All-in-one version

Director’s Corner

Looking back and, as always, to the future as well

Reflect and intent. Those are two themes that dominate this time of year. Here at Caltrans, we are proud of all we accomplished in 2023 (video), and are focused on what we can achieve in 2024.

Twelve months ago, a series of storms pummeled our entire state, causing widespread damage to our transportation system. Fully 2,500 of our employees (314 road crews) responded to the mighty challenge. In a time that required one of our greatest and boldest efforts, Caltrans crews bravely overcame the storms’ brutal elements to safely restore order on our roads and highways.

In April, Caltrans released its Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2024, which addresses our aspirational goal of zero fatal and serious injury crashes by 2050Throughout the year, Caltrans and its partners continued their transformative Clean California efforts and made significant progress on the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative.

In July, we marked the 50th anniversary of the Caltrans’ formation. That milestone provided us with an opportunity to emphasize that today, the department’s innovation-infused work is guided by its mutually reinforcing Core Four foundational principles of Safety, Equity, Climate Action, and Economic Prosperity. The first of those principles was reflected in August when Headquarters’ Division of Safety Programs team won the 2023 American Association of Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) President’s Transportation Award for Safety.

Learn about some of Caltrans’ later 2023 accomplishments in this issue of CT News, including our support for Maui’s fire recovery, heroic actions by two District 10 workers, and our rapid response to a freeway closure in Los Angeles.

Looking ahead to 2024, Caltrans has far too many plans to mention in this one column. I will discuss many of those plans in future correspondence and presentations throughout the year. Spoiler alert: Plenty of what I have to say and what we have to accomplish is related to climate change, whose impact on transportation is increasingly felt in California and on the planet.

Last year, Caltrans issued a call for Carbon Reduction Program funds for managed lanes projects. This is part of the historic federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that is focused on reducing planet warming pollution, reducing impacts on adjacent communities, and generating revenue that can be reinvested in transit. Related to that, we intend to recommend a priority project list to the California Transportation Commission in early 2024.

Caltrans has supported many municipalities in their climate planning work with the SB1 Adaptation Planning Grants. These grants have supported innovative projects in their communities, such as high school students creating YouTube videos to weigh in on Alameda City’s Climate Action and Resiliency Plan.

California’s share of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program will support 270 fast chargers (150 kW+) at 26 sites in the state. Funding will ensure there are at least four fast chargers every 50 miles along the project corridors and no more than one mile from the corridor.

So much to reflect on, so much to plan for … and so much to be thankful for as we enter 2024. Happy New Year, everyone. Keep healthy and, as always, stay safe. 

News

Maui fire-recovery efforts get Caltrans boost

By Myles Cochrane
District 1 public information officer

In the wake of the devastating wildfires that saw a federally declared disaster in Maui, Caltrans District 1 played a crucial role in aiding the County of Maui’s recovery efforts. Contributing to this mission was none other than our own chief of advance planning and local assistance, Talitha Hodgson.

Ten dedicated Safety Assessment Program (SAP) certified personnel were called upon to evaluate approximately 2,000 structures within the fire-ravaged city of Lahaina. This deployment presented a unique challenge as assembling enough SAP-certified volunteers is often a daunting task due to demanding schedules and the timing of emergencies. Nevertheless, Hodgson, along with a group of dedicated Caltrans employees, rose to the occasion.

As the team mobilized, Hodgson found herself on standby, ready to step in if needed. Ultimately, she became an integral part of the final nine-member team, a diverse group of supervisors and engineers, all possessing a wealth of experience in structures, construction, safety and emergency response.

For the majority of the team, this deployment spanned two weeks. However, two Caltrans engineers extended their stay an additional week to lead a small group of volunteer architects and county personnel in completing assessments. Amidst limited available accommodations due to displaced residents, the team was stationed in west Maui, about a half-hour drive from the disaster site and Disaster Recovery Center.

The workdays were demanding, commencing at 6:30 in the morning and concluding at 5:30 p.m. Hodgson emphasized that SAP deployments leave no room for breaks or weekends off, a testament to the urgency of getting residents back into their homes.

