All-in-one version
Director's Corner
Dina El-Tawansy
Dina El-Tawansy was appointed the 35th Director of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) by Governor Gavin Newsom and sworn in July 1, 2025. Director El-Tawansy manages a nearly $20 billion budget and more than 22,000 employees who oversee 50,000 lane miles of highway, maintain approximately 20,000 bridges, provide permitting of more than 400 public-use airports, fund three of Amtrak’s busiest intercity rail services and provide transit support to more than 200 local and regional transit agencies.
Director El-Tawansy is focused on implementing Caltrans’ Mission, Vision, and Goals, building and strengthening partnerships, and continuing to work toward multimodal, sustainable, safe, and reliable transportation solutions that equitably serve all Californians.
Prior to her appointment, Director El-Tawansy served as the Bay Area District 4 Director and was the first woman to ever hold that position. She managed a $2 billion budget of in-house and oversight investments and led a staff of nearly 3,400 employees. Her responsibilities included the oversight of all highways, toll bridges, and tunnels in the greater San Francisco Area and encompassed nine counties, including Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara. Prior to that role, she served as Chief Deputy District Director for the same District.
While much of her three-decade Caltrans’ career has been in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, Director El-Tawansy also served as Acting Assistant Divisions Chief for Project and Program Management in HQ (Sacramento) and the Deputy District Director of Operations and Maintenance in D12 (Orange County).
Director El-Tawansy possesses a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona and an M.S. degree from Long Beach State University in Construction Management. She is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of California and Project Management Professional (PMP).
News
District 2 climber carries on a family legacy
Photo courtesy of Saul Torres III
By Haleigh Pike
District 2 public information officer
Sal Torres III grew up surrounded by carabiners, ropes and climbing harnesses. Gear he now uses in his professional life as a transportation engineer in roadside maintenance for Caltrans District 2 and a certified climbing instructor.
Climbing, for Sal, is more than just a skill, it’s a legacy. His father, Sal Torres Jr., helped shape Caltrans District 2’s climbing program after getting involved in the 1990s. Back then, rock climbing wasn’t an official Caltrans training. It emerged from the work of geologists who needed to assess unstable rock faces.
Engineers like Torres Jr., who designed rockfall protection systems like fencing, became curious about the hands-on work. When he saw crews scaling cliffs to install the systems he designed, he asked how to get involved, and soon found himself joining the early Kingvale climbing classes.
“My dad turned a hobby into part of his profession by using his engineering background to understand how to keep people safe on the slopes,” Sal said. “It was cool to watch that evolution and be part of it.”
As a child, Sal often accompanied his father to Kingvale, soaking in the experience. So, when an opening came up for a climbing instructor apprentice, it was a natural fit. Now, Sal is one of only two active climbing instructors in Caltrans District 2 and one of the youngest certified instructors in the state.
But make no mistake, climbing with Caltrans is not the same as recreational rock climbing.
Photo courtesy of Saul Torres III
“Most people associate climbing with going up,” Sal said. “But with our climbing team, it's more about controlled descents and rappelling into areas affected by slides. It’s physically demanding and mentally complex. That’s why we have courses now, to make sure people have a full toolbox when they’re facing dangerous conditions.”
Following the tragic loss of Shawn Baker and Robert Jones along State Route 96 in 2013, District 2 temporarily paused the climbing program. But in recent years, Sal and Special Crews Superintendent Richard Byers have been working hard to bring it back, securing gear for certified climbers and organizing refresher courses based on updated safety protocols.
Currently, about 30 climbers are certified in District 2. They come from different maintenance crews across the district and are specially trained and equipped to respond to rockslides and other slope hazards. Roadways such as State Route 96, 70, and 299, with their steep canyon walls and towering cut slopes, benefit the most from having trained climbers on hand.
“Nature is always going to do its thing, winter storms, loose rocks, landslides,” Sal said. “But instead of needing expensive realignments every time, our crews can go up there, scale the slopes, and remove hazards safely.”
The role of climbers is especially critical after major weather events. Maintenance workers, already trained to watch for rockfall while patrolling their routes, can call in climbing teams when loose debris poses a threat to the traveling public.
“It’s an honor to be an instructor,” Sal said. “Not everyone passes the course, it takes skill, strength, and the right mindset. It’s cool to be out there with instructors I’ve looked up to since I was a kid and now get to collaborate with as peers.”
