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
Always worth repeating: Safety is our top priority
The tragic death of our colleague Alex Rodish in August reminds us that roadway work is dangerous, and safety can never be guaranteed. As such, safety must take precedence over everything else, and we must do all we possibly can to protect every motorist, Caltrans employee and contractor. That’s why I want to take this opportunity to remind you of some of the many resources Caltrans offers regarding safety.
News
District 12 maintenance worker killed in San Clemente
Alexander (Alex) Rodish was a dedicated public servant, who took immense pride in his work. On the morning of July 22, 2024, in the course of his work on Interstate 5 in San Clemente, Alex was struck by a vehicle and killed. He is survived by his mother, sister and brother, brother in-law and two adult children. To assist his family, a memorial fund has been established by our partner at the California Transportation Foundation (CTF).
Nine Caltrans workers awarded Medal of Valor
The State of California in June honored nine Caltrans employees by presenting them with the Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor, the highest honor California bestows on its public servants. The awards are given annually to state employees for acts of heroism to save lives or protect state property. “We are extremely proud of these nine Caltrans workers who courageously saved others while putting their own lives at risk,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares.
Caltrans scientists advocate for nature, cultures
On a warm spring day in May, two members of District 10’s environmental team traveled to Tuolumne County to survey an environmentally sensitive area (ESA) along State Route 49. Archaeologist Sarah Luce and biologist David Moore inspected trees to ensure none was marked for removal within the project area for a vegetation management program.
Caltrans paves the way for safe wildlife crossings
Caltrans District 2 has several projects focused on the development and enhancement of wildlife crossings across Northern California. These initiatives are not just about protecting wildlife but also about ensuring the safety of motorists. Two major studies are in progress, one in Lassen County and the other in Siskiyou County.
State Route 27 Reopens Months Ahead of Schedule
On June 2, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that Caltrans had opened State Route 27 three months earlier than anticipated. The Topanga Canyon roadway had been closed from Grand View Drive to Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1) since the landslide occurred March 9. The closure disrupted the lives of Topanga Canyon residents, visitors and beachgoers.
New VA clinic holds special meaning for Caltrans worker
The Richard A. Pittman VA Clinic opened in May in French Camp, making critical services more accessible to tens of thousands of veterans living in the same counties served by District 10. If the clinic's namesake sounds familiar, you’ve likely had the pleasure of working with District 10 Staff Services Manager Tina Pittman-Carr during the past five years.
Maintenance Shop 2 keeps District 2 moving
District 2 covers a vast amount of territory in north/northeastern California, spanning more than 4,000 miles of highway. District 2 is the second-largest Caltrans district in the state, following District 8 in size, and covers seven counties. Our valleys, foothills and mountains border Oregon to the north, District 3 to the south, and District 1 to the west.
Caltrans projects capture regional awards
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, known in a user-friendlier way as AASHTO (pronounced ash-toe), earlier this year announced the winners of the 17th annual American Transportation Awards. Caltrans received awards in all four categories in the Western region competition, which is called WASHTO.
Foundation's charity golf event needs you to swing by
The California Transportation Foundation's NorCal Charity Golf Tournament is on Sept. 16 at the Chardonnay Golf Club in American Canyon, north of Vallejo. We've raised $20,250 in sponsorships so far. Help us raise $19,750 more to help injured and fallen transportation workers and their families.
Hats Off
Caltrans frequently is mentioned (and lauded) in correspondences or social media. Here are some recent examples.
DOT Shots
Check out images from "Transportation Mascot Day" at this summer's California State Fair, held as usual in Sacramento. Also, see Caltrans workers and other volunteers participate in a Clean California event held in Fresno the first weekend of August.
Health and Safety
Getting back into the groove
As summer comes to an end and the busier season of work and school starts again, it’s a great time to focus on your own and your family’s health, especially when it comes to sleep habits. While most adults do best with seven to eight hours of sleep each night and children need at least nine to 11 hours, not everyone gets enough rest.
Who's New
Nick Dobis, media manager
Nick Dobis is Headquarters Public Affairs’ newest media manager. In his role, Nick will help develop and manage public-facing communications regarding the important work performed by Caltrans’ Planning and Modal Programs Division. His expertise also extends to multimedia content, internal messaging, and media relations. Nick brings more than a decade of experience in public affairs and broadcast journalism to bear on his latest post.
Loren Magaña, digital media manager
Loren Magaña is the new digital media manager overseeing social media content and web-based platforms for Caltrans Headquarters (HQ). Loren will also contribute his talents toward special projects, public relations and internal communications. Loren brings 18 years of experience in public affairs, media relations and social marketing to his new role and earlier this month celebrated five years with the department.
Barbara McGahey, executive liaison in Director’s Office
Barbara McGahey is Caltrans’ new executive liaison in the Director’s Office. In this role, Barbara will provide high-level support to the director, chief deputy director and chief of staff on special initiatives and policy matters that are of significant concern to Caltrans, and when needed will undertake special projects on behalf of the director, chief deputy director, chief of staff, and the Executive Board.
Service Awards
A list of Caltrans employees who celebrated 25 or 40 years of service, or who received superior accomplishment awards, in June and July.
Retirements
A list of Caltrans employees who retired in June and July.
Obituaries
Earl Catlett, retired District 1 worker
Retired Caltrans worker Earl Catlett was born on August 2, 1946, and passed away suddenly in his home on the early morning of March 21. He was 77. Earl was born in Havana, Arkansas, to Dee and Florence Catlett. He had four siblings. He spent many years working in the oil fields throughout Texas, Oklahoma and California.
Steve Harris, environmental-permit expert
Steve Harris, 71, an environmental-permit expert, died on May 17 in Northern California. Steve was born on Sept. 4, 1952, in Berkeley to Marjorie Jean (neé Peth) Harris and Clarence Alfred Harris, where Clarence worked as an electrical engineer at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory. Steve was the youngest of three, with older sisters Barbara and Patricia.
Fill in the Blank!
Every now and then CT News unveils something strange. This latest excursion into Weirdville is a little challenge called "Fill in the Blank," where based on everything else you see in the photo, you try to deduce what state-route number has been scrubbed from the sign. Like we said, it's strange. But
Contacts
Reed Parsell, Editor, Caltrans News
Matt Rocco, Deputy Director, Public Affairs
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