Their assessment process involved a meticulous inspection of — again — more than 2,000 structures, each receiving a placard indicating its status: green (inspected), yellow (restricted use), or red (unsafe). Alongside these placards, detailed documentation and photographs were logged into a GIS database for agencies, including Cal OES, to access and review.

By the end of the deployment, 2,486 buildings were assessed, with 1,694 marked as Unsafe and 23 under Restricted Use. The team’s efforts culminated in 769 dwellings being approved for residents to return home, a significant milestone in the recovery process.

In addition to the wildfire response in Maui, Hodgson was also deployed to Rio Dell for the earthquakes in January, underscoring her commitment to helping communities in need. Her presence brought not only technical expertise but also a reassuring presence for those still reeling from the shock of disaster.

Despite the challenges, Hodgson and her team forged connections with local responders, including the Maui Humane Society, extending their support beyond the structural assessments. Many were touched by their efforts to reunite families with their missing pets and connect residents with vital resources.

Reflecting on the experience, Hodgson affirmed her readiness to deploy again, highlighting the critical importance of swiftly restoring people to their homes. She praised the exceptional dedication of SAP volunteers, emphasizing their genuine care for the communities they serve.

Together, Caltrans District 1 stands as a beacon of hope and support, exemplified by leaders like Hodgson, whose unwavering commitment to service leaves an indelible mark on the communities we serve. We salute her and her team for their outstanding contributions in the face of adversity.

District 10 maintenance duo honored for fire heroics

By Bob Highfill
District 10 public information officer

Not a day passes when Caltrans doesn’t prove its steadfast commitment to putting people first.

Heroic actions Caltrans workers perform in the field every single day often go unnoticed by the public. However, the swift and selfless efforts of Paul Brager and Mike Quinones from the Caltrans District 10 Pine Grove Maintenance Station were far too impressive to ignore.

On Aug. 23, Brager and Quinones were riding in a Caltrans truck when they noticed flames and smoke along State Route 88 near Eggiman Lane in Jackson.

They immediately drove toward the scene to see what was happening. There, they saw that a stack of pallets was ablaze near a building. Quinones found a garden hose on the site and sprayed water on the raging flames.

Meanwhile, Brager phoned the fire department. Then, a vehicle with two passengers pulled up. They arrived to rescue a horse on the property. The driver got out of the vehicle to tend to the horse. Brager sensed the passenger was somewhat panicked. The fire was hot and heading rapidly toward the vehicle. Concerned for the passenger’s safety, Brager hopped into the driver’s seat and drove the vehicle out of harm’s way, much to the relief of the passenger.

Fire personnel quickly arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire, which hopped Eggiman Lane onto an adjoining field. There was damage to a building and some 100 to 200 pallets. But the horse, the motorists, the fire department team and two intrepid Caltrans workers were safe and sound.

The brave men and women with the Amador Fire Department know better than anyone the sacrifice Brager and Quinones made in the face of danger, and they showed their appreciation by honoring both men during the department’s board of directors meeting on Dec. 6 at the Amador County Office in Jackson.

Said Ashley Anaya, Prevention Officer with the Amador Fire Protection District, “Amador Fire appreciates the heroic and selfless acts these gentlemen displayed on Aug. 23, as they attempted to put out the pallet fire and help those in its path to safety.”

Brager, an Equipment Operator II, has been with Caltrans District 10 since June 1. Previously, he worked as a heavy tow truck recovery operator and as an emergency medical technician and engineer for the volunteer fire department in Mace Meadows.

When confronted with the situation in Jackson, Brager’s instincts and experience took over.

“It’s just something I do naturally,” Brager said. “That’s just the training I’ve had in the past. I always try to help when I can.”

Quinones, also an Equipment Operator II, is a private person and declined to comment for this article. Rest assured, his and Brager’s dedication to the public exemplify Caltrans’ mission to serve the traveling public and all Californians.

Construction chief saluted as ‘VIP of the Year’

By the Southern California Contractors Association

Caltrans’ chief of the Division of Construction, Ramon “Ray” Hopkins, recently was honored by the Southern California Contractors Association.

SCCA, the region’s leading member-driven, nonprofit association for union contractors, included Hopkins as a recipient in the organization’s 2023 President’s Gala awards program.

