All-in-one version
Director’s Corner
Caltrans does what it can to help after L.A. fires
Tony Tavares
The past two months have tested our collective resolve in ways we never thought possible. We painfully watched as wildfires roared with tragic consequences through parts of Southern California where some of our colleagues, friends and families make their homes. Scenes of the devastating aftermath are those we will not soon forget.
Despite the confusion, heartache and gut-wrenching emotions associated with a disaster of this magnitude, our 23,000 strong mobilized in real time to lend a helping hand.
As soon as the first major fire started in the Palisades, Caltrans crews were able to quickly respond, mobilize, and coordinate with law enforcement and fire response teams. And as the situation escalated, the swift response to the Palisades fire set the tone for Caltrans' broader emergency operations across the region.
Building on this initial effort, our teams scaled up their efforts to meet the increasing emergency response needs. In all – over the past weeks – Caltrans has activated more than 1,400 personnel and assistance among Districts 7, 6, 8, 5, 11, 12. For a roughly two-week period, we had more than 400 boots on the ground on any given day.
We are collaborating closely with Los Angeles County and city officials to identify and address areas of acute need, ensuring we prioritize the safety and accessibility of our transportation network.
As I grieved for our co-workers forced to navigate a life-changing crisis, I was also overcome with pride in our department.
I want to express my profound gratitude for your unflinching professionalism and selfless dedication to public service during this historically challenging crisis. Your care and concern for those affected underscore the department’s People First values that make Caltrans a special organization.
Many Caltrans employees in District 7 and beyond have continued to serve their communities despite being personally affected by the magnitude of this unprecedented event.
Their strength and fortitude are admirable, and your capacity to be present in their time of need offers hope and a sturdy shoulder to lean on as they continue the recovery process.
In this spirit, Caltrans immediately mobilized emergency repairs and cleanup efforts that continue today. Thousands of workers have supported or been deployed to conduct complicated debris removal operations, fix destroyed infrastructure, prepare for the effects of winter weather and to serve in supportive roles for other state agencies.
I also want to thank everyone from Caltrans who has pitched in to assist our impacted colleagues. Your generosity and compassion exemplify why we consider Caltrans a family.
For those affected, we created a dedicated page to share resources and information useful during the recovery process. (Only Caltrans employees can access this page.) :
And for anyone who wishes to contribute to help colleagues who lost their homes, the California Transportation Fund (CTF) has established a Fire Relief Assistance Fund for Caltrans employees who have lost their homes in the Los Angeles and Ventura County wildfires. Donations to this account are tax deductible and will not be matched by CTF. Here’s the link.
To our affected colleagues: You are not alone. Caltrans will he here every step of the way as you negotiate the long recovery process.
News
Community project re-energizes S.F. neighborhood
District 4 image
By District 4 Public Affairs
In the Portola neighborhood of San Francisco, a major transformation is being celebrated by many, thanks to the combined efforts of Caltrans Bay Area District 4, residents, and businesses.
The area, once a hot spot for overgrown vegetation, trash and criminal activity, has been revitalized into a cleaner, safer and more welcoming space for the community.
The Portola Neighborhood Association, in partnership with Caltrans District 4 Maintenance, Caltrans District 4 Adopt A Highway team, the city of San Francisco and local businesses, and have worked tirelessly to address an area long plagued by drug use, litter and crime.
The project's goal was simple but ambitious: to beautify the space tucked behind a soundwall and rid the neighborhood of the issues that had caused fear and anxiety for its residents for years. And while it wasn’t an easy task, the collective effort of the community and city officials has brought this vision to life.
The space is now not only safer but also more vibrant, offering a sense of pride and relief to those who live nearby.
This successful community collaboration with Caltrans serves as a powerful reminder of what communities can achieve when they work together to improve their surroundings and make their neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Check out this video, which tells the tale.
District 10 worker takes Oath of Allegiance, becomes U.S. citizen
District 10 photograph
By Erin McQueary
District 10 public information officer
On October 29, 2024, District 10’s Public Information Officer and Customer Service Liaison Alejandra Quezada-Beeler became a United States citizen.
Alejandra packed into the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium with 945 other soon-to-be naturalized citizens from around the world. There were a few remarks, a recorded message from President Biden, and the nation of origin for every new citizen was announced.
“They call the country and the people from there stood up and everyone applauded,” Alejandra said.
There were large groups from the Philippines, India and China, and a handful of people from Albania, Switzerland, Germany and other countries.
The loudest applause came when Mexico, Alejandra’s country of birth, was called; half of the new citizens stood up.
The ceremony lasted only 20 minutes, but Alejandra has lived and worked in this country for 20 years.
She grew up in Uruapan, Michoacán, and attended Baja California State University in Mexicali, where she majored in mass communications. After graduation, Alejandra worked as a binational reporter at Televisa in Mexicali. She regularly went to California on her media visa to cover the border region of Imperial County.
In 2004, Alejandra moved to San Diego to work for Univision.
There, she met and married her first husband, which allowed her to obtain U.S. residency and after three years made her eligible to apply for citizenship.
