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Director’s Corner
A heartfelt farewell to my Caltrans family
Tony Tavares
After more than 35 years of service to the people of California, I write to you with a full heart and deep gratitude as I prepare to step away from my role as Director of Caltrans in early May 2025.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve this great state—and to lead an agency so rich in purpose, talent, and resilience. From my earliest days with Caltrans, to the privilege of serving as Director, this journey has been shaped by the incredible people I’ve had the chance to work with: engineers, planners, analysts, maintenance crews, administrative professionals, and so many more who are united by a shared commitment to public service.
Together, we’ve built and maintained more than just highways, bridges, and transit systems — we’ve connected communities, supported economic growth, responded to emergencies, and helped move California forward through times of challenge and transformation.
Our Core Four Priorities — Safety, Equity, Climate Action, and Prosperity — with the added principle of People First are at the forefront of what we do. Our top priority, safety, was emphasized on April 17 in West Sacramento when we gathered for the 35th Annual Caltrans Fallen Workers Memorial. If you were unable to attend, you can watch the proceedings on our YouTube channel and click on the photo gallery presented in this edition of CT News.
Looking ahead, our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan (pdf) represents the compass that will guide the innovative solutions that Californians deserve. This plan was developed using numerous data sources including transportation partners, community advocacy groups, and Caltrans employee survey results, and was informed through engagement with historically disadvantaged and underserved California communities in alignment with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-16-22 (pdf)
We owe much of our success to California’s transportation flagship, CalSTA. Its unwavering commitment to equity, safety, innovation, and community-centered projects has created a transportation system that reflects the values of all Californians. Under CalSTA’s guidance, Caltrans has helped to improve infrastructure, expand access, elevate safety, and embrace innovation. I will always remain a champion of our shared mission.
As I reflect on the road behind me, I am grateful for the friendships, the lessons, and the moments that reminded me why this work matters so deeply. And while it is never easy to say goodbye, I leave with confidence in the incredible team that will continue carrying our “People-First” focus forward.
Thank you for your dedication, your partnership, and the impact you make every day. I look forward to watching Caltrans continue to lead the way into a more connected, sustainable, and equitable future.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Tony Tavares
News
New plaques, signage highlight tribal culture
District 3 photo
By the Director’s Office of Equity & Tribal Affairs
District 3 has worked with the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation to produce plaques and signage at the Donner Lake Vista Point eastbound and Maxwell Rest Area southbound to highlight tribal presence in the district and engage in language preservation efforts.
Both series of plaques and signs have the respective tribe’s translation of key animals, landmarks and plants in the area.
District 3 has also been working with tribal partners to conduct cultural sensitivity trainings with the department’s construction and contractor teams before construction activities begin. At least 20 trainings have been completed, and the district is working on making these a standard requirement.
District 6 initiative has multimodal in mind
The District 6 walk assessment initiative started in 2021, and there have been more than 15 walk assessments completed to date.
District 6 utilizes this walk assessment initiative to support the Caltrans Strategic Management Plan’s goals of enhancing and connecting the multimodal transportation network as well as advancing equity and livability, particularly in underserved communities.
These walk assessments provide opportunities for early engagement with local partners and community members to help better understand the needs for all users of the transportation system, therefore, resulting in projects that better reflect community ideas and needs.
The walk assessment efforts are a testament of the grass roots approach to the community engagement and project development process. They provide a great opportunity to walk in each community for a better understanding of their needs and work with local partners to develop projects and identify funding opportunities to make the transition from the planning and conceptual phase to construction of a project.
Transportation leaders reach out to small businesses
DBE photo
By Caltrans’ DBE Program
On Feb. 20, Caltrans hosted its fourth DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) Summit at the Roebbelen Center in Roseville to share knowledge and tools with the 300 socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses that attended.
The event was an opportunity to network with a variety of participants, including state and local agencies, prime contractors and resource providers.