The program recognizes people and organizations that have made significant contributions to the industry and their communities while inspiring innovation in their respective fields. Winners received their awards at SCCA’s annual President’s Gala on Nov. 4 at the coastal Waterfront Hotel in Huntington Beach.

“Safe, effective highways, roads and bridges are critical to California’s economy and car-centric culture,” said Charlie Nobles, executive director of the SCCA. “This year’s winners all made critical contributions in the heavy civil construction segment responsible for this infrastructure, something we should never take for granted.”

Hopkins was celebrated as “VIP of the Year.” In his role overseeing highway construction throughout California, Ray has earned a reputation for fairness, honesty and steadfast advocacy of communication and transparency within the construction industry.

Ames Construction was recognized as “Contractor of the Year” for its numerous contributions on critical transportation infrastructure projects throughout Southern California, including work to add express lanes on Interstate 15 in Riverside as well as major rail projects on the Perris Valley Line and Union Pacific Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal.

SCCA’s “Industry Partner of the Year” was presented to Rebuild SoCal for its work supporting statewide infrastructure projects and developing transportation education efforts in Southern California.

Hopkins was celebrated as “VIP of the Year.” In his role overseeing highway construction throughout California, Ray has earned a reputation for fairness, honesty and steadfast advocacy of communication and transparency within the construction industry.

Finally, California State Assemblyman Tom Lackey was honored with the “Ed Kalish Legislator of the Year” award for his unwavering support of the heavy civil construction community and advocacy for both businesses and labor alike.

“It’s a massive and expensive task to build and maintain the transportation system that we all rely upon,” said John Gasparo, president of the SCCA board of directors and director of Security Paving, Westlake Village, Calif. “The individuals and companies we’ve recognized all made an outsized positive impact to southern California’s transportation infrastructure. We’re delighted to share our appreciation of their accomplishments with the construction industry and the public.”

Here is how the SCCA described Hopkins in its awards presentation:

“In 1992, Ramon (Ray) Hopkins graduated from the University of Arizona and began his engineering career in the United States Marine Corps as a Combat Engineer Officer. He joined Caltrans in 1998 as a Design Engineer. Soon after, he transferred to Construction and began working as a Resident Engineer and later as a Construction Engineer.

“In December 2020, Ray was selected as the Chief, Division of Construction, for the California Department of Transportation. In this role he is responsible for providing statewide policies, procedures, and guidance for highway construction throughout California. He leads the HQ Construction team in support of roughly $13.5-Billion dollars of ongoing construction projects on the State Highway System.

“In addition to his duties as Division Chief of Construction overseeing highway construction throughout the state of California, Ray is on a mission to make Caltrans the agency of choice for contractors. He has advocated for open lines of communication between the industry and Caltrans providing support for transparency and progress.”

Caltrans, partners rise to a challenge in L.A.

By District 7 Public Affairs

In a dramatic response after fire forced the closure of Interstate 10 in Los Angeles and caused severe disruptions to transportation and the economy, Caltrans worked around the clock with other agencies and contractors to quickly reopen the key corridor weeks ahead of schedule.

After the Nov. 11 blaze in a storage yard under I-10, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a state of emergency in Los Angeles County to help facilitate clean up and repair work to safely re-open the busy freeway.

Investigators suspect arson caused the incident which damaged a 450-foot span of elevated highway used by 300,000 vehicles daily.

Based on preliminary damage estimates, Caltrans anticipated I-10 could remain closed for weeks or months to replace and repair dozens of concrete support columns and the bridge deck.

However, the timetable for reopening accelerated sharply due to around-the-clock efforts of crews and engineers on- and off-site, better-than-expected structural testing results, rapid debris removal, and close coordination between state, local and federal government officials to safely expedite repairs.

To shore columns, crews used more than 100 tons of steel beams and enough 12-by-12-inch wooden posts to stretch over a mile if placed end to end. Dozens of hydraulic jacks, each able to lift 100 tons, were used to place beams and posts.

All lanes of I-10 were opened to traffic on Nov. 19, eight days after the closure started. Caltrans continues to monitor the structure to ensure safety. Repairs will be ongoing for months to remedy damage to dozens of columns and other parts of the structure.

