CT News 2025, Issue 4

News

Mahdi Khorram, District 4 worker, killed on the job

Caltrans is mourning the death of Mahdi Khorram, a department employee who was killed while working on State Route 4 in Contra Costa County.  

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 18, Mahdi, 39, died after being struck by an asphalt truck in a construction zone on Highway 4 in Contra Costa County.

“Mahdi was more than a colleague — he was a valued member of our Caltrans family,” said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy.” His tragic death is a devastating loss to his family, friends and for all of his colleagues. I extend my heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathy to his loved ones and all who knew and worked with him.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom also expressed his condolences.

“Jennifer and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death today of Caltrans worker Mahdi Khorram," Newsom said. "An employee since 2023, Mahdi was a dedicated public servant committed to making our roads safer for all Californians. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues mourning this terrible tragedy.”

Based in Concord, Mahdi began at Caltrans in 2023 and was a transportation engineer – construction inspector. He is survived by his wife and three-year-old child.

Since 1921, 195 Caltrans workers have lost their lives on the job. 

The California Transportation Foundation has established a Worker’s Memorial Fund in his name. Donations to this account are not tax-deductible but will be matched by CTF up to $7,500. The account will remain open and active until donations to the account cease for at least six consecutive months.

Donations by check should be made out to "CTF" and designated "Mahdi Khorram Memorial Fund” in the memo line. Please have people mail checks to:
CTF
9500 Kiefer Blvd., PO Box 276828
Sacramento, CA 95827-6828

Donations may also be made online.

Operations, technology, safety projects win AASHTO awards

By Headquarters Public Affairs

Caltrans received top regional awards for operations excellence, technology, and safety at a July event in Missoula, Montana, hosted by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

The AASHTO event drew submissions from 13 states in the organization’s western region. Of the 11 categories, Caltrans was the only department to have three projects recognized.

Caltrans’ Stratford Kings River Bridge project on State Route 41, which replaced a 78-year-old span with severe structural and seismic deficiencies, won the award in AASHTO’s “Operations Excellence, Medium Project” category. To accomplish the work, Caltrans engineers constructed a 330-foot successor span using a groundbreaking precast pier cap system developed jointly with the University of Nevada. The featured technology allowed the work to proceed with fewer environmental impacts and improved safety protocols for workers.

Also recognized at the event was Caltrans’ Division of Research, Innovation and System Information (DRISI) in the “Best Use of Technology & Innovation, Small Project” category for its use of technology in a project costing less than $10 million.

When DRISI hosted its first-ever Vendor Day in March 2024, participants were asked to tailor submissions to specific challenges facing Caltrans. Vendors were provided “problem statements” intended to elicit proposals offering targeted solutions related to contracting and procurement, hiring and recruitment, and worker safety. The event drew more than 300 participants and nearly 100 vendor submissions. One result was the creation of the Caltrans Vendor Portal, which helps the state better evaluate contractor proposals.

In addition, Caltrans was singled out in the “Safety, Medium Project” category, and its advanced use of a highway turbo roundabout at an intersection in San Benito County with a long history of accidents and traffic delays. By replacing an obsolete four-way signal with a roundabout at the confluence of State Routes 25 and 156, Caltrans engineers promoted slower traffic and safer lane mergers. Although the new system has only been open since January 2024, it has already resulted in a dramatic reduction in collisions.

Caltrans’ three award winning projects will join those from other regions to vie for one of AASHTO’s top honors — the Grand Prize and People’s Choice Award, whose names will be announced in Salt Lake City at the organization’s annual national meeting in November.

District 7 memorial is a monument from the heart

By Miranda Myers
District 7 public information officer

At the heart of downtown Los Angeles, in the plaza of the Caltrans District 7 office, stands a striking stainless-steel memorial. It is equal parts quiet, enduring and deeply intentional.

For Dave White, a SSMI Public Affairs Manager and the brother of a fallen worker, this monument is not just metal and form; it’s a promise kept.

“I didn’t want a plaque,” White said. “I wanted something better. Something that showed we really cared about our lost. Something that families could touch, see and feel.”