Business owners heard inspiring and valuable insights from California State Transportation Agency Secretary Toks Omishakin, Caltrans Director Tony Tavares, Caltrans District 3 Director Sergio Aceves, Caltrans Office of Civil Rights Deputy Director David DeLuz, and more.
Caltrans presented on “Contracting type and opportunities,” “Finding Caltrans Contract Opportunities,” “DBE Certification,” and “Small Business Development.” The California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA) presented “California Capital Access Programs.” CalOSBA shared key resources available through the Success, Capital Access, Leadership for Entrepreneurs (SCALE) network.
JP Morgan Chase hosted sessions on, “Power of Capital” and “Marketing in the Digital World.” The Department of General Services presented on “How To Work With the State” and conducted the Cal eProcure clinic, which showed attendees how to enhance their profiles and elevate their visibility to state agencies.
Attendee Diane Griffin, president of nosi.biz Inc., said she really appreciated the in-person summit. Likewise, small-business owner Kul Bhushan, of Vibnox, said, “I appreciate the effort Caltrans is making to support and engage with DBEs.”
Food collected for Fresno families in need
By Samantha Avalos
District 6 executive office support
Every year, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) leads the State Employees Food Drive, raising food, funds and awareness regarding hunger issues in our state. California produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, yet more than 1 in 5 Californians – about 8.8 million – currently struggle with food insecurity.
We’re ecstatic about the successful conclusion of our very first year participating in the 2024 State Employee Food Drive. District 6 partnered with Fresno Mission, a local non-profit agency in the Central Valley, to donate canned foods to families in need.
We had four drop-off locations; The Clovis Construction Office donated 36 pounds of canned food, and the District Office donated 37 pounds. The Manchester Office donated 62 pounds of canned food, while the Visalia Construction Office donated a whopping 92 pounds. All divisions came together, exceeding expectations and making this Food Drive a success!
This was a great opportunity for us to come together as a district to make a positive impact. Thanks to your incredible benevolence, we were able to donate a total of 227 pounds of canned food. Your generosity, time, and energy will assist Fresno Mission in providing meals to those in need and help lift the financial burden on families in our communities.
Although the Food Drive has ended, our willingness to support the community continues. Let’s prep for this years (2025) Food Drive and surpass last year’s numbers!
Daron Tarver leads the way in ironworker campaign
By the Office of Civil Rights
Due to the research, tenacity and thoroughness of Caltrans Office of Civil Rights Workforce Development Center Contract Manager Daron Tarver, the Federal Highway Administration is awarding Caltrans nearly $260,000 for a statewide Highway Construction Training Program to address the shortage of ironworkers.
In the grant, Tarver wrote that there will be an average of 9,300 annual job openings for ironworkers over the next 10 years on California Highway construction projects.
Industry growth and retirements are predicted to contribute to a shortage of welders by 2027 when the American Welding Society (AWS) estimates a need for 360,000 new ironworkers. In the grant, Tarver noted that the Associated General Contractors of America reported that it’s already hard to find enough ironworkers.
Caltrans expects to launch its ironworker program this summer. The training allows students to earn an American Welding Society D1.1 certification, while mastering various welding techniques and gaining practical experience with hands-on workshop training and classroom instruction. Once complete, students qualify for entry level positions that pay up to $58,175 a year.
Caltrans Chief of Staff Velessata Clemmons applauded Tarver’s efforts to start an ironworker program. She said, “This is an excellent example of what happens when staff take pride in their work.”
Tarver, who recently earned a master’s degree in public administration from Azusa Pacific University, previously worked as a Federal Criminal Investigator in San Francisco. Since 2021, he has worked in OCR’s Workforce Development Center, which serves marginalized and underserved communities.
“It’s a big difference between sending individuals away for years, versus helping them out for years,” he said. “I feel like I’m helping the economy, underserved individuals, and organizations fulfill their needs.”
Tarver is using the rehabilitation goals of the California Prison Industries Authority and technical expertise of the Iron Workers Local 118 to create a welding academy for 40 disadvantaged individuals, and address community needs simultaneously. This partnership also includes the California Employment Development Department and Department of Rehabilitation.
