CALTRANS NEWS

IN THIS ISSUE...

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

Upcoming Events for Bicyclists

May is National Bike Month. Caltrans headquarters, several districts, and many communities will be organizing and participating in special bike events.

Caltrans is proud to sponsor local and statewide bicycling events.

Go to http://www.mayisbikemonth.com/ for Sacramento region events and http://www.californiabikecommute.com/ for the statewide California Bike Commute.

Questions? ken.mcguire@dot.ca.gov

Basketball Shootout

Take a shot for a scholarship! Come join the 15th Annual Basketball Shootout scholarship competition sponsored by the Engineering/Architectural Scholarship Committee of Caltrans Division of Engineering Services (DES) and the California Transportation Foundation (CTF). Men’s and women’s divisions in long shot and most free throws in one minute are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 8. At noon, the DES deputy division chiefs will compete. Prizes will be awarded at 1:15 p.m. Sacramento Monarch and Olympic gold medalist Ruthie Bolton will be our special guest.

Photo by Dave Mast, DES Sacramento Monarch and Olympic gold medalist Ruthie Bolton will be at the basketball competition.

Kathy Stewart of the Division of Engineering Services is coordinating the event; she can be contacted at kathy_s_stewart@dot.ca.gov or (916) 227-9525.

Other Upcoming CTF-Sponsored Events

Mark your calendars if you plan to be part of the Tranny awards luncheon in June or the Charity Golf Tournament in August. These two annual events are sponsored by the California Transportation Foundation (CTF).

• June 4: The Tranny Awards Luncheon will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center (1400 J Street). You can support projects, programs and persons nominated for this year’s Tranny awards and Caltrans’ manager awards by purchasing tickets on-line at swest@westdirections.com or at CTF, 581 La Sierra Drive, Sacramento, CA 95864.
• August 12: Our Annual Charity Golf Tournament at the Winchester Country Club in Meadow Vista in the Sierra Foothills gives you an opportunity to help members of the Caltrans community when their need is greatest as well as have a good time playing one of California’s great courses with friends and colleagues. The tournament raises money for the Workers Assistance and Memorial Fund. Registration forms will soon be posted on CTF’s Web site for your convenience.

If you would like more information on these or other programs and events, please check out the Foundation’s Web site at www.transportationfoundation.org.

NEWS

I-40 Merits Three Partnering Awards

By Barbara Miller

Caltrans has received the national Marvin M. Black award from the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America and the 2008 Excellence in Partnering Award from the AGC of California for collaborating to successfully improve construction projects. The project also won a silver Caltrans Excellence in Partnering Award presented to District 8 at a headquarters ceremony in April.

Photo by Jerome DiPadova, Skanska From left: 2008 Associated General Contractors President-Elect Douglas Barnhart, Skanska Vice President/Operations Manager Tony Bagheri, Skanska Structures Superintendent Troy Marak, Skanska Project Engineer John Schroerlucke, Caltrans Structures Representative Leonard Romero, Caltrans Construction Manager Alex Daouk, and Liberty Mutual Surety President Dennis Perler.

Early in 2006 severe damage to 12 bridges on I-40 near Essex was discovered during routine maintenance bridge inspections. Caltrans immediately acted to secure public safety and find solutions to expedite the design and approval process. The design team had the project ready for advertisement in two and a half months instead of the expected minimum time of two to three years.

Caltrans’ speedy delivery of the design project made it possible for its partner contractor, Skanska, to replace all 12 bridges in only 14 months from discovery to completion.

The westbound Marble Wash Bridge, a unique component of the I-40 project, was built with all precast support components. Using precast abutments for the first time in the state, the contractor completed the bridge in just 28 days. Eric Taylor, Skanska’s general manager, commented, “The I-40 Westbound Bridge Replacement project is proof that a true commitment to partnering leads to success. The teamwork between Caltrans, Skanska, California Highway Patrol and all of our subcontractors and suppliers was the key to this project’s early, under budget completion.”

Their partnering commitment was evidenced as Caltrans and Skanska resolved issues in the early stage of construction.