For anyone in Caltrans Maintenance who’s interested in becoming a climber, Sal encourages them to talk to their supervisor. The program is always looking for dedicated individuals with the right mindset to take on this high-stakes work.
As Sal puts it, “it’s a really cool spot that I’m super lucky to be in.”
Employee survey signals strong level of job satisfaction
From the Office of Strategic Management
The Caltrans Employee Survey, the latest version of which was conducted last fall, was developed and analyzed to understand employees’ attitudes and preferences in the areas of communication, leadership, resources and overall satisfaction. Results are used to make decisions at the district, program and enterprise levels.
With this information, Caltrans gathers insight on what matters to our employees and where we should focus time and resources.
There were 9,416 respondents to the 2024 Employee Survey. Respondents were asked to rate nine statements using a six-point Likert scale of “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree,” as well as corresponding qualitative questions. In addition, respondents were asked to respond to a variety of demographic questions.
Collectively, the Office of Strategic Management (OSM) analyzed the quantitative data along with 34,706 open-ended responses, which were categorized into themes and specific mentions.
Altogether, the results of the 2024 Employee Survey show that employees view Caltrans favorably in all measured areas. This is feedback to be proud of and a sign that steps taken by the department to promote and sustain employee satisfaction are successful.
For example, the highest ratings of favorability were to the statements, I support Caltrans Core Four Foundational Principles and a People First culture. Employees pointed to culture, safety, and strategic goals as their reasons for favorable assessment. This finding affirms that most employees are aligned with our strategic direction and understand how it is important to Caltrans’ and California’s future.
Employee feedback also highlighted specific areas for which we should consider additional improvement. As previously noted, the largest level of dissatisfaction was in relation to employees having the tools and resources needed to successfully complete their work, with an expressed need for better tools and equipment, training, and resources.
Although there is a slight improvement in satisfaction since the 2022 survey, there remains potential for improvement in this area. While being mindful of fiscal stewardship, our Caltrans divisions, districts, and programs are encouraged to engage with their teams to identify where employees’ tools and resources are deficient.
Lastly, another notable finding was attitudes around the quality of Caltrans’ internal customer service. Data here suggested room for improvement, including service received by employees who predominantly work in the field, who rated their satisfaction with this prompt the lowest.
By account, there is a need to investigate the practices and procedures of internal customer service, particularly in the areas of communication, professionalism, personnel, and leadership. By focusing efforts on our internal customer service practices, including best practices in these areas, these metrics may improve.
Stay tuned to find a link to the survey on this internal webpage.
Ceremony salutes Caltrans’ partnering excellence
Division of Construction photo
By Justin Kunert
Division of Construction Partnering Program
On May 21, the Caltrans Division of Construction Partnering Program recognized 23 teams at the 25th Annual Excellence in Partnering Awards Ceremony in downtown Sacramento.
Acting Caltrans Director Mike Keever, numerous district directors and Division of Construction Chief Ray Hopkins helped celebrate the Caltrans Construction teams and their construction industry counterparts by applauding the efforts of each team to effectively partner throughout the construction process, despite a multitude of challenges and obstacles.
Caltrans distributed 11 gold-level awards, recognizing the best project teams within their category. Districts 5, 6, and 7 received the gold best-in-class award. Since the Annual Excellence in Partnering Awards Ceremony in 2001, Caltrans has recognized nearly 310 project teams over the past quarter century.
Following is the full list of award-winning teams. More information about the teams, the ceremony, and a recording of the event, can be found on this webpage.
Up north, an engaging new approach
District 1 photo
By Meriah Miracle
District 1 public information officer
Even before she came to work here, Mellody Mallick had great things to say about Caltrans. Now in her new role as the District 1 employee recruitment and engagement coordinator, she helps future and current employees see the great things about working here, too.
Before starting in July 2024, Mellody had the chance to collaborate with Caltrans staff on Active Transportation and Safe Routes to School projects in her work as a senior health education specialist for the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services Public Health Branch.
“The people of Caltrans have always amazed me,” Mellody said. “Hearing how deeply they care about the community is so meaningful.”
Transitioning to a job at Caltrans wasn’t a given. Though Mellody is a second-generation Caltrans employee born and raised in Humboldt County, she didn’t see herself working for the agency because she thought of it as engineering and maintenance focused. Then she saw the new coordinator position advertised and knew, “That’s it. That’s what I want to do.”