Throughout the response to the fire and I-10 closure, Caltrans participated in robust public information efforts including frequent news conferences and interviews, video updates, and a new website Fixthe10.ca.gov which continues to provide a video stream from multiple cameras in the burned area.

District 1 plows ahead with winter prep

By Manny Machado
District 1 public information officer

When the winter storm season comes to an end, it’s go time for District 1 Caltrans mechanics. Faced with a November deadline, more than 100 maintenance vehicles and equipment are inspected, all to prepare for what Mother Nature has in store for the next winter.

“This is absolutely critical,” said John Saldana, District 1 highway equipment superintendent II. “There is a statewide push to be ready for winter operations by November 1. We begin prep work far in advance to make sure that everything is safe and in working order so maintenance can keep the roadways open during the winter storm season.”

Last winter brought many large storms to the region with rain, wind and even snow at the coast. In late February, U.S. Highway 101 in northern Mendocino County was closed to motorists for 43 hours due to snow and downed trees and utility lines on the main highway that links the North Coast to the Bay Area.

“It was probably one of the worst winters we have experienced in recent memories here in District 1,” Saldana said. “This year, we are going to pay close attention to our large earth-moving and chipper equipment because we had an active fire season and during the winter months, there is the potential to lose more trees along with the higher likelihood of slide activity. To keep the highways open, we need that equipment working.”

No matter if it’s snow or rock and debris slides on the road, plow trucks serve a vital role in keeping state highways safe. Plow trucks are located at all District 1 maintenance yards, and proper upkeep is essential. It becomes a top priority if a vehicle arrives at the shop for repairs during the winter.

Saldana said: “For plow trucks, we make sure that all the lighting components are operational and that safety equipment is checked. For winter prep, we focus on hydraulic components that operate the plows, sanders, and dump beds to make sure that there are no issues, such as corrosion, damage to the hoses, lift cylinders or fittings, so we don’t have any unforeseen issues down the road.

“We try to mitigate as much as possible to keep plow trucks on the road.”

While winter preparation begins in April, purchasing equipment parts can take a while, which is another reason to start the process early.

“We want to have enough time when something is ordered due to national supply chain issues, and that is why there is big push to reach that November deadline and have vehicles and equipment ready to go for winter operations,” Saldana said.

SB 1 efficiencies program salutes those who helped

By Caltrans’ SB 1 Efficiencies Program

The Senate Bill 1 Efficiencies Program would like to thank all those Caltrans employees who contributed to the efficiencies program in fiscal year 2022-2023. Without your help, we would not have reached our $100 million goal.

With your assistance, we had a record number of new efficiencies (16) and a record number of total efficiencies (51), while achieving savings of $138 million.

We also want to thank Director Tony Tavares and Chief Deputy Director Michael Keever for their support, and each district director, deputy and division chief. This is truly a team effort, and we appreciate you!

If you have a newly implemented efficiency that you would like to submit for 2023-2024, please visit our new efficiencies page at RebuildingCA.ca.gov.

2022-23 efficiencies contributors:

