PAST SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS: Where have they ventured?

By Rebekah Oulton

June 2016

Every year, ASCE SLO Chapter provides scholarships to a worthy civil/environmental engineering student at Cal Poly, and a local high school student who plans to major in civil/environmental engineering.  These scholarships are funded largely through company sponsorships.  This month, we wanted to provide an update on what’s been going on with past scholarship recipients since they received their scholarship from ASCE SLO.

Monica Fiedler-Ross (2015 Cal Poly Recipient)

During the 2015-2016 Academic year, Monica served as the SCE student chapter president and was awarded the Professional Advancement Award from Cal Poly’s Civil & Environmental Engineering Industrial Advisory Board.  Monica will be graduating in June with an undergraduate degree in civil engineering.  She will be relocating to San Diego in August to begin working at Kimley-Horn in downtown San Diego in the traffic engineering and transit planning group.  She is very excited about what lies ahead!

Hannah Johnson (2014 Cal Poly Recipient)

Since receiving the ASCE SLO Branch scholarship, Hannah has served as SCE Executive Vice President and helped organize the annual Civil & Environmental Engineering Career Fair.  She also earned an award this year for Outstanding Graduating Senior for Academic Excellence from the College of Engineering.

Over the summer of 2014, she held an Engineering Assistant internship with BKF Engineers in Walnut Creek, where she worked on streetscape improvement and landscape development projects.  Over the summer of 2015, Hannah switched gears to work for Parsons Corporation in their Bridge and Tunnel Structures Group, where she got to help in the design of the Fresno Segment 1 of the California High Speed Rail Project!

Hannah is looking forward to graduating next month, though she is not yet done with school.  She will be attending UC Berkeley in the fall to pursue a Master's degree in Structural Engineering.  Best of luck with your continued studies, Hannah!

Diego Rivera (2015 High School Recipient)

Diego is currently attending Cal Poly SLO, where he has earned a 4.0 GPA (good job!) and joined both SCE and Engineers Without Borders (EWB).  He has not yet held an internship (though he’s looking and eager to get some professional experience...)   As of now, he plans to focus on the structural engineering and eventually pursue a Master’s Degree.  Along the way, he hopes to travel the world to see the architecture and engineering of different countries.

Jeremy Rands (2014 High School Recipient)

Jeremy is currently finishing up his 2nd year of what he expects to be a five-year stint in Civil Engineering at UC Davis. He was recently hired as an engineering intern for the City of Davis, Public Works Department, where he will be working throughout the summer and hopefully on a part-time basis during the following school year. Last summer he interned at RICK Engineering in SLO.  He hopes to work in water resources, with the laudable goal of trying to find solutions to fresh water sustainability issues in California, either locally or regionally.

We’d also like to extend congratulations to Sameera Sarmadi, 2016 Cal Poly Scholarship Recipient (pictured below, standing between ASCE SLO branch President, Cara Martinez, and President-Elect, Steve Tanaka; photo by Wes Thomson).

Attend the June ASCE meeting where we will announce the 2016 High School Recipient.

BRANCH MEETING: June 16, 2016

Annual SLO Branch Awards Ceremony

Please join us next Thursday, June 16th to celebrate the selection of SLO Branch award winners for 2016.  A number of categories were nominated and selected by our past-president judging panel and we have some excellent projects and people to honor. The winners will receive a plaque at the ceremony for their accomplishments, and each award will be submitted to the Los Angeles Section for the upcoming Section Awards competition.

We hope you will attend and support ASCE SLO Branch for these honorable award presentations.

Thank You
Cara Martinez, P.E.
2015-16 Branch President

Location:
Café Roma
1020 Railroad Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Date & Time:
Thursday, June 16, 2016 - 12:00-1:00 PM

Register Now!

CAREER OPPORTUNITY: Associate Civil Engineer (Stormwater Manager), Public Works Dept., City of Atascadero

CITY OF ATASCADERO

IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR

Associate Civil Engineer

(Stormwater Manager)

Public Works Department

¨ Salary Range (per month):  $5,881.34 - $7.148.81

¨ Filing Deadline: 5:00 p.m., Wednesday June 1, 2016

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applications may be obtained from the City of Atascadero website at www.atascadero.org, at City Hall which is located at 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, CA, or by calling (805) 461-5000 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. A completed, signed, and scanned City of Atascadero employment application form may be emailed to jobs@atascadero.org by the final filing deadline stated above. A resume of three pages or less may supplement the application but may not be substituted for it. All statements made on the application are subject to verification; false statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge. Please note: Once the recruitment has been publicly posted for ten (10) calendar days, the City reserves the right to stop accepting applications prior to the posted deadline if a sufficient number of well qualified applications have been received. Therefore, to ensure application consideration, all prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

All City application forms received by the final filing date will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, neatness and job-related qualifications. The testing procedure may include, but is not limited to: the initial paper screening and an oral interview(s). A select number of top applicants will be invited to interview. Once an offer of employment has been made, the candidate will be required to pass a Livescan fingerprint background check and finally a medical examination which will be administered by the City medical consultant. Following appointment, there is a minimum twelve (12) month probationary period, which is the final phase of the selection process.

