Meet the BSK Staff: David Tsubota Regional Manager

/in /by

Meet the BSK Staff: David Tsubota, a dedicated member of the BSK team for 33 years. Born and raised in Walnut Creek, California, David began his academic journey at Ygnacio Valley High School and Diablo Valley College, ultimately earning his chemistry degree from Fresno State University in 1991. Throughout his tenure at BSK, David has contributed his expertise to various departments and now works in Technical Services, where he collaborates with analysts to resolve lab issues. Known for his problem-solving skills and teamwork, David continues to be a vital asset to the BSK family.

Meet the BSK StaffInterviewer: Hi David! Can you tell me a little about where you are from. Where is your hometown and where did you go to school?

David: I was born and raised in Walnut Creek, California where I attended Ygnacio Valley High School then Diablo Valley College. I received my chemistry degree from Fresno State University in 1991.

Interviewer: How long have you worked for BSK and what do you do for the organization?

David: I’ve worked for BSK for 33 years. During this time, I’ve been fortunate to have worked in Organics Semivolatiles & Volatiles lab, Wet Chem, Metals department, and Microbiology. Today I work in Technical Services where I work with the analyst to figure out issues that arise in the lab.

Interviewer: What do you enjoy most about your job?

David: Each day brings unique challenges and I enjoy solving these problems with the staff.

Interviewer: Can you tell us your favorite on the job story?

David: Preparing for the move to our new facility was very difficult and we went through some very challenging times. When the move happened, I was amazed to see how all the lab personnel came together and worked as a team. I was proud to see the staff work cohesively and execute the moving plans and problem solve issues along the way. Adversity brought us together and we are a stronger team because we persevered together.

Interviewer: Thank you so much for answering all these questions today. Can we leave off by you relaying some fun facts about yourself?

David: Fishing is an escape for me and recently I’ve been introduced to bass fishing from a float tube. The best bass fishing is when it’s very hot so now I look forward to the heat of Fresno. What I do for “excitement” is to give my oldest daughter driving lessons. I can now appreciate what my dad had to endure teaching all eight of his kids how to drive. No wonder why he had high blood pressure!

 

Looking to learn more about BSK Associates Geoprofessional and Analytical Services, check our website and connect with us to see how we can help you.  www.bskassociates.com/ 

BSK Associates Awarded New Contract with SSUSD

/in , , , , , , , , , /by

BSK Associates Awarded New Contract with SSUSD

BSK Associates is thrilled to announce our latest project awarded by the Sierra Sands Unified School District (SSUSD). Our team has been selected to conduct a fault hazard investigation for the proposed Vieweg Elementary School site. This critical study aims to ensure the safety and stability of the new school by thoroughly examining a potential active fault zone on the property.

Meet the Team

At BSK Associates, we are committed to the highest standards of safety and precision. Our experienced team, led by some of the most esteemed professionals in the field, will manage this project with meticulous care.

Leading the project will be Adam Terronez, PE, GE, serving as the lead Geotechnical Engineer. With extensive experience in Geotechnical Engineering and a deep understanding of seismic safety, Adam brings invaluable expertise to this initiative. Supporting him are Michael Romero and Neil McConnell, our lead Certified Engineering Geologists, who will be instrumental in conducting the fault trenching investigation. We would also like to thank BSK’s Tony Martin and Kevin Grove that are providing environmental assessment for the property and oversight for the investigation

Additionally, Omar Khan played a crucial role in preparing our winning proposal, ensuring that BSK’s qualifications and dedication to excellence were highlighted. His efforts have paved the way for our team to contribute significantly to the safety and development of the new school site.

Commitment to the Community

BSK Associates has a long-standing relationship with SSUSD, and we are honored to continue our partnership by providing essential services that contribute to the district’s growth and safety. Some notable prior projects with SSUSD including:

  • Richmond Elementary School: BSK provided Geotechnical Engineering, Geologic/Seismic Hazards Assessment, and Construction Materials Testing Services for the new Richmond Elementary School Campus that is currently under construction.
  • Murray Middle School Campus: BSK provided Geotechnical Engineering, Geologic/Seismic Hazards Assessment, Fault Trenching Investigation, Environmental Assessments and Construction Materials Testing Services.
  • Burrough High School Modernization: BSK has proudly contributed to the modernization of Burrough High School by providing comprehensive Geotechnical Engineering, Geologic/Seismic Hazards Assessment, and Construction Materials Testing Services.
  • At Faller Elementary School, we recently delivered Construction Materials and Special Inspection Services for the installation of a new 60-foot tower, playground remodel, and new shade structures. Our team is also actively engaged in Construction Materials Testing and Special Inspection Services for the new Transitional Kindergarten (TK) buildings at both Faller Elementary School and Las Flores Elementary School.
  • Additionally, we have successfully completed Construction Materials Testing and Special Inspection Services for relocatable classrooms, ADA improvements, and shade structures at Vieweg Elementary School, Pierce Elementary School, Richmond Elementary School, Gateway Elementary School, and James Monroe Middle School. Santiago Espinoza leads these projects as BSK’s dedicated project manager.

