California Asphalt Pavement Association
Vol. 15, Issue 40 || Oct. 3, 2022
|
|
Greetings!
This weekly report contains news and information of interest to the asphalt pavement industry, customers and agency partners in California. Please feel free to distribute this newsletter to others who may be interested in asphalt pavements. To provide feedback or story ideas click HERE. Having difficulty viewing this newsletter? View as Webpage
|
|
Key milestones achieved by Joint training & Certification Program for materials technicians |
The Caltrans-industry Joint Training & Certification Program for materials technicians has achieved important milestones in the number of classes scheduled and technicians trained, and continues to enjoy high marks for quality of instruction.
The program, launched in 2017, has emerged as the centerpiece of the "accountability" portion of Senate Bill 1, the $50 billion Road Repair & Accountability Act of 2017 that aimed to address the deferred maintenance of roads and bridges in California. Ensuring that the materials going into the road repairs meet exacting standards for quality, and that the materials technicians responsible for testing those materials are held to high standards as well, is a key feature of the JTCP. Elected officials, including former Sen. Jim Beall, D-San Jose, author of SB1, have made the pilgrimage to JTCP training facilities on the campuses of Cal State Long Beach and San Jose State University to see for themselves the program in action.
The advisory council that meets to evaluate the program held its first in-person meeting in nearly three years on Sept. 22 at the Caltrans Translab facility in Sacramento, where the latest data from the program was reviewed and policy discussions conducted.
Since its inception, the program has trained 1,086 technicians in the Hot Mix Asphalt I class, and 873 technicians in the Hot Mix Asphalt II class, according to Caltrans contract manager Richard Hibbard. The Soils & Aggregate Class has been attended by 1,541 technicians, for a grand total of 3,500 trained. A separate certification for the concrete industry, utilizing curriculum developed by the American Concrete Institute, has trained an additional 507 personnel via the JTCP.
The HMAII class is offering its 100th delivery this December, on the campus of San Jose State University. All classes to date have achieved high marks for the quality of the curriculum, instructors and the facilities.
"Congratulations to the JTCP Team for accomplishing this important milestone," said Tim Greutert, Chief of Materials Engineering and Testing Services for Caltrans under which the JTCP program is managed. The program manager is Dr. Shadi Saadeh, a professor of engineering at Cal State Long Beach, and the contract manager is Richard Hibbard of Caltrans.
"JTCP has been an incredible journey of awareness, teamwork and bringing value to taxpayers," Greutert said in a recent e-mail to the JTCP leadership. "Each one of you has played a critical role in development, execution and improvement of the JTCP. Thank you all!"
The maturing program will be rolling out new recertification modules, which will consist of two-day sessions, with one day devoted to a full module review and Day 2 consisting of written and practical exams. Those recertification classes are expected to be offered in January of 2023.
"The JTCP Advisory Council anticipates better outcomes both within the program and out on projects by having testers come in for a day of review, discussion and networking before participating in the exams," Hibbard said in a recent note describing the recertification classes. Previously, experienced testers were able to opt out of the review portion of the training, but in doing so miss out on changes that are highlighted in the constantly evolving standards and curriculum.
At the Sept. 22 Advisory Council meeting, industry representatives commented that the value of the standardized JTCP curriculum and testing is now being recognized by employers, who are saving money training technicians and are confident that the training is standardized statewide. Caltrans has also been able to realize cost-savings by reducing the number of Independent Assurance inspectors that previously were on the payroll to travel around the state administering the exams. As part of the "accountability" provisions of SB1, the bill requires Caltrans to identify $100 million in efficiencies, and the JTCP has become a high-profile example of those efficiencies.
A Caltrans web page that outlines the JTCP is HERE. The main JTCP web page that lists upcoming classes and pre-requisites, which is part of the Cal State Long Beach website, can be found HERE. The program continues to recruit for qualified instructors to be part of the program. Details on those opportunities can be found HERE.