Now nearly a year into the job, Mellody has already attended more than a dozen events to recruit new staff through Cal Poly Humboldt, College of the Redwoods and the California Conservation Corps, with high school job fairs also on the list. She said potential employees are looking for a wide variety of career pathways, and she really likes to help each person find the right fit at Caltrans.
Chief of Administrative Services Krista Ranstrom supervises Mellody and said she’s done a great job in a short amount of time. “This position is meant to bridge the gap between the community and Caltrans so we can highlight all of the opportunities available here,” Krista said. “She’s been a great addition to the team.”
Equally important to attracting new employees is engagement of current employees. Mellody said, “My goal is to build greater camaraderie across the district and provide opportunities for more interactions and connections between people and units.” Earlier this year, she launched a series of activities as part of the statewide Wellness Challenge, including Walking Wednesdays and Lunchtime Trivia, with more regular and special events in the works.
Mellody is based in the district office but isn’t only focused on the Eureka area, pointing out that there are efforts underway to plan more virtual opportunities to connect. She wants to hear what staff in outlying areas of Humboldt County as well as Lake, Del Norte and Mendocino counties would like to see in their regions.
“Geographically, we're so big, but I want to be out there so if there are things already happening, I'd love to come join,” she said. “Mostly, I want to get a feel for what people really want and then grow it so
Division of Design team wins national recognition
Division of Design photo
By Jaroslaw “Jarek” Kusz
Senior transportation engineer, Division of Design
Caltrans’ Division of Design, Office of Innovative Design and Delivery (OIDD) is honored to have received the 2025 Outstanding Value Methodology (VM)) Program Award from the SAVE International (a.k.a. Society of American Value Engineering) at the U.S. Advocacy Symposium on May 14.
The award represents outstanding accomplishments for building and maintaining an exceptional Value Engineering/Value Analysis (VE/VA) Program.
SAVE International is the premier organization dedicated to advancing value-based strategies that improve decision-making, optimize resources, and enhance performance across industries and sectors. SAVE is a non-profit organization and founded in 1959 to provide its worldwide membership with education, training, certification, publications, promotional tools, networking and recognition.
In 2019, SB-1 transformed the way Caltrans does business by requiring Caltrans to realize $100 million worth of efficiencies in its Capital Program(s). Since then, the OIDD has been an integral part of Caltrans success by creating a policy change for Value Analysis (VA) studies by lowering the project threshold requirement from $50 million to $25 million. This change provided Caltrans the tools needed to achieve SB-1 efficiencies while delivering quality projects with improved value and innovation.
SAVE International recognized Caltrans’ continuous VE/VA Program improvements of lowering the dollar threshold of the VA requirements to create more opportunity for efficiencies in addition to a new, streamlined approach to VA called a VA Sprint that Caltrans introduced in 2023/2024. Incorporating the VA Sprint shortened the VA Study format from three to five days to two days, and is designed to accelerate the VA process while maintaining its integrity and impact.
The VA Sprint leverages a robust, centralized database of alternatives that can be easily scanned to kick start idea generation to enable teams to rapidly identify, adapt, and apply proven value solutions to their projects. This evolution in the program reflects Caltrans’ continued focus on maximizing value delivery, minimizing waste, and fostering continuous improvement across its portfolio of transportation projects.
In addition, SAVE International recognized Caltrans’ development of standardized VA templates and tools that promote consistency, reduce preparation time, and ensure that VA studies are aligned with the agency’s objectives. These resources empower project teams to integrate VA into the project development process and SB-1 reporting more efficiently and effectively.
Further strengthening the VA Program are District Value Analysis Coordinators (DVACs) in each of our districts. These DVACs serve as local champions for value analysis, facilitating implementation and ensuring district-specific needs are addressed. Regular statewide DVAC meetings create a platform for sharing lessons learned, innovative practices, and successful alternatives—enhancing collaboration, driving continuous improvement, and fostering a statewide learning culture.
Congratulations to Caltrans’ Division of Design, Office of Innovative Design and Delivery and District Value Analysis Coordinators for their effort in seeking innovative solutions to enhance and strengthen the VE/VA Program.