• Sheba Ruark
• Shelley Williams
• Jean-Marie Hunter
• Tamara Jones
• Angela Jackson
• Lindy Cruz
• Dolly Kampfraat
• Robert McClintic
• Esther Morris
• Lisa Zwicky
• Norman Tuttle
• Glenda Collins
• Chardena Valley
• Russ Watts
• Jason Sanguinetti
• Camilo Arellano
• Awais (Avis) Sheikh
• Manuel Farias
• Brad Ensminger
• Jennifer Nishikawa
• Carlos Reyes
• Ed Siribohdi
• Sheila Hopkins
• Daryl Atkins
• Michael Makary
• Jim Brands
• Diana Iwais
• Dallia Foster
• Roger Banos
• Kevin DeGuzman
• Cole Iwamasa
• Pauline Nguyen
• David O'Brien
• Devang Desai
• Liz Anderson
• Hilton Briggs
• Michael Iacovitti
• Angus McKenzie-Fraser
• Chris Esaia
• Mansour Feiz
• Linh Le
• Sammun Seik Ismail
• Denny Ngo
• Jag Grewal
• Stuart Kirkham
• Michael Mayor
• Michael Davis
• Nagi Pagadala
• Kerstin Tomlinson
• Cindy Utter
• Jeremy Peterson-Self
• Keith Hoffman
• Jacquelyn Wong
• Joel Magana
• Traci Menard
• Stan Johnson
• Belinda Hon
• Marylou Taylor
• Hadi Nabizadeh
• Tom Pyle
• Camille Abou-Fadel
• Anand Maganti
• Scott Williams
• Chris Benz-Blumberg
• Ray Tritt
• Cathrina Barros
• Christina Pang
• Jas Bhullar
• Gonzalo Gomez Jr.
• Ragu Thangavelautham
• Guadalupe Magana
• Kevin Gallo
• Charles Suszko
• Colin Doran
• Tarek Tabshouri
• Chris Thornton
• Scott Martin
• Ron Frank
• Yinleng Vang
• Tim Greutert
• Sharon Ruzon
• Kamal Kathyal
• Luc Sou
• Kevin Krewson
• Kevin Riley
• Joe Dongo
• David Price
• Ashley Courtney
• Stephanie Frederickson
• Rudy Lopez
• April Perez-Hollins
• Sri Balasubramanian
• Karen Young
• Victor Cardenas
• Donaldo Martinez
• Talal Sadek
• Nina Choy
• Scott Lew
• Allen Cripe
• Jeremy Johnson
• Michael West
• Kelly Dunlap
• Char Krantz
• Mitch Doucette
• Jennifer Heichel
• Edward Brown
• Ruth Fernandes
• Christa Siegenthaler
• Ceallach Vigil
• John O’Mara
• Joe Harline
• Tony Hunt
• Alicia Rodrigues
• Nabeelah Abi-Rached
• Maria Quintanar
• Michael Burleson
• Andrew Santos
• Mike Tanner
• Frank Shelley
• Rajesh Rai
• Ben Shelton
• Gerald Lee
• Choa Vang
• Sharid Amiri
• Michael Oreiro
• Daniel Hernandez Duarte
• Joe Holland
• Dylan Moore
• Nikki Tiongco
• Leanette Dahn
• Charles Gray
• Katy Iverson
• Ellen Wong
• Melinda Molnar
• Ben Barnes
• Dawn Foster
• Vu Nguyen
• Katharine Perrin
• Devin Porr
• Ken Darby
• Jason Wilcox
• Stephanie Glidewell
• Larry Wooster
• Sanjay Singh
• Michelle Lopez-Hardie
• Anna Silva
• Taelor Stamm
• Saran Wong
• Nina Dinsdale
• Mariana Chavez
• Angie Viloria
• Lucy Hopkins
• Selena Kubota
• Shaila Chowdhury
• Christopher Dennis
• David Knoll
• Kosha Shah
• Jesus Chuy Gonzalez
• Lisa Worthington
• Stanley Johnson
• Srikanth Balasubramanian
• Said Ismail
• John Kirkpatrick
• Ron Karpowicz
• Richard Heninger
• Lori Lee
• Alan Sharon
• Aaron Chamberlin
• Michelle Nelson
• Troy Tusup
• Thomas Schriber
• Stephen Stromberg
• Danny Mossman
• Felicia Haslem
• Robert Nguyen
• Alison Terry
• Lale Moradpour
• Benjamin Bressette
• Rumi Jain
• Casey McKenzie

Hats Off

WWII veteran's life enriched by vegetation upkeep

Roy Howard Lindsey served our country long ago, as an Army soldier in the Pacific Theater of World War II, and now Caltrans has his back. At least his backyard backdrop, that is.

East Tree, District 7’s tree maintenance crew based in Monrovia, has from time to time tended to the slope between State Route 57 and the home Lindsey shares with his wife, Mamie, in Diamond Bar. East Tree helps keep clear the couple’s sightline of Cal Poly Pomona and the surrounding area.

Roy, who is 97 and experiencing challenges with dementia, is shown standing before the magnificent Southern California view. Behind him, downslope, are Caltrans workers (from left) Michael Moreno, Connor Swatton, Kevin Doroteo, Francisco Hernandez and East Tree Supervisor Aaron Estrada.

“Thanks for all your efforts in bringing more joy to my husband’s life,” Mamie Lindsey relayed via District 7 Customer Service Liaison Erik Skindrud.