THE POSITIONUnder limited supervision, performs a wide variety of complex administrative and engineering work with an emphasis on management of the City’s stormwater program, development review, and other public works projects and programs as assigned. The Associate Civil Engineer title is reserved for licensed professional engineers while the Associate Engineer title is for non-licensed engineers.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Medical, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability and Life Insurance. City pays a monthly contribution towards health insurance premiums for employee and dependent coverage. Retirement Plan is a CalPERS tiered system. There are no FICA deductions. 457 Deferred Compensation plans are available. 10-20 vacation days annually depending on length of service. 48 hours Administrative Leave annually. 11 observed holidays annually. 1 floating holiday annually.  12 days paid sick leave annually. 

EXAMPLES OF JOB DUTIES

Coordinates and participates in the review and oversight of development plans involving on-site improvements, public (off-site) improvements, subdivision maps, stormwater and traffic reports; manages the City’s Stormwater Management Program including overseeing the MS4 Permit Guidance Document, reviewing and enforcing stormwater control plans, developing standards and policies, and coordinating with RWQCB and others; assists with flood plain administration and FEMA map revisions; reviews encroachment, grading, and street closure permits; participates in capital project activities including design, preparing plans and specifications, cost estimates, and inspections; coordinates work responsibilities with other City departments, developers, consultants, contractors, utility companies, other public agencies, and the public; may serve as City liaison to various technical advisory groups.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience – Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major coursework in civil engineering or other applicable course of study; and three years of engineering work experience in the planning, design, or management of public infrastructure/facilities or private development - experience in the areas of stormwater management and subdivision development is highly desirable; or any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for satisfactory job performance.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities – Knowledge of principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to public works, including planning, design, and construction. Considerable knowledge of subdivision development and stormwater management, including pertinent local, state and federal laws, codes, rules and regulations. Ability to read, interpret and comprehend a variety of technical documents; preparing and presenting clear, concise administrative and technical reports, correspondence and other information to a wide variety of audiences. Proficient use of computers and software programs; experience with Microsoft Office Suite; AutoCAD, ArcGIS experience preferred. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to establish and maintain cooperative human relations with those contacted in the course of work. Successfully and productively manage the activities of multiple and complex projects and assignments concurrently. Obtain and keep current all licensures and certificates required for the position. Occasionally attend evening meetings and work extended hours if necessary. Apply excellent customer service skills. Possess team-oriented approach and be a team builder. Project an approachable, friendly and professional demeanor.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License. Licensure as a Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) and Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) is preferred. Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Civil Engineering with the State of California is favorable.

THE DEPARTMENT

With approximately 27 full time employees and an annual budget of $6.5 million, the Public Works Department is comprised of the divisions of Administration, Engineering, Maintenance (Streets, Parks, and Buildings), Wastewater Collection and Treatment, Transit, and Pavilion on the Lake. It is responsible for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of municipal infrastructure and facilities; including implementing the $50 million Capital Improvement Program during the next 5 years.

THE CITY

Atascadero was incorporated on July 2, 1979, and became fully operational on July 1, 1980.  The City encompasses an area of about 25 square miles with a population of approximately 28,000.   Atascadero is located in San Luis Obispo County, midway between the cities of San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles.  The coast is a scenic twenty-minute drive away, and there are excellent recreational, educational and cultural activities in the immediate and adjacent area.

OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Upon hire, new employees are required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States and must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification form.  Successful candidate for hire must present a current and valid California Driver’s License, a DMV driving record print-out and proof of vehicle insurance.  The documents must be presented prior to starting work.  The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.  Please contact the City of Atascadero City Manager’s Office by the final filing date if you will need special accommodations due to a legally defined disability to participate in this selection process. 

            CITY OF ATASCADERO – CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE

            6500 PALMA AVENUE, ATASCADERO, CA 93422

805-461-5000

www.atascadero.org/jobs

BRANCH MEETING: May 19, 2016

Have you ever seen concrete float? Have you ever witnessed the various Cal Poly Engineering Student competitions? Wouldn’t it be fascinating to understand what innovative techniques and designs were used to create award winning products? Well look no further. Attend this month’s Branch meeting and hear about designing “outside of the box” from our Cal Poly Civil and Environmental students.