CalAPA featured the Joint Training & Certification Program on the cover of its magazine, California Asphalt, in its 2019 Quality Issue, which can be viewed on-line HERE. A follow-up story that appeared in the 2021 Quality Issue of the magazine is HERE.
|
|
Assemblyman Patrick O'Donnell, D-Long Beach, a member of the Assembly Transportation Committee, speaks during a 2019 tour of the JTCP facility at Long Beach State University. Then-Caltrans contract manager, Jeremy Peterson-Self, is at right. |
|
Former Sen. Jim Beall, D-San Jose, author of SB1 (left), talks with CalAPA members and Caltrans personnel at a 2021 tour of the JTCP facility at San Jose State University. Beall is an alum of San Jose State. |
|
Steve Ward with Pavement Recycling Systems (left) chats with Assemblyman Alex Lee (center) and Ash Kalra at a 2021 tour of the JTCP facility at San Jose State University. |
|
Longtime industry leader Norm Aguirre of Reed & Graham remembered |
Longtime asphalt industry leader Norm Aguirre, who worked for many years for CalAPA member Reed & Graham Inc. of San Jose, passed away peacefully in his sleep last month in Roseville at the age of 91.
"Norm Aguirre was the face of Reed & Graham for over two decades," said current company President Gerry Graham Jr. "His vision and drive took a small family business into the forefront of the industry. It is not easy being the only non-family General Manager of a family business but Norm always shared his thoughts and actions in the company’s best interests. More important, Norm was a dear friend and a great father of four kids.”
Roger Smith, former executive director of the asphalt pavement association that would become known as CalAPA, offered this recollection:
"In his days with Reed & Graham, Norm was very involved in the formation of the Northern California Asphalt Pavement Association (NCAPA), and other asphalt industry associations. He was a big help to me as the new Executive Director. He was a strong supporter of our industry and always brought a lot of experience and knowledge to the table. He was well-liked and a trusted friend to many."
Norman Raymond Aguirre was born on April 13, 1931 in Oakland, to Benjamin John Aguirre and Irene Francis Gordon-Aguirre. He grew up in Oakland with his brother, Ronald Erwin Aguirre, and graduated from Oakland Tech High School.
He started his career in the road paving business with Reed & Graham Inc. in 1955, starting out as a scale operator in the company's San Jose asphalt plant, later advancing to head bookkeeper and then transferring to the operations department as a dispatcher and then into a management role. He helped form a slurry seal division and helped grow the company's asphalt, emulsion, road oil products and spreader trucks divisions. He also played a key role in mentoring the next generation of workers at Reed & Graham.
In addition to CalAPA, he was involved in many other professional organizations, including serving on the board of directors of the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association (AEMA), the International Slurry Surfacing Association (ISSA), California Chip Seal Association (CCSA), now known as WRAPP), Associated General Contractors (AGC), and the Foundation for Pavement Rehabilitation and Maintenance Research. He officially retired from Reed & Graham on March 31, 2001 as Senior Vice President / General Manager.
Aguirre passed away peacefully in his sleep Sept. 11 in Roseville. Services were held last week in Sacramento. His official obituary is HERE.
|
|
Achieving win-win outcomes is focus of Fall Asphalt Conference keynote speech by noted partnering expert Sam Hassoun |
Osama "Sam" Hassoun is one of the most charismatic figures in the construction industry in California, and a noted expert in "partnering" nationwide. He will bring his unique perspective on conflict resolution and achieving "win-win" outcomes for both owner and contractor to the CalAPA Fall Asphalt Conference Oct. 26-28 in Sacramento.
Hassoun is founder, president and CEO of Global Leadership Alliance, a California-based firm that specializes in introducing partnering concepts to participants complex construction projects, specializing in the public works sector. His company's mission, Hassoun says, is to "eradicate arbitration and litigation from the construction industry." That's a pretty tall order, but after a few minutes of listening to Hassoun's many success stories it will become clear that the lofty goal is within reach for the willing.
Hasson, a former senior executive manager at the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and a licensed engineer, is recipient of many national and international awards and has been featured in numerous technical and industry publications. He was named by Engineering News Record as one of the top 25 national newsmakers in the construction industry.
He is a Senior Fellow at the American Leadership Forum and holds a certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from the University of California, Berkeley. His official bio is HERE. His speech will immediately follow the keynote address of new Caltrans Director Tony Tavares, another noted partnering champion. Hassoun will offer up practical tips for industry and agency personnel, including a focus on the "return on investment" of partnering initiatives. Caltrans recently produced a video highlighting the winners of its 22nd annual "Excellence in Partnering" awards. The video, which includes testimonials on 15 successful projects, including those built by CalAPA members, can be viewed on-line HERE.