White has spent more than two decades in public service, and over that time he's carried the weight of a tragedy that changed everything. Years ago, White was working as a structural steel painter on the Vincent Thomas Bridge when his brother, Paul White, who had recently transferred to District 12, was killed on the job.

It was a unique and deeply painful situation, and left White and his family navigating the confusing terrain of grief, honor and remembrance.

As with many families of the fallen, White attended the official Caltrans Workers Memorial ceremony in Sacramento. It was meant to provide a sense of closure and offer recognition, but for him, it fell painfully short.

“My brother is not represented by a cone,” White said, referencing the symbolic orange cones placed at the ceremony each year. “I found the plaque in the lobby of Caltrans Headquarters uninspiring. You can barely find it, and, honestly, why would anyone want to?”

Dave said he felt a responsibility to honor the memory of his brother by doing what he could: memorializing the fallen workers in his own district.

“I want to make sure their sacrifices were seen and remembered,” he said.

Where others might have moved on, White began to re-imagine what remembrance could look like. Not in concept, but in craft.

“We do some cutting-edge stuff in District 7,” White said. “The rest of the state should take notice.”

The idea for a more meaningful memorial didn’t arrive all at once.

“It came slowly, organically, shaped by what I experienced,” White recalled. It started with sketches and a simple conviction: the fallen deserved better.

“I started looking at the big lit, glass Caltrans sign near the walkway. Then I focused on the monolith in the plaza," he said. "I knew our memorial needed presence. ... It needed permanence.”

While White is quick to note he's “not artistic,” he does think geometrically, and his practical design sense helped guide the project. Inspired by the neon light installation meant to evoke the blur of traffic at night, he found a way to echo that motif in the memorial design, with the help of Andrew Pham from Caltrans’ Graphics Department.

The challenge was not just artistic, it was logistical. He needed allies who believed in the vision.

Years passed. Then, about four years ago during another Workers Memorial event, White found a champion: Godson Okereke, District 7's deputy district director of Maintenance.

“Finally,” White said, “I found someone who not only cared but pushed the idea forward, even without fully understanding the design.”

White turned to longtime friend Erik Koplien of Can Lines Engineering. “I knew what could be done because Erik had built custom parts for me before,” he said. “I sent him a rough sketch. I mean, literally drawn at my desk, and asked for a ballpark cost.”

It wasn’t cheap. A project like this could easily reach $25,000–$30,000. Years of savings from past memorial events, only totaled about $3,000 in available funds.

White was ready to seek donations for the monument, preparing a list of potential donors who might be sympathetic to the cause. But Koplien didn’t flinch. “He said, ‘We’ll do it. No cost.’ Just like that,” White recalled.

Can Lines donated everything: design work, materials, laser cutting, welding, labor; the works. “They provided the sheet of stainless steel, the spacers, the studs, the glue," White said. "It was unbelievable.”

The $3,000 saved over the years was re-routed to feed attendees at the 2025 unveiling. The monument itself? A gift from a friend.

When the monument was finally completed, it wasn’t just a structure, it was a message. Mounted on the largest monolith in the plaza, the names of the fallen are etched in stainless steel, positioned to catch sunlight during the day and reflect subtle light at night.

“The names are spaced at different intervals,” White said, “so the reflection changes throughout the day. It’s always shifting, always present. And it’s accessible 24/7.”

White hopes families and coworkers will come, take photos, sit with the names, remember. Unlike the plaque in Sacramento, tucked away in a lobby, this memorial stands open to the sky.

“Those 32 names up there, I want it to be known that they mattered," he said. "I want their families to know we feel the pain.”

With retirement on the horizon, White is conscious that much of this story, from the memorial’s creation to the hard-earned lessons of honoring the fallen, could fade with time. He’s made an effort to archive records, document processes and ensure that if new names must be added, the memory won’t be forgotten.

The work he’s done is more than a professional achievement. It’s a deeply personal act of love, not just for his brother, but for every worker who never made it home.