Caltrans District 8 Deputy Director Hector Davila said, “Partnering has become Caltrans' way of doing business and we can all enjoy the benefits. It is a great honor to be recognized with these prestigious awards for a job well done.”

Energy-Saving “Power Naps”

Naps are good for your computer and good for saving on energy costs, too!

A pilot program to test power management software confirmed that giving computers “power naps” reduces energy use by about 50 percent. The study was conducted on a Marysville test group of about 400 PCs and laptops by the District 3 Information Technology (IT) team.

According to an article in SMUD’s Key Accounts February 2008 newsletter:

Photo by Jon Hirtz, HQ Steve Prey evaluated the IT project results.

Steve Prey, program coordinator for the Caltrans Energy Conservation Program, was responsible for evaluating the project.

First, the Caltrans IT team established a baseline of normal CPU [central processing unit] usage. Then the management software’s auto sleep mode and shut-down protocols were deployed on the selected computers. Care was taken to avoid servers or computers running unique applications.

Photo by Farrell Savage, District 3 IT Monte Ann Mettz and Pat Dilling are part of the District 3 IT team.

After a period of six months, Prey and the IT project team evaluated the document tracking reports and concluded that the energy saving software aced the test. It had reduced average energy consumption by 50 percent and CO2 [carbon dioxide] emissions by 86,000 lbs.

The software would help Caltrans lower PC energy consumption, reduce some PC energy use during peak demand periods, and reduce facility cooling costs, all without affecting user productivity.

Statewide Rollout

Caltrans is now working on a plan to roll out a statewide power management program to a minimum of 8,100 PCs [and] up to an eventual 18,000 systems.

Photo by Ed Andersen, HQ Grande Rudulph, one of District 3’s IT team who worked on the pilot program, now works in headquarters IT.

Prey estimates a two-year return on investment, $450,000 in energy savings, and a reduction of 4 million lbs. in CO2 emissions annually. That’s equivalent to the emissions from 469 cars.

Congratulations to Steve Prey and the District 3 IT project team!

Note: Project costs, savings and deployment schedules are subject to change pending Feasibility Study Report (FSR) approval.

Emotional Ceremony Honors California and Country-Wide Highway Deaths

By Erin Gallup

On April 8 the west steps of California’s capitol were packed with spectators, media, dignitaries and more than 100 family members of the 170 Caltrans employees killed in the line of service since 1924. A giant LED screen allowed those in the back of hundreds of spectators to see the emotional ceremony unfold.

Photo by Ed Andersen, HQ Caltrans displayed the wreckage from this pickup truck after an 18-wheeler struck it on I-80 one month before the Workers Memorial. The driver who fell asleep at the wheel and struck the Caltrans truck died in the incident, but fortunately the Caltrans operator was wearing his seat belt and survived with minor injuries.

Photo by Ed Andersen, HQ At the Workers Memorial April 8, the Caltrans Honor Guard dedicated three traffic cones bearing the names of our 2007 losses: Djuan Bush, Matthew White and John Knabenbauer. One additional cone was dedicated to represent all fallen highway workers across the nation.

Deidre Wright sang a powerful rendition of Amazing Grace as the Caltrans Honor Guard, donning new uniforms, dedicated three traffic cones with the names Djuan Bush, Matthew White and John Knabenbauer inscribed on black-banners on the cones. The additional cones completed a 45-foot wide caution sign comprised of 170 orange traffic cones – one for each fallen highway worker.

Photo by Ed Andersen, HQ Several relatives of perished highway workers took their family member’s Workers Memorial orange cone home as a keepsake of the touching event.

Photo by Ed Andersen, HQ Family members of fallen Caltrans employee, Djuan Bush, look at the National Work Zone Memorial at the State Capitol April 8. The California memorial represented the first National Work Zone Awareness Week Kick-Off event to be held outside of the Washington, D.C. area.

As part of the first California-held National Work Zone Awareness Week Kick-Off, which has always been held only in the Washington D.C. area, a fourth cone was dedicated this year to represent all United States highway workers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country’s transportation infrastructure.

