South Bay Engineers' Club
  • Home
  • Meetings
  • Officers
  • Scholarships
  • Sponsors
  • Event Photos

September 3, 2026 Luncheon - Golden Mussels

8/11/2026

 
Picture
Our next luncheon is featuring golden muscles 💪 Sorry... we mean the other kind of mussels 🦪! ​Join us on September 3 to learn why this invasive freshwater species has quickly become one of California's newest infrastructure challenges.

Golden mussels are more than an environmental concern—they are a growing operational threat to California’s water infrastructure. These invasive freshwater mussels can rapidly colonize pipelines, intake structures, pump stations, reservoirs, and treatment facilities, restricting flow, accelerating maintenance needs, and creating costly system disruptions.
​
In this presentation, Diversified Project Services International, Inc. will examine why California waterways and water systems are vulnerable, what early detection and asset-risk planning should look like, and how agencies can move from reactive cleanup to practical prevention. The discussion will connect invasive-species risk to the real-world challenges faced by water owners: protecting reliability, managing compliance, controlling lifecycle costs, and keeping critical water infrastructure operating when it matters most.
Picture


​
​​Jeremy Phillips is a mechanical engineer and water infrastructure consultant based in Bakersfield, California. He specializes in hydraulics, piping systems, and treatment solutions for invasive mussel control in municipal and industrial facilities. Throughout his career, he has partnered with private processors and public agencies on pump stations, conveyance systems, and UV-based mitigation strategies to protect critical water and power infrastructure. Drawing on extensive hands-on project experience, Jeremy provides practical insights and proven approaches that public works professionals, utilities, and engineering contractors can apply as emerging invasive species, including the golden mussel, begin to impact California’s waterways.
Where: The Clubhouse, 4020 Technology Pl Suite 1, Fremont, CA 94538
When: September 3, 2026, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

The standard ticket price for private firm employees is $50. Public agency employees can purchase a ticket for $40. Food and beverage buffet will be provided.
Purchase Standard/Private Firm Ticket
Purchase Public Agency Ticket
Ticket sales will close two days before the event. If ticket sales are closed, please email [email protected] to purchase a ticket. Thanks!

August 6, 2026 Lunch Meeting - The Port of Oakland

7/17/2026

 
Full steam ahead!! Don't miss this chance to hear a presentation from Emilia Sánchez, the Director of Engineering at the Port of Oakland!
Picture
Picture
You'll hear an update on the Port of Oakland’s future plans, including major infrastructure investments, long-term capital projects, and opportunities through the Clean Ports Program. Learn how the Port is preparing for future growth while advancing sustainability and environmental goals.

​Presenter Bio
: Emilia Sánchez

Emilia Sánchez was appointed Director of Engineering at the Port of Oakland in October 2023. She made history at the Port as the first woman and first Latina to hold this position.
Since taking on the role, Emilia has made notable contributions to the Port's operations and sustainability goals. Some accomplishment highlights:
  1. Enhancing Infrastructure: Under her leadership, several infrastructure improvement projects have enhanced operational efficiency and strengthened competitiveness in the global market.
  2. Community Engagement: Sánchez is committed to working closely with local stakeholders, fostering strong relationships with community members, and ensuring their voices are heard and concerns addressed.
  3. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: As a trailblazer for diversity and inclusion, Sánchez has emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives in engineering and management.
  4. Innovative Project Management: Her background in managing large-scale projects has brought innovation to the Port's project management practices, with her ability to lead cross-functional teams and engage stakeholders being key to the successful execution of complex projects.
Sánchez’s impact on the Port of Oakland is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and visionary leadership. She continues to make significant contributions to the engineering field and the Port's mission to transition to a zero-emissions port.
Prior to her current role at the Port, she spent over a decade at Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), where she held various positions, including Group Manager and Project Manager. During her tenure at BART, she led numerous high-impact projects and managed cross-functional teams.
Her career began as an Engineering intern in Transportation Engineering in the City of Oakland, where she gained experience in transportation and the public sector. She also worked for consulting firms and a small woman-owned electrical contractor, further sharpening her engineering and project management skills.
Emilia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Science degree in Construction Management from California State University, East Bay. She is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in California and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Where: The Clubhouse, 4020 Technology Pl Suite 1, Fremont, CA 94538
When: August 6, 2026, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