Now, thanks to White and those who supported his vision, there is a place in Los Angeles where those moments, and the people behind them, are remembered with the dignity and honor they deserve.

The District 7 Worker’s Memorial and Monument Dedication took place on May 8 with attendance from District 7 Director Gloria Roberts and past district directors, including Caltrans Director Tony Tavares, Douglas Failing, Michael Miles, Tony Harris, Brent Felker and John Bulinski. Many District 7 staff and the families of fallen workers were also present for the monument dedication.

“It is my honor to dedicate the District 7 Workers Memorial as a permanent monument to our fallen workers,” Roberts said. “The 32 employees and their families are cherished members of the Caltrans family.”

Christine Thome, widow of fallen worker Juan Thome, has attended many past Worker’s Memorial events, including the annual event in Sacramento, and was heartened to see the unveiling of the monument this year.

“This event is so awesome. I want to say thank you to Dave White for putting this wonderful memorial together,” Thome said. “I am so moved to be here

Lights. Camera. Crash. John Jewell is living the dream

By Nicole Mowers
Headquarters public information officer

Behind every crash test dummy is a specialized team of engineers breaking down every moment of potential impact on California roadways.

“It’s nothing like the action-packed crashes in the movies,” said John Jewell, chief of Caltrans’ crash test operation, who has spent more than 30 years analyzing what happens before, during and after high-speed collisions.

The goal is to understand every second of what’s happening — from motion to impact.

Crash tests are conducted by the Roadside Safety Research Group, a team of about a dozen experts. Each member plays a role in preparing a vehicle for testing. The team uses robotic arms to install instrumentation, measure precise locations and mount GoPro cameras, all to capture data from every phase of a crash.

Once a vehicle is selected for testing, it takes two to three weeks to prepare. Measurements must meet exact crash test specifications. If they don’t, the team must justify every measurement — even something as small as a wheel being half an inch out of place.

It may not seem like a big deal but if the department wants to compare apples to apples with other facilities, Caltrans has to ensure consistency.

One reaction Jewell said he hears repeatedly from visitors watching a live crash for the first time: “I wasn’t expecting it to be soo LOUD.”

“A lot of people just aren’t prepared, even if they think they are,” he said. “When they see it and try to record it, it surprises them, just to see that much energy unleashed.”

Jewell vividly remembers his first crash test.

“It was awesome,” he said. “It took a while for my adrenaline to go down.”

Safety is the priority during tests — both for drivers and for others on the road. The team monitors how vehicles strike barriers. A passing result could mean a box truck hits a guardrail, flips on its side and slides to a stop — without breaching the barrier or entering oncoming traffic.

Jewell knew while still in high school that he wanted to work in crash testing. He was watching the news with his dad when a story aired about Caltrans developing a new barrier system.

Years later, Jewell landed his first job out of college with Caltrans — and met the crash testing expert who had appeared in that very news story.

“It was a full-circle moment,” he said. “I got to meet and work with my real-life hero.”

Jewell has since received several Caltrans honors, including the Karl Moskowitz Award, which recognizes excellence in transportation engineering. He said being nominated alongside colleagues he admires is humbling.

All the work that goes into each crash test leaves a lasting impact.

The next time someone’s driving down the highway, they may not realize it, but the road is a lot safer because of the work Caltrans does.

Annette Brooks Memorial Bridge honors treasured colleague

By Myles Cochrane
District 1 public information officer

On April 16, a heartfelt ceremony in Scotia brought together family, friends, colleagues and community leaders to officially dedicate the Annette Brooks Memorial Bridge along U.S. Highway 101 south of Stafford in Humboldt County.

Annette Brooks served Caltrans and the state of California for more than 36 years, rising from a toll collector to become a no-nonsense structural steel painter supervisor. Before settling in the Eel River Valley in 2000, she spent years in the Bay Area, where she helped preserve iconic structures like the Bay Bridge.

Beyond her work, Annette was known for her artistic spirit. She was active in the Eel Valley Quilt Guild and participated in the Decorative Painters Society. Tragically, she was killed on April 24, 2017, at a Caltrans facility in Rio Dell, just shy of retirement. She was 61.

