California 18, September 8, 2024 by Construction Equipment Guide

By Irwin Rapoport CEG CORRESPONDENT

Efforts by R & R Demo and Grading Corp. and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are ongoing to repair damage caused by a major landslide that occurred on Feb. 21, 2024, on State Route 150 in Ventura County and to prevent future incidents.

The landslide, which impacted approximately 1.8 acres just north of the city of Santa Paula at Bridge Road (mile post 31.4), happened about 3 mi. north of State Route 126.

Work is continuing but is no longer on a “nonstop” basis — which was the case before SR 150 reopened to traffic on July 31.

“Opening the highway had been an absolute top priority following the landslide,” said Michael Comeaux, public relations officer of Caltrans District 7. “Crews worked seven days a week before July 31.”

Building Team to Begin Work in 2025 On Inglewood’s $2B ITC

The city of Inglewood, Calif., named Elevate Inglewood Partners (EIP), a publicprivate partnership (PP3) consortium, as the best value proposer for its approximately $2 billion Inglewood Transit Connector (ITC) project.

The consortium is comprised of Los Angeles-based Tudor Perini Corp., which will act as the transit project’s prime contractor, as well as Plenary Americas US Holdings Inc., an equity member; Parsons Corp., the lead designer; Woojin Industrial System Co. Ltd., the operator and supplier of the automated transit system; and Alternate

Concepts Inc., ITC’s lead operations and maintenance contractor.

Mass Transit reported that the future ITC is designed to be a 1.6-mi.-long automated people mover that connects the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (L.A. Metro) K Line and the city

of Inglewood’s dynamic new employment and destination centers.

Among the popular venues within Inglewood that will benefit from a completed ITC is the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment District, which includes the

page 6 see ITC page 8

Sacramento Community to Include Hospital, 2,500 Homes

By acquiring a property from the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, a Costa Mesa, Calif.-based company earlier this summer got one step closer to breaking ground on its 183-acre Innovation Park master-planned community in Sacramento’s Natomas district, first approved in 2022.

Argent Development, a leading developer of innovative masterplanned communities across North America, bought the 129-acre site for $75 million, according to Sacramento County public records. The property is one of three that will make up the new Innovation Park.

It was home to the Sleep Train Arena (formerly known as the ARCO Arena) from 1988 until 2016, when the Kings moved to the Golden 1 Center in the city’s downtown. The old arena was demolished in 2022.

The Innovation Park project proposes transforming the former arena location into a vibrant mix of residential, commercial, health and educational uses.

Argent’s plans for the development include a medical complex with a modern teaching hospital, a public school for children in grades K-8, retail and commercial space, nearly 25 acres of parkland and other infrastructure and public facilities designed to provide community-wide benefits.

A major component is the California Northstate University (CNU) Medical Center Campus.

The complex will include a teaching hospital, college, child care center, a 100-unit senior residential care facility and supporting

office, commercial and retail uses. At the heart of CNU’s planned campus is a 14story, 750,000-sq.-ft. hospital to be constructed in the project’s first phase. It will include 420 inpatient beds and Level II Trauma operations.

An outpatient clinic, along with housing for students, faculty and staff housing unit, in addition to laboratory facilities and public spaces, are also on the drawing board for the future medical center.

Neighborhood to Come With New School

A press release from Argent noted that its proposal also calls for 2,500 new housing

units, including single-family detached residences, townhomes, condominiums and apartments. Ten percent will be designated as affordable housing. The exact unit mix hasn’t been announced.

Innovation Park will play a significant role in expanding access to quality housing for the region’s low and moderate-income residents. According to the nonprofit California Housing Partnership, Sacramento County has a shortfall of approximately 56,000 affordable units.

Innovation Park’s proposed 12-acre public school will be run by the Natomas Unified School District. Unlike many public school districts in California, Natomas has a

growing student enrollment. Capital Public Radio in Sacramento recently reported that the number of schoolage children in the district has more than doubled over the last 20 years.

“We are proud to spearhead the transformation of Innovation Park into a vibrant community that will serve the people of Sacramento and stand the test of time,” Argent CEO Stephan Elieff said.

Innovation Park Likely to Revitalize North Natomas

The effort to create Innovation Park was years in the making, the Sacramento Bee reported. At the end of April, the city council voted to finance the redevelopment of the former Arco Arena site in North Natomas.

