Worker uses a supersize wrench to remove concrete forms from a new sidewall on the upper chute of the Lake Oroville main spillway in Butte County, California. Photo by DWR, September 10, 2018.
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT MET THIS WEEK
A weekly newsletter by and for Metropolitan employees
September 17, 2018
Latest Oroville Spillway Construction Update
Earlier this month, the state Department of Water Resources provided an update on construction activities and estimated costs for the Oroville Spillways Emergency Recovery Project.

The Oroville facilities are a key part of the State Water Project. The ongoing repair work following the damage to the facilities in February 2017 is essential to water reliability for Metropolitan and two-thirds of the state's residents and businesses.

DWR 's latest estimate for emergency response and reconstruction of the main and emergency spillways is $1.1 billion. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is expected to provide much of the reimbursement. State Water Contractors, including Metropolitan, will pay most of the remaining costs.

Here are two DWR videos showing construction progress on Phase 2 of the project:

V ideo 1:
Material is processed at the rock crushing plant then transported to the roller-compacted concrete (RCC) plant. Heavy haulers are continuously loaded and the material is then placed on the emergency spillway apron. Crews spread, shape, and compact the concrete.

Vi deo 2:
Work continues through the night. Structural concrete, destined for an upper chute slab, is cooled with liquid nitrogen to maximum temperature requirements. It is loaded into the hopper and pumped to the placement crew on the upper spillway. Concrete is placed into forms for the erosion-resistant structural slabs.
Won't You Be My Neighbor?
For Headquarters employees, a look across the street from Union Station to the El Pueblo de Los Angeles historic district brings a new sight. That’s because last week, the city of Los Angeles opened its first Bridge Home transitional shelter at the corner of Alameda and Arcadia. You can’t miss it: Colorful geometric murals wrap the outside of the mobile units and large, bright canvas tarps cover an outdoor patio.

The community is a 24/7 facility. It has mobile trailers to house 30 men and 15 women, as well as laundry, bathrooms, a kennel and space for case workers. “A Bridge Home puts Angelenos on a path out of homelessness and into supportive housing,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, at the center’s opening.

The goal of the program is to provide one-on-one services, keep neighborhoods cleaner and help put residents on a path to permanent homes and jobs. On-site staff will also offer services for mental health issues and drug and alcohol treatment.

City officials hope to open 15 bridge housing facilities by mid-2019. The next center is planned for MacArthur Park. The program’s $75 million budget is made up of city and state homeless aid.
To learn more about the program, watch Mayor Garcetti's video below.
This Job Takes Him to New Heights
Dave Malloy has always had an interest in aviation and space. As a child, his Christmas list included model airplanes, rockets and gas-powered radio-controlled airplanes. He can remember his first plane, a P-51 Mustang made by Cox called “Miss America.” Dave was so excited, he fueled up and started up the model plane inside the house and it blew a bunch of decorations off the Christmas tree.

The excitement of flying hasn’t left Dave . He continues to build RC airplanes and drones (UAVs). Because of his experience and knowledge, Dave was asked to oversee development of Met’s drone program which is managed by the Information Technology Group.

According to Dave , “This opportunity has been exciting and challenging. I deal with many regulations and restrictions both internally and externally in order to put these small aircraft safely in the air.”

Despite the challenges, Dave finds work rewarding. It allows him to meet new people, be exposed to new aspects of the District, and fly for a living.  Dave’s work was recently featured in American Water Works Association’s SOURCE magazine. Article

Dave is one of three pilots who are authorized to pilot UAVs for Metropolitan. The other two are Max Parubrub and Ken McSpadden .

In addition to flying, Dave enjoys photography, videography, motorsports, and spending time with wife Dide and German shepherd Mauser.
New hires, transfers, promotions & retirements are posted here each month.   
NEXT LIST: OCTOBER 1
Suggestion Box
Do you like this newsletter? Do you have any ideas for an employee profile? A great photo?
Email your thoughts and ideas to Jannine Rojo.
Stay Connected