The standard ticket price for private firm employees is $50. Public agency employees can purchase a ticket for $40. Food and beverage buffet will be provided.
Purchase Standard/Private Firm Ticket
Purchase Public Agency Ticket
Ticket sales will close two days before the event. If ticket sales are closed, please email [email protected] to purchase a ticket. Thanks!

SBEC 2026 SUMMER SOCIAL!

6/8/2026

 
Roll into summer with SBEC! Join us for our annual summer social and play some bocce ball, or just hang out with fellow SBEC members. Your ticket includes bocce ball, appetizers, a drink ticket, and a chance to win fun raffle prizes!

Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Time: 5 - 8pm
Location: The Clubhouse in Fremont (4020 Technology Pl Suite 1, Fremont, CA 94538)

The ticket price is $60. Please use the link below to purchase a ticket. If ticket sales are closed, please email ​[email protected] to purchase a ticket. Thanks!
Register Here!
Picture

June 4, 2026 Lunch Meeting - What Matters Most? Advancements in Surveying Tools and Technology

5/15/2026

 
Come hear from a surveyor's perspective and learn about advancements in surveying tools and technology! 
Picture
Presentation Topic: What Matters Most? Advancements in Surveying Tools and Technology
This presentation offers a focused look into the surveyor’s perspective and how early decisions shape planning, design, and overall project success. Surveying is one of many critical disciplines in our line of work, but it often establishes the framework that supports all other engineering teams, public works agencies and clients alike.
The goal is not to emphasize surveying as paramount, but to highlight how thoughtful survey planning and execution can enable stronger coordination across teams—from RFP review and proposal through fieldwork and final deliverables.
Topics will include the evolution of surveying, advancements in tools and technology, and key implementation considerations such as boundary definition (ROW and property lines), ownership and easements, surface modeling and volumes, elevation and flood zone coordination.
A few representative projects completed by MacKay & Somps will be used to demonstrate how early survey decisions influenced project execution and multidisciplinary success
Picture
​My name is Lenny Martinez. I am a Professional Land Surveyor and owner of Meridian Technical Services (MTS). MTS is a provider of Land Surveying Services and has been a partner of MacKay & Somps since it’s inception in 1983.
 
I started my career as a Fire Direction Controlman for a field artillery battery in the United States Marine Corps. Surveying has a very critical role in the success of field artillery operations. The success that I had in the military guided my interest in pursuing a career in Land Surveying.
 
After my time served in the U.S. military in late 2004, I began my career in the private sector, working for various private companies, primarily in the Bay Area. My career experience has exposed me to many areas of servieying, to include Caltrans right of way surveying, PG&E surveys, bridge and tunnel construction, commercial, institutional and residential construction. Most recently I have spent 10+ years with MacKay & Somps. At MacKay and Somps I’ve been exposed to what I feel is the heart of Surveying, and that is Land Development. We have also diversified to provide surveying and engineering services to many different private clients and public agencies. My past and current experience has brought me great exposure to the industry and I am happy to share some of that with you today. 
**Please note the new venue location in Fremont!!**
Where: The Clubhouse, 4020 Technology Pl Suite 1, Fremont, CA 94538
When: June 4, 2026, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

The standard ticket price for private firm employees is $50. Public agency employees can purchase a ticket for $40. Food and beverage buffet will be provided.
Purchase Standard/Private Firm Ticket
Purchase Public Agency Ticket
Ticket sales will close two days before the event. If ticket sales are closed, please email [email protected] to purchase a ticket. Thanks!