Photo by Ed Andersen, HQ Jeanette Knabenbauer expresses emotion for the loss of her husband, John, on his brother’s shoulder at the 2008 Workers Memorial at the State Capitol April 8.

Photo by Ed Andersen, HQ Caltrans Director Will Kempton and Business, Transportation and Housing Agency Secretary Dale Bonner stand beside a wreath dedicated to those killed working on our nation’s highway system at the April 8 memorial at the State Capitol.

Business, Transportation and Housing Agency Secretary Dale Bonner, Caltrans Director Will Kempton, Assemblyman Pedro Nava and even the wife of fallen Caltrans employee, Daniel Broeske, were among those who spoke at the Sacramento ceremony. After Reverend Cannon James Richardson said a prayer for those lost and their loved ones, three dozen doves flew into the blue skies and around the capitol.

Photo by Don Tateishi, HQ United State Army Reserve Staff Sergeant Bill Tubbs played the bagpipes at the beginning of the April 8 Caltrans Workers Memorial on the west steps of the California State Capitol, and later bugled “Taps” during the wreath presentation.

Photo by Don Tateishi, HQ Three dozen doves were released at this year’s Workers Memorial after culmination of a prayer for those killed working on our nation’s roads and their loved ones left behind.

To see the ceremony, visit http://onramp/

Volunteers Clean Up Litter and Graffiti

By Terri Bebo

Caltrans and Keep California Beautiful (KCB) employees picked up enough roadside trash throughout the state to fill one and a half Olympic-sized swimming pools on March 4.

Photo by Jon Hirtz, HQ CHP Valley Division Chief Adam Cuevas and Director Kempton spoke at the Great American Cleanup kick-off event in Old Sacramento.

Landscape and road maintenance crews; special program inmates, probationer and California Conservation Crews; volunteer Caltrans crews and Adopt-A-Highway groups scoured 2,500 shoulder-miles of roadsides to clean up 4,700 cubic yards of trash statewide. They also removed 56,000 square feet of graffiti from sound walls, bridges and other roadside structures.

Photo by Landscape Supervisor Michie Matsumoto, District 4 Volunteer Caltrans crews and Adopt-A-Highway groups cleaned up 4,700 cubic yards of trash across the state.

Caltrans spent nearly $710,000 on this one-day beautification effort that coincided with Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup campaign.

Headquarters external affairs worked with district public information officers to coordinate local media coverage. Maintenance deployed portable changeable message signs stating, “Don’t Trash California,” from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the state and informed the public about the clean-up progress as the day went on.

Photo by Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator Arnold Joe, District 4 The changeable message sign (CMS) read “Don’t Trash California” on March 4.

Caltrans will continue to promote partnerships with community, private and government sector stakeholders to reduce litter since they are crucial to the success of the California Department of Transportation Litter Abatement Plan. The Department will also continue to plan statewide and district-wide litter removal and beautification events, as well as encourage the public to join our efforts.

Photo by Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator Arnold Joe, District 4 Somerville’s crew set up cones along the highway near a shaded spot while volunteers picked up trash along the roadside.

District 8’s video can be seen at http://www.veoh.com/videos/v6324355tNhSycx2.

For more information about becoming an Adopt-A-Highway volunteer, visit
http://adopt-a-highway.dot.ca.gov/

Kempton Appointed to Executive Committee

By Debra Hoffmann

Director Will Kempton was appointed to a three-year term on the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Executive Committee in January 2008. One of his duties as an executive committee member is determining TRB policies and activities. TRB is one of six major divisions of the National Research Council.

Photo by Ed Andersen, HQ Kempton wears his orange bracelet in honor of Caltrans employees every day, even at national events such as the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting.

The executive committee is composed of about 25 transportation leaders from government, industry, and academia.

Kempton participated in the recent TRB Annual Meeting along with Chief Deputy Director Randy Iwasaki. More than 10,000 worldwide transportation professionals participated in the 600 sessions and 3,000 presentations given at this event. Kempton and Iwasaki promoted California’s issues with national colleagues in various presentations, workshops and panel discussions. Among the issues discussed were international efforts to address global climate change and innovative research partnerships.

