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The California Asphalt Pavement Association
Vol. 18, Issue 25 || June 23, 2025
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Dear Russell,
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 subscribe to the newsletter click HERE. To provide feedback or story ideas click HERE. Having difficulty viewing this newsletter? View as Webpage
| | Special Report: Asphalt leaders gather in Lake Tahoe to chart industry's future | | |
There was talk of asphalt industry economic forecasts, technical and regulatory difficulties, and workforce challenges and more than a few successes. There was also ample time for networking and fun. The second annual CalAPA "Summit at the Summit" Executive Leadership Forum, held last week at Lake Tahoe, had something for everyone.
Designed for busy c-suite executives and others, the program included an all-star lineup of speakers, including incoming Contractor State License Board Chair Miguel Galarza, president of Yerba Buena Engineering & Construction, and Kiana Valentine, executive director of Transportation California, a pro-infrastructure group supported by CalAPA.
Economist Chrystal Howard, owner of Crystal Waters Consulting and co-author of CalAPA's annual Asphalt Market Forecast for California, provided a mid-year update that cut through a myriad of conflicting data points to reveal a clear trend for asphalt demand in the months and years ahead.
Mike Skinner, newly minted executive director of the Asphalt Pavement Alliance, a national marketing consortium supported by CalAPA, addressed the competitive environment and provided a national perspective.
Among the emerging threats highlighted during the conference was outlined in stark relief by Mark Nechodom, senior director for science & technology with the Western States Petroleum Association. He unveiled the results of an exhaustive study that concluded California is heading toward an energy crisis due to vulnerabilities in the state's energy supply chain and infrastructure.
Valentine (pictured at right), representing Transportation California, brought credibility built on experience of participating in statewide and regional advocacy campaigns to support prudent investments in transportation infrastructure, including SB1, the $50 billion Road Repair & Accountability Act of 2017. Transportation California is conducting polling and meeting with focus groups to develop a strategy to address declining fuel-tax revenue devoted to transportation.
An admitted "policy wonk" and chronic worrier about the future of transportation funding, Valentine nevertheless outlined a solid plan to build support for transitioning from a fuel-tax model that has served the state for a century to some other system that will ensure that all those who use the transportation system will be treated fairly to ensure its upkeep.
Galarza provided an inspiring talk about his journey from apprentice carpenter to award-winning construction company owner, and how mentoring helped him along the way. He's now giving back by mentoring others. An in-depth profile of Galarza appeared in a a previous issue of "California Asphalt," the official magazine of CalAPA, and can be viewed on-line HERE.
Other presentations delivered during the member-only event included updates on the CalAPA's newly formed charity, the California Asphalt Research & Education (CARE) Foundation, which has a workforce-centric mission, and inspiring activities by the indefatigable Women of Asphalt California Branch volunteers. CalAPA 2025 Chairman Scott Metcalf with Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions opened the forum with welcoming remarks, and sported an AC/DC hat, which he said stands for "Asphalt Concrete, Done Correctly." Vice Chair Frank Costa with Martin Marietta also opened Day 2 of the forum with a recounting of the great cookie caper that took place during the welcome reception.
A "Power Policy Panel" included leaders from CalAPA's highway effective policy committees: Scott Taylor with Taylor Environmental Services, and Scott Cohen with Sespe Consulting, co-chairs of the CalAPA Environmental Committee; Legislative Committee Chairman Steve Ward with Pavement Recycling Systems; Brian Handshoe, president of Kenco Engineering and chairman of the CalAPA Political Action Committee; and Phil Reader with the Reed Family Companies, who is active on the CalAPA Technical Advisory Committee as well as the Caltrans-industry Pavement & Materials Partnering Committee. Ward and Reader are also members of the CalAPA Board of Directors. A meeting of the CalAPA Board of Directors was held in conjunction with the event.
The common theme throughout the panel discussion and other presentations was the importance of constant vigilance to advance industry interests and protect it from harm, something that has been central to CalAPA's mission since its founding in 1953.
The family-friendly event also included ample time for recreation, including a golf tournament at the Incline Village Championship Golf Course, karaoke and a gourmet dinner with entertainment provided by comic Gina Stahl-Haven of "America's Got Talent" fame. Her ability to find humor in asphalt pavements kept the dinner crowd in stitches. Not convinced? Click HERE for a brief clip.
Cathrina Dmytrow kicked off the karaoke after-party, which surprised and amused attendees as much for singing bravery as well as surprising song selections (Scott Cohen rapping to Tone Loc?. Yes, that really happened.)