Traffic Operations engineer selected as Young Leader to Follow
Photo courtesy of Jianyuan Xu
Note: This article is from ITE (an international membership association of transportation professionals), which spotlighted Division of Traffic Operations’ Jianyuan Xu being selected as a 2025 ITE Young Leader to Follow.
Jianyuan Xu is a standout young professional whose commitment to advancing the transportation industry through technical excellence, leadership, and service makes him a young leader to recognize.
Currently a transportation engineer at the Transportation System Analysis Branch of Office of Mobility & System Performance with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Jianyuan brings a rare combination of academic depth, practical experience, and organizational involvement that has already shaped regional and national transportation efforts.
Jianyuan recently earned his doctorate in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), where he also served as president of the UNR ITE Student Chapter (2022–2024). Under his leadership, the Chapter flourished—organizing technical events, fostering student engagement, and earning notable placements in the ITE Mountain District Student Traffic Bowl (second place in 2024, fourth in 2023).
His leadership helped students connect with professional networks and inspired continued involvement in ITE after graduation.
Professionally, Jianyuan has led and supported numerous impactful traffic engineering initiatives, from signal retiming and intersection studies to traffic calming and operational performance evaluation using simulation tools and crowdsourced data. At Caltrans, he leads statewide efforts in multimodal transportation system analysis training, research, guidance, traffic simulation workshop, transportation system improvement program, intersection safety and operational assessment process program, and local development-intergovernmental review program.
Jianyuan is an active ITE member at the international level. He currently serves on the Younger Member Committee and is a reviewer for ITE Journal and ITE’s 2025 International Annual Meeting. He was recognized in ITE’s “Young Member Monday” spotlight and continues to promote student-to-professional transitions through ITE’s Young Member Roundtables.
His research excellence has been recognized with multiple awards, including the 2024 TRB ACP20 Student Research Challenge (first place), 2024 and 2022 ITE Mountain District Daniel B. Fambro Student Paper Awards, the 2023 ITE Mountain District Outstanding Graduate Student Award, the 2024 Sinha Prize for Best Paper in ASCE Journal of Transportation Engineering, Part A: Systems, and the 2025 ITE Western District Best Annual Meeting Paper by a Young Professional Award.
Through every endeavor, Jianyuan Xu exemplifies the passion, intellect, and drive that defines a true young leader in transportation.
Caltrans spreads the word about bridge closure
District 7 photo
By District 7 Public Affairs
It was a drizzly Saturday morning when Caltrans arrived at Long Beach’s Veterans Park on May 3 stocked with project flyers, kid-sized hard hats, coloring books, and a large stash of Pico Fresca candies.
The team was there to participate in the second annual Long Beach Mariachi Festival — a community celebration hosted by Vice Mayor Roberto Uranga and Councilwoman Mary Zendejas that brought together music, culture and local resources. Families gathered despite the weather, enjoying song and dance by mariachi groups, including a featured set by the Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea.
At the Caltrans booth, staff shared details about the upcoming 16-month full closure of the Vincent Thomas Bridge as part of the deck replacement project. Team members engaged with attendees in both English and Spanish, provided project updates, and assisted individuals in signing up for bilingual text alerts.
Participation in this event was part of a broader outreach effort by District 7 to connect with the area’s largely Spanish-speaking community. This includes live interpretation at public meetings and the translation of project materials by Public Information Officer Diana Jimenez, to help ensure residents remain informed and involved.
Efficiencies goal met for seventh year in row
From the SB 1 Program
In April, Caltrans paid tribute to the programs, districts, divisions and individuals who were integral to our success in meeting the $100 million efficiencies savings goal, as mandated by Senate Bill 1.
That law states, “The department shall implement efficiency measures with the goal to generate at least one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) per year in savings to invest in maintenance and rehabilitation of the state highway system.”
For the seventh consecutive year, Caltrans has reached the $100 million goal for fiscal year 23-24, with $176 million counting towards the SB 1 goal.
The division with the most number of efficiencies was Engineering Services, with eight. In first place for most dollars saved, $76 million, was the Division of Design.
In the Best New Efficiency category, there were two winners: The Division of Maintenance’s concrete overlays over asphalt pavement, and Engineering Services’ building information modeling.