The dedication ceremony featured remarks from several speakers, including Annette’s siblings, California Senate President pro tempore Mike McGuire, Caltrans District 1 Maintenance Manager Paul Johnson, District 4 Deputy Director of Maintenance Leah Budu, Humboldt County Supervisor Michelle Bushnell, and Rio Dell Mayor Debra Garnes. Approximately 70 attendees gathered to honor Annette’s life and legacy.

Annette was the eldest of six siblings, all named alphabetically—A through F—with Annette as the “A,” followed by Brian, Curtis, Douglas, Evalani and Ferlin. All five joined the ceremony, some traveling from Hawaii, and honored her memory by spreading the ashes of her beloved pets at the bridge site prior to the event.

Annette’s Hawaiian middle name, Kaleialoha, means “wreath of love”—a fitting reflection of her deep passion for her family, friends and animals.

The dedication stands as a tribute not just to Annette’s service, but to the love and dedication she brought to her work, her art, and the people around her.

Scenic route: Where the road meets the lake

By Manny Machado
District 1 public information officer

From giant redwoods to mountains and waterways, District 1 has a lot to offer when it comes to its scenic state highways. Imagine getting the opportunity to work next to the largest, natural freshwater lake in the state with 68 square miles of surface area?

Historically, Clear Lake was significantly larger than its current size, encompassing the Blue Lakes, situated northwest of Clear Lake. Volcanic eruptions and landslides drastically altered the landscape, permanently separating Clear Lake from the Blue Lakes and diverting its former westward drainage into the Russian River.

Mike Dugan recently retired as the Clearlake Oaks Maintenance supervisor, a position he held for the last four years. From the maintenance yard, it’s just a short distance from Clear Lake, a popular destination in Lake County for water activities and wildlife viewing. In fact, Clear Lake is known as the Bass Capital of the West. Fishing tournaments are held each year bringing participants from all over California and other states.

"Lake County is home to a multitude of visually stunning attractions," Dugan said. "One notable example is the beautiful lake situated centrally within our county. While engaged in my work on Highway 20, I often had the privilege of being positioned at the lake’s edge, where I can appreciate its beauty. I feel deeply thankful for the opportunity to live and work in Lake County."

In a picturesque work environment, Dugan highlights the significance of safety measures for workers on state highways.

"There is a growing emphasis on worker safety, and that is a welcome trend. It is essential to acknowledge that our work frequently takes place near roadways with traffic moving at 60 miles per hour. We must prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals."

After more than two decades of state service, Dugan made the tough decision to call it a career. While he started and finished in Clearlake Oaks, he also spent a significant portion of his time in Lakeport as an operator and advanced to lead worker.

Thankful for his time with Caltrans, Dugan is proud of the collaboration that he helped establish with Cal Fire for the fuel reduction program in Lake County, a joint effort aimed to reduce wildfire risk by removing overgrown vegetation. Dugan handed in his keys in early May.

“I've got a couple irons in the fire, but I’m not sure which direction they will go,” Dugan said. “For the time being, I have planned a couple of vacations and intend to spend more time with the family.”

Bay Area district gives small businesses a tasty boost

By District 4 External Affairs

Small businesses have a Bay Area lunch buddy, thanks to a creative program that happens monthly outside Caltrans’ District 4 central offices in Oakland.

First Tuesday is a quarterly employee engagement initiative hosted by District 4’s Division of External Affairs and the Equity Office. This program uplifts small and BIPOC-owned businesses from across District 4 by inviting them onsite as featured food vendors offering their cuisine to employees during lunch hours.

“By supporting these businesses, we celebrate the cultural diversity of our communities, strengthen the local economy, and foster meaningful cross-divisional connections,” said External Affairs Deputy District Director Cheryl Chambers.

On Tuesday, July 1, another successful First Tuesday took place, featuring food vendors Tacos MariLu and MBM Potatoes and Corn. Staff from across the district office gathered to enjoy great food, connect with colleagues, and support small businesses in District 4.

