Click here for a one-webpage version of all the stories in this column, in their complete form. (Service Awards and Retirements are not included.)
Director’s Corner
Be aware: We need you to complete cybersecurity training!
Greetings, Caltrans family. I would like to remind you about something you need to do by Oct. 31: complete the 2024 Annual Cybersecurity Awareness Training. As you probably know, cybersecurity threats are increasingly sophisticated and frequent. Our safety depends on our ability to stay informed and take preventative action. This latest cyber training will equip you with the knowledge to protect your computer account, credentials and the enterprise network from malicious emails, texts, phone calls and websites.
News
Project inspired by visually impaired Angels Camp student
Construction on a complete streets project that will install audible pedestrian signals and upgrade sidewalks and curb ramps along a two-mile stretch of State Route 49 in Angels Camp is slated to begin in early 2025. But 14-year-old Ryder Sitch, who is blind, needed solutions before he began his freshman year at Bret Harte Union High School on Aug. 13.
District 9 Maintenance has new deputy director
Bryan Winzenread is District 9’s new deputy district director of Maintenance and Operations. He transferred into this position after working in District 9 as its deputy district director of Project Management, then Engineering, for the last 18 years. efore joining Caltrans District 9 in 1998, Bryan worked in the private sector at a structural engineering firm.
District 10 celebrates equity, diversity and inclusion through art
District 10’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force came up with a brilliant idea to engage the community by creating the first Celebrate Diversity in Stockton mural contest. The contest’s winners, Natalie Liana Ochoa and Alexander Escalante, both St. Mary’s High School graduates, now adorn the northeast corner of District 10’s main office in Stockton.
District 7 mural projects’ artists, Part 1
“South Central Strong” (Colden Avenue and Flower Street): Moses Ball is a resident of South Central L.A. who wanted to create something that recognized one of the communities’ most heart wrenching problems, while inspiring us as a whole. He describes the images in his artwork.
District 7 mural projects’ artists, Part 2
"Jazz on the Field" (43rd Street and Grand Avenue): Angel Guznay talks about his artwork: “I am thrilled to unveil this mural, a creation that embodies my eagerness to reside within and make a meaningful impact on the community. My inspiration lies in sharing art with the young minds of Los Angeles County. This mural concept celebrates the rich cultural heritage of The Wrigley Field history.”
District 7 mural projects’ artists, Part 3
"Safe Travels" (43rd Street and Flower Street): An immigrant artist from Manila, Philippines, Bodeck Luna creates pieces that explore the relationship between nostalgia, social empowerment, and decolonization. His background in street art heavily influences his art. Bodeck showcases paintings, murals and curates other artists’ pieces in pop-up art shows throughout the city.
Health and Safety
Caught up in a rut? How to get unstuck
Escaping a rut often requires self-reflection, a change in perspective and a willingness to envision a rewarding future. Everyone gets “stuck” in a rut sometimes. Markers of a rut can include feelings of boredom, along with an absence of motivation, excitement and fulfillment. The EAP offers tips to help you get unstuck.
Who’s New
Kim Trinh, personnel liaison in IT HR/Admin Services
Kim Trinh is the new personnel liaison in the Information Technology office of Human Resources and Administrative Services in the Project and Business Management Division. Kim came to IT from California Correctional Health Care Services as an executive recruitment analyst, where she served as a technical expert in the areas of classification and pay, examinations, and transactions.
Service Awards
A list of Caltrans employees who celebrated 25 or 40 years of service, or who received superior accomplishment awards, in August and September.
Retirements
A list of Caltrans employees who retired in August and September.
Obituaries
Brad Mettam, retired District 1 executive
Retired District 1 executive Brad Mettam died in Eureka on Aug. 6. He was 71. He and his wife, Diane, moved as their jobs demanded, living in San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, South Lake Tahoe, Dyer, Nevada and Bishop before finally relocating in Eureka, where Brad was the deputy district director for Planning and Local Assistance with Caltrans.
DOT Shots
What's new with Caltrans? In the spirit that one picture is worth 1,000 words, CT News presents a crowded gallery of photographs taken by, of and about our colleagues and the work they do. Check out the photographs and marvel at all the implied stories they tell!
Contacts
Reed Parsell, Editor, Caltrans News
Matt Rocco, Deputy Director, Public Affairs
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