Municipal officials then established an enhanced infrastructure financing district for the development in early May, according to Sacramento’s KCRA-TV, which would allow the project to receive financing via increased property taxes on the development site.

The Kings left an economic void in North Natomas. But a city staff report noted that the new project could generate 3,000 permanent jobs and more than 7,600 jobs during construction. Additionally, its construction could raise as much as $2 billion for the city and $2.85 billion for Sacramento County.

Argent said that infrastructure development at Innovation Park is expected to begin in 2025, and residential lots will be available starting in the second quarter of 2026. The developer is in discussions with potential builders. 

San Diego Sales Tax Hike to Benefit Infrastructure Upgrades

According to municipal officials, $9.25 billion is needed over the next five years to address an infrastructure backlog and would come with checks to ensure the funds go where they are intended.

The San Diego City Council unanimously approved a ballot measure in late July which, if approved at the polls on Nov. 5, would increase the city’s sales tax by 1 percent per dollar to help pay for broad infrastructure and municipal services.

“Today, by voting to place a sales-tax measure on the November ballot, the City Council made a courageous, bold move that has the potential to enhance the quality of life for every resident of our city,” Mayor Todd Gloria and City Councilman Raul Campillo wrote in a joint statement. “It is an opportunity to address the longstanding shortage of resources that for decades has held our city back and caused our infrastructure, like streets and sidewalks, and public assets, like parks and police stations, to fall into disrepair.”

Sales tax represents the second-largest revenue source for San Diego’s General Fund, accounting for 18.9 percent of the total revenue, KNSD-TV reported.

Proponents have said the increase is needed to improve city roads, storm drains, public safety, and facilities such as parks and

libraries. Opponents, however, said a sales tax hike would make little sense in a time of higher prices and city budget woes.

If the ballot measure passes in this fall’s election, it would raise the city’s sales tax rate from 7.75 percent to 8.75 percent. Among the 481 cities in California, San Diego’s sales tax rate is tied for fourth lowest, a city report found.

Gloria and Campillo estimate that if the measure is successful, it would generate $400 million annually for neighborhood infrastructure.

“This city council and mayor have prioritized necessary longterm fixes to our infrastructure rather than band-aid solutions, and with the voters’ approval of this measure, we have the chance to truly double down on this approach,” the joint statement read. “By working together to pass this measure, we can build a city that not only functions but thrives — not just for the present generation, but for generations to come.”

see TAX page 9

City of Sacramento rendering

Map of the Innovation Park planned unit development

Multiple Nested Landslides Complicate Repair Work

from page 1

The slide occurred during powerful storms that saturated the region. The approximate dimensions from the head scarp to the toe is 750 ft., and it ranged in width from 100 to 200 ft., according to Caltrans. This part of SR 150, which connects Santa Paula and Ojai, is used by more than 3,200 vehicles daily.

The debris field brought down earth, rock and trees. The field was at least 25 ft. high, and a large amount was strewn along the slope. The landslide avoided overrunning most buildings except for a water plant serving farms and orchards in the rural area, Caltrans said.

After multiple soil tests, Caltrans began building a soldier pile retaining wall.

“Work is still ongoing, and occasionally there will be a one-lane closure to facilitate the remainder of the construction,” according to Caltrans.

Caltrans designed the project and completed a set of plans.

“While the designs and reviews were ongoing, Caltrans sourced all the material that we needed to complete the project, including beams, wood lagging, fabrication shops, etc.,” according to Caltrans. “The retaining wall needed to support this slide is 360 feet in length with a height of 40 to 50 feet. Multiple rows of ground anchors extending up to 150 ft. in length are being constructed through the face of the wall and extend through the slide plane for anchoring the wall.”

The state DOT stressed that this was no run-of-the-mill operation.

“The hillside consists of multiple nested

slides, which have moved in the past leaving exposed visible scarps,” said Caltrans. “The slide movement in February deposited slide debris on State Route 150, debris which is currently acting as a temporary buttress to support the material uphill, both vertically and laterally. More slides could occur if material is removed from Route 150. Caltrans is closely monitoring the active slide and the adjacent areas for additional slope movement. Caltrans also hired a [contractor] to install a system that detects further movements in the slide during construction.”

Due to the unstable slope, Caltrans warned that operations had to proceed slowly and assembled teams of experts in design, construction and emergency operations.

