules. Send applications to: Kristy Chapman, Senior Director, ASCE Sacramento Section, c/o Blackburn Consulting, 2491 Boatman Avenue, West Sacramento, CA 95691, or by e-mail to: [email protected] Nominations will be judged by a panel comprised of Awards Committee (made up of past presidents or other section officers) of the Sacramento Section. A plaque for permanent display will be given to the project owner and a certificate to the designer by the Section in an award presentation ceremony as part of Engineers Week in February. For further information, contact the ASCE office at 916-961-2723 or [email protected]. Additional Categories: Small Project (under $5.0 million) Structural Water/Wastewater Environmental Geotechnical Architectural Transportation and Development Sustainability Bridge

2013 ASCE Outstanding Engineering Project Award Entry Form

General Information: Please complete the following information and submit 3 copies with a letter explaining the project and stating why you feel this project should receive this award. Entries will not be returned, and will become the property of ASCE, Sacramento Section. Entries Due: January 3, 2012 Please send this information to: Kristy Chapman, Senior Director ASCE Sacramento Section c/o Blackburn Consulting 2491 Boatman Avenue West Sacramento, CA 95691 E-mail: [email protected] Project Information: Project name (exactly as it should appear on a plaque): Project location (city, state): Completion date: Enter up to three (3) categories to be considered for in addition to Project of the Year: Small Project ___ Structural ___ Water/Wastewater ___ Environmental ___ Geotechnical ___ Architectural ___ Transportation ___ Sustainability ___ Bridge ___ Entrant Information: ASCE Member: __Yes ___No Sacramento Section Member: _____ Yes _____ No Submitted by: _________________________________________________________________ Title: ________________________________________________________________________ Employer: ____________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________ State ________ Zip _______________ Phone ________________________ Fax __________________________ E-mail: __________________________________________ Project Owner Information: Project owner (attach addendum for more names): _____________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Contact Person: ________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ City: __________________ State ________ Zip __________________ Phone ________________________________ Fax ____________________________________

november 2013 eog - american society of civil engineers · engineers without borders, sacramento...

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