Many individuals were singled out for their contributions to efficiencies. Those subject matter experts were Camille Abou-Fadel, Paul Chung, Tony English, Rich Foley, Dulce Feldman, Luis Guzman, Joseph Hammack, Akira Hasegawa, Bobi Hettick, Lynn Hiel, Belinda Hon, Peyman Kaviani, Allen King, Jaroslaw Kusz, Jie Liang, Naomi Liang, George Moore, Michelle Nelson, Mina Pezeshpour, James Ralston, Lisa Ramsey, Bin Shen, Eric Souza, Tigi Thomas, Tong Yang, Glen Wheeler and Siyoum Woldemichael.
The fiscal year 24-25 efficiencies compilation is underway. The program asks that if you have a newly implemented efficiency in your program or district, please visit the SB 1 program intranet page and review the efficiencies page.
Headquarters golfers bring home the hardware
Courtesy of Tim Craggs
By Tim Craggs
Retired Division Chief of Design
The 61st Annual Caltrans Invitational Golf Tournament was held in Monterey on May 15 and 16. Six teams from Caltrans Golf Clubs from around the state participated in this event, competing for prizes, pride and bragging rights.
Caltrans Capitol (Headquarters) Golf Club earned top team honors, rocketing past second-place District 5 on the second day of the two-day event. District 6, with help from additional participants from District 5, finished third; Highway Operations fourth; followed by the teams from Bridge and last year’s winners, District 7.
In addition to the team event, all players compete on an individual basis. Players are grouped into “flights” based on their handicaps, so each competes against players of similar skill levels.
Ronnie Lesniak of the Headquarters (HQ) Golf Club; Jake Hyde, District 5; Rich Williams, HQ; Dave Means, HQ; Mike Melgoza, District 7; and Josh Madrigal, Bridge, won their respective flights. Ronnie Lesniak, HQ, and Scott Straub, Bridge, took the honors for Low Gross (without handicap factored in),
Monterey Pines Golf Course and Laguna Seca Golf Ranch provided two beautiful and distinctly different tracks for the two-day event. Monterey Pines is relatively flat and narrow, while Laguna Seca is long and hilly, with wider, more forgiving fairways. Both courses provided significant challenges for the field but were praised by those who participated.
An awards banquet was held after golf at Laguna Seca. Individual and team awards were distributed, along with a raffle for prizes which were donated by the various participating Clubs. All in all, this tournament was a great success, providing the opportunity for a large cross section of Caltrans employees, retirees 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.
The 62nd Annual Caltrans Invitational Golf Tournament is targeted for May 14-15, 2026. While the exact location is yet to be determined, past locations have included San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Napa, Reno/Carson City, Nevada, Fresno and Las Vegas.
The Northern California version of this tournament, the Caltrans Fall Classic, is a one-day event held each year in October. Contact Larry Orcutt for more information at larryorcutt@gmail.com.
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). The Fall Classic will provide an opportunity for those golfers who don’t have an established GHIN. All this fun is on personal time and the golfers cover all their own expenses.
Please watch for future announcements regarding upcoming tournaments or contact your local golf club representative for more information. We are always looking for more participation in these events. In the recent past, Districts 2, 3, 4, 9, and 10 have sent teams and it would be great to see them again!
If you are in search of a Caltrans Golf Club representative in your area, 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 at www.ctcapitolgolfclub.com for more information.
Health and Safety
By the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Did you know that more than 1 in 5 American adults now face mental health challenges? That means it’s likely someone close to you — a friend, family member or co-worker — could be silently struggling.
Your understanding and support can make a profound difference. Here’s how you can be a mental health ally:
Build awareness. A lack of understanding can lead to less compassion for those struggling with mental health or substance use. Educating yourself is the first step toward genuine support.
Start the conversation. A simple question like, “I noticed you’ve been having a hard time lately; what can I do to help?” can create a safe space for someone to share their feelings.
Value your role. By encouraging those in need to seek care, you help break down stigmas and build a culture of understanding and support.
Share your story and reduce isolation. Sharing your own experiences with mental health challenges can help reduce the sense of isolation others may feel.
You Time!
District 10 analyst has uplifting hobby
Courtesy of Rey Hernandez
By Barbara Mendoza
District 10 Public Affairs
Squat. Bench. Deadlift. Ever come across these terms? How about lifting 600 pounds on a barbell? Rey Hernandez sure has!
Powerlifting is an individual strength sport that centers on three exercises: the barbell back squat, barbell bench press, and barbell deadlift. These aren’t just exercises. They’re the foundation of powerlifting, a sport where athletes push their strength to the limit by lifting as much weight as possible in a single repetition.