The CalAPA Fall Asphalt Pavement Conference will be held Oct. 26-28 in Sacramento, and is brimming with valuable information for both asphalt pavement industry professionals and public works officials. Registration for the conference is now open and must be completed on-line. The official conference website for the event is HERE. A timed agenda of speakers and topics is HERE. For sponsorship and exhibitor information, contact Sophie You of CalAPA at (916) 791-5044.
|
|
Memorial service set Oct 8 for Majid 'Mo' Mojibi |
A celebration of life has been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 8 in Bakersfield to mark the life and legacy of Majid "Mo" Mojibi, the longtime president of San Joaquin Refining and an admired civic leader in Bakersfield.
Mojibi was struck by a vehicle in downtown Bakersfield Sept. 17 as he was walking from his parked car. He was rushed to a local hospital, but succumbed to his injuries the following day. He was 75.
Tributes continue to pour in from the many people touched by Mojibi, not only through his work at San Joaquin Refining and as a developer in Bakersfield, but also from those who benefitted from his and his family's many charitable works.
The Celebration of Life is open to all and is scheduled Saturday, Oct. 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bakersfield Country Club, 4200 Country Club Drive in Bakersfield.
|
|
Each week we highlight a word, acronym or other term commonly used in the asphalt pavement industry in California.
PERCOLATION: The movement of free water through soil.
|
|
Paving Pointer of the Week |
Each week we highlight a key point or best practice of interest to asphalt paving crews, inspectors and others working in the field. We welcome suggestions. More tips can be found in our "Asphalt Parking Lot Construction Checklist" HERE. Information on the CalAPA "Quality Paving Certificate" program is HERE.
ASPHALT MIXTURE: Ask yourself: Is this the correct mix type for the project and the layer you are constructing? Verify that the truck delivery ticket matches the approved mix design.
|
|
Each week we highlight a term that is specific to climate-change issues related to the asphalt pavement industry. This feature is intended to raise awareness of the asphalt industry's climate-change initiatives and the specialized terminology that goes with them. More information on "The Road Forward" asphalt industry climate initiative can be found HERE.
ROLLING RESISTENCE: Force resisting a tire's motion.
|
|
"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
|
|
CALAPA CALENDAR:
View all CalAPA events HERE.
*
Registration open!
Fall Asphalt Pavement Conference
Oct. 26-28, 2022
Hilton Sacramento Arden West Hotel, 2200 Harvard Street, Sacramento.
For exhibitor and sponsor information, contact Sophie You at (916) 791-5044.
*
Topgolf networking event
Wednesday, Oct. 26, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Topgolf Sports & Entertainment Complex, 1700 Freedom Way, Roseville, CA
|
|
There's never been a better time to join the California Asphalt Pavement Association! Members receive insight and advanced notice on critical issues that impact every company's bottom line. CalAPA members also receive invitations to exclusive member-only events, in-depth "Member Alerts," our comprehensive asphalt market forecast for California, discounts and industry-specific networking opportunities not available anywhere else. CalAPA's new searchable on-line membership directory helps connect potential customers with member companies. Click HERE to download our Member Service brochure. Click HERE to view Vol. 1 of recent testimonials. Not convinced? Click HERE to view Vol. 2 of recent testimonials. With so much changing in the asphalt pavement industry, what you don't know can cost you! Click HERE to send us an e-mail inquiry, or contact Russell Snyder with CalAPA at (916) 791-5044. |
|
We hope you enjoy CalAPA's Asphalt Insider newsletter. We are committed to providing you with the most up-to-date information on technical issues, regulation, news, analysis, events and trends in California that is of interest to the asphalt pavement industry and our various agency partners. Click HERE to contact us with any comments or suggestions.
Sincerely,
Russell W. Snyder, CAE
Executive Director
California Asphalt Pavement Association (CalAPA)®
|
|
The "Asphalt Insider" is an official publication of the California Asphalt Pavement Association. For more information or to inquire about membership, call (916) 791-5044, or click HERE to contact us. Copyright © 2022 California Asphalt Pavement Association -- All Rights Reserved. The CalAPA name (No. 5,621,794) and logo (No. 5,621,795) are registered trademarks with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.
|
|
P.O. Box 981300, West Sacramento, CA 95798
1550 Harbor Blvd., Suite 211, West Sacramento, CA 95691
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
