Drivers speeding past a Caltrans landscape project might be surprised to learn how big a role native plants are playing not just in beautifying roadsides and controlling erosion – but also in building climate resiliency. From coastal sagebrush and wildrye to sunflowers and poppies – almost all state-sponsored transportation projects today utilize a careful mix of historically native vegetation as part of the final landscaping design.
After more than three decades of service to Caltrans, Donna Berry, chief engineer and deputy director for Project Delivery, is retiring. Donna’s career is a remarkable example of where dedication, curiosity and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead. What began as a steppingstone into engineering evolved into a journey through rotational programs, district assignments, emergency response, operational improvement and, ultimately, serving as Caltrans’ chief engineer.
What happens when more than 200 transportation communication professionals around the country gather in one place for four days? Set against the scenic backdrop of Coronado Bay, this year’s American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Committee on Transportation Communications (TransComm) conference brought together transportation communicators for four days of connection, collaboration, inspiration and professional development, Sept. 27-30.
Employee Excellence Award nominations are due by Friday, Nov. 13. The quarterly recognition program celebrates employees who demonstrate Caltrans leadership competencies and embody the department’s core values and lead with integrity, innovation and impact. Anyone in the Administration Program may submit one nominee per quarter. Awardees will be recognized in the new “Excellence in Action” profile series.
United in Giving! The Our Promise campaign, which runs through Dec. 31, helps fund vital resources for people experiencing poverty, homelessness, food insecurity and more. Year after year, state workers come together and raise more than $3.8 million for nonprofits, making a real difference in the lives of those in need throughout California. By contributing as little as $5 a month, you can be part of this powerful collective effort.
For the first time in five years, two local high school seniors pursuing careers in highway maintenance and operations have been awarded the $1,500 Debra “Sam” Haack Memorial Scholarship, established in honor of District 10’s former Maintenance and Operations Deputy Director, Debra “Sam” Haack. To strengthen the scholarship fund, the Maintenance Continuous Improvement Committee (MCIC) gathered donations from several engineering unions and their members.
Each summer, the California State Fair brings together hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the state and among its most engaging exhibitors is Caltrans. The Caltrans booth has become a lively and educational destination where fairgoers of all ages can learn about roadway safety, explore transportation careers and connect directly with the people who help keep California moving.
Sadness is a natural part of being human, but it’s different from depression, which can affect how you feel, think and function in daily life. Depression, also called major depressive disorder, is more than feeling sad or down. Without treatment, symptoms may worsen over time and can affect relationships, work, school and overall quality of life. Some people may also experience thoughts of death or suicide.
Sergio Aceves has been appointed chief engineer and deputy director for Project Delivery. Throughout his 28-year career with Caltrans, Sergio has held numerous leadership positions, including 20 years in District 3, followed by assignments as state pavement engineer, division chief of Maintenance, and acting deputy director for Maintenance, Operations, Safety, and Equipment. Most recently, he served as District 3/North Region director.
Keyona Brooks has been appointed deputy district director of Administration for Caltrans District 6. She brings more than 11 years of state service, including seven years with Caltrans, and a belief that the strength of an organization begins with its people. Since stepping into the acting role in June, Keyona has worked with the Administration and External Affairs teams to strengthen emergency readiness, support new hiring practices, and bring administrative services closer to the employees who rely on them.
Rachel Carpenter is the permanent deputy division chief for Research and Innovation in the Division of Research, Innovation and System Information (DRISI), building on her acting assignment since May 2026. During her acting assignment, she strengthened partnerships with districts and university partners; improved internal coordination and communication; and helped shape a more coordinated approach to research prioritization and innovation delivery.
Aung Maung has been selected as Caltrans deputy director for the Maintenance, Operations, Safety and Equipment Program (MOSE). In his new role, Aung will provide statewide leadership and policy direction to advance Caltrans priorities. He is committed to fostering collaboration and strengthening partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to advance Caltrans' mission and achieve meaningful results for California.
Jimmy O’Dea has been appointed by the governor as the deputy director for Sustainability at Caltrans. Jimmy recently served as assistant deputy director for Transportation Electrification, where he led the Department’s efforts to advance zero-emission vehicles, including the administration of more than $500 million in new federal funding for electric vehicle charging projects.
Retired civil engineer Daniel Perry Bliss, 87, passed away peacefully on July 31. He was born in Palo Alto, California in 1938, and moved to Oroville with his family in 1941. He joined the Army in 1960 and served two years, being deployed to Korea for end of war conflict management. After the army he returned to Oroville and started working for Caltrans, where he earned his civil engineering license and would remain working for 43 years.
Caltrans and its partners held a press conference on Thursday, Oct. 8, outside downtown Sacramento's Headquarters building to urge drivers to slow down and drive safely through work zones, highlighting that it is a matter of life and death. Since Aug. 10, six highway workers in work zones have been killed, including three in one incident on Sept. 25 in Riverside County.
On Sept. 23, District 7 engineers Diego Banda and Vladimir Gurfinkel guided five representatives from District 9 on a tour of the landmark wildlife crossing being constructed over U.S. Highway 101 in Agoura Hills, north of Los Angeles. The group also checked out the nursery that Caltrans uses for growing native plants being used in the project area.
Are you leaving the department or soon to retire, and would like to stay informed of what's happening with Caltrans? If so, please send our editor your preferred email address and you'll be alerted via email whenever we release a new issue.