Our local Student Chapter (http://www.cpsce.com/) continues to make waves with their excellence and dedication to ASCE and to the Civil Engineering industry. This month we are very proud to highlight some of the students’ recent accomplishments and projects. Having just finished the Pacific Southwest conference, the project teams are preparing for national competitions. We have the great honor of hearing from the following student teams at this month’s Branch meeting:

• Concrete Canoe

• Steel Bridge

• CalGeo

• EWB

• Rainworks

• Transportation

This is a great opportunity to show our support for the Cal Poly students and be amazed by their accomplishments. This month some of our participating SCE student members will be sharing their experiences on the project teams.

We will also take time to highlight our Annual SCE Student Scholarship recipient!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Location: 

Shalimar Restaurant
2115 Broad Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Date & Time: 

Thursday, May 19, 2016 - 12:00-1:00 PM

Menu:

Lunch buffet specializing in authentic Indian & Pakistani food

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Water Resources Engineer (Multiple Positions), Cannon

(Announcement from Cannon)


CANNON IS NO ORDINARY CONSULTING FIRM.
WE HAVE AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR

(1) A CIVIL ENGINEER WHO IS A
WATER RESOURCES and/or WASTEWATER SPECIALIST.

(2) PRINCIPAL WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER
TO EXPAND OUR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

COME BE PART OF AN ESTABLISHED & GROWING FIRM!

CANNON’S CULTURE provides exciting opportunities for professional growth and outlets for team building. We strive to provide opportunity for personal growth and a balance between personal and professional life. Not only do we work together, but we also enjoy spending time together outside of work. We work hard. We play hard. We have fun.

FOR 40 YEARS, we have provided creative solutions to clients in the energy industry, water resources, public infrastructure, and commercial and residential development. With offices throughout California, we continue to grow!

(1) SENIOR ASSOCIATE CIVIL ENGINEER (WATER RESOURCES and/or WASTEWATER SPECIALIST), San Luis Obispo, CA

WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING a CIVIL SENIOR ASSOCIATE ENGINEER / WATER RESOURCES and/or WASTEWATER SPECIALIST for our SAN LUIS OBISPO office. San Luis Obispo is on the beautiful central coast of California, has scenic beaches, is surrounded by the wine country, and offers endless recreational opportunities.

PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS INCLUDE Wastewater Treatment Facilities, Collection, Facilities, Water Distribution Systems, Water Treatment Plants, Storm Drainage Collection, Systems and Facilities, Water Main Replacements, Potable Water Pump Stations and Reservoirs.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE supporting and managing projects for our water and wastewater clients in Central California. Preparing plan specifications and cost estimates related to water and wastewater infrastructure projects including: master planning and hydraulic modeling, distribution and collection system design including pipelines, pump station, reservoirs, hydraulic structures and water/wastewater treatment facilities. Mentoring a talented, young engineering staff who are equally as passionate in applying knowledge, skills, and technology to delivering viable and sustainable life-cycle solutions. For a detailed description on job duties, visit www.CannonCorp.us and click on “Careers”.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- Requires a BS Degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering. An MS Degree in Water Resources or Environmental Engineering highly preferred.
- Requires a California P.E. license in Civil Engineering.
- Requires 8 years’ experience in water treatment and/or wastewater treatment and engineering analysis and design of water distributions and wastewater collection facilities.
- Experience in project management and managing good client relations.
- Experience in managing design teams with minimal supervision.
- Experience with diverse hydraulic modeling software such as Innovyze, BioWin, and Bentley.
- Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, and other design software.
- Successful candidate will be a self-motivated individual with strong sense of priority, interpersonal, and communication skills – both written and verbal.

WE PROVIDE competitive salaries, relocation assistance, and an excellent benefits package.

HOW TO APPLY?
Submit your resume and cover letter on-line at the “Careers” section at www.CannonCorp.us. EOE/AA. Or click on this link to apply – http://chm.tbe.taleo.net/chm01/ats/careers/searchResults.jsp?org=CANNON&cws=1

(2) PRINCIPAL WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER, San Luis Obispo, CA

WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING a PRINCIPAL WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER for our SAN LUIS OBISPO office.

San Luis Obispo is on the beautiful central coast of California, has scenic beaches, is surrounded by the wine country, and offers endless recreational opportunities.

PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS INCLUDE Wastewater Treatment Facilities, Collection Facilities, Water Distribution Systems, Water Treatment Plants, Storm Drainage Collection, Systems and Facilities, Water Main Replacements, Potable Water Pump Stations and Reservoirs.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE managing water and wastewater projects and new and long-term client relations in Central California. Overseeing the preparation of plan specifications and cost estimates related to water and wastewater infrastructure projects including: master planning and hydraulic modeling, distribution and collection system design including pipelines, pump stations, reservoirs, hydraulic structures and water/wastewater treatment facilities. Managing and mentoring a talented, engineering staff who are equally as passionate in applying knowledge, skills, and technology in order to deliver viable and sustainable life-cycle solutions. For a detailed description on job duties, visit www.CannonCorp.us and click on “Careers”.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
- Requires a BS Degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering. An MS Degree in Water Resources or Environmental Engineering highly desirable.
- Requires a California P.E. license in Civil Engineering.
- Requires 10 years’ experience in water treatment and/or wastewater treatment, engineering analysis, and design of water distributions and wastewater collection facilities.
- Proficient in project management and managing strong client relations.
- Experience in effectively leading and managing design teams.
- Experience with diverse hydraulic modeling software platforms such as Innovyze, BioWin, and Bentley.
- Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, and other design software.
- Successful candidate will be a self-motivated individual with strong sense of priority, and interpersonal and communication skills – both written and verbal.

WE PROVIDE competitive salaries, relocation assistance, and an excellent benefits package.

HOW TO APPLY?
Submit your resume and cover letter on-line at the “Careers” section at www.CannonCorp.us. EOE/AA. Or click on this link to apply – http://chm.tbe.taleo.net/chm01/ats/careers/searchResults.jsp?org=CANNON&cws=1

----

SENIOR DESIGN SHOWCASE: Tues, 5/17

You are cordially invited to the 2016 Cal Poly Senior Design Showcase where 20 teams present in a poster session their final design for this year's project.

Date: Tue 5/17
Time: 6-8pm
Location: ATL (bldg 007), Cal Poly

Light snacks and drinks will be provided.
Metered parking is located in Lot H2 close to the ATL (Advanced Tech Labs).

This year's project was the redevelopment of the existing Cal Trans lots at the corner of S. Higuera and Madonna into the SLO Convention Center with a Parking Structure and a creek side park that is the terminus of the Bob Jones Trail.

Some of the interesting technical hurdles the students had to address:
  • site elevation below the 100 yr flood elevation,
  • two lots on either side of Madonna that had to be integrated into one project
  • complex two way traffic flow adjacent to 101 on/off ramps,
  • poor foundation soils and proximity to the creek,
  • requirements of high density space and parking to accommodate convention center needs,
  • requirements for a 3 acre park that ties into the Bob Jones trail,
  • preservation of historic structures and heritage trees,
  • price points of $400/sf for convention center and $65/sf for the parking structure,
  • envisioning a gateway facility to the city,
  • etc...

Come celebrate the end of their 3 quarters of Senior Design (CE465/466/467), provide feedback on their designs, and answer questions about their future in Civil Engineering.

Best

--
Robb Eric S. Moss, Ph.D. P.E.
Assoc. Prof. Geotechnical, Earthquake, and Risk Engineering
Dept. Civil and Environmental Engineering 13-217
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA  93407-0353
office: 805.756.6427
fax:    805.756.6330
web:  http://ceenve.calpoly.edu/faculty/rmoss/

OFFICER BREAKFAST WITH JOHN RODGERS: April 21, 2016

PHOTO, L-to-R: Sean Pringle, Anthony Severy, Jazz Gilbert, Cara Martinez, John Rodgers & Phil the Hedgehog, Kristen McFarland, Steven Haugaard, Jonathon Centofranchi, and Jason Hsia. PC: Photo provided by Cara Martinez.

ASCE SLO Officer Breakfast with John Rodgers

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Big Sky Cafe, San Luis Obispo

Cal Poly SCE Chapter Officers: Sean Pringle, Kristen McFarland, Steven Haugaard, Jonathon Centofranchi, Jason Hsia.

ASCE SLO Branch Officers: Anthony Severy, Jazz Gilbert, Cara Martinez.

*Phil the Hedgehog (mascot) appearance courtesy of Kristen & ASCE National.

(Thanks Kristen!)

NETWORKING SOCIAL (FREE PIZZA): May 5, 2016

Please join us for a FREE member appreciation and outreach pizza lunch social at Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill in SLO on May 5th. Unlike our monthly meetings there will not be a structured presentation at this event.

This is strictly a networking event and members are encouraged to invite prospective members, past members or non-members! Please forward and/or invite anyone you think may be interested.
While this event is FREE for all attending, please RSVP below so that we can ensure we have enough pizza for everyone!

Get more information...

Register Now!

I can't make it

If you have any questions about the event or how to register please contact me at the info listed below.

Thank you for your participation in ASCE and we look forward to seeing you at the pizza social.

Sincerely,

Ben Jensen
ASCE San Luis Obispo Branch
benj@wallacegroup.us
805-544-4011

When
Thursday May 5, 2016 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM PDT
Add to Calendar

Where

Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill
1210 Higuera St
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Driving Directions

BRANCH MEETING: April 21, 2016

Please join us at our April Branch meeting for a presentation by John Rogers, our 2015-2016 Los Angeles Section President and Vice President of Engineering at CLE Engineering in Murrieta, CA. John will be presenting on ASCE's three strategic initiatives-Sustainable Infrastructure, the ASCE Grand Challenge, and Raise the Bar as well as the upcoming Legislative Fly-In and upcoming ASCE Dream Big movie release.