All registered attendees of the event were sent electronic copies of PowerPoint presentations delivered at the event, as well as other reference material.
Special thanks go out to the event sponsors: Albina Asphalt, CRH, Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions, Kenco Engineering, Inc., Martin Marietta, Mercer-Fraser Company, Pavement Recycling Systems, Sully-Miller Contracting Company, and Valero. More photos from the event are posted on CalAPA's various social media feeds.
| | Miguel Galarza, president of Yerba Buena Engineering & Construction and chairman-elect of the Contractors State License Board, addressed the "Summit" audience about workforce issues and mentoring. | | Comic Gina Stahl-Haven provided the dinnertime entertainment, and even managed to work asphalt into her act. | | CalAPA Vice Chairman Frank Costa with Martin Marietta poses a question during a policy panel discussion. | | Economist Crystal Howard with Crystal Waters Consulting, provided a mid-year update to CalAPA's exclusive asphalt market forecast for California. | | The Summit provided ample opportunities for "power networking." Pictured, from left: Robert Jarvis with Century Paving (and a CalAPA board member), Patrick Plumer with Tahoe Asphalt, Bo Ragan and Allison Ragan with Black Diamond Asphalt. | | Kevin Jeffers with Albina Asphalt and a CalAPA Board Member, participated at the "Summit" golf tournament held June 17 at the scenic Incline Village Championship Golf Course. | | Dina A. El-Tawansy appointed Caltrans director | | |
Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Dina A. El-Tawansy to be director of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), it was announced last week. She is currently the District 4 director, which covers the San Francisco Bay Area. She replaces Tony Tavares, who resigned last month to become executive director of the Alameda County Transportation Commission.
The June 18 announcement from the governor's office is HERE. In an internal Caltrans e-mail announcement sent the same day by acting Caltrans Director Mike Keever, he said he was "pleased to announce the appointment of the Caltrans director, my colleague and friend, Dina A. El-Tawansy." He noted her appointment is effective July 1.
El-Tawansy has worked for the department for 27 years, and in recent years has held leadership posts in three districts and multiple divisions. She currently holds to top job at Caltrans District 4, the first woman to hold that regional post. Her responsibilities include overseeing all highways, toll bridges and tunnels in the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area, which incudes the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma. She previously served as chief deputy district director for the district. The district oversees a $2 billion budget and has a staff of 3,400.
Of note to the asphalt pavement industry, El-Tawansy was in district leadership when Caltrans constructed a Long-life (perpetual) Asphalt Pavement project on Interstate 80 in Solano County, building on research conducted by the University of California Pavement Research Center at UC Davis and UC Berkeley. The pavement is designed to last 40 years or more with minimal maintenance. Another District 4 freeway, a stretch of 880 In Alameda County, also qualified for national recognition for its perpetual-pavement design.
El-Tawansy has also served as acting assistant division chief for Project and Program Management in Headquarters, and deputy district director for Traffic Operations and Maintenance for District 12 in Orange County.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona, and a Masters Degree from Long Beach State University in Construction Management. In addition to being a licensed civil engineer, she also is a Project Management Professional (PMP).
Contacted via e-mail by Asphalt Insider, El-Tawansy wrote, "I am deeply committed to advancing multimodal transportation solutions across the state of California through strong partnerships and with a clear focus on the people we serve. By working collaboratively across agencies, communities, and industries, we can build a transportation system that is inclusive, resilient, and truly responsive to the diverse needs of all Californians."
She added at the end of her note, "I look forward to continue to strengthen the partnership between Caltrans and CalAPA!"
Reacting to the news, Tavares, who previously held the top job in District 4 before being appointed Caltrans Director in 2022, told Asphalt Insider: "Dina El-Tawansy's appointment as Caltrans director is a tremendous milestone for California's transportation future. Dina brings not only deep experience and a commitment to innovation and equity, but also a proven track record of collaboration and partnership with communities, local agencies, industry, and all stakeholders. I have full confidence that under her leadership Caltrans will continue to deliver transformative projects that serve all Californians."
Editor's Note: An exclusive interview with Tony Tavares will appear in the next issue of "California Asphalt," the official CalAPA magazine, which is due to arrive in mailboxes later this month.
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CalAPA supports CSU Chico Summer asphalt workshop for promising students | |
CalAPA and CalAPA member companies sponsored and provided content for the fifth annual summer workshop on asphalt technology held last week at California State University, Chico.