Alejandra continued to work as a journalist, living in Pittsburgh for a few years, then Phoenix for a few months before accepting a job at Univision Sacramento in 2010.
In 2018, she took a job with Telemundo Sacramento and in 2020, she married her husband, Joe.
At that point, the United States was Alejandra’s home, and she didn’t intend to return to Mexico. But the pandemic hit just before the expiration of her 10-year residency and the normally months-long path to citizenship was estimated to take four years. Had she applied then, traveling to Mexico to visit her family would have been out of the question because she could have been denied re-entry to the US.
Alejandra took her immigration attorney’s advice and opted to renew her residency instead.
A few years later, the election cycle was ramping up, and immigration was a central issue.
“The next president was talking about changing the rights for people who are not citizens,” she said.
District 10 photograph
She thought about the prospect of being forced to return to Mexico and leave her husband, stepchildren and grandchildren, friends, and the life she built here.
“Since we are going to have another four years of questions about immigration, I didn’t want to be worried that I had to go back to Mexico because I have not lived there for 20 years,” Alejandra said. “Even though I am 100 percent fluent in Spanish and my family lives there, I am not used to it, and I would have to start over.”
In early 2024, Alejandra started applying for citizenship, which involves a lot of paperwork, gathering official documents, and providing a detailed history of her life in the United States. She also had to pass tests for English, history and civics. The naturalization ceremony made it official.
When she arrived at the auditorium, Alejandra turned in her residency card and was given a voter registration form and a small American flag.
In addition to celebrating the new citizens' countries of birth, they recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Oath of Allegiance, in which they promised to obey all laws, uphold the Constitution, and renounce allegiance to their former countries.
The latter came as a surprise and was bittersweet, Alejandra said.
“Wait a minute, I’m not Mexican anymore?” Alejandra recalled of her reaction. “I never thought about that; I guess I will have to apply in a different process to get dual citizenship.”
The ceremony was exactly one week before Election Day. After waiting in line for three hours, Alejandra was given her absentee ballot and voted in her first U.S. election.
Sacramento given a clean sweep in push for safer commutes
Headquarters photo
By Rebecca Parnianchi
Headquarters public information officer
Most Californians would not immediately make a connection between the state’s litter removal efforts and highway worker safety, but Caltrans Public Affairs aimed to change that by hosting a cleanup and safety awareness event on Broadway and State Route 99 in Sacramento.
On Dec. 5, media members were invited to the well-traveled onramp on to witness maintenance personnel collecting litter during the predawn hours – a mere few feet from rush-hour commute traffic.
The event drew attention to the risks faced by Caltrans crews working near fast-moving vehicles and encouraged motorists to follow the “Move Over” law. The litter cleanup event also highlighted the volume of litter that can accumulate along roadways and shared public spaces.
California’s “Move Over” law requires drivers to change lanes, when safe, or slow down when approaching vehicles with flashing amber lights, including Caltrans trucks and crews.
The invitation to view litter collection operations coincided with the department’s twice monthly “litter stand-downs” across the state. Stand -downs allow maintenance crews to dedicate time to ridding our highways. These litter abatement tasks are a continuation of established Clean California efforts to maintain consistent roadway cleanliness and keep our shared spaces free of unsightly garbage and debris.
Headquarters photo
The event aimed to emphasize the importance of highway worker safety, as litter stand downs, maintenance activities and other vital roadside tasks increase exposure to high-speed traffic.
“We’re here today to spotlight the safety needs of our maintenance crews as they go about making the highway system safer and cleaner for all,” explained Caltrans Spokesperson Jeff Burdick at the event. “It’s more important than ever for the traveling public to be work-zone alert, slow down when you see our trucks and move over a lane when safe to do so.”
Since its inception in 2021, Caltrans and its local partners have picked up more than 2.7 million cubic yards of litter – enough to cover nine lanes of Interstate 5 with trash from San Diego to the Canadian border. This substantially increased the department’s previous trash collection efforts and can largely be attributed to Clean California, along with other Caltrans litter removal efforts.
Caltrans has hosted more than 600 free dump days in communities throughout the state resulting in the collection of more than 14,000 mattresses and 52,000 tires. The initiative has also enlisted more than 60,000 community clean-up volunteers and created more than 18,000 jobs, including positions for individuals who were formerly incarcerated, on probation, or experiencing housing insecurity.
“We have more maintenance crews out than ever, working to clean up roadside litter,” Burdick added. “Safety is a top priority for Caltrans, for both its workers and the traveling public.”
Drivers are urged to remain vigilant in work zones, change lanes or slow down near flashing amber lights, and help ensure a safer, cleaner, California for all.
Clean California beautifies District 7 streets, trails
District 7 photo
By Colleen Park
District 7 public information officer
District 7 streets and trails in Los Angeles and Ventura counties have been refreshed, revamped and rewarded.
Three recently completed projects from Cycle 1 of the Clean California Local Grants Program have won accolades from local chapters of the American Public Works Association (APWA) and highlight the beautiful and beneficial change Clean California has afforded these communities.