John will be speaking more in depth about the following ASCE Strategic Initiatives:

Sustainable Infrastructure - As civil engineers, we are entrusted to maintain and modernize America's deteriorating infrastructure as well as make our communities sustainable.

ASCE Grand Challenge - The investments needed to improve our infrastructure continue to increase well beyond available funding. How do we close the infrastructure gap? ASCE has issued a grand challenge to civil engineers and the industry to significantly enhance the performance and value of infrastructure projects over their life cycles by 2025 and foster the optimization of infrastructure investments for society.

ASCE's Raise the Bar - ASCE seeks to advance the civil engineering profession and the public welfare by actively supporting the national movement to raise educational requirements for licensure of future professional engineers.

Aside from ASCE John has primary professional responsibility for all Civil Engineering Design and Land Surveying performed by CLE Engineering in Southern California. His land development experience extends over almost 40 years and includes project experience throughout the six-county areas. Projects have included industrial and commercial developments, condominiums, hotels, multi-family projects, wineries, single-family residences in environmentally sensitive areas, road designs in difficult terrain, public and private schools, churches and parks.

For additional details and sign-up, please click here.

We look forward to seeing you there!

CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY: Accessibility Training

A Chapter of the International Code Council (ICC) & AIA California Central Coast (A Chapter of the American Institute of Architects), presents:

ACCESSIBILITY TRAINING 

(Based on the 2013 California Building Code)

5 hours CEU credits

After this class you will be able to:

- Know how to effectively use and understand the new organization of Chapter 11B.

- Understand how to apply the requirements for alterations of public accommodations, including exiting, “path of travel”, & employee work areas.

- Understand how the accessibility provisions of the 2013 CBC apply to exterior areas and features, including trash enclosures, parking lots & paths of travel.

- Know the difference between “common areas” and “public areas” in Multi-Family Housing projects.

Date:  Friday April 29, 2016

Time:  7:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Location:  San Luis Obispo City/County Library Community Room

995 Palm St. SLO, CA

Presented by:  Chris Hansen Central Coast Access Specialists, LLC,

Contact Info:

chris@CentralCoastADA.com

www.CentralCoastADA.com

Cost (Includes breakfast):

$75.00 for AIA-CCC and CCC-ICC Chapter members

$100.00 for non-members

Registration:

AIA-CCC Members, Register Here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ada-training-seminar-tickets-23052555815

CCC-ICC Members, Register Here:

http://centralcoasticc.com/events/

Non-Members, Register Here:

http://centralcoasticc.com/events/

On-Line Registration Deadline:  5PM Wednesday, April 28, 2016  

Registration after April 28th will be at the door, subject to seating availability. Seating with tables is limited to 107, please register early.

Cancellation made at least one week prior to the class will be refunded. No refunds for cancellation will be given after that time. No refunds will be given for no-shows in the class.

Check-in and registration starts at 7:30 AM, class begins at 8:00 AM sharp. Coffee and light breakfast is provided. Class will NOT include a lunch break.

Parking:

City Parking structure is next door (south) of the Library on Palm Street. Another parking structure is across the street on Palm one half a block south.

 --

Central Coast Access Specialists, LLC, was founded in 2011 by Chris Hansen, to assist central coast architects, contractors, business and property owners in becoming compliant with California and Federal accessibility laws. Chris has worked in the field of building codes and code enforcement since 1990. In 2003 he became Inspection/Plan Check Supervisor for the City of Santa Barbara until he retired in September of 2011. Chris is an "Access Specialist", certified by the State of California (CASp #270 - 2010), an ICC Certified Plans Examiner (1999). an ICC certified Building Inspector (1995), and currently is a “Subject Matter Expert” for the Division of the State Architect sitting on their CASP Exam Development Committee.

BRANCH MEETING: April 1, 2016

Meeting Topic: An Evening with Ed Halpin, Pacific Gas and Electric Senior Vice President & Chief Nuclear Officer

Ed Halpin is the Senior Vice President, Power Generation & Chief Nuclear Officer for Pacific Gas and Electric Company. He is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operations of DCPP, the license renewal of their units, the decommissioning of Humboldt Bay Power Plant, and will serve as the lead contact with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations.

Halpin came to DCPP from South Texas Project (STP) Nuclear Operating Company where he served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Nuclear Officer responsible for the overall strategic direction of STP and the operation of the STP's Units 1 & 2. In his more than 24 years with the company, Halpin advanced through positions of increasing responsibility and leadership, including site vice president, vice president of oversight, vice president and assistant to the CEO, plant general manager, operations manager, maintenance manager, systems engineering manager and design manager. He also played a key role in developing and sustaining the company's strong collaborative culture, which was critical to STP's transition to excellence.