The asphalt workshop consisted of technical lectures on state-of-the-practice of asphalt technology, pavement materials, materials testing and pavement preservation technology, and attracted students from across California as well as other states. A flier about this year's program is HERE.
Dr. Kun Zhang thanked the primary sponsor, the American Public Works Association, as well as local sponsors CalAPA, MCK Services, Knife River, City of Chico, Ingevity, Dokken Engineering, and the AAPT chapter at the University of Nevada, Reno.
"Workshop attendees completed a total of 10 tests on aggregates, asphalt binders, and asphalt mixtures in three days," Zhang said. "We patched five potholes using a pothole patching mix developed at Chico State, using 100% RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement) and used cooking oil. We also had an asphalt plant tour in Chico hosted by Knife River Construction."
CalAPA Technical Director Brandon Milar, P.E. (pictured), delivered a presentation at the workshop on asphalt mix design, and Mimi Le with MCK Services and a member of the Board of Trustees of CalAPA's charity, the California Asphalt Research & Education (CARE) Foundation, delivered a presentation on Women of Asphalt California Branch activities, as well as asphalt recycling technologies.
"I was thrilled to see Dr. Kun Zhang put together such an outstanding program for young professionals and students," Le told Asphalt Insider. "I was especially surprised and impressed to see a high school student from Chico participating. We also had a number of students express interest in the asphalt engineering competition we are developing, which was great to see."
Le said one student, a Chico mechanics major, expressed interest after the workshop in possibly changing majors to civil engineering to pursue that career path.
Students who attended the workshop hailed from Chico as well as UC Davis, Yuba Community College, California State University, Northridge, Butte-Glenn Community College, Cal Poly Pomona, CSU Chico and Chico High School. Other attendees hailed from outside California included students from Washington State University and the University of Nevada, Reno.
The workshop will be held again next summer, Zhang says. For those interested in participating, they can contact Zhang at: kzhang2@csuchico.edu .
| | Mimi Le with MCK Services delivers a presentation at the CSU Chico asphalt workshop. Photos courtesy of CSU Chico and CalAPA. | | Mason Richardson with Knife River conducts a tour of the company's Chico asphalt plant as part of the CSU Chico summer asphalt workshop. | | CSU Chico Professor Dr. Kun Zhang, right, demonstrates a test to determine fine aggregate angularity during the CSU Chico summer asphalt workshop. Also pictured: Josdado Romero from UC Davis (left) and Lilianne Tao from Chico High School. | |
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Each week we highlight a word, acronym or other term commonly used in the asphalt pavement industry in California.
BLEEDING: Movement of binder through the bituminous pavement to create a layer of binder on the surface. The bleeding creates a shiny black surface that may be tacky to the touch, especially at high temperatures. Bleeding is often found in the wheel paths on curves and in climbing lanes.
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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.
COMPACTION / DENSITY: The plans and specifications should specify how density is tested. The
inspector needs to monitor the specified compaction density with a gauge to ensure that final target
densities are achieved. Regular visual inspection of the mat during compaction is also required: look
for segregation, indentations, properly sealed joints, and under-compacted areas.
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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. A recent CalAPA magazine story on the topic is HERE.
ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATIONS: Details of a product's environmental
performance during its lifecycle. The NAPA "Emerald Eco-Label" EPD program has been a
recognized tool for developing EPDs for the asphalt pavement industry. More information on that
program can be found HERE. A recent issue of CalAPA's California Asphalt magazine devoted to
the topic is HERE.
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Caltrans Statewide Crude Oil Price Index | |
Editor's Note: As a convenience to our readers, Asphalt Insider reports the most current Caltrans "Statewide Crude Oil Price Index" posting. The department posts this monthly on its public website HERE. The index is used to calculate payment adjustments for paving asphalt under special provisions section "Payment Adjustments for Price Index Fluctuations" in those projects containing the section. The department posts the index on or about the first business day of the month using the daily Brent crude oil prices from the previous month as reported by Business Insider. Inquiries about the index should be directed to Caltrans at: Oil.Index@dot.ca.gov .
June 2025: $344.7 ($/ton)
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"Always remember that the future comes one day at a time."
– Dean Acheson
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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, people, events and trends in California that is of interest to the asphalt pavement industry and our various agency partners. To subscribe to the newsletter, click HERE. For comments, questions or to suggest a story idea, click HERE. We are committed to promptly notifying our readers of any errors in this publication. Please click on the comment link above to alert the editor of any errors or omissions.
Sincerely,
Russell W. Snyder, CAE
Executive Director
The 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 © 2025 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. | | | | |