After returning from the Annual Meeting where he shared Caltrans’ best practices as a national transportation leader, Kempton said, “It’s good to see Caltrans back in the national picture.” He said he’s also proud of the Caltrans employees who represent our department on various committees and panels.

Here are some of ways to find out more about TRB:

• Go to TRB.org.
• View e-sessions from the 2008 Annual Meeting at http://trb.org/conferences/e-session/default.asp.
• Send an e-mail to rhouston@nas.edu with "TRB E-Newsletter" in the message's subject field to receive TRB’s e – newsletter.
• Access TRB's research records at http://trb.metapress.com/home/main.mpx.
• Go to the Caltrans New Technology Division site at http://onramp.dot.ca.gov/newtech/offices/national_liaison/trb/index.htm

Contact Wes Lum in the Office of National Liaison at (916) 654-8892 or wes_lum@dot.ca.gov for assistance.

Bold Fix for I-5 in Sacramento

By Mark Dinger

Director Will Kempton announced in March that Caltrans and its contractor, C. C. Myers Inc. of Rancho Cordova, have an innovative plan to repair a troubled three-quarter-mile stretch of Interstate 5 in Sacramento. Significant lane and ramp restrictions to each direction of I-5 from the Capitol City Freeway/U.S. Highway 50 interchange to Richards Boulevard in downtown Sacramento will allow construction to progress at a fast pace.

Photo by Steven Hellon, HQ “We are going to get in, get to work, and get out,” vowed Kempton on March 17 as he outlined the quick-fix plans for a section of Interstate 5 in downtown Sacramento.

Caltrans expects to replace freeway drainage and concrete in two weeks and estimates one week to cure the concrete; after that, a polyester concrete sealant will be applied. While details are still being worked out, work should be completed months ahead of the original estimated schedule.

At a media kick-off event, Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo voiced her support for the project. Director Kempton provided details of the restrictions to affect nearly 190,000 drivers daily beginning May 30.

Photo by Steven Hellon, HQ District 3’s Sign Crew put up a banner on the Capitol Mall overcrossing of Interstate 5. The colorful banner invites passing motorists to learn more about the upcoming “Fix I-5” project.

This section of I-5 was dubbed the “Boat Section” by Caltrans engineers when it had to be drained before construction in the late 1960s. At that time crews leveled and built the roadway below the nearby Sacramento River’s water level. Sand and silt have created blockages in the drainage system over the years, which forced water to the surface and led to cracks and pavement deterioration. This critical project will provide a clear drainage system and replace the pavement.

Kempton noted, “Innovative plans like this have worked to perform rapid repairs of the MacArthur Maze in the Bay Area and the Golden State Freeway’s truck tunnel in Southern California. During both projects we reached out to the public and got the word out. This outreach reduced traffic backups.”

A regional public outreach plan is currently under way for the I-5 project. Live traffic camera views, links to ridesharing and transit resources, answers to frequently asked questions, and historic photos can be found at www.fixI-5.com. Visitors to this site can also sign up for e-mail alerts for construction and lane closure updates.

Groundbreaking for Martins Ferry Bridge Repairs

By Julie East

Though Martins Ferry Bridge is off the beaten path for most Californians, the bridge is an important lifeline for area residents heading to Route 169 in Northern California. So when a Caltrans bridge inspection team found an adjacent landslide had impacted the structure and the County of Humboldt had to close the bridge in December 2007, the 100-mile detour severely impacted the community.

Caltrans staff quickly met with County of Humboldt, Yurok Tribe, Hoopa Valley Tribe, Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and Federal Highway Administration representatives to upgrade a shorter 50-mile detour on Dowd Road and expedite development of bridge repairs.

Photo by Julie East, District 1 Humboldt County Public Works Director Tom Mattson (left) and Charlie Fielder, Caltrans District 1 Director, addressed a group at Martins Ferry Bridge on March 19

Caltrans also helped the county get more than $8 million in Federal Emergency Relief funding for the detour and repair project. “I am very pleased that Caltrans could be a part of the solution to finding a way to repair the bridge quickly,” said Charlie Fielder, Caltrans District 1 Director.