Ventura — Ventura River Trail
The City of Ventura and Caltrans celebrated the completion of the Ventura River Trail Improvements Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community bike ride in September 2024.
Funded by nearly $5 million from the Clean California Local Grant Program (CCLGP), the 1.8-mile trail connecting Ventura to Ojai was renovated with new pavement, wayfinding signage, improved accessibility, solar lighting, urban greening, and a new public art mural. The mural, created by local artist Anthony Macri Ortiz (“ANTHO”), features a picturesque view of a healthy Ventura River with local wildlife and plants on the riverbank.
"I want to thank the City of Ventura for embracing the spirit of the Clean California program by beautifying their community and providing crucial outdoor recreation space for all to enjoy," said Caltrans District 7 Director Gloria Roberts.
The project was recognized by the American Public Works Association (APWA), Ventura County Chapter with a 2024 Project of the Year Award in the Transportation category.
District 7 photo
Glendale — San Fernando Road Beautification Project (Phase 1)
Vibrant crosswalk murals highlight a colorful array of improvements made as part of the recently completed Clean California effort on San Fernando Road from Grandview Avenue to Elk Avenue.
Caltrans and the city of Glendale announced the completion of Phase 1 of the San Fernando Road Beautification and Multimodal Improvements Project in January 2025, creating a comfortable and safe multimodal experience for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists along a 1.6-mile stretch of San Fernando Road.
The $13.2 million project was funded in part by a $4.9 million Clean California local grant. The project also received local and state funds. The street transformation includes improved sidewalks with curb bulb-outs, median islands, high-visibility crosswalks at intersections, added bike lanes, new bus shelters and water efficient and native landscaping.
“I want to the applaud the city of Glendale for the stunning improvements made to San Fernando Road,” Roberts said. “From its creative crosswalk murals to a focus on multimodal enhancements, this project is a hallmark of the Clean California Local Grants Program, increasing the safety, accessibility and beauty of this vital public corridor to the benefit of the community and all road users.”
Featuring designs by local artists, the art-inspired crosswalks are a part of the Creative Crosswalks project, an initiative by the Glendale Library, Arts & Culture, Glendale Arts and Culture Commission and the Glendale Public Works Department to incorporate civic art into daily life. For her mural design “Blooming” at the intersection of San Fernando Road and Highland Ave, local artist Naira Tangamyan researched and highlighted native California wildflowers, the Phacelia and the Lewisia.
Local artist Tracey LaGuerre took inspiration for the design of her mural “The Magic Orange Tree” from her Haitian American identity and childhood experiences listening to her grandmother tell Haitian folktales at bedtime. Located at the intersection of San Fernando Road and Harvard Street, the mural depicts ripe orange fruit on a reddish hued pattern of orange blossoms.
“I felt like it tied in very well with the valley and its agricultural roots with the orange groves,” LaGuerre said. “It felt like a piece of my past mixed with a piece of my present and the future as well. I love that it's not just pretty but it has utilization too, making the town safer and helping the public.”
San Fernando Road serves nearly 25,000 daily LA Metro and Glendale Beeline transit users and is a major connector in Southwest Glendale between industrial and commercial businesses and residential neighborhoods. The well-traveled corridor is also used as a bypass to Interstate 5 (I-5) and connects to the cities of Burbank and Los Angeles (Atwater Village).
The project won the APWA Southern California Chapter’s 2024 Project of the Year Award in the Traffic, Mobility and Beautification category.
District 7 photo
El Monte — Merced Avenue linear park
A new linear park opened to the public in El Monte in July 2024, transforming a section of Merced Avenue into safer, greener, and more functional roadway and community space.
In addition to serving as a traffic-calming feature, the linear park adds a recreational space for the community and creates safe paths for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Constructed on a 0.2-mile-long median of Merced Avenue, between Towneway Drive and Garvey Avenue, Merced Avenue Linear Park features a walking path, a concrete two-way bike path, landscaping with drought-resistant native plants and shade trees, seating, stormwater capture systems, and space for future public art.
Merced Avenue Linear Park was funded by a $4.6 million Clean California local grant with additional funding from Los Angeles County’s Safe Clean Water Program (Measure W). Due to grant savings on construction, the project has received an extension from Clean California local grant program to use remaining funds on additional improvement features, including exercise equipment and added lighting, with expected completion in spring 2025.
The project won the APWA Southern California Chapter’s 2024 Project of the Year Award in the Creative and Innovative category.
Caltrans trains the work force of the future
By Tom Chorneau
Headquarters public information officer
Marjani Rollins and her team at Caltrans’ Small Business & Workforce Development Center are in the business of changing lives.
Rollins oversees an extensive array of job training programs aimed at minority and under-represented groups in the industry that have been highly successful, including the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services, On-the-Job Training, National Summer Transportation Institute, and the On-the-Job Training Supportive Services (OJT/SS).
On the horizon is another challenge – starting a related training program that would turn former prison inmates into ironworkers.