Halpin served as an officer in the U.S. Navy's Nuclear Power Submarine Service. He graduated with honors from the U.S. Naval Academy earning a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering and holds a master's degree in Strategic Communication and Leadership from Seton Hall University and another master's degree in Human Development from Fielding Graduate University. Additionally, Halpin has a Senior Reactor Operator Certification and is a graduate of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations' Senior Nuclear Plant Management course and the Senior Nuclear Executives Seminar.

Ed welcomes all questions and will discuss a multitude of Diablo Canyon Power Plant topics (i.e. plant operation, power plant benefits, relicensing, etc.).  If you are interested in Diablo Canyon Power Plant come join us for an in-depth interactive presentation with Ed Halpin.

When

Friday April 1, 2016 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM PDT
Add to Calendar

Where

Pacific Gas & Electric Energy Education Center

6588 Ontario Road

San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Driving Directions

Dinner Menu

Dinner will be buffet style that includes BBQ tri-tip, BBQ chicken, homemade chili beans, fresh pasta salad, mixed greens salad, vegetable tray, garlic bread, fresh salsa, assorted cookies and cake, and assorted sodas and water.

Cost

$30 ($20/student)

We encourage the addition of friends, spouses, and anyone interested in the topic to join us for this meeting. Maximum occupancy is 75. Online payment is highly encouraged; however, we will accept payment at the door.

Get more information

Register Now!

I can't make it

GOLF TOURNAMENT: 14th Annual Cal Poly SCE Tournament (April 22nd)

Golf Tournament:  14^th Annual Cal Poly SCE Tournament

Date: Friday, April 22^nd, 2016

Location: Blacklake Golf Resort, 1490 Golf Course Ln, Nipomo, CA 93444

Come play in SCE's annual golf tournament! It's a fantastic opportunity for students and representatives from multiple engineering companies to network. Lunch will be provided. We look forward to seeing you out there!

Questions:

Jonathon Centofranchi

Sports.cpsce@gmail.com

(760) 520-5625

POST-MEETING INFO: Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Implementation

We had a great turnout this past Thursday (2/18/2016) at Rooster Creek Tavern to hear Carolyn Berg present on the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and what is being done locally to comply with the requirements.

For additional information, please see the County’s website:

http://www.slocountywater.org/site/Water%20Resources/SGMA/

Cara Martinez (L) and Carolyn Berg (R).
(PC: Wes Thomson)

BRANCH MEETING: February 18, 2016

Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Implementation

Presented by Carolyn Berg, County of San Luis Obispo

California’s Central Coast Hydrologic Region relies on groundwater for approximately 80-percent of its water supply to serve rural, urban, agricultural, and environmental demands. San Luis Obispo County, one of six counties within this region, has 22 groundwater basins underlying 3,304 square miles of largely rural and agricultural lands. Historically, these groundwater basins have had no requirements to manage groundwater. However in January 2015, the State enacted its first major groundwater law –the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)—that requires local agencies to establish governance structures in order to sustainably manage groundwater resources, and to prepare and implement Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSP).

Based on the State Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) 2014 Final Basin Prioritization, there are five high and medium priority groundwater basins mapped in San Luis Obispo County: Paso Robles (High), Santa Maria (High), Los Osos (High), San Luis Obispo (Edna) Valley (Medium), and Cuyama Valley (Medium). On January 13, 2015, the County Board of Supervisors adopted the SGMA Strategy and directed staff to implement the policy. The overarching strategy seeks to: “establish community focused Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSA) based on cooperative interagency and stakeholder relationships in order to comply with SGMA requirements.” It also describes specific actions such as seeking the maximum feasible funding through grant applications, supporting establishment of organizational agreements, and maximum feasible outreach to all potentially affected stakeholders.

Carolyn Berg, Senior Water Resources Engineer of County Public Works, will present an overview of the new SGMA law, and local efforts to comply with its requirements.

---

Location: 

Rooster Creek Tavern
200 East Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Date & Time: 
Thursday February 18, 2016 at 12 noon.

For additional details and sign-up, please click here.

BRANCH MEETING: January 21, 2016

Please join us at our January Branch meeting for a presentation by Aaron Hilton with MNS Engineers, Inc. on the "Los Osos Valley Road/Hwy 101 Interchange".

Topic
Los Osos Valley Road (LOVR) is an important and highly traveled corridor for the City of San Luis Obispo, ultimately connecting Madonna road with south Higuera.

The current (LOVR) interchange at U.S. 101 was built at the southern end of San Luis Obispo in 1962. As the city and population have grown, the interchange has become outdated and in need of additional capacity to provide more efficient driving conditions for its users.