May 7, 2026 Lunch Meeting - Alameda CTC Express Lane Program

4/7/2026

 
Curious to learn more about express lanes? Join us for our May luncheon!
Picture
Presentation Topic: Alameda CTC Express Lane Program
This presentation provides an overview of the Alameda County Transportation Commission’s express lane program and how it is used to improve traffic flow, reliability, and multimodal transportation options throughout Alameda County. The session will cover how express lanes are planned, implemented, and operated, including pricing strategies, corridor selection, and coordination with regional transportation partners. The presenters will also discuss how the program supports transit, carpooling, and overall system efficiency while generating revenue for reinvestment in local transportation improvements.
​

Attendees will gain insight into the benefits and challenges of express lane programs, lessons learned from Alameda County’s implementation, and how similar strategies can be applied to improve mobility and manage congestion in other jurisdictions.
Picture


John Lowery:

John Lowery is the Director of Express Lane Operations at the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC), where he leads the implementation and operation of express lanes and related highway projects on the I‑580 and I‑680 corridors in Alameda County. He is responsible for expanding and upgrading Alameda CTC’s express lanes program, ensuring reliable policies and day‑to‑day operations, and coordinating with regional partners to maintain operational and policy consistency across the network. Prior to joining Alameda CTC, John spent 13 years as a transportation consultant, working with agencies throughout California to plan, implement, and operate tolling and managed lane projects. 

Picture


​Ashley Tam:

Ashley Tam is a Project Manager for Alameda County Transportation Commission with over a decade of experience in the transportation industry. For the last decade, Ashley has been working to plan, deliver, and operate express lane projects in Alameda County, specifically the I-580 and I-680 Express Lanes. She oversees the operations and maintenance of the express lanes, supports regional efforts of coordination, while managing projects to design, test, and implement tolling systems. Ashley is from the Bay Area and received her civil engineering degree at UC Davis. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her kids.


**Please note the new venue location in Fremont!!**
Where: The Clubhouse, 4020 Technology Pl Suite 1, Fremont, CA 94538
When: May 7, 2026, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

The standard ticket price for private firm employees is $45. Public agency employees can purchase a ticket for $30. Food and beverage buffet will be provided.
Purchase Standard/Private Firm Ticket
Purchase Public Ticket
Ticket sales will close two days before the event. If ticket sales are closed, please email [email protected] to purchase a ticket. Thanks!

April 2, 2026 Lunch Meeting - Advanced Data Collection for Sidewalk Repairs

3/6/2026

 
Join us in April to hear a presentation on advanced data collection for sidewalk repairs!
Picture
Presentation Topic: Advanced Data Collection for Sidewalk Repairs
This session highlights how the City of Sunnyvale paired field condition assessments with GIS and strong contractor and agency collaboration to track and triage approximately 5,000+ sidewalk repair locations citywide. Through customized mobile data collection and asset management integration, Sunnyvale created an interactive platform for budgeting, planning, and progress tracking. The data enabled a hybrid approach, combining low‑cost Slicing Repairs and Remove and Replace, streamlining repairs and improving public safety. Learn how public works can replicate this model to cut costs, prioritize repairs, and justify capital funding. The presentation includes workflow examples, data schemas, and maps.
​​
Picture
Sean Smith: 
Sean Smith, Deputy Director of Public Works Operations, City of Sunnyvale: Sean is based in Sunnyvale, California and has more than 18 years of experience in public works and capital project management. He currently is the Deputy Director of Public Works, leading teams responsible for streets, traffic, street lighting, fleet, and facilities, with a focus on delivering reliable municipal services and maintaining critical public infrastructure. Sean emphasizes building strong teams through coaching, clear communication, and collaboration, creating an environment that supports both operational excellence and professional growth. With a background in capital project management, he works to align day-to-day operations with long-term organizational goals and a culture of success. Sean is a graduate and member of the American Public Works Association’s Emerging Leaders Academy.