“This is more than just a government program. It’s proof that when unions, state agencies, and social services join forces, everybody wins,” Tarver said.
As the Highway Construction Training Program launches, the benefits will ripple throughout California. This program will provide more skilled ironworkers for the construction sector, and uplift individuals from poverty and challenging circumstances, offering them a pathway to stable, fulfilling careers.
Inaugural training academy is heavy on success
Office of Civil Rights photo
By the Office of Civil Rights
On Feb. 28, Caltrans’ Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) program graduated 19 disadvantaged individuals in its first academy of the year at the Steelworkers’ Auditorium in Fontana in San Bernardino County.
The academy provides comprehensive, hands-on training through a seven-week curriculum that includes Heavy Equipment Simulators, the union-endorsed foundational Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3), and hands-on Land Lab Training operating dozers, loaders, excavators, rollers, skid steers and backhoes.
Graduates received up to 17 industry-recognized certifications, including Blueprint Reading and Construction Math.
A total of 205 individuals applied for the free program designed to meet the growing need for skilled workers in heavy highway construction. Thirty-seven individuals were selected for interviews, and 20 were chosen for the training.
Thirteen of these students were from San Bernardino County, in alignment with the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) request to focus on this region. Additionally, two participants were housed through Supportive Services to ensure their success.
One student had to leave due to family reasons, but 19 of 20 individuals graduated, which is a 95 percent graduation rate.
Looking ahead, Caltrans plans to expand the program even further. Over the next three years, Caltrans will host three academies annually across California’s northern, central and southern regions, totaling nine academies by December 2027.
Toy drive a boost for Fresno Rescue Mission
District 6 photo
By Raeann McCoy
District 6 position management liaison
The Resource Management Office worked with Mike Probst, retired AGPA, this holiday season to donate toys and other needed items to families involved with the Fresno Rescue Mission. This is the third year Claudia Juarez’s team has supported the mission during the holiday season.
Families are provided a unique experience where they can “shop” the donated items, ranging from toys, toiletries and clothing for newborns through teens. Parents and care providers have the opportunity to choose items they would like and wrap for giving.
The mission provides itemized lists of needed items for both boys and girls in all age ranges. Our team is mindful to purchase items for all age groups, we then work with Mike to arrange for donation pick up and he delivers the donations on our behalf.
Partnering awards ceremony set for May 21
By Justin Kunert
Division of Construction Partnering Program
On May 21, the Division of Construction Partnering Program will host the 25th Annual Excellence in Partnering Awards Ceremony in downtown Sacramento.
The ceremony will recognize Caltrans construction teams, and their construction industry counterparts, throughout the state for their successful efforts to collaborate, problem-solve, and partner despite the multitude of challenges and obstacles faced during construction.
At the first event in 2001, seven project teams received awards in front of 50 attendees at a ceremony in the grassy area on the east side of the Capitol. At the 2025 ceremony, 20 teams will be recognized by the district director and the Division of Construction for their achievements, with nearly 150 guests in attendance.
Those teams will be added to the growing list of more than 270 award-winning projects.
To celebrate the 25th ceremony, a category will be introduced to recognize teams for their outstanding partnering at the project level. Winners will be announced at the ceremony on May 21.
Tens of thousands of bees rescued in Lompoc
By District 5 Public Affairs
In District 5 in February, a beekeeper was brought in to safely remove bees from inside a signpost near the intersection State Route 246 and T Street in Lompoc. (Santa Barbara County).
The bees were removed by Orcutt Bee Rescue and transported to a safe location with the agricultural community.
The beekeeper said, “It’s hard to give an exact number but there are roughly about 10,000-20,000 bees in the rescue box and they will be relocated to an apiary where they can safely thrive.”
Hats Off
Tribe grateful for Caltrans’ inclusivity, sensitivity
The Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe in Monterey County sent the following email to District 5 Public Affairs in February.
“We are deeply grateful for Caltrans District 5's genuine effort to engage with our tribe and incorporate our concerns into the project planning process.