Toward that end, Caltrans received a $238,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration last month as seed money for the program.
The social benefits aside, the new ironworker training is also intended to help address a stubborn shortage of workers in the trade, especially those who can work on the kinds of highway projects overseen by Caltrans.
Ironworkers, who are responsible for bending, cutting and connecting iron and steel used to support bridges, roads and other structures, are in high demand all over the country. Over the next 10 years, jobs for ironworkers are expected to grow about 4 percent, with 7,500 openings projected annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A separate program launched in 2023 is aimed at training women and other under-represented groups as heavy equipment operators. The heavy equipment academy can boast a 100 percent graduation rate.
“It is more than gratifying to see how a student’s outlook on life can change from the beginning of the class until the end,” said Stephen Oliva, Workforce Development branch chief and a key member of Rollins’ team.
Expectations are that their success with the heavy equipment program will help with organizing the new ironworker training.
Rollins said they hope to have the ironworker program up and running sometime this year at the development center in Sacramento.
Like the school that teaches heavy equipment operations, the coming ironworker training will likely have small classes – about 10 students per session. Under the terms of the federal grant, the school will need to place at least 75 percent of the graduates into jobs by the second year.
In addition to former inmates, the ironworker program will be open to underserved populations. Along with job training, there are plans to provide participants with child care, transportation and career development services.
In District 7, paths being cleared for trout
District 7 photo
Caltrans District 7 is conducting a $62.2 million project to upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure along State Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway / PCH) and restore a critical passageway for the endangered Southern California steelhead trout.
The project, anticipated to be completed in mid-2025, is funded with $36.8 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and more than $22.4 million from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
Construction includes rehabilitating 13 culverts along a 25-mile stretch of PCH between the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County/Ventura County line.
In addition, the culvert at PCH and Corral Canyon Road, which currently prevents trout from accessing, rearing habitat, and spawning upstream in Solstice Creek, is being converted to a bridge. The bridge is entering the second stage of construction.
District 4 works to get traffic moving in right direction
District 4 image
By District 4 Public Affairs
Wrong-way crashes in the Bay Area have increased, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives. In response, Caltrans District 4 is implementing safety upgrades to our highway system to reduce these incidents.
The California Highway Patrol is intensifying enforcement efforts, while Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) continues to work tirelessly to prevent impaired driving. These agencies are joining forces to make our roads safer and protect lives.
Check out this video story about wrong-way prevention in District 4.
Caltrans’ annual golf tourney set mid-May in Monterey
Courtesy of Tim Craggs
By Tim Craggs
The 61st Annual Caltrans Invitational Golf Tournament is being held this year on May 15 and 16 in beautiful Monterey. Monterey Pines Golf Course and Laguna Seca Golf Ranch will provide two distinct golf experiences, testing the skills of all aspects of our game.
An awards banquet follows golf the second day at Laguna Seca. The deadline to register for the tournament is April 25.
This tourney brings Caltrans golf clubs from across the state to compete in team and individual contests for prizes, pride and bragging rights. District 7 brought home the team trophy from Las Vegas last year.
Participation in the Caltrans Invitational is open to all current and former Caltrans employees and members of the various Caltrans golf clubs around the state who have an established GHIN index (you golfers know what this means).
This tournament provides the opportunity for a large cross section of Caltrans employees and friends to build new relationships, revisit longtime friendships and working partnerships, have some fun, and of course engage in some much-needed stress relief. It’s also a great place to see in person those people you work with or only converse with on Facebook!
If you are interested in playing and don’t have a local Caltrans Club contact, contact me, Tim Craggs, at craggs57@hotmail.com, and I can put you in touch with somebody in your vicinity. You can also check out the Headquarters’ Golf Club website for more information at https://www.ctcapitolgolfclub.com.
It would be great to see you in Monterey in May!
High-resolution, walk-in roadway signs piloted in District 10
District 10 photo
By Erin McQueary
District 10 public information officer
The future of Changeable Message Signs (CMS) is coming to Caltrans and District 10 will be among the first to pilot this new technology.
The walk-in CMS has full-color, high-resolution LED displays capable of text and graphics. They are also far safer for electrical crews, with a climate-controlled, walk-in space that greatly reduces fall risk and exposure to traffic and inclement weather.
Electrical Maintenance Superintendent Patrick Bayona said the walk-in signs’ most important quality is that they help achieve Caltrans' goal of being a safety-first organization. Instead of standing for hours in a bucket more than 17 feet above ground, crews can walk into the signs and safely shut the door behind them.
Bayona said the walk-in CMS will nearly eliminate the need for costly lane closures and traffic controls during repairs.
District 10 operates 114 CMS, all but eight of which are a model that is now obsolete.
“It just makes sense to put in a newer sign with newer technology; we are futureproofing,” said Omar Mendoza, a senior transportation electrical engineer for Central Region Electrical Design.
Mendoza arranged for two manufacturers of the walk-in signs – Daktronics and Swarco – to showcase their products in Stockton in September 2024.