Humboldt County Director of Public Works Tom Mattson hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate this achievement on March 19 at Martins Ferry Bridge. LaBecca Nessier, Yurok Tribe emergency services coordinator, and Kevin Orcutt, Hoopa Valley tribal roads interim director, both spoke about the teamwork involved in the repair effort.

Graphic designed by James Dougan, Assistant Graphic Designer

This project is an example of how county, state and federal governments can work with the community to get the job done! Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to make this project a reality.

Local residents also expressed support and appreciation for the project. Construction is expected to be completed by
June 1, 2008.

HATS OFF

Dymer Heads Off Disaster

Photo by Trent Manning, District 4 District 4 supervisor Eamonn Dymer.

The following is quoted from a blog on www.sparselysageandtimely.com, reprinted here with permission of David V. Mitchell, editor and publisher emeritus of “The Point Reyes Light:”

Storm water pouring off the roadbank undercut a 20-foot stretch of highway near Dogtown about 5:30 p.m. on January 25. Fortunately, Caltrans supervisor Eamonn Dymer … found the gap in time to warn motorists before anyone fell through it. He was also able to keep motorists from having to swerve around it at the last second, possibly resulting in head-on collisions.

Most people would have expected any storm damage that dangerous to be more visible from a distance. Thankfully, the supervisor, who is based at the Manzanita Maintenance Yard, was properly observant and thus careful. Because supervisor Dymer went about his job the way he was supposed to, he was able to avert horrible crashes.

Despite the attention we give politicians and celebrity CEOs, it’s our too-often-forgotten working people, real heroes going about their daily jobs, who mostly determine whether our country is safe and functioning.

“Grooving” Freeways Eliminates “Gallop”

Director Kempton received the following appreciative comments from Vincent Dunn of Downey:

Allow me to compliment you, your department, and the individuals involved in “grooving” the freeways.

I cannot think of any other chore that adds more to the utility, safety, and traffic flow than “grooving” which eliminates the “freeway gallop,” reducing wear on suspensions and shock absorbers.

By eliminating the distraction of freeway gallop, motorists can devote their full attention to the tasks at hand, thus greatly improving safety. Also, traffic moves at optimum speed on the smoothed roads.

Again, thank you – I cannot think of a better way to serve the motoring public.

Note: The close-up view of grooved highway and graphic illustration were prepared as part of the Caltrans County Road 32A Diamond Grooving Experiment in Sacramento.

Crews Keep Highway 108 Open

The following letter was written by Fred Helmbold of Sugar Pine and signed by him and his wife, Pat, on February 5, 2008:

Now that the weather has cleared and I don’t have to plow my driveway or shovel snow from the decks, a large “Thank you!” and “Well done!” needs to be sent to all your road crew and related employees.

Following what has seemed to be a never-ending series of storms, my wife and I recognize and say thanks to all those who did an exemplary job of snow plowing – keeping the roadways open and safe. Living in Sugar Pine, we expect snow in the winter, but now with the roadside snow at or above the top of our cars, we appreciate the massive job of snow removal. This was made even more difficult and taxing because of the snowfall at lower levels, which must have increased the miles of roads to be cleared. During all of the storms, weekday or weekend, the crews were out plowing and keeping [State Route] 108 passable, then soon thereafter cleared and widened. All of this was done while many inexperienced motorists tried to drive without chains or shouldn’t have been driving.

I would like you to know the good work is being recognized. Please extend our thanks and appreciation to all of your people.

Lake and Sonoma County Crews Appreciated

Keli Nelson, a registered nurse, sent the following note expressing her appreciation to the crew that clears the roads between Lake and Sonoma counties:

I live in Lake County and drive over Mt. St. Helena four days a week to work at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. I am a nurse and work the 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. shift, so I am not heading home until at least midnight. Over the last month or so, when it has been snowing and icy on the road, I have never felt unsafe; the road is always plowed or sanded. I always feel very comforted when I see the plow truck sitting at the top of the hill waiting to make the road safe for commuters traveling between Lake County and Sonoma County.