Construction of the current project began in the fall of 2014 to correct operational deficiencies and improve safety, add a new bridge adjacent to the existing LOVR overcrossing and widen the LOVR bridge crossing over San Luis Obispo Creek. The project will provide improved pedestrian and bicycle access along both sides of LOVR, construct drainage improvements and reconstruct all four on and off ramps. Currently all of the Structure have been completed and the final portion of LOVR is being re constructed.  The work is expected to be substantially complete by March of this year.  A separate landscaping project will follow the completion of construction further enhancing the southern “entryway” to the city.

The City of San Luis Obispo is the project sponsor and implementing agency of this $24 million construction project. Caltrans will provide oversight during construction and for the life of the project for improvements within State right-of-way. MNS has provided construction management and inspection services during the construction of the project.  Granite Construction is the Prime Contractor on the project.

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Note

For those who are interested, there will be a site visit prior to lunch beginning at 11:00 AM. Meet in the Margie's Diner parking lot (1575 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405). Safety gear is not required but is recommended. Wear comfortable shoes.

Location

Madonna Inn

100 Madonna Road

San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Date & Time

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Site Visit - 11:00 am

Lunch - 12:00 pm

BRANCH MEETING: December 17, 2015

Topic
Please join us at our December Branch meeting for a presentation by John Duffy with Yeh and Associates on "Living with Landslides". With the forecast of heavy winter rains caused by “El Nino” conditions, the possibility of widespread slope instabilities is a likely scenario. Under such conditions expedited recognition, assessment, and mitigation of unstable slopes will be in demand in order to keep infrastructure operational through the storm periods. John Duffy with Yeh and Associates will share experiences gained from the 1997/1998 “El Nino” event and other more recent storm events while he served as engineering geologist with the California Department of Transportation.

Location
Rooster Creek Tavern
200 E. Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Date & Time
Thursday, December 17, 2015 - 12:00 pm

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BRANCH MEETING: November 19, 2015

San Clemente Dam Removal and Carmel River Reroute

Known as the largest dam removal and river restoration project in California’s history, the nationally recognized San Clemente Dam Removal and Carmel River Reroute Project is setting a precedent for future dam removal and river restoration projects.

Since its construction in 1921, the 106 foot high dam had posed a significant barrier to steelhead migrations and restricted access to 25 miles of upstream spawning and rearing habitat. In recent years, the dam ceased to serve a useful purpose having lost approximately 95 percent of its storage capacity due to more than 2.5 million cubic yards of sediment that had built up behind it.

Upon being deemed seismically unsafe by the California Division of Safety of Dams, a public/private partnership formed between California American Water (SCD Owner) the California State Coastal Conservancy, and National Marine Fisheries Service to resolve the seismic issue as well as restore the natural ecosystem.  Overall, the Project is expected to improve water quality, sediment transfer, fish passage and aquatic habitat, and to restore natural character and function to the water bodies and upland habitats both within the project footprint and on a watershed level.

Water Systems Consulting, Inc. (WSC) has been managing the project for California American Water since 2009, and for the last three years has served as Construction Manager for this $83 million, multi-stakeholder project. Dylan Wade, who serves as the Resident Project Representative for the multi-year design-build project will discuss the project design, funding and multi-stakeholder process, construction considerations, restoration goals and approaches, and the projects lasting benefits. Nearing the end of the third year of construction, the Carmel River is ready to flow in its newly constructed channel.  

Location

Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Date & Time
Thursday, November 19, 2015 at noon

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BRANCH MEETING: October 15, 2015

Pismo Preserve Presentation - Land Conservancy

At over 900 acres, the Pismo Preserve offers truly exceptional and diverse recreational opportunities. The project includes over 10 miles of existing ranch roads and trails that meander throughout the property offering ready-to-use routes ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. These trails traverse serene oak woodlands and coastal ridgelines with stunning panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean stretching from the Irish Hills to Point Sal.  The Land Conservancy is currently working with the Wallace Group to design, engineer, and permit two staging areas/parking lots, restroom facilities, picnic areas, and ADA-compliant site features. Already underway are rough designs for a multi-use trail system that would add nearly a dozen miles of new trails and linkages to the existing ten miles of ranch roads currently on the Pismo Preserve. If permitting and construction can be completed under the ambitious time frame, the Pismo Preserve would be open for dawn-to-dusk community use this time next year.  Come join us for a presentation by the Land Conservancy and consultants as they discuss the planning and engineering of this landmark project!

Location

Rosa's Italian Restaurant
491 Price Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Date & Time
Thursday, October 15, 2015 at noon

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BRANCH MEETING: September 17, 2015

Atascadero Residential Home Geotechnical Case Study & New Officer Installation

Dennis Shallenberger, GE, Principal Engineer of Earth Systems Pacific will present a spell binding, on-the-edge-of-your-seat account of a house that was inadvertently constructed on a landslide in the hills of Atascadero.  It is a story of low budget mentality, incompetence, and catastrophic financial loss for a local family who unfortunately put their faith in some very poor geologic and geotechnical advice. Dennis will impart a lasting lesson of the importance of geotechnical engineering in the common world. A simple overlook can lead to devastating consequences.