“Your commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity is truly appreciated, and we look forward to continuing this collaborative approach.”
Health and Safety
April is Autism Acceptance Month
By the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
April is a time to celebrate and accept people with autism. Autism Acceptance Month moves beyond awareness to welcoming neurodiversity and embracing individual differences.
The term “autism” comes from the Greek word autos, meaning “self.” This highlights the unique ways people with autism experience the world.
The mission of Autism Acceptance Month is to foster understanding, kindness and inclusion for those with autism. This month aims to educate future generations on the importance of acceptance.
People with autism often face barriers in their daily lives — healthcare, school, work and other areas.
Research shows that only about 1 in 4 students with autism feel happy at school. Among adults on the spectrum, only 3 in 10 have jobs.
It’s important to help young adults with autism in finding meaningful work. This can create more opportunities and help them live with independence.
When we spot signs of autism early, we can provide better support through behavioral and occupational therapies. This can help improve brain development and quality of life.
Visit Mind Your Mental Health on the EAP website or call 1-800-EAP-4SOC (1-866-327-4762) TTY: 711 for confidential mental health support and resources.
Who’s New
Robert McClintic, Division of Business Operations’ assistant division chief
Robert McClintic has been appointed as Division of Business Operations’ assistant division chief of business, office and security services.
Robert graduated from Sacramento State with a bachelor of science degree in business. He began working in state service 15 years ago and has been employed with Caltrans for the past nine years.
Robert comes to DBO from the Division of Procurement and Contracts (DPAC) where he served as the office chief for non-IT service contracts, Maintenance.
Robert and his wife, collectively, have five children and one grandson. They enjoy spending lots of time traveling to visit family and doing some international explorations. He is an avid mountain biker and an amateur street photographer.
Duper Tong, division chief for Headquarters Traffic Operations
Duper Tong is the new division chief for Headquarters Traffic Operations.
Duper brings to the role more than 30 years of professional experience in transportation planning, design, traffic safety, electrical systems and traffic operations from both the private and public sectors, including working for Caltrans for the past 26 years.
Duper had been serving as the acting division chief for several weeks. Prior to the temporary assignment, Duper served as the District 10 deputy district director of Traffic Operations with responsibility for the supervision of a multi-disciplinary staff and for managing and leading the work of Traffic Operations programs of safety and mobility.
Duper began his Caltrans career as a team leader with the Traffic Investigation Branch and the Traffic Accident Surveillance Analysis System (TASAS) Branch in the HQ Division of Traffic Operations. Since then, over the course of his Caltrans career, Duper has served as the District 10 chief of the Traffic Safety Branch and as an office chief in the Headquarters Division of Traffic Operations, where he managed various traffic engineering functions. He has also worked in the Headquarters Division of Design.
Before joining the public sector, Duper worked as a project engineer in a private traffic engineering and design consulting firm for over five years.
Externally, as a member of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Standing Committee of Freeway Operations, Duper supports efforts to identify and advance research ideas, offer professional capability-building opportunities, and promote the needs of professionals who support the operation and management of freeways and freeway corridors. During his career he has also served as a voting member of the AASHTO Committee on Traffic Engineering and as a lead on the California Traffic Control Devices Committee.
Duper Tong is a licensed professional engineer in civil engineering and traffic engineering. He received his bachelor of science degree in civil engineering and master of science degree in transportation engineering from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS).
Duper is married with two older children and enjoys reading, running and watching basketball and soccer outside of work.
Obituaries
Marcy Freer, retired External Affairs worker
Note: The following obituary appeared on the M.J. Murphy Funeral Home website last month.
Retired Headquarters External Affairs employee Marcy Freer (Brighton/Staffelli) passed away on March 1 peacefully after a short illness.
She was predeceased by her mother Mary Lou Voidakos, first husband Samuel Staffelli and husband Steve Freer.
She is survived by her daughter Samantha Staffelli and her stepfather Steven Voidakos, both of Kendall Park, New Jersey; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Margaret Shimalla and Michael of Kendall Park and Michele Brighton of Connecticut; and her niece and nephews Clarissa, Andrew and Steve.