Rey, a Public Affairs analyst for District 10, developed love and passion for powerlifting at age 11 when he flipped through his older brother’s fitness magazines and watched him train. Inspired by his brother’s strength, he set a goal to one day lift heavy weights himself.
He started to hit the weights at 16 years old and by the age of 23, it was time to turn that dream and goal into a reality. He entered his first competition and won gold in the 220-pound weight class.
Rey’s love for the sport continues to this day. He is part of a local team called The Ironmasters, established by Powerlifting Hall of Fame recipient Joe B. from Stockton. Rey’s commitment to the sport is unwavering, hitting the gym five times a week when preparing for a competition and three times a week during the off-season.
When gearing up for a meet, Rey follows a strict 16-week training program:
Weeks 1-5: Initial Volume Phase – Establishing a baseline, usually starting around 30 percent of personal best lifts and then gradually increasing weight 5 percent each week to peak at personal best numbers (614-pound squat, 393-pound bench-press, and 594-pound deadlift) in weeks 14-15.
Weeks 6-13: Heavy Phase – Increasing weight while reducing reps 65-95 percent range of total numbers, focusing on protein intake, and maximizing recovery.
Weeks 14-15: Testing Phase – Pushing limits to determine competition numbers.
Week 16: Weight Cut & Peak Performance – Dropping excess water weight to qualify for weight class while ensuring peak strength levels. Resting and no lifting till the day of competition seven days away.
To gauge readiness for competition, Rey ensures he can lift his first attempt target weight in the gym one week prior at least three times in a row, before stepping onto the platform. Depending how that first attempt goes will determine the numbers for second and third attempts in all three lifts.
Sometimes fatigue from a weight cut, nervousness, or lack of sleep plays a big role in the body and performance on the day of the competition. Three judges score the depth, commands, and barbell control through the lift from start to finish.
Rey has competed in numerous regional competitions across the state, earning multiple medals. But for him, powerlifting isn’t just about winning, it’s about personal growth, discipline and community. The camaraderie in powerlifting is something special. Rey said.
“We push each other to be better, support one another, and celebrate each other’s victories. Ask any real lifter and they will tell you it's always you vs the weights.”
His dedication to the sport has also inspired those around him. His girlfriend, once a gym novice, now trains alongside him, embracing a healthier lifestyle. When he’s not competing, he gives back by mentoring new lifters, passing on his knowledge to the next generation of Iron Masters.
Rey continues to push his limits one heavy lift at a time.
DOT Shots
Workers install wattles for erosion control along a steep, reconstructed slope on State Route 33 in Los Padres National Forest in District 7..
A bulldozer climbs up a steep slope on State Route 33 in Los Padres National Forest in District 7.
A “soldier pile” retaining wall is constructed on State Route 2 in Angeles National Forest in District 7.
A 500-foot-tall crane assists with installing wire netting on a slope and a “soldier pile” retaining wall under construction along Pacific Coast Highway within the Palisades Fire burn zone in Malibu in District 7.
Who’s New
Dina A. El -Tawansy, Caltrans director
Dina A. El -Tawansy is Caltrans’ new director, effective July 1.
Dina has 27 years of distinguished public service with Caltrans, and her leadership experience spans three districts and multiple divisions. Most recently she services as the Bay Area (District 4) director, marking her as the inaugural woman to serve in this capacity within the district.
Her responsibilities included the oversight of all highways, toll bridges, and tunnels in the greater San Francisco Area encompassing the nine Bay Area Counties of Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara. Prior to that role, she served as chief deputy district director for the same district.
While much of her career has been in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, Dina also served as acting assistant divisions chief for Project and Program Management in Headquarters and the deputy district director of Operations and Maintenance in District 12 (Orange County).
As District 4 director, Dina managed a $2 billion budget of in-house and oversight investments and lead nearly 3,400 staff. She remained focused on implementing the department’s mission, vision and goals, building and strengthening partnerships, and continuing to work towards multimodal, sustainable, safe and reliable transportation solutions that equitably serve all Californians.
Dina possesses a B.S. degree in civil engineering from Cal Poly Pomona and an M.S. degree from Long Beach State University in construction management. She is a licensed professional engineer (PE) in the state of California and project management professional (PMP).
