CT News 2026, Issue 4

Click here for a one-webpage view of all the stories in this column. (Retirements and Service Awards are not included.)

News

District 10 adds member to Caltrans Statewide Honor Guard

Isaac Clark, 39, is among the newest members of the Caltrans Statewide Honor Guard, and the first to be chosen from District 10 since the pandemic. Now, in addition to his duties as a landscape maintenance worker with Crew 675 out of Patterson, Issac will participate alongside other Guard members in the annual Workers Memorial event each April.

How the Strategic Highway Safety Plan helps save lives

Roadway safety in California is at the forefront of all stakeholders that participate in the Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). After working with multiple federal, state, regional, local and tribal agency partners, the latest 2025–2029 SHSP was signed in March of 2026 by California State Transportation Agency Secretary Toks Omishakin.

36 quilts and counting: Grace Magsayo’s legacy in fabric

Auctions are a regular part of the District 10 Events Committee’s fundraising efforts. Last year, however, a particular item captured everyone’s attention: a handcrafted quilt made by District Director Grace Magsayo. The quilt, featuring a fall theme with vibrant orange, brown, and burgundy leaves, started at a price of $75. Enthusiastic bidders quickly increased its value. Engineer Andrey Chevychalov ultimately won the quilt for $200. Andrey was captivated by the quilt as a unique work of art created by someone renowned within the district. He admired the craftsmanship and wondered about the time invested in its creation. The answer: approximately 12 full days.

District 10 sign shop upgrade enhances efficiency, safety and self reliance

A recent collision on Highway 99 in Stockton caused extensive damage to guardrails, fencing, and signage. Stockton’s Fence and Guardrail team responded quickly, made repairs, and replaced the damaged sign using newly acquired in house fabrication technology. Working in coordination with Headquarters Traffic Operations, District 10 equipped the Stockton and Merced maintenance yards with HP sign printers and plasma cutters.

Health and Safety

Wildfire smoke and respiratory protection

Wildfire smoke can create rapidly changing air quality conditions that impact breathing, lung function and overall health. Air quality must be monitored when wildfire smoke may impact our worksites. The Air Quality Index (AQI) can be checked for PM2.5 levels using an AQI Monitor or the U.S. Air Quality Index website (https://www.airnow.gov/).

Who’s New

Diana Campbell, state asset management engineer

Diana Campbell has been appointed as the state asset management engineer. With more than 24 years of experience in bridge engineering and transportation asset management, Diana brings extensive experience in funding, policy and budgeting, including developing statewide guidelines, shaping SHOPP and HM3 investment strategies, and collaborating across districts. In her recent acting role as the state asset management engineer at Caltrans, Diana provided strategic leadership for statewide asset management efforts, ensuring our infrastructure is managed efficiently.

Service Awards

A list of Caltrans employees who celebrated 25 or 40 years of service, or who received superior accomplishment awards, in June and July.

Retirements

A list of Caltrans employees who retired in June and July.