“Through engagement efforts like First Tuesdays,” Chambers said, “we advance Caltrans’ values of equity and economic prosperity while enriching the workplace experience.”

District 1 celebrates and encourages young scientists

By District 1 Public Affairs

District 1 staff and members of the Eureka Section of the Professional Engineers in California Government (PECG) earlier this year showed up to support the next generation of scientists in Mendocino and Humboldt counties.

PECG collaborated with the Mendocino County Office of Education for the first time this year at the 39th Annual Mendocino County Science and Engineering Fair. Engineers and PECG members Nisarg Patel, Deep Navadiya, Brian Simon, Katharine Perrin, Kendall Thomas and Simons Latunde-Addey served as judges and evaluated dozens of entries that examined everything from water quality to how playing video games affects reaction time.

At the 42nd Annual Doris Niles Science Fair in Humboldt County, Ansel Ortiz and Katie Everett rated exhibits that asked questions about how doing laundry contributes to microplastics in water and the effectiveness of homemade fire retardants. In a news release announcing the winners, Everett, a District 1 project manager, said, “When one looks at the world through the scientific lens, there is no telling what can be learned and what advances can be made.”

Everett added, “Young learners are asking questions, making hypotheses and then testing those hypotheses. The applications for lessons learned from small investigations can have great impacts on society and the world.” She encouraged scholars to “Stay curious!”

Learn more about Humboldt County’s Doris Niles Science Fair and the Mendocino County Science and Engineering Fair.

Four rewarded for their management prowess

By Headquarters Public Affairs

Four supervisors were honored when Caltrans earlier this summer announced the 2025 Outstanding Management and Engineering Transportation Awards.

“These prestigious honors recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing California’s transportation system,” said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy.

“These individuals exemplify the Caltrans mission through their forward-thinking solutions, strategic leadership, and tireless service to the people of California. Their achievements inspire us all and remind us of the impact we can make every day.”

The categories and their winners:

Karl Moskowitz Award: John Jewell, senior transportation engineer, specialist, Division of Research, Innovation and System Information

Charles H. Purcell Award: Tina Lucas, office chief of project support, Division of Design

Bimla G. Rhinehart Award: Dara Wheeler, acting chief data and artificial intelligence officer

James E. Roberts Award: Eric Olives, office chief of program management, Division of Engineering Services

Learn more about the awards and this year’s recipients on this webpage.

DOT Shots

District 12 (Orange County) resumed its annual  “Bring Your Child To Work Day” festivities on July 29 in Santa Ana. Here are some pictures from the heartwarming event.

Health and Safety

Just drive – take action against distraction

By the Office of Employee Health and Safety

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on our roadways, claiming over 3,000 lives each year in the United States alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Whether it’s glancing at a text message, checking your social media feeds, or mentally zoning out during a drive, distractions come in many forms, each with the potential to result in life-changing consequences.

Recognizing the urgent need for awareness and behavioral change, Caltrans partnered with UC San Diego’s Training, Research and Education for Driving Safety (TREDS) program to now offer “Just Drive – Take Action Against Distraction” training in a self-paced format to employees.

This self-paced online training was designed with simplicity and impact in mind. It offers a comprehensive look into the hidden dangers of distracted driving by exploring the three main types of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive.

Through engaging scenarios, real-life examples, and interactive exercises, employees gain insight into the risks that may seem benign but often have severe outcomes. The training not only educates but empowers participants to identify and address these risks proactively.

The objective of this training is to equip employees with actionable strategies to develop safer driving habits. As Caltrans employees, who navigate and shape California’s transportation infrastructure, our responsibility doesn’t stop at the roadside, it extends to how we conduct ourselves behind the wheel. By completing this training, individuals affirm their commitment to safety, professionalism, and public trust.

Instructions on how to access this training can be found on OEHS’ Just Drive – Take Action Against Distraction intranet page. Also included on this page are instructions to record the training in your LMS.

Obituaries

Donald Lee Quintrell, retired Caltrans worker

Note: The following obituary appeared in the Lost Coast Outpost.