Since then, District 10 has joined Districts 3, 6, and 11 to pilot the signs in upcoming projects. For District 10, the southbound Stockton Channel Viaduct Bridge Replacement project will include the first walk-in CMS. The project is in the project specification and estimate phase with a ready to list date in 2026, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
A geotechnical study is needed before Structure Design can develop a new structure capable of supporting the weight and dimensions of the walk-in signs. Mendoza and his team will complete the electrical design, then the signs must pass materials testing.
Meanwhile, Intelligent Transportation Systems Operations Branch Chief Arlene Cordero and her team will be working to ensure that new signs can be controlled with existing software.
If the pilot program is successful, Mendoza and Cordero anticipate the district can move forward with replacing CMS signs over time as they reach the end of their 20-year lifecycle.
Cordero said a quarter of D10s CMS are nearing the end of their lifecycle, and most of them have already been planned for replacement in future projects.
O’Hair, O'Brien and DeFoe capture CalSTA awards
Headquarters photo
From the Division of Maintenance
Tom O'Hair has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious CalSTA Secretary’s Keystone Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Build.ca.gov website and the CASTA Accomplishments Report.
Jim O’Brien and Daniel DeFoe of Headquarters Public Affairs also received Keystone Awards. Lee Haber, District 7’s chief safety officer; Jason Tipton, District 3’s maintenance area superintendent; and Bryan Wizenread, District 9’s deputy district director of maintenance, received the Secretary’s Leadership Award.
The Build.ca.gov website, is now a vital resource for tracking the state’s infrastructure projects, providing real-time updates and critical information to Californians. Additionally, the CASTA Accomplishments Report, a comprehensive document that showcases the progress and impact of CalSTA’s initiatives and progress of its departments and organizations.
This award recognizes Tom for his exemplary work and for his dedication to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of California's transportation system. His contributions reflect the core values of CalSTA and Caltrans and serve as an inspiration to his colleagues and peers.
Four budding engineers capture Hveem scholarships
Engineering Services graphic
From the Division of Engineering Services
We are very excited to announce this year's Hveem Scholarship winners, and these four winners have shown such passion to learning and their community. It is a real pleasure to provide them with a scholarship of $1,500 each.
This year’s winners are Jayda Arbis, Lauren Fegan, Jesse Valencia and Ethan Xiao.
The Francis N. Hveem Memorial Scholarship honors the late Mr. Francis N. Hveem, former state materials engineer and chief of the Materials and Research Laboratory in Sacramento. The Transportation Laboratory (TransLab) has undergone several reorganizations since Hveem retired but still serves as the hub of materials engineering excellence for Caltrans.
Hveem was a civil engineer specializing in materials. His contributions to highway engineering have been known worldwide and helped guide the TransLab to international renown.
The scholarship fund was originally established by a generous bequest from the Hveem family and contributions by TransLab employees. The fund is regularly augmented through donations and fundraisers to ensure that scholarships may continue to be awarded.
The purpose of the scholarship is to assist and encourage individuals who are preparing for careers in technical fields that could lead to future employment in materials engineering. Annually, the Francis N. Hveem Memorial Scholarship committee gets together to select finalists who meet the eligibility criteria.
To make a tax-deductible donation to the Hveem Scholarship fund, please visit this webpage. To learn more about Francis Hveem, visit this AASHTO webpage.
Health and Safety
Weight loss: Six strategies for success
By the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Long-term weight loss takes time and effort. So be sure that you're ready to eat healthy foods and become more active.
Ask yourself: Do I have a strong desire to change habits to help me lose weight? Am I too distracted by other pressures? Do I use food to cope with stress? Am I willing to change my eating habits? Am I willing to change my physical activity and exercise habits?
Find your inner drive. What will give you the burning desire to stick to your weight-loss plan? Make a list of reasons why weight loss is important to you. The list can help you stay inspired and focused. It also helps to have support from others. Pick people who will inspire you. They should never shame you or get in the way of your progress.
Set goals you can reach. Aim to lose 1 to 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kilogram) a week over the long term. To do that, you'll need to burn about 500 to 750 calories more than you take in each day.
Enjoy healthy foods. To lose weight, you need to lower the total calories you take in from food and drinks. One way that you can take in fewer calories is to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These are known as plant-based foods. They're low in calories and high in fiber. Fiber helps you feel full. You can eat many kinds of plant-based foods to help you reach your goals. It's a good idea to be mindful while you eat. Focus on each bite of food. This helps you enjoy the taste. It also makes you more aware of when you feel full.
Get active, stay active. Regular physical activity helps burn off extra calories. Exercise has many other benefits. It can lift your mood, lower blood pressure and help you sleep better. Exercise helps you keep off the weight that you lose too. Studies show that people who maintain their weight loss over the long term get regular physical activity. Also aim to do strength training exercises at least twice a week. Any extra movement helps you burn calories.
Change your mindset. To keep off extra weight, you should make these healthy changes a way of life. Lifestyle changes start with taking an honest look at your eating patterns and daily routine. Think about negative habits or other challenges that have kept you from losing weight in the past. Then plan for how you'll deal with them going forward. Stick to your healthy lifestyle. The results will be well worth it.