Picture
Joseph Ortega:
Joseph Ortega is a co-owner of Precision Concrete Cutting and DataWorks with 18 years of experience working with cities and counties to maintain sidewalks and other public right-of-way infrastructure. His work focuses on helping public agencies improve safety, accessibility, and cost-effective infrastructure maintenance.
Joseph is the past President of the APWA Northern California Chapter and the Maintenance Superintendents Association, where he developed a strong passion for supporting Public Works professionals and improving community infrastructure.



**Please note the new venue location in Fremont!!**
Where: The Clubhouse, 4020 Technology Pl Suite 1, Fremont, CA 94538
When: April 2, 2026, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
The standard ticket price is $45. Public agency employees can purchase a ticket for $30. Food and beverage buffet will be provided.
Purchase Standard/Private Firm Ticket
Purchase Public Ticket
If ticket sales are closed, please email [email protected] to purchase a ticket. Thanks!

March 5, 2026 Lunch Meeting - Fusible PVC and Boring Applications with Cooper Salter

2/10/2026

 
Join us in March to hear a presentation on Fusible PVC and Boring Applications!
Picture
Presentation Topic: Innovative Trenchless Solutions in Northern California
This presentation will highlight the full suite of trenchless technologies offered by Underground Solutions, including Fusible PVC, Primus Line, Vylon, WEKO-SEAL, and Terrabrute. We will provide an overview of how these products are used across water and wastewater industries to deliver resilient, cost-effective, and constructible solutions for complex infrastructure challenges.

​
The presentation will also feature a recent emergency project completed for the City of Benicia involving the sliplining of a critical pipeline beneath Interstate 80. With limited access, high consequences of failure, and a hard deadline, the project required critical coordination, rapid mobilization, precise installation, and a trenchless approach that minimized disruption to one of the region’s busiest transportation corridors. We will walk through the engineering considerations, installation process, and lessons learned from this time-sensitive rehabilitation effort.

Attendees will gain practical insight into how trenchless solutions can be deployed in high-risk, high-visibility environments while maintaining system integrity and long-term performance.

Presenter Bios:
Picture
Picture


​Steve Donovan
Steve is based out of the Northern California area and is a Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Oregon. Steve offers a wealth of municipal and trenchless industry experience. Prior to joining UGS, he was a design-build engineer for The HDD Company and additionally has worked nearly 30 years as a municipal engineering consultant for HDR Engineering in Portland, Oregon and also started a branch for SHN Consulting Engineers and Geologists in Coos Bay, Oregon. Steve holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Columbia University and an M.S. in Environmental Engineering from UC Davis.


​



Cooper Salter
Cooper Salter is a Solutions Engineer based in San Francisco, California. Originally from South Carolina, he is a graduate of Clemson University. Prior to joining Underground Solutions (UGS), Cooper built a nationwide construction background delivering complex infrastructure projects across the United States. His experience spans aviation facilities, mixed-use developments, and hyperscale data centers, where he developed a strong foundation in project execution, coordination, and technical problem-solving. Today, Cooper leverages that experience to help consultants, contractors, and owners implement resilient pipeline solutions, with a focus on trenchless methods, across the water, wastewater, and power industries.


Where: Callippe Golf Club House (8500 Clubhouse Dr, Pleasanton, CA 94566)
When: March 5, 2026, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
The standard ticket price is $45. Public agency employees can purchase a ticket for $30. Food and beverage buffet will be provided.
Purchase Standard Ticket - $45
Purchase Public Ticket - $30
Ticket sales will close on March 3 at 5pm. If ticket sales are closed, please email [email protected] to purchase a ticket. Thanks!