“Caltrans started this complex investigation process immediately after the slide occurred,” it stated. “Caltrans secured the area and monitored the slide for further

movement, and Caltrans continues monitoring it closely. Caltrans immediately developed a plan of action for reopening Route 150 as quickly as possible.”

Also, Caltrans immediately started the geotechnical investigation of the slide area and quickly arranged an emergency contractor to provide additional equipment and workers.

This is not the only section of SR 150 experiencing similar issues. Near the

Dennison Grade, material came down a slope and, near Thomas Aquinas College, there was a slip-out.

According to Caltrans, “It is safe for motorists to drive these sections and crews are closely monitoring Dennison Grade and removing any materials that can pose a hazard to motorists and cyclists. The slip-out about one-fourth of a mile south of Thomas Aquinas College has been repaired.”

LANDSLIDE page 10

Caltrans photo

An aerial view of the landslide that closed State Road 150 in Ventura County, California.

R & R Demo and Grading Corp. photo Debris is loaded for removal.

LANDSLIDE

Caltrans photo

Support beams are set in place.

Next Issue Closes September 25th

State Expects ITC Design, Construction Phases in 2025

ITC from page 1

Kia Forum, SoFi Stadium (home to the NFL’s Rams and Chargers), YouTube Theater and the Intuit Dome, in addition to housing and commercial destinations in the surrounding area.

The new transit connection will reduce traffic congestion on both event and nonevent days in the district, promote transit as a primary mode of travel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Set to be a completely elevated, fixedguideway transit system with three new transit stations along its route, the ITC, according to Inglewood officials, will serve as a first/last mile solution, filling in the service gaps between the city and downtown station left by the LA Metro K Line light-rail service.

“The announcement of the selection of a team to develop and operate the ITC is another key milestone in the process to make this transformative investment in our city a reality,” said Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts.

Other critical steps in bringing the transit project forward included the commitment from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in December 2023 to allocate $1 billion to the ITC project once it completes fur-

The new transit connection will reduce traffic congestion on both event and non-event days in the district, promote transit as a primary mode of travel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

ther procedural steps, and the inclusion in President Biden’s budget last March of a recommendation to make the first payment of $200 million toward the federal contribution.

The approval of the $1 billion funding reservation for ITC was the culmination of an evaluation process conducted by the FTA that measures the community benefits of the project, including congestion reduction, air quality improvements and economic development potential. The federal agency also evaluates the cost-effectiveness of the project in providing those benefits.

ITC Joint Powers Authority to Supervise Project

Inglewood municipal leaders partnered with L.A. Metro and the county of Los Angeles to establish the ITC Joint Powers Authority, which will oversee the design, construction, operations and maintenance of the people mover, following the contract’s award.

According to the most recent city of Inglewood timeline, the ITC project is expected to start the design and construction phase in the first quarter of 2025.

Thus far, according to Inglewood offi-

cials, the project has secured approximately $1.9 billion in local, state and federal funds.

In preparation for the effort, all environmental approvals have been secured and a Community Workforce Agreement with the L.A./OC Building Trades Council has been executed to ensure that the project meets aggressive local hiring requirements and utilizes union labor; 17,000 jobs are anticipated to be created by the ITC’s construction and development.

“Across the region, we are working to prepare to host major world events in the coming years like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” noted Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “I continue to support this vital project moving forward to provide major benefits to our region by improving transportation and creating good-paying jobs.

“I applaud [Inglewood] Mayor Jim Butts for his leadership these last few years in securing federal, state and local funding to expand our transit system in our region.”

EIP and the city of Inglewood are holding discussions and negotiations regarding the project’s final pricing and contractual terms, with a proposed agreement anticipated to be considered by the city council in the fall.



PIRTEK

4191 Power Inn Road, Suite D Sacramento, CA 95826 916-737-7777

PIRTEK

San Leandro

1997 Burroughs Ave San Leandro, CA 94577

510-568-5000

PIRTEK

121 S. Maple Ave #4

South San Francisco, CA 94080

650-532-9200

Officials Say SD Needs $9.25B for Infrastructure Repairs

from page 4

San Diego Needs Billions to Fund Infrastructure Needs

According to municipal officials, $9.25 billion is needed over the next five years to address an infrastructure backlog and would come with checks to ensure the funds go where they are intended.

“The proposed ballot measure includes strict accountability, transparency and oversight to ensure that revenue generated from the Transactions and Use Tax goes directly to essential city services and infrastructure in the city of San Diego,” the report noted.