You Time!
Are you ready for some football? These colleagues are!
Courtesy of Skip Alllum
By Erin McQueary
District 10 public information officer
Nearly 18 million people tuned in to watch football during the 2023 regular season, according to ESPN. They are all fans to some degree but the enthusiasm of some sets them apart from the rest.
Here are five of District 10's biggest football fans:
Pearl Losoya – AGPA in Project Management
Pearl grew up watching the 49ers on TV and attending games with her family when greats like Joe Montana and Jerry Rice were playing.
But as a kid, she was more interested in tailgating than the game. It wasn’t until a date to a 49ers game at Candlestick Park with her now-husband in 2012 that Pearl truly became a superfan. The 49ers won that game (13-6) and Pearl’s heart.
Pearl and her husband have two daughters, ages 11 and 8, who are also fans.
The family attends at least four home games a season and Pearl and her husband try to go to an away game for their anniversary each December.
The couple have watched the 49ers play in Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Las Vegas.
“I really want to go to Dallas, just because I hate them and I want to beat them at their stadium,” Pearl said of the Cowboys, referencing their longstanding rivalry and “The Catch” in 1982 that sent the 49ers to their first Super Bowl.
Since becoming a superfan, Pearl said her relationship with her dad has grown. Win or lose, he’s the first person she talks to after a game.
“We have always been close but the fact that I am speaking his lingo, our relationship is more like friends than parent-daughter,” she said.
Carlos Padilla, maintenance supervisor for Stockton Landscape
Carlos is such a big 49ers fan that in 2017 he was inducted into the team’s Faithful Football Program, earning him the football used to make the 46th touchdown scored by the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium, a biography on the team’s website, and annual ticket for him and his family to a preseason game.
His exuberance for the team is so captivating, that the cameras are drawn to him. He was pictured on the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle when the 49ers beat the Packers in the NFC Championship game in January 2020.
With tens of thousands of fans at a game, the chances of being featured on television or a jumbotron are very slim, yet Carlos has been on the jumbotron twice and even made it on television when the cameras panned to his section at Lumen Field in Seattle, a lone 49er fan surrounded by Seahawks fans.
Carlos said he hasn’t missed a 49ers game since becoming a fan in elementary school and has attended 18 games.
“I enjoy my team’s history and am a fan of their physical play style,” Carlos said. “Making memories is the best part, whether it's with my sons or by myself.”
Carlos’ garage is full of memorabilia that he has been collecting since 2008: jerseys, shoes, banners, game-day giveaways, and of course, his most prized item, the 46th touchdown football.
Grace Magsayo – District 10 director
Growing up with five older brothers who rooted for the 49ers, Grace was familiar with the team’s history but wasn’t much of a fan herself.
It was when one of her daughters joined cheer in high school and her family began regularly attending football games that her 49er fandom took root.
“My husband has been a lifelong 49ers fan, and through him, I have grown to really love and support the team and immensely enjoy the games,” Grace said. “In our house, we plan around the games. We don’t schedule commitments or social activities, so we are free to watch the game.
“I think what makes us superfans is how we react to every play and game outcome. We also mourn each loss as much as we celebrate each win.”
Grace’s love of the team has also brought her closer to the Caltrans family.
During the last season, she connected with colleagues at Headquarters over the team and the group got together to attend a game this season.
“I would love to make this a tradition for future seasons,” Grace said. “It is great to have colleagues to enjoy time with, away from the daily grind.”
Skip Allum, public information officer
In a sea of red, Skip bleeds Honolulu blue.
A native of northern Michigan, Skip grew up watching the Detroit Lions with his grandfather.
“Especially on Thanksgiving Day,” Skip said. “They were the first and only team to play on Thanksgiving starting in 1934 – long before the Dallas Cowboys stole the idea in 1966!”
By the time he moved to California at 16, Skip said his loyalties were already established for each of Detroit’s major teams: the Lions, Red Wings, Tigers, Pistons, and the University of Michigan Wolverines.
His garage is floor-to-ceiling memorabilia from all the teams including a dozen NFL football and NBA basketball jerseys, NHL hockey sweaters, a 1990 Lions Starter jacket, infield dirt from old Tigers Stadium, and a recently acquired Barry Sanders autographed, full-size Detroit Lions helmet.
Skip played football in high school and college. He earned a partial scholarship to play football at California State Northridge, where the Matadors made the playoffs, and Skip “got some all-conference recognition.”
“Playing football taught me discipline, leadership, teamwork, self-confidence, and personal accountability,” Skip said. “All traits that have proven to be useful throughout life.”
Eric Mather, deputy district director of administration
Football super fandom isn’t reserved for the NFL; Eric has the same passion for the college football team, the Oregon Ducks.
Eric, who grew up in Oregon, said the state only has one professional basketball team so there is a lot of pride in being an Oregon Ducks fan.