After hearing our inspiring speaker, we will meet our new officer Board. Our newly elected officers for 2015-16 will be installed this month. This year's Board brings new faces to our local leadership, and looks forward to leading our Branch forward!

Location
Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Road
San Luis Obispo, CA

Date & Time
Thursday September 17, 2015 - 12:00 pm

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PROFILES: DENNIS SHALLENBERGER, REGISTERED CIVIL & GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER

By Rebekah Oulton, PhD, PE
September 7, 2015

Member Profile: Dennis Shallenberger

Dennis Shallenberger is a Registered Civil and Geotechnical Engineer in California, and a Registered Civil Engineer in Nevada.  Currently, he is the Chief Geotechnical Engineer for Earth Systems Pacific, and gave up teaching part-time after 22 years in the Architectural Engineering Department at Cal Poly.  He is a past president of the San Luis Obispo Branch of ASCE and served for over eight years on the Advisory Board of the Division of the State Architect (DSA).  These illustrious credentials are even more impressive when you know the path that led him to achieve them…

Dennis was raised in Southern California where he preferred to take advantage of plentiful outdoor activities such as surfing, sailing, and riding his dirt bike, rather than school.  This passion followed him to U of Montana, where he took up skydiving to supplement his education.  He made over 200 jumps, despite that fact that an early jump (his 15th ) ended in an off-balance landing that resulted in several broken bones and dislocated joints in Dennis’ left foot.  Ironically, Dennis credits this injury with ultimately saving his life, as it rendered him “unfit for service” when the Vietnam War was at its peak. Instead, he learned sewing – to repair parachutes as a Senior Parachute Rigger, and he claims he can still work a sewing machine with the best of them.

Dennis’ career from there was hardly a straightforward path to into geology. Skydiving led to flying and by the time he was 20 Dennis had his commercial pilot’s license, followed by multi-engine, flight instructor, ground instructor, glider and glider instructor ratings.  He also joined the Missoula Rural Volunteer Fire Department and applied for medic training, allowing him to secure a part-time job as an ambulance medic, ultimately running about 3,000 ambulance calls.  

Eventually, his degree in geology took him back to the sky; upon graduation he got on with Christler Airlines, a commuter and non-scheduled airline based in Thermopolis, Wyoming, shuttling skiers in the winter and smoke jumpers in the summer.  After two years as a fire suppression and spray pilot, Dennis quit Christler to find his fortune in corporate aviation, eventually becoming a corporate pilot with Sorensen and Company, a civil engineering firm with a geotechnical division in Missoula.  On days when he wasn’t flying, Dennis would go out with the geologists to work on the drill rigs.  With the end of the war flooding the aviation job market with experienced pilots, Dennis turned his sights back to earth and the idea of geotechnical engineering as a career slowly developed.  

By 1979 Dennis and his wife-to-be, Diane, quite sensibly decided that that the winters in Montana were too severe to endure any longer, and they relocated to California, where Dennis pursued his Master of Science Civil Engineering (with a geotechnical specialty) at CSU Long Beach.  After completing his degree, Dennis worked  briefly for the Los Angeles Section of the Army Corps of Engineers, as a civil and geotechnical engineer, before he got call from former colleague Mike Sims, offering him a position with Central Coast Labs in San Luis Obispo.  

Since then, the company has moved, burned to the ground, changed names, re-incorporated, merged and re-incorporated two more times, but Dennis has managed to hang on, and he is now approaching his 32nd anniversary working for Earth Systems companies.  After Mike’s retirement, Dennis was promoted to CEO of Earth Systems Pacific, a position he agreed to maintain for five years.  In 2013, he turned the reins of ESP over to Fred Potthast, and Dennis became Chairman of the Board, a position he retains today.  He is now semi-retired, working only four days per week, but with his eye on cutting that to three days per week come January 2016.

Dennis lives in the Edna Valley with his better half, Kim, also a registered civil engineer.  He has one son, David who became an attorney in California and then for some yet-to-be-explained reason moved with his wife to Dallas, Texas.  In his spare time, Dennis enjoys surfing, motorcycles, hiking, bicycling and ocean kayaking. He has given up piloting, but still enjoys travel, his favorite destination being Alaska.

When asked to provide a teaser for his talk, Dennis said “…my talk is about a landslide; a tale of sorrow and woe, poor judgment, bad professional advice, and low budget mentality, all resulting in huge personal loss.”  I can’t wait to hear more!  See you at the meeting!