February 5, 2026 Lunch Meeting - The Subdivision Map Act Update

1/9/2026

 
One of SBEC's most popular events!! Don't miss this one!
Picture
​Presentation Topic: The Subdivision Map Act
The Subdivision Map Act is a state law that is implemented and enforced by cities and counties as the primary mechanism by which they regulate and control the subdivision of real property in California. The goals of the Map Act are to (i) encourage orderly community development for the benefit of adjacent landowners, prospective purchasers, and the public, (ii) control and regulate the design and construction of improvements, (iii) ensure that the areas dedicated for public purposes will be properly improved by the subdivider so that such areas do not become an undue burden on the taxpayer, and (iv) protect the public from fraud. Matthew Gray will present significant land use legislation and case law to explain how cities and counties will be affected by recent updates to the Subdivision Map Act.
​

Picture
Presenter Bio: Matthew Gray, Perkins Coie
Matt Gray focuses his practice on land use entitlement processing, environmental compliance, and real estate transactions. He represents real estate developers, landowners, and local agencies in all stages of the land use entitlement and development process. He negotiates and secures approval of development agreements, general plan amendments, specific plans, zoning, subdivision approvals, and annexation of property into cities and special districts; regularly appears before planning commissions and city councils; and advises clients on compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and other federal and state regulatory programs during the development process. Matt also has experience negotiating affordable housing agreements, mitigation fee agreements and conservation easements; forming land-based financing mechanisms, including Mello-Roos Districts; advising clients on issues relating to water supply; and using the initiative and referendum process in the land use planning context. Matt negotiates purchase and sale agreements; site development agreements; CC&R's and easement agreements; and related transactional documents in connection with mixed-use, commercial, and residential development projects.
​

Where: Callippe Golf Club House (8500 Clubhouse Dr, Pleasanton, CA 94566)
When: February 5, 2026, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
The standard ticket price is $45. Public agency employees can purchase a ticket for $30. Food and beverage buffet will be provided.
Purchase Standard Ticket - $45
Purchase Public Ticket - $30
Ticket sales will close on February 3 at 5pm.  Please email [email protected] to purchase a ticket. Thanks! 

January 8, 2025 Luncheon - Sustainable Infrastructure

12/23/2025

 
Picture
Picture

Kick off the new year with us and listen to an engaging presentation on sustainable infrastructure!​
​


Alana Guzzetta, PE
National Research Lab Manager
Vulcan Materials Company

Alana Guzzetta is the manager of Vulcan Materials Company’s National Research Laboratory. Located in San Jose, CA, this lab is the company’s research resource for testing and vetting new materials for use in concrete ready-mix. Alana has a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from San Jose State and has worked in the research lab since 2011. Her role also involves collaboration with architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants to develop concrete specifications that are performance-based and incorporate achievable embodied carbon goals.



Picture

Juan Gonzalez

Manager of Strategic Development and Sustainability
Vulcan Materials Company

Juan Gonzalez is Manager of Strategic Development and Sustainability for Vulcan Materials Company. In this role, Juan focuses on the business development around low-carbon concrete strategies, along with devising operational strategies to achieve ZERO waste. Juan collaborates closely with operations, sales and quality assurance and VMC Research Lab to successfully implement project goal. Juan has worked for Vulcan Materials Company Western Division for 11 years and received his Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering from California State University, Chico.

Where: Callippe Golf Club House (8500 Clubhouse Dr, Pleasanton, CA 94566)
When: January 8, 2026 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

The standard ticket price is $45. Public agency employees can purchase a ticket for $30. Food and beverage buffet will be provided.
Purchase Standard Ticket - $45
Purchase Public Ticket - $30

SBEC 2025 Twilight Masquerade Casino Night

10/28/2025

 
Join SBEC for a Twilight Masquerade Casino Night with music, food, drinks, casino games, and great company! Semi-formal attire and masks (the masquerade kind) are encouraged! We will be providing prizes for the casino game winners AND the best dressed individual! Hope to see you there! An evening of mystery awaits...

Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
Time: 5:00 - 8 PM
Location: Callippe Preserve Golf Course in Pleasanton

The standard ticket price is $65. Public agency employees can purchase a ticket for $45. Links to purchase tickets are below. Your ticket includes the casino games, dinner, and a drink ticket.
Purchase Standard Ticket: $65
Purchase Public Ticket: $45
Ticket sales will close on December 9 at 5pm. Please email [email protected] to purchase a ticket. Thanks!
Picture
<<Previous
Website managed by South Bay Engineers' Club
Proudly powered by Weebly