A 10-foot-tall inflatable of the team's mascot, a duck based on Disney’s Donald Duck, is on display in front of Eric’s house year-round. He also has multiple jerseys, sweatshirts and T-shirts, hats, work lanyards, and six pairs of Nikes designed specifically for the Ducks.
“Every year they drop a new shoe, which of course I buy,” Eric said. “Phil Knight, the president and CEO of Nike, is a University of Oregon alum.
Eric tries to make it to at least one game every year but, due to the cost and experience, prefers to watch it at home where he records and rewatches the game multiple times.
On game days, Eric’s entire family wears team gear. Eric puts his phone away to avoid distractions and seeing anything that will spoil it.
How big of a superfan is Eric?
“I would refer to my wife to answer this question,” Eric said. “But she’ll tell you, ‘A win or loss makes or breaks our family's weekend.’ ”
Who’s New
Brianna Miller, Office of Strategic Management office chief
Brianna Miller is the new office chief for the Office of Strategic Management within the Headquarters Division of Risk and Strategic Management.
Brianna has more than 14 years of experience working for the state. Since June 2022, Brianna has served as the strategic planning manager for the Division of Equipment where, among other duties, she led the development and maintenance of the division’s strategic plans.
She previously worked for the Department of Consumer Affairs, serving in several capacities. She was the board and bureau relations manager, serving as a liaison between the department’s Executive Office, Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, and the various board and executive leaders of the department’s boards and bureaus. She also served as program manager of the Landscape Architects Technical Committee (a regulatory committee under the purview of the California Architects Board) and as a strategic planner and facilitator for the department’s boards and bureaus.
Brianna holds a master’s degree in industrial/organizational Psychology from San Jose State University and a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of California, Davis.
Brianna is a proud mother of two young daughters (ages 1 and 4) and the “parent” of two rescue dogs. In those rare moments of “me time,” Brianna enjoys baking, reading, dipping her toe into the world of gardening, and going out for a meal with her husband.
Tarod Miller, administrative analyst for External Affairs
Tarod Miller is Headquarters’ new administrative analyst for External Affairs.
Tarod grew up in Anderson, spending copious amounts of time fishing, camping and hiking through the wilderness. After moving to Sacramento for school, he graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with a degree in new media design.
Tarod started his career with Caltrans and the state as a staff services analyst with the Director’s Office.
Outside of work, his hobbies include snowboarding, and anything crafts-related from painting to sculpting. In his spare time, Tarod builds video games and assets for various game-design teams.
In addition, he works with a small game studio to assist with developing their projects.
At home, he houses an assortment of pets: a cat named Cleo, a snake named Lyn, and a tarantula named Dancer.
Michael Navarro, District 6 director
Michael Navarro is the new District 6 director. He joined District 6 in 2000 serving in various capacities. For the past five years Michael has served as the District 6 deputy director for planning, local assistance and environmental analysis, overseeing a wide range of multi-modal programs and initiatives.
Throughout Michael’s 25-year career, he has successfully developed and maintained strong relationships with district partners and stakeholders, including Metropolitan Planning Organizations, local agencies and numerous communities. Michael is passionate about working collaboratively with partners to identify multimodal transportation options that meet the needs of our communities.
Michael has played an influential role in District 6 in identifying and implementing strategies for the State Route 99 corridor and in prioritizing transportation enhancements that benefit underserved communities.
Michael graduated from California State University of Fresno where he received his bachelor of science degree. Prior to joining Caltrans, Michael began his career in planning with the County of Fresno.
Outside of work Michael enjoys traveling to the Central Coast and attending baseball and football games with his wife, Serena. He is the father to two adult children (Micaela and Sean) and his “furry kids” Kendall and Hank.
Michael is extremely excited for this opportunity and to be able to continue to work with an amazing team of transportation professionals.
Obituaries
Glen Lyle Ludwig, retired civil engineer
Note: The following obituary appeared in The Press-Enterprise (Riverside).
Retired Caltrans engineer Glen Lyle Ludwig of San Bernardino passed away peacefully with family at his side at his home on Dec. 12, 2024, at the age of 92.
He was born on Oct. 9, 1932, in Exira, Iowa, to William and Anna Ludwig. Glen was proud of his Exira roots, where he graduated valedictorian of the class of 1951. He was also a 150-pound starting lineman on the football team!
Glen also worked at the local alfalfa plant during high school. With his first paycheck, Glen bought a camera, developing film in the family’s one bathroom. His interest led to a lifetime of capturing memories through pictures and videos. He also bought his younger brother, Billy, his first baseball glove made for a left-hander, replacing the right-handed glove he was wearing backward, an early example of Glen’s generosity and love for family.
With one pair of jeans in his suitcase and enough money for one semester of tuition, Glen attended Iowa State Teachers College (UNI), where he made the wrestling team with no previous wrestling experience. He was tough and strong. He served in the Army from 1953-1955, achieving the rank of Private First Class. Glen was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., where he vowed to never live in the cold again after spending several nights in a tent in below-freezing temperatures.