In her free time, Dina enjoys mentoring students and professionals in various stages of their engineering careers, firmly believing in paving the way for the next generation. Additionally, she is ever ready for an invigorating hike in the great outdoors.
Chanta Kang, deputy division chief of Project Delivery Administration
Chanta Kang is the new deputy division chief of Project Delivery Administration.
Chanta Kang is a seasoned project management professional (PMP) with 19 years of experience in the public and nonprofit sectors. She is excited to step into her new role bringing her leadership, strategic vision and passion for operational excellence.
Previously, she served as chief of staff for the Clean California Program, driving collaboration, innovation, and efficiency to advance organizational goals.
Outside of work, Chanta is a proud mom and grandma - roles she considers her greatest joy. She and her husband co-own a cozy cafe and share a love of good food and the beach. On weekends, you might find them exploring new restaurants, hitting the golf course, or relaxing in the backyard.
Chanta brings warmth, creativity, and purpose to everything she does-whether leading teams or loving her family.
Aung Maung, District 4 deputy district director of Traffic Operations
Aung Maung is District 4’s new deputy district director of Traffic Operations.
Aung began his career with Caltrans in 2005 as a transportation engineer in District 3 North Region. Over the 19 years, he has worked in Design, Construction, Project Management, Maintenance, Traffic Operations, and Traffic Safety in various capacities.
For the past two years, he has served as the District 4 chief safety officer, leading the District 4 Transportation Safety Division and overseeing the implementation of the Safe System Approach and fostering a transformative shift in safety culture in the district.
Aung has a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Florida Atlantic University and is a licensed professional civil engineer.
In his new assignment, Aung is committed to improving partnerships with internal and external partners, creating better organizational alignment to achieve the performance and delivery goals for the program and district, and investing in workforce development.
Obituaries
Philip L Bianco, retired transportation engineer
Note: The following obituary appeared on legacy.com.
Philip L. Bianco (Phil) died in Elk Grove on Jan. 30. He was 88.
Phil was born in Pennsylvania on March 6, 1936, the only child of Joseph and Elizabeth (nee Capriotti) Bianco. Phil graduated from Lehigh University in 1958 with a degree in civil engineering.
Shortly thereafter, Phil began his long, distinguished career with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), starting as a junior civil engineer and retiring as a supervising transportation engineer. Phil was proud of his many years in public service.
Among those left to mourn Phil's passing are his loving, supportive cousins and extended family who held a private service at East Lawn Elk Grove Memorial Park. May God rest his soul.
Eugene Quan, retired civil engineer
Note: The following obituary appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle
Retired civil engineer Eugene Quan died April 13 in San Francisco at age 93.
A beloved husband, father and proud member of San Francisco's Chinatown community, Eugene passed away peacefully, surrounded by family.
Born in Chinatown, Eugene was the eldest of seven children. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Eugene served during the Korean War and met his wife, Jean, while stationed in England. They married in 1954 and raised five sons in San Francisco and Castro Valley.
Eugene worked 35 years at Caltrans, rising to civil engineer, and served as a board member of the Lung Kong Tin Yee Association.
Known for his quiet strength, dry wit, and tireless work ethic, he loved ballroom dancing, the Raiders, Warriors and bitter melon soup. He is survived by wife Jean, sons Steven, Alan, Michael, Jeffrey, and Darryl, and extended family who will forever honor his legacy.
Cynthia Ann Walker, retired Caltrans worker
Note: The following obituary appeared on the Smith Funeral Home (Davis) website.
Cynthia Ann Walker passed away at home on April 12 while being cared for by her husband, John Russell Batchelder, and her son, Garrison Alton Batchelder. She was 66.
Cindy was diagnosed with borderline ovarian cancer in March 2005 and bravely fought ovarian cancer until her passing. Throughout her numerous surgeries and throughout her numerous rounds of chemotherapy treatments, Cindy remained strong and positive and never complained about being in pain or experiencing discomfort.
Cindy was born on June 25, 1958, in Aurora, Illinois, to Warren Kenneth Walker and Alice Amelia Speck. Cindy moved with her parents and with her brothers David and Kevin and with her sister Diane to Burlingame in 1961, so that her father could continue his career at Furnas Electric. Cindy often spoke fondly of growing up across from Roosevelt School on Vancouver Avenue in Burlingame in the 1960s and 1970s.