Donald Lee Quintrell, 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 27 in Eureka.

He was born in Eureka on August 20, 1934, to Edgar Quintrell and Elizabeth Andrews. He attended Eureka City Schools and after graduating from Eureka Senior High School went to work for the Division of Highways (CalTrans).

In 1957 he was drafted into the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1959. He completed his service in the reserves in 1963. After returning to Eureka in 1959, he returned to work at Caltrans and would go on to have a total of 39 years of service at Caltrans, retiring in 1993.

In 1957, he married Nancy Anderson, which began their 67 years together. Nancy passed away on July 25, 2024. Over the years they welcomed two sons, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He enjoyed and supported his sons in their activities, including many hours volunteering for the Cutten-Ridgewood Recreation Association, by grooming the baseball fields at Cutten School, helping to survey the property, creating a new baseball field layout at the school and setting up the fireworks booth. He particularly enjoyed building his own boat, a Pelican model, which came in a kit, and he would take his sons out on Big Lagoon and Humboldt Bay.

The family would enjoy many years of RV camping at Cabana Holiday, which later became Redwood River Resort, and the Deerhorn Lodge in Phillipsville. Don would make sure the trailer was ready to go every year. Having things ready and in good repair was Don’s joy. He would spend all the hours he could puttering around the house, garage and yard keeping things in good shape and keeping up with Nancy’s to-do list. His patience was limitless, and his kindness was something that all good men should emulate.

Don is survived by his sons, Dean Quintrell (Laurie) and Gary Quintrell (Heidi); his grandchildren, Alyssa Peper (Charley), Natalie Martin (James), Sarah Renner (Justin) and Kathryn Baker (Ben); and great-grandchildren Logan, Ella and Peyton. He is also survived by many other close family members and friends. Some have said that Don was a father figure to them, and for that they will be forever grateful.

---

James Arthur “Jim” Smith, retired transportation engineer

Note: The following obituary appeared in the Lost Coast Outpost.

Retired transportation engineer James Arthur “Jim” Smith passed away peacefully at his home in Mattole Valley on March 15.

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 Highway 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 and Alana Clark, Pam Mauney, Larry Turnbow and Charlie Jones.

---

Gerald (Jerry) Spellenberg, retired supervising right of way agent

Note: The following obituary appeared on the Lost Coast Outpost website.

Retired Caltrans worker Gerald (Jerry) Spellenberg died March 25 in McKinleyville. He was 91.

Jerry was born in Arcata to Earl Louis and Ardis Geraldine (Hunt) Spellenberg. He was the second of two children, having an older sister named Patricia (Patsy).

Jerry attended Arcata High School, graduating in 1951. He attended Humboldt State University (now known as Cal Poly Humboldt), graduating with a degree in business. He had originally wanted to be a teacher but decided against it after completing student teaching. After graduation, he took a job with the city of Arcata in the water and sewer department, digging ditches and performing similar work.

In 1956, his sister-in-law Norma told him about an opening at Caltrans for a right of way agent position in the Eureka office (District 1). He interviewed and was hired. Jerry started as a junior right of way agent, was promoted to associate, and eventually to senior right of way agent, overseeing the appraisal and acquisitions functions. While working in District 1, he appraised and acquired rights of way throughout Lake, Mendocino, Del Norte, and Humboldt counties.

In 1978, he accepted a position in the Sacramento Headquarters office in Planning and Management. In 1986, he was promoted to supervising right of way agent and moved back to District 1 to manage the Right of Way staff until his retirement in 1992.

Jerry met his wife, Barbara, at a dance at the Loleta Firemen’s Hall in December 1952. His sister-in-law Julia introduced them after deciding he was not the one for her. Barbara had just turned 18 the week before the dance. Jerry married Barbara A. Papke on June 19, 1955. They celebrated 67 years of marriage in June 2022 before Barbara passed away on Aug. 21, 2022.

They had a wonderful life together. Every summer, Jerry would take Barbara and their four children — plus a friend or cousin — to his Uncle Russ’s ranch at Shower’s Rock, where they would stay for two weeks in late August.

