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

Tragic death is a reminder we must do more

Here at Caltrans, we are dedicated to creating, maintaining and constantly improving the state’s vast transportation system. We strive to make that system safe, efficient and, in terms of the environment and technology, forward-looking. This is important work that we all take seriously and can justifiably feel proud in doing. We must not forget, however, that it can be dangerous work.

News

Maintenance worker Quanda McGadney killed on the job

Caltrans is mourning the June 3 death of Quanda McGadney, 51, a landscape maintenance worker for the department. Quanda was killed while working near Lagoon Valley Road on Interstate 80 (I-80) in Solano County. Quanda had served the people of California for more than 18 years and joined Caltrans in 2018. She is survived by her 9-year-old daughter, Nairobi, and her two sisters, Priscilla Stevenson and Candice McGadney.

These Caltrans kids' posters are winners!

Each year, Caltrans holds its annual Highway Safety poster contest. The contest is open to children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews of Caltrans employees, and it gives the children an opportunity to express their messages about the importance of driving safely in or near highway work zones. It also allows them to be part of Caltrans’ educational outreach and life-saving message. 

No-sting operation: Caltrans helps save beehives

As part of a bridge rehabilitation project on State Route 154 near La Colina Road in Santa Barbara, Caltrans field staff discovered a large 8-foot honey-beehive occupying a cavity inside a large highway signpost. Caltrans worked closely with the contractor, C.A. Rasmussen, and the Super Bee Rescue Company to relocate the signpost to a safe place and rescue the bees. 

Stormwater program shakes finger at the shameful six

Water quality affects the everyday lives of Californians who rely on local waterways to live, work and play. As the summer season approaches and drought conditions persist, the Caltrans Stormwater Public Education Program, “Let’s Change This to That,” is working to bring attention to the top six sources of stormwater pollution that affect waterways in each California Water Board region.

Caltrans wins AASHTO for Best Use of Technology & Innovation

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) named the winners and shared this video today of the western region for 2022 America’s Transportation Awards Competition. Caltrans won the “Best Use of Technology & Innovation, Small category” for the 360 Tours Project.

Hats Off

True blue: In District 4, rising to the challenge

"I just want to share with you a photo of the paint work that Caltrans is doing under the bridge. We have a terrible graffiti problem, but today, Caltrans is on top of it. I'm sure I speak for the neighborhood when I thank Caltrans for keeping this up."

District 5 tree crew lauded for prompt, welcome help

“We want to express our sincere gratitude to Caltrans Santa Barbara Area Maintenance Superintendent Aldo Estrada and the Caltrans tree crew for the work done in front of our parents’ home in Santa Barbara. A hit-and-run accident left our 95-year-old mother with extensive structural damage to the property, a gas leak, and debris found four houses away."

Health and Safety

Respecting relationships: Close ones keeps us grounded

Social connections and strong, loving relationships are the strongest predictors of happiness. Close relationships keep us grounded and provide the encouragement and support we need to weather life’s challenges. In fact, research shows that people who are lonely and isolated are more likely to suffer from depression, dementia, heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses. Lonely people may even be at greater risk for an early death.

Service Awards

A list of Caltrans employees who celebrated 25 or 40 years of service, or who received superior accomplishment awards, in April and May.

Retirements

A list of Caltrans employees who retired in April and May.

Obituaries

Michelle Ann Hancock, retired Caltrans worker

Retired Caltrans worker Michelle Ann Hancock, wife of retired Caltrans engineer Steve Hancock, died April 25. She was 65. Michelle went to work for Caltrans in 1986. There, she worked her way up over a long career, retiring in 2017. She had a reputation for connecting people while at Caltrans, a mother hen who was good at taking care of her colleagues.

John Howard Stenzel, retired maintenance supervisor

Retired maintenance supervisor John Howard Stenzel, beloved father and friend, passed away with his daughters by his side on April 30 in Roseville. He was 75. He worked as a Caltrans maintenance supervisor for over 37 years. In winter, he was part of the Echo Summit Avalanche Control team in South Lake Tahoe. In the summer he worked on paving crews.

Donald Wilhelm, retired road supervisor

Retired road supervisor Donald Wilhelm, 81, of Almo, Kentucky, passed away on May 15 at Spring Creek Healthcare. He was 81. Donald proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was a member of Murray Masonic Lodge #105, Royal Order of Eastern Star and Shriner's. After retiring as road supervisor for Caltrans in Ventura, he moved to Murray, Kentucky, to watch his grandchildren grow up.