City Councilman Kent Lee, who represents San Diego’s District 6, told KNSD-TV in March that there were nearly 200 projects in need of funding at that time, and he constantly hears from constituents about the lack of progress for needed facilities like recreation centers.

Since early 2023, Lee noted, the city has filled more than 60,000 potholes.

He added that San Diego’s funding shortfall did not happen overnight, but “was driven by generations of the lack of investment.”

Lee’s colleague, Campillo, said that while concerns over higher taxes are valid, it is the city that is responsible for “things you see above ground, and things that work under the ground,” including roads and police protection.

“This is about a plan, not just one penny,” he added.

While San Diego went through its Fiscal Year 2025 budget process, service cuts were largely avoided. However, according to the city’s Independent Budget Analyst Charles Modica, bigger cuts to projects and services are likely in the future unless the city can secure more revenue — like that provided by the sales tax increase.

On July 19, San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera and Council President Pro Tempore Joe LaCava announced they were withdrawing a proposed stormwater funding measure, citing “substantial changes” to ACA 1, a proposed California ballot measure which, if approved at the polls, would have set the threshold for voter approval of local infrastructure funding at 55 percent. 

SR 150 Road Closures End as Repair Process Proceeds

“Crews have been making progress drilling holes with two rigs for the 45 piles [ranging from 65 to 75 ft.] that make up the soldier pile wall,” said Eric Menjivar, PIO, District 7, in a May 10 update. “So far, the contractor has drilled, set beams in place and poured concrete at 13 locations. They have already drilled two other locations with one still in progress.”

“The contractor is done with drilling, setting beams and pouring concrete at the 45 locations and will begin hauling the debris out from the drilled holes,” said Alisa Almazan of Caltrans in a May 24 construction update. “Next, the contractor will begin excavating between the piles to begin installing the wood lagging for the soldier pile walls.”

Since that May update, many benchmarks have been met.

With the road closed, crews had ample space to work. R & R moved equipment about easily as the debris was removed and operations began on the slopes to install the retaining wall, Almazan said. This was crucial as many large pieces of

equipment were brought in, such as Mait HR 165 and Bauer BG11H drill rigs used by McMahon Drilling, a subcontractor; and large LiuGong 936E excavators, mini-dozers, various loaders and other standard equipment.

The debris removal operations were handled by large excavators, including LiuGong 936Es and mini-dozers.

“The removal of debris commenced as

soon as conditions allowed in February after the slide on both Santa Paula and Ojai,” R & R team said. “Slope work was continuously performed and carried out throughout each phase of the construction. Debris was hauled from both the Santa Paula and Ojai sides immediately following the slide.”

Installing the soldier pile retaining wall is a challenge.

“This is an unusual slide,” Comeaux said. “Not only are there multiple slides in the area, but it also is very deep. For a typical wall with tiebacks, the tiebacks are usually about 50 to 75 feet long going into the hillside. For this wall, the tiebacks go back approximately 150 feet. These two factors are the main contributors to our difficulty in drilling, placing, grouting and testing of the tiebacks. Also, we encountered water in some locations in the hillside as we drilled.

“Caltrans determined that the highway could be reopened after two rows of anchors were in place,” he added. “We still have three other rows of tiebacks to install. The wall is 360 feet long and at its tallest is about 35 feet high. There are a total of five rows of tiebacks. The first two rows each have 45 tiebacks. Those are the first two rows that were installed, after which the road was opened to traffic.”

Everyone is on the same page regarding the work, both Caltrans and R&R said.

“Relations between the general contractor, Caltrans, local farmers and agriculture, in addition to residents and influential community members, was a priority during the entirety of the project, and still is to the present day,” R & R said.

R & R added that the project was no ordinary job.

“One of our biggest priorities was to construct and keep an emergency lane open at all times,” it said. “With the collaborative efforts of our staff, subcontractors, Caltrans and positive local community engagement, the road was able to be opened in just five days rather than the 10-day deadline. To do this, we ran trucks and had our crews here running seamlessly for 24 hours.”

805 Trucking assisted R & R with hauling and Santa Paula Materials provided excavation and recycling services.

All equipment used on the job — John Deere, Caterpillar and LiuGong — is owned by R&R. No rentals were used, and machines were all serviced on-site by qualified mechanics.

Caltrans photo

A piling rig and excavator ready the landslide site to install a support beam.