With the debate over transportation funding raging in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C., the issue highlights the stepped-up efforts of CalAPA to educate our elected officials about the asphalt pavement industry, and the importance of making adequate investments to protect our vital transportation network. The cover photo depicts a recent plant tour hosted by CalAPA member A. Teichert & Sons.

The issue is introduced with a commentary by Don L. Daley Jr., president of California Commercial Asphalt and a recipient of the National Asphalt Pavement Association "Asphalt Ambassador" award for his tireless efforts to promote the industry with federal, state and local elected officials.

The issue also includes a profile of George Weir Asphalt, a project profile featuring Pavement Coatings Co., reports on the retirements of Pat Whittey with Road Science / ARR-MAZ, Lucinda Powell with Vulcan Materials and the passing of Don J. Brock of Astec Industries.

For editorial or advertising inquiries, contact Kerry Hoover at (909) 772-3121.

 

Toni Carroll with CalAPA member Vulcan Materials has been named to a key leadership post representing the construction materials industry in interactions with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

Carroll, Area Manager for Technical Services/QC for Vulcan, was nominated by her peers to be industry co-chair of the joint Caltrans-industry Rock Products Committee, joining Mike Cook, Director of Quality Services for Graniterock. A story about Cook's nomination last year is HERE.

Carroll will participate in the monthly "3-plus-2" committee meetings that help guide the activities of the Rock Products Committee and its many subcommittees. The 3-plust-2 Committee is also is made up of Caltrans State Pavement Engineer Jesse Bhullar, State Materials Engineer Phil Stolarski and a representative of the Division of Construction, John Stayton.

"Toni has been an active participant in industry task groups and

Toni Carroll

brings professional engineering, business and common sense approaches to her work," Cook said in announcing Carroll's new leadership position. "Toni is an excellent communicator, which is critical to our partnering efforts. I look forward to the opportunity to work with Toni and our Caltrans partners as we work to continually improve California's infrastructure."

The joint Caltrans-industry Rock Products Committee, which for decades has been the focal point of discussions about construction materials specifications, test methods and constructability, meets quarterly and oversees the activities of numerous subcommittees that review and provide input to Caltrans' voluminous Standard Specifications, as well as test methods and other reference materials that are very influential with cities, counties and the private sector.

Carroll, a frequent presenter on technical topics at CalAPA conferences and other events, first rose to prominence in the industry by authoring an authoritative and widely-read blog on materials issues. She is based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

"I am honored to be representing our industry in this position and am excited to work with Mike Cook of Graniterock along with our Caltrans counterparts to help further improve the good partnership efforts that both groups have been building upon over the last few years," Carroll told Asphalt Insider. 

 

 

Avoiding pitfalls in bid protests, prevailing wages, statutes of limitations and liens will be a featured topic at the June 9 CalAPA Southern California Contractors' Dinner in Pico Rivera.

Kimberly Wind, a senior associate at the law firm of Hart King, a new CalAPA member that specializes in construction law, will outline recent legal decisions that will have an impact on any paving contractor that performs or is contemplating bidding on public works projects.

Also at the meeting, Executive Director Russell Snyder will give an

Kimberly Wind

overview of the many threats that have swirled around the asphalt pavement industry this year, from onerous regulations to pucker-inducing bills introduced in the state Legislature. The latest update on transportation funding as association activities also will be highlighted.

The evening also will feature local agency updates, technical and insurance "news you can use" and plenty of networking.

The dinner will take place at the Dal Rae restaurant, 9023 E. Washington Blvd. in Pico Rivera. Networking begins at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner program begins at 6:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required and must be completed on-line HERE.

For more information abut the program, contact Tony Grasso at (909) 362-9192. For registration questions, contact Sophie You of CalAPA at (916) 791-5044.

 

CalAPA offices will be closed today, Monday, May 25, in observance of the Memoral Day Holiday.