The GI Bill enabled Glen to further his education at the University of Arizona where he graduated as a civil engineer. Caltrans hired Glen and his entire engineering class to work on the beginnings of the California freeway system.
It was during this time Glen met a schoolteacher from Boston. Glen married Pearle Arlette (Densmore) Ludwig, the love of his life for over 63 years, on Nov. 20, 1960. They enjoyed their life together, both working hard, but enjoying many trips. When Glen found something he loved, he stuck with it. Their favorite destinations were Maui; Jackson, Wyoming; and the 4th of July in Exira, where his hometown recently honored him by making him grand marshal in their parade.
Glen started Ludwig Engineering in 1964 and it has endured for 60 years as an Inland Empire mainstay. He built his beloved 365-unit Goldwest Mobile Home Park in Victorville in 1972 providing affordable housing to families and seniors. He started Fairway Constructors in Bullhead City, a development and homebuilding company that’s still going strong. Glen and Pearle owned hundreds of acres of land across California and Arizona, always having the vision to see the future potential.
Glen and Pearle showered their love on their family as well as their many close friends and their business families. They always welcomed and encouraged summer visits to their home. They valued education, always mentoring, encouraging, and helping enable others to pursue their dreams.
Glen and Pearle were successful yet humble and extremely generous throughout their lives. They established The Pearle and Glen Foundation, which continues to benefit so many lives and worthy causes.
Glen is survived by his sisters-in-law Nadine Ludwig and Jan Ludwig and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearle Ludwig, parents William and Anna Ludwig, brothers Darwin Ludwig and Bill Ludwig, sister Donna and brother-in-law Marvin Thygesen, niece Teresa Boysen, and dear friends Tom and Olga Keating. Glen’s family is very grateful for the caregivers during the last several years, especially Justin Santos.
Jonathan Palmer, District 9 right-of-way agent
Note: The following obituary appeared on EasternSierraNow.com.
District 9 right-of-way agent Jonathan (Jon) David Palmer passed away at his home Jan. 6 with his loving wife by his side.
Jon was born Aug. 7, 1965, in San Bernardino to parents Richard and Marilee Palmer. Jon moved from San Bernardino with his family to Bishop, where he attended school. The family would spend time between their homes in Bishop and Bridgeport.
Jon graduated Bishop Union High School class of 1983. Jon met and married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Tina Raymond, on April 26 1985. Shortly after they welcomed their first daughter, Tawni.
Jon continued to grow his family and also took over the family real estate appraisal business in the Eastern Sierras. He and Tina welcomed two more daughters into the world, Brittani and Chelsi. Jon continued his career as a real estate appraiser for over 39 years before joining Caltrans in 2021.
Jon was a man of great faith, character and integrity. He had a heart of gold that was honest and true, true to his faith and true to his family. His family meant the world to him. Jon lived for family gatherings, watching football, camping, practical joking and vacationing at the beach. He also enjoyed dirt bike riding and loved that his children and grandchildren shared that love, too.
Jon is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Marilee Palmer, brother Christopher Palmer, sister Cynthia Pingel and nephew Scott Pingel. Jon is survived by his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Tina Palmer, daughters Tawni Johnston, Brittani Murray, Chelsi Hoodman and their husbands Matt Johnston, Ryan Murray and Christopher Hoodman. Along with grandchildren Mitch Johnston, Jaycee Johnston, Stella Murray and Jaxon Murray.
Steven Rodriguez, former heavy equipment operator
Note: The following obituary appeared in the Paso Robles Daily News.
Former Caltrans heavy equipment operator Steven Rodriguez of Paso Robles passed away on Dec. 1, 2024. He was 47.
Steven was born on Feb. 28, 1977, in King City. He lived there for 40 years before moving to Paso Robles. He was a heavy equipment operator at CalTrans for five years. He worked as a Class A truck driver for almost 10 years.
When he wasn’t at work he enjoyed working on his classic cars. His favorite car was his 1964 SS Impala. Those who knew Steven knew that he was an avid San Francisco 49ers fan, just as his father, Roy, was. His favorite player was Jerry Rice.
He enjoyed barbecuing and spending time with his family. Steven always made sure everyone was fed and felt welcomed when they were at his house. He grew a new love for traveling, his goal was to visit all 50 states. He and his family had traveled to eight out of the 50 states.
Steven especially adored his first and only grandchild, Nikko. He loved his new role as Papa.
Steven was a loyal and kind friend to all. His generosity and love were felt by all who knew him. Steven loved and cared for his wife, Veronica, who was his high school sweetheart and love of his life. Steven was an amazing father, husband, son, brother, uncle and grandfather. Steven became the glue of his family after his father passed away. His humor and kind spirit will forever be missed.
Steven is survived by his wife, Veronica, who he had been happily married to for 29 years. He is survived by his kids Destiny, Leanna, and Issac. He is also survived by his mother, Alice, and his brother, Rey JR. Steven was preceded in death by his father Roy Rodriguez, son Ernesto Rodriguez, nephews Ronald Rodriguez and Joel Lopez, as well as his cousin Albert Velazquez.