Jerry was a member of the Eureka Elks Lodge and the Buckeye Society for many years. He was also a long-time member and supporter of the Humboldt County Historical Society.

Jerry is survived by his four children: Lisa (Steve), Lesley (Arron), James (Teena), and Gerald Louis (Debbie); his seven grandchildren: Mark (Sammee), Stacy (Mike), Rachelle (Larry), Jamee, Jessica (Robert), Jason, and Katie (Rob); and his seven great-grandchildren: Aria, Melina, Daxton, Blythe, Carter, Granger, and Parker.

He is also survived by Barbara’s two sisters, Julia (John) DeMartini and Norma Dye; his nieces and nephews: Michele, Paul, Jean, Angela, Jack, Cathy, Eric, Jeff, Denise, Robert, Carrie, Penny, and Sandy; his first cousins Richard (Naida) Spellenberg and Steven (Sarah) Spellenberg and their children; his numerous Hunt cousins; and friends he considered adopted family: Becky Alsup, Helen Edwards, and Mike Rhodes.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; his parents, Earl and Geraldine Spellenberg; his sister, Patricia; his in-laws, Erwin and Anna Papke; his brothers-in-law, William Papke (aka Uncle Buddy) and Bill Dye; and his niece Dana. He was the last living grandchild of A.N. and Mary Ann Hunt.

---

Joseph E. Stapley, retired District 9 engineer and administrator

Note: The following obituary appeared in the Cedar City (Utah) News.

Retired Caltrans engineer and administrator Joseph E. Stapley, 92, died on Aug. 3, 2025 in Washington, Utah.

Joe was born in Cedar City, Utah, to Joseph Earl and Sylva Jones Stapley on April 18, 1933. Joe married Pat on June 9, 1958, in the Salt Lake Temple. They were the parents of three children, Teresa Anne, Bradley Dean, and Bret Alan.

While Joe was born in Cedar City, he was raised in Summit, Iron County, Utah, and at the early age of three, he was helping on the family farm. He continued working on the farm through high school.

Joe attended school in Cedar City and graduated from high school in 1951. Joe was drafted into the Army in 1953 and served two years before starting college in 1955 at the College of Southern Utah in Cedar City. Joe enrolled in a general engineering course and after graduation he spent one year at University of Utah and then transferred to Utah State University for two years graduating with a degree in civil engineering.

Joe accepted a job with the California State Highway Department and spent his career with Caltrans designing, constructing and managing parts of the California Highway System. At the end of his career, he worked as a designer, a construction administrator, traffic engineer, and finally a manager in the area of Bishop.

Joe and Pat were married in 1958 and from that time forward they were constant companions. If you asked Joe what his greatest accomplishment in life was, he would point to his family.

In 1994, Joe retired with his wife and moved to St. George, Utah, which served as a base for travel in the Stapley fifth wheel, a mission in Baltimore Maryland and finally retirement to a restful place, St. George.

Joe was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings, including Bishop of Bishop Ward in California and temple worker in St. George, Utah.

Joe was predeceased by the love of his life, Patricia in November 2023; his brother, Dee El; his brother-in-law/sister-in-law, Ray and Ila Rae Stephenson; his sister-in-law, Carola (John) Stephenson; and his granddaughter, Sylva (Brad) Stapley.

Joe is survived by his three children: Teresa Anne (Andrew) Mitchell, Bradley Dean (Donna) Stapley, and Bret Alan Stapley; brothers: Bryce (Pat) and Mike (Susan) Stapley; sister-in-law, Norma (Dee El) Stapley; and brother-in-law, John (Carola) Stephenson. Joe claims 13 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

---

 Raymond Truttman, retired equipment operator

Note: The following obituary appeared in the Lost Coast Outpost.

Retired equipment operator Ray Truttman died on July 9 to complications from a fall. Ray was born in Arcata, Trinity Hospital, and was proud to have reached his 91st birthday.