Cindy considered herself a “Bay Area Girl” and enjoyed all that living in the San Francisco Bay Area could offer. She continued her life in the Bay Area at San Mateo Junior College and also at UC Berkeley, where she developed a strong interest in both textile conservation and in chemistry.
After graduating from UC Berkeley in 1982, Cindy started graduate school at UC Davis in textile science under the tutelage of Dr. Howard Needles. Dr. Needles and his family soon “adopted” Cindy and she became a regular guest at their annual Thanksgiving celebrations for the next 15 years. After completing her M.S. degree at UC Davis, Cindy started a Ph.D. program in Environmental Chemistry at UC Davis.
Cindy met her future husband, John Russell Batchelder, in early 1985 while John was also a graduate student who was working on his MBA in real estate and finance. Cindy and John were married in December 1985, while they were both still in graduate school. Cindy and John welcomed their son Garrison into this world on May 24, 1989, exactly five days after Cindy submitted her dissertation to her graduate adviser.
Cindy remained at home with Garrison for four years, before starting to work for the California Department of Food and Agriculture as a methods validation research chemist. While working as a research chemist, Cindy also became very interested in the newly emerging Internet technology and learned how to program web pages using HTML. After a couple of years working as a research chemist, Cindy decided to transition to developing computer applications for Internet and Intranet networks at the California Department of Transportation. Cindy continued working at Caltrans until her retirement in 2018.
Throughout her adult life, Cindy was a passionate textile artist and studio artist. She took numerous studio art classes at UC Berkeley, while also taking a full regimen of chemistry classes. Cindy took time off from her studies at UC Berkeley to work at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco as a textile conservationist. One of her more proud accomplishments in textile arts was winning a national sock knitting competition in Knitting Magazine in the mid 1980s.
She is pre-deceased by her brother, David Lee Walker, her sister Diane Lynn Walker, her mother Alice Amelia Speck, and her father, Warren Kenneth Walker. She is survived by her husband, John Russell Batchelder, her son, Garrison Alton Batchelder, her grandson, Liam Alton Batchelder, her brother and his wife, Kevin James Walker and Mary Ann Walker (née Toschi), several nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.
Marlene Wilkins, Planning and Modal Program Management staffer
Note: The following email was sent to Caltrans colleagues on May 14 by Diane Falls, chief of the Training & Employee Development Branch of the Planning & Modal Program Management Division.
It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of our dear colleague, Marlene Wilkins. Marlene was a valued member of our team in Planning and Modal Program Management, known for her dedication, professionalism and kindness.
Marlene began her state career with The Big Fresno Fair in the late 1990s as an accounting technician. After two years at the Fair, she promoted over to District 6 Caltrans/Fresno in the personnel services office.
Marlene transferred to Headquarters-Personnel in 2003 where she worked in Personnel for a few years. Her next promotion was to AGPA in Local Assistance. She was currently working in PM2, Training and Employee Development (T.E.D. team) Branch, until her untimely passing. Marlene was looking forward to retiring July 1.
Marlene loved to cook and bake and enjoyed sharing her goodies with coworkers. She had a smile for all who met her and if you knew her personally, you understood her wicked sense of humor.
Marlene is survived by her only child, Zachary, and her older sister Linda.
Ray J. Zelinski, retired bridge engineer
Note: The following obituary appeared in The Sacramento Bee.
Retired bridge engineer Ray J. Zelinski died Apri118 in Carmichael. He was 85.
Born on Jan. 2, 1940, in Menasha, Wisconsin, Ray graduated from St. Mary's High School, Benedictine University and Marquette University with a degree in civil engineering.
He made California his home in 1962 and dedicated 40 years to the California Department of Transportation's Bridge Department, where he played a leading role in earthquake retrofit efforts. His expertise is reflected in bridges throughout California and beyond.
Ray embraced life fully, enjoying hiking, golfing, square dancing, playing bridge, barbecuing, fishing in Alaska, and cheering on the A's. He was devoted to service, volunteering with Loaves and Fishes, St. John's Church, and Tahoe Rim Trail, among other organizations. Ray was known for his generosity, wisdom, friendship and humor to all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol, and his children Beth, Mike and Kathy (Rich) Murray, along with his grandchildren, Dylan and Jei Murray. Ray's presence will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.
Ray Zelinski lived a life that was both full and meaningful, characterized by a love for his family, a passion for his work, and a service to others.