“When he looks out the window, he always says, ‘I can see the world from here.’”

DOT Shots

Caltrans is rehabilitating pavement and improving other safety elements on Interstate 605 (I-605) from Long Beach to the San Gabriel Valley. Consisting of three segments, this $298.3 million project will improve the overall ride quality, safety, and operational performance of the I-605 corridor for drivers and create a safer work environment for Caltrans workers by reducing the frequency and duration of pavement repairs. The new pavement will extend the service life of the roadway up to 40 years. Click on the image above to see highlights of the project’s groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 4.

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Workers perform concrete tests for an approach slab to a bridge as part of the I-605 project.

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Caltrans crews perform excavation work as part of the Interstate 605 improvement project.

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A rebar cage is placed on an approach slab as part of the Interstate 605 project in Southern California.

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Three mountain routes in Caltrans District 7 remain under repair for damage from last winter’s storms. Thirty-two miles of State Route 33 in Los Padres National Forest are closed; two sections of State Route 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) in Angeles National Forest are closed; and sections of State Route 39 (San Gabriel Canyon Road) in Angeles National Forest are under one-way traffic control until the first quarter of the new year. Click on the image above to see drone footage of rehabilitation work being done on SR-39.

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State Route 33: Grader and excavator performing slope repair at post mile 25.5

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State Route 2: Workers secure cable mesh to slope to retain future rock slides at post mile 31.6.

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State Route 39: Drill rig inserting geo-injection bars beneath roadway for support at post mile 32.75.

Health and Safety

Improve well-being by developing emotional intelligence

By the Employee Assistance Program

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand and manage your emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.

Developing your emotional intelligence can improve your overall happiness and well-being by making you feel better about yourself and your relationships.

Emotional intelligence comprises several key components:

• Self-awareness: Recognizing and understanding your emotions, including their triggers and impact on your thoughts and behavior.
• Self-regulation: Managing your emotions, such as handling stress, controlling impulses and adapting to change.
• Empathy: Being able to perceive and understand the emotions of others, fostering stronger connections and relationships.
• Social skills: Building positive relationships and effective communication, conflict resolution and teamwork skills.

Tips for improving wellbeing through enhanced emotional intelligence:

• Practice mindfulness. When you observe your thoughts and feelings, you learn to understand your emotional responses to various situations. This awareness helps you make informed decisions and respond rather than react impulsively.
• Develop self-regulation. Self-regulation skills are crucial for managing stress and promoting wellbeing. It involves recognizing when you’re experiencing negative emotions and employing strategies like deep breathing to calm yourself.
• Show empathy and compassion. Actively listening and trying to understand the feelings and perspectives of others helps you build stronger, more meaningful relationships by connecting with them on a deeper level.
• Enhancing social skills and building relationships. Building and maintaining positive relationships with friends, family, and colleagues can provide you with emotional support and a sense of belonging.

Enhancing emotional intelligence is a powerful tool for improving your overall wellbeing. Practicing mindfulness, managing stress, fostering empathy and building positive relationships are all steps in the right direction.

 

Who’s New

Christopher Andriessen, chief PIO for District 9

Christopher Andriessen has been promoted to District 9 chief public information officer.

Christopher has worked for Caltrans District 9 as a public information officer since the summer of 2019. Before Caltrans, he worked two and a half years as an office technician with the California Department of Insurance in San Francisco.

He has experience in a variety of fields, including local television news, videography, photography, writing for the general public, and web publishing, all skills that would come to aid him in the Public Information Office.

Christopher has a bachelor of the arts degree from Humboldt State University (Now Cal Poly Humboldt).

He is a Seahawks fan while everyone else in his family roots for the 49ers. He lives in Bishop, and likes to spend his free time doing nature photography, going to the Bishop Twin Theater when there is something decent playing, reading classic literature, beating his nephew in Mario Kart, getting sushi at Gojira Ramen & Sushi, and listening to his record collection.

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Rick Brewer, media manager in Headquarters Public Affairs

Rick Brewer joins the headquarters Public Affairs team as media manager after spending the past year and a half the District 10 Public Affairs staff.

