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.”