Marcy worked for the Plainsboro Municipal Court for many years before moving to California where she worked for the Office of Emergency Management and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), where she retired from in 2019.
She then moved back to New Jersey to be closer to her family.
In her free time Marcy enjoyed reading, going to the beach and watching the New York Yankees.
James Arthur “Jim” Smith, retired transportation engineer
Note: The following obituary appeared in the Lost Coast Outpost.
James Arthur “Jim” Smith passed away peacefully at his home in Mattole Valley on March 15. He was 80.
Born January 16, 1945, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Eureka, Jim was the oldest child of Donald and Mildred (Lindley) Smith. Shortly after his birth he and his mother joined his father at Garfield Air Base in Illinois, where his father was a twin engine flight instructor in the Army Air Force.
Jim grew up in Ferndale, attending local schools and graduating with the Ferndale High School Class of 1962. He continued his education at Humboldt State College before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1966.
After his military service, Jim continued what would be a 35-year career with the California Department of Transportation as a Caltrans transportation engineer. Significant projects he supervised included construction of the Rio Dell-Scotia Bridge, the Lindley Bridge at Mattole, widening of State Route 199 by Patrick’s Creek Resort, and the Del Norte bypass, before retiring in 2000.
Retirement allowed Jim to fully embrace the places and pastimes he loved. Summers were spent in Christmas Valley, Oregon, on Dennis and Pam Mauney’s ranch, while winters brought him back to the Mattole Valley, where his mother had been raised. He was the proud grandson of four Humboldt County pioneers: George Lindley and Verna Hindley Lindley of Mattole and Arthur Smith and Alice Haugh Smith of Port Kenyon/Arcata.
A man of adventures and many interests, Jim was an avid skier in his younger years, even working a season as a ski instructor at Squaw Valley, alongside his good friend Dennis Mauney. Following in his father’s footsteps, Jim had a passion for aviation, piloting his own Cessna 172C. He enjoyed the open water aboard his Clipperman sailboat.
Later in life, he took to riding his EVELO electric bicycle. He also had an unexpected brush with media fame when a cascade of bricks flattened his Volvo during the 1992 earthquake - his loyal dog, Shotzie, miraculously survived inside.
Jim is survived by his aunt Guimar Lindley; sister, Susan (Dean) Petersen; his brother, Jack (Joanne) Smith; his nieces, Wendy (Norm) Sotomayor; Kalynn (Bobby) Dolcini; Julie (Brandon) Axell; his nephew, Josh (Kim) Smith; his stepmother, Donnis Smith, and his former wife, Davina George. He will also be fondly remembered by Janice Thomas, Teresa “Toad” & Charlie Hower, Nick & Patty Mendes, Paul & Alana Clark, Pam Mauney, Larry Turnbow and Charlie Jones.
Ronald William Vickery, retired civil engineer
Note: The following obituary appeared in the Glenn County Observer.
Retired civil engineer Ronald William Vickery of Willows died on Dec. 9, 2024. One of three children, he was born in Orland to Fred and Esther Vickery on Aug. 1, 1936.
He graduated from Willows High School in 1954, after which, he joined the Air Force, where he served until 1957. One of his greatest joys was getting to fly on B47 bombers as the radar operator.
In 1960, Ron met Patricia Argo at the A&W restaurant in Willows. They were married in Reno on May 20, 1961.
This year, the couple celebrated 63 years of marriage. They had two sons, Steven and Craig.
Ron Vickery was a civil engineer with the California Division of Highways (Caltrans). He also farmed rice for 47 years with his brother-in-law and best friend, Frank Argo.
One of Ron’s greatest joys was sitting on the deck at his cabin in Butte Meadows and enjoying a glass of wine.
He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Gary and Nancy Coria of Chico; son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Sara Vickery of Chico; son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Candi Vickery of Mustang, Oklahoma; and her four grandchildren, Savannah Anderson, Bryce Vickery, Cole Vickery, and Caitlyn Vickery.