Rick’s first foray into communications began as a reporter and anchor at a TV station in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He later worked at stations in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Bakersfield, before spending 15 years writing news and sports for his hometown newspaper, the Stockton Record.

Prior to joining Caltrans in 2022, Rick began an organizational communications career by providing leadership to a local school district, community college, and the Oregon Secretary of State’s office.

Rick just celebrated 30 years of marriage to his wife, Kathy, and is the proud father of Jessica (23), and Joshua (18).

He enjoys cruises, Texas Hold-em, roller coasters, medium-rare steaks, chili verde, and red wine. Not necessarily in that order.

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Jeff Burdick, Clean California education campaign manager

Jeff Burdick has rejoined the department as the new Clean California education campaign manager.

This is Jeff’s second stint with Caltrans following three years as a political journalist and a manager at the California Department of State Hospitals.

Originally from Chicago, he has also worked in communications for the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago-based electric utility ComEd, and as a reporter with a number of newspapers and magazines.

Jeff lives in Sacramento with his 10-year-old son and enjoys bike commuting to work several days a week.

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Travis Fruci, television specialist on Headquarters audiovisual team

Travis Fruci has joined the Headquarters audiovisual team as a television specialist.

Travis comes to us following several years as a content producer for the marketing department of ABC10 Television in Sacramento.

Before getting into video production, Travis spent several years working in visual effects and has worked on several major motion pictures.

Travis is a self-proclaimed nerd and enjoys movie trivia, boardgames and occasionally baking.

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Kelli Huffman, deputy division chief for Legal Administration

Kelli Huffman is the new deputy division chief for Legal Administration.

Kelli began her career with the Office of the Attorney General in 1993 as an office assistant. She joined Caltrans in January 2001 as a budget coordinator for the Division of Program / Project Management.

When Budgets and Personnel functions were centralized into the Division of Administration, Kelli took on a wide variety of assignments and volunteered for special projects that eventually led her to the role of District 3 / North Region budget manager.

Next, she was promoted to Staff Services Manager II, as the District 3 / NR Resource Manager with the responsibility of Personnel and Budgets for all of North Region.

Kelli also held the position of deputy district director for administration in District 2, office chief for the NR Capital Outlay Support Office and, most recently, office chief of District 3 Business Management.

Kelli resides in Yuba City and enjoys spending time with her two children, Joshua and Megan, along with her grandson, Nolan. She is excited to welcome her new granddaughter in January 2024!

This is a new position as part of the Legal Division’s reorganization. Kelli will oversee the Administrative functions of the Legal Division.

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Daniel Rubinstein, chief of staff in Division of Safety Programs

Daniel Rubinstein is the new chief of staff in the Division of Safety Programs.

Daniel most recently served as the executive manager in the Director’s Office. He led the Executive Management Team in staffing the director, chief deputy director, the director’s chief of staff, and the executive Board.

He oversaw the strategic and day-to-day management of the Director’s Office Tracking System, planned internal events such as the Director’s Town Halls and the monthly Executive Board meetings, coordinated external affairs with the Public Affairs Office, advised on various developments, undertook special projects, and more.

Previously, Daniel was an acting manager and analyst in the Director’s Office at the Department of Managed Health Care and an analyst in the Office of the Secretary of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency. He was a legislative intern in the State Assembly and a student assistant at the Secretary of State’s.

Daniel graduated summa cum laude from Sacramento State with a bachelor’s in political science with focuses in democratic erosion studies, Eastern European political history, and California politics and government.

Daniel is a native Sacramentan and a first-generation American of Ukrainian descent. He can be found at the gym or a café in his free time.

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Teala Schaff, media manager in Headquarters Public Affairs

Teala Schaff joins Caltrans Public Affairs as Media Manager.

Teala brings a proactive approach to crafting strategic communication plans, public outreach, driving public affairs initiatives, and executing impactful marketing strategies with more than 20 years of experience in the public and private arenas. Her experience spans diverse sectors such as public policy, environment, technology, and government. She excels in developing engaging content and spearheading advocacy campaigns that resonate with multiple stakeholders.

She comes from the State Legislature where she served as a communications director for three senators and one assembly member. She has additionally served for two years in the external affairs division at the Department of Technology. She has a proven track record of nurturing relationships with government officials, community leaders, and media outlets, ensuring effective representation of organizational interests.