Ray was born June 6, 1934, and raised in Orick along with a loving sister, Delores (Dee), and brother Bernie. He always felt very fortunate to have come from a small community where he could hunt and fish for salmon and trout, literally right out his backdoor, which was right on Redwood Creek.

As a young man he was a hard worker, always employed throughout the years, beginning with restaurant work, assisting dairy ranchers and a service station. He felt honored to have always been employed.

Ray graduated from Arcata High School in 1952. Ray always made sure to attend reunions and monthly luncheons, so he was able to keep in touch with all his valued classmates. He was able to accomplish this until the age of 90.

After graduating from high school Ray was hired at the Geneva Lumber Company where he worked for five years. In September 1956 at the age of 22 he was hired by Caltrans, making him a third-generation Caltrans employee. In fact, the Truttman Sink, a section of Highway 101 near Stone Lagoon was named after Ray’s grandfather, Michael Truttman.

He started out in Orick working in maintenance, but over time he advanced to equipment operator and moved to Eureka, where he retired after 30-plus years of service. Ray was able to enjoy over 40 years of retirement.

Children Jeanette and Ron were born from Ray’s first marriage. Also brought into the first marriage was a daughter, Patty, whom he loved as his own. Ray met his second wife Donna on July 4, 1965, and in very short time he knew he had met the love of his life. They were married at the First United Methodist Church in Eureka on August 13, 1965.

At this time Ray was blessed with another son, Rick, that he raised as his own. Ray and Donna were happily married 1 month shy of 60 wonderful years.

Ray will be remembered as a man of integrity, a man who deeply loved and adored his wife and children. His daughter Jeannette, whom he had a very close relationship with. He always made her feel cherished and she cherished him in return. Although his son Ron proceeded him in death, Ron is remembered by his family as being very special. His son Rick will always remember Ray as his dad and will remember the talks over dinner about their beloved San Francisco Giants.

His children will always remember their father as their role model. Ray was a kind, caring, loving family man and will be deeply missed by those who knew him.

After retiring Ray had many passions that he enjoyed. Ray and Donna used to love walking around their neighborhood of Ridgewood in Eureka in which they lived since the late 1960s. They would often stop and visit people met along the way. He looked forward to his weekly Thursday adventures to Blue Lake Casino where he made a lot of great friends playing his favorite game of Blackjack.

He enjoyed cooking and baking right up until his fall. Ray and Donna also like to attend theater and concert performances both locally and when they travel.

Ray and Donna enjoyed traveling to many states around the country and visited Canada, Austria and Switzerland. He was proud of his Swiss heritage and enjoyed many years as a member of the Swiss club.

Ray is survived by his loving wife Donna Truttman; brother Bernie Truttman; children Jeanette (Terry) Crocker, Rick Swenson, Patty (Bill) Porter, Dana (Sheila) Ramsey; granddaughter Jessica (Court) Carlson; sister-in-law Leona Smith; and great-grandchild and many other family members.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Nora Truttman; sister Delores (Dee) Briggs; son Ron Truttman; sister-in-law Laura Truttman; brother-in-law Lonnie Smith; and with many other loving family members.

---

Sergio Venegas, retired engineer

Note: The following obituary appeared on EverLoved.com.

On June 29, retired Caltrans engineer Sergio Venegas, 72, passed away peacefully at home after a year-long battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in San Nicolas de Ibarra, Jalisco, Mexico, Sergio moved to California as a child, eventually settling in Santa Maria. A proud U.S. citizen, he worked his way through college and earned a degree in electrical engineering from California State University, Fresno, all while supporting his growing family.

Sergio began his career in the restaurant industry, later transitioning into engineering with roles at Hughes Aircraft and Caltrans, where he managed the Traffic Management Center and played an active role in emergency operations until his retirement in March 2025.

A man of strong faith and quiet strength, Sergio was admired for his calm demeanor, generosity, mentorship and deep devotion to his wife Kathleen, their six children, and 14 grandchildren.

He coached countless youth soccer teams, loved gardening, shared stories with warmth and humor, and gave generously of his time to his church, community, and extended family.