The proposed Vieweg Elementary School is a significant development for the community, and we are dedicated to ensuring its foundation is secure and resilient.

“We are very excited about this opportunity to serve Sierra Sands Unified School District on another great facility that will serve students, faculty, staff, and the Ridgecrest community,” says Adam Terronez, PE, GE, Bakersfield Branch Manager.

Thank you SSUSD for your continued support and trust in BSK Associates. Together, we are building a safer and stronger future for our communities.

 

Looking to learn more about BSK Associates Geoprofessional and Analytical Services, check our website and connect with us to see how we can help you.  www.bskassociates.com/ 

Meet the Staff: Carmen Chacon Office Manager

/in /by

Meet The Staff: Carmen is a dedicated and enthusiastic Office Manager at BSK Associates. Born in Fresno, CA, Carmen has a rich history with BSK, starting as a temp-to-hire in December 2014. Carmen thrives on the variety her role offers and values the connections she builds with colleagues, clients, and vendors. Outside of work, she enjoys painting, crocheting, playing the piano, and has a love for travel and history. Join us as we learn more about Carmen’s journey, her contributions to BSK, and some fun personal anecdotes that highlight her vibrant personality.

Interviewer: Hi Carmen! Can you tell me a little about where you are from. Where is your hometown and where did you go to school?

Carmen: I was born in Fresno, CA but I have lived in Huron and Kerman for a short period of my childhood, as my father at the time did field labor work laying irrigation pipe out in the vast fields in what I call la-la land (middle of nowhere).  You moved to where the work was at those times; eventually the family was situated in Fresno for good.  Anytime I see corn fields, I reminisce of my childhood as one of the houses I grew up in, in Kerman, was right next to a corn field.  I went to Turner Elementary School, Kings Canyon Junior High School, Roosevelt High School (Rough Rider), Fresno City College and Clovis Community College.

Interviewer: How long have you worked for BSK and what do you do for the organization?

Carmen: I started as a “temp-to-hire” in December 2014 and became a permanent full-time employee on March 25, 2015; I’m on my tenth year with BSK. Woo-hoo!  I came on board as the Office Administrator for the Fresno Engineering Department and was promoted to Office Manager in February 2023.  I’m responsible for supporting the Fresno ENV, GEO, CSD and CORPORATE departments and the other BSK locations when needed.  I assist with the finalizing of reports, proposals, and other documents as needed, provide customer service support, provide field staff with project documents, accounts payable, process vendor invoices, supply maintenance, fleet management and much more…  I serve as a resource to senior managers and project managers in administering project activities as needed.  All-in-all…I manage the Fresno office to make sure it runs smoothly not just for myself, but for everyone involved!

Interviewer: What do you enjoy most about your job?

Carmen: I love the variety this position offers me, there’s never a dull moment.  I’m a people person, I enjoy working with the staff, vendors and clients whether it be in person or on the phone.  Most of all, I get more joy of knowing I can help a fellow co-worker get through their project in a day’s work.  I also enjoy getting to know all our clients and vendors not only on a business level but personal level as well.  I always make an effort to learn their names, as working with people on a “first name” basis; makes a world of difference.

Interviewer: Can you tell us your favorite on the job story?

Carmen: I would have to say arranging the office move from our Locust address to Laverne.  Grant it… I didn’t do it alone, but it was quite a challenge, and I am very proud to have had a part of that transition.

Interviewer: Thank you so much for answering all these questions today. Can we leave off by you relaying some fun facts about yourself?

Carmen: I will be celebrating my 40th year anniversary in June with my husband Raul. I have two children, my son Anthony, and my daughter Marie.   I love being a grandmother, I have four grandchildren.  I love many forms of art (i.e. painting, crocheting, crafting, movie theaters, museums, history and piano).  I’ve travelled to Costa Rica where my husband is from and Italy (Rome & Venice), which was the trip of a lifetime, there is so much history there.  I took eight years of piano lessons all the way up to my college years.  I’m going to date myself, I took 6 years of shorthand, which I still use today and enjoy.  When people see me writing in shorthand, they think I’m writing in some form of Arabic…it’s like a second language to me.

 

Looking to learn more about BSK Associates Geoprofessional and Analytical Services, check our website and connect with us to see how we can help you.  www.bskassociates.com/