Armed with a bachelor’s in Communication Studies & Philosophy from California State University, Sacramento, she brings a blend of media relations, stakeholder engagement finesse, and a history of driving impactful communication initiatives across diverse landscapes to the Department of Transportation.

Obituaries

Retired employee Ernestine Rosa Castillo

Note: The following obituary appeared on DignityMemorial.com this past summer.

Ernestine Rosa Castillo, age 89, of San Diego, passed away on Sunday, June 4. Ernestine was born on Aug. 30, 1933 in San Diego to Elenor and Marcelo Surposa.

Ernestine is survived by her two sons, William Vicaldo Jr. And Eugene Vicaldo.

Ernestine was blessed to have six grandsons and one granddaughter.

Lil Bill, Joseph, Jason, Daniel, Eli, Robert, Lalena and great-grandchildren Jason Jr., Jacob, Daniel Jr., Jewels, William Jr IV, Makayla, Jada, Jalena, Alyssa, Jordyn, Maya, Jaclyn, Eugene, Emalyn, Ellisyn, Bow and Blyss.

After spending 29 years working for Caltrans and dedicating over half a century to the Logan Inn Bar, Ernestine loved spending her free time playing the slots at Barona Casino, and taking her grandkids and great grandchildren out for dinners. Her caring and generous heart was appreciated by all.

Ernestine was known to have hosted some of the greatest celebrations ever. One of Ernestine’s few and final wishes was to have all family, friends and loved ones be present for her celebration of life, smiling and remembering, she will forever be a part of your hearts.

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Retired engineer Kenneth LeRoy Johnson

Note: The following obituary appeared in the Galt Herald on Oct. 20.

Kenneth LeRoy Johnson passed from this life to the next on September 7th after a 10-day stay at Lodi Adventist Hospital where he was surrounded by a constant stream of family and friends. He died of pneumonia, brought on by complications of Guillain-Barre syndrome and 20 years of leukemia (CLL).

Ken was born in Sacramento on June 15, 1938. A local Galt resident of 85 years, Ken attended Arno and Twin Cities grammar schools and Galt High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Polly Lamb, and was blessed with a 66-year marriage.

He will have quite the welcoming committee by those who preceded him in death: his son, Ken Junior; parents Louise and Gus Johnson; sister Dorothy Gross; brothers Robert Johnson, Arvid Johnson, Gus “Johnny” Johnson, Carl Johnson; brothers-in-law Art Gross and Brad Bradford; and sisters-in-law Ruth Gross, Ray Johnson, Dixie Johnson, and May Johnson.

He is survived by his wife Polly Johnson; daughter Sherri Bua (Mike) of Lockeford; adored grandchildren Derrick “Ricky” Santiago and Kailee Santiago, both of Galt; non-biological grandkids, Stacie Hines of El Dorado Hills and Rob LaVine of Galt; sisters Jeanne Cartwright (Steve) of Kuna, Idaho; Irene Bradford of Elk Grove, and brother Jack Johnson (Sue) of Woodbridge; countless nieces and nephews; and his spoiled and beloved dog Scooby.

Ken was hired on with the state’s highway department (now Caltrans) as a draftsman in 1957 and left in 1979 to join a prestigious engineering firm, CH2M Hill, where he worked as an engineering tech/bridge designer until retirement in 1999. He often said he was very fortunate he had a job he loved and felt lucky to have established so many longtime friendships over the years.

In his early years, Ken was an accomplished bowler, skilled trap shooter, enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and handicapping horse races. In his later work years and retirement years, he discovered he was a very talented artist and painted many canvases and wall murals for family and friends.

He was diagnosed with CLL in 2002, with a short prognosis, but has lived a very happy and full life for the past 20 years despite the leukemia. He will best be remembered for his sense of humor and his love of a good laugh, to the point of tears; his love of sports and games, especially professional golf and the Sacramento Kings; and being the neighborhood grandpa.

He will especially be remembered by his grandson as Rick’s best friend and audience member, along with countless laughs they’ve shared. And by granddaughter, Kailee, who he affectionately referred to as his precious little chickadee.