Thank you for doing such a good job!

Caltrans Family Shows Support

Photo by Jeanne Bonfilio, District 7 Diane at work in November (Jeanne Bonfilio, who is a Public Information Officer in District 7, is Diane’s sister).

Diane Burroughs from the North Region in District 7 expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the support she received from her “Caltrans family:”

I would like to thank you all for your generous leave donation contributions, flowers, cards, thoughts and prayers during my recent battle with cancer. It has truly humbled me and made a positive impact on my recuperation, and I do appreciate this immensely.

So, again, thank you from my heart. I am back at work part time now, I feel truly blessed to work in an organization with so many wonderful compassionate people.

Health and Wellness

Plastic Container Risks

Before you reuse your plastic water bottle, read this and consider using another container.

Numerous recent studies show that bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used to manufacture hard plastic bottles and food containers, may leach out of containers and pose a health risk. The chemical is used in baby pacifiers and toddler sippy cups, as well.

Test show genetic damage from BPA in lab animals. Bisphenol A, which mimics estrogen, can affect developing brains and reproductive systems.

Researchers have expressed concern that negative trends in human health may be traced to widespread exposure to BPA, and one doctor on the Today Show recently recommended using any plastic bottle only once.

Heating and cleaning plastic containers with harsh detergents, or pouring acidic or hot drinks into them, increases the chance of ingesting BPA.

Although manufacturers of these plastic containers dispute the findings and there is currently no restriction by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on their use, the EPA has been urged to reevaluate the public’s health risks.

You can reduce your family’s exposure to possible risks by switching to non-plastic containers and dishes. Thrift stores are good sources of inexpensive glassware and microwavable dishes.

AWARD HONOREES

The following employees retired in April and certificates were requested:

EXAMS & RECRUITMENT

The Caltrans Examination Office lists the following examination bulletins with a bulletin release date in May 2008:

Accountant Trainee (Open)
Materials & Stores Supervisor (Promotional Spot)
Tree Maintenance Leadworker (Promotional)

The following examinations allow for continuous filing:

Associate Aviation Consultant (Open)
Associate Right of Way Agent (Promo)
Caltrans Electrical Technician (Open)
Caltrans Electrician I (Open & Promo)
Caltrans Electrician II (Open & Promo)
Caltrans Heavy Equipment Mechanic (Open & Promo)
Deputy Attorney III (Promo)
Deputy Attorney IV (Promo)
Senior Environmental Planner (Promo)
Senior Right of Way Agent (Promo)
Staff Services Management Auditor (Open)
Structural Steel Painter (Open)
Transportation Surveyor (Caltrans) (Open)
Transportation Surveyor Party Chief (Caltrans) (Open)

The following examinations allow for continuous filing on the Internet:

Environmental Planner (Open)
Environmental Planner (Archaeology) (Open)
Environmental Planner (Architectural History) (Open)
Environmental Planner (Natural Science) (Open)
Landscape Associate, Caltrans (Open)
Senior Transportation Engineer, Caltrans (Promo)
Transportation Engineer (Civil) (Open)
Transportation Engineer (Electrical) (Open)
Transportation Planner (Open)

Visit our Web site at www.dot.ca.gov/hq/jobs for open, promotional, CEA and MSDP examinations.

Who's New?

Laurine Bohamera, CPA

Photo by Ed Andersen, HQ Laurine Bohamera has 32 years of auditing and accounting experience.

Laurine Bohamera assumed the position of Chief, Internal Audits in Audits and Investigations in February 2008 when the former chief, Ken Craig, retired.

Laurine, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), graduated from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Bohamera started at the Department of Finance in 1976 as an auditor, and during the next 13 years worked in various audit capacities with both the Department of Finance and the Office of the Auditor General. Laurine accepted a position with Caltrans' Division of Accounting in 1989 and served in a variety of supervisory and management capacities for 19 years until she accepted the position with Audits and Investigations.

Laurine has been married to her husband, Michael, for 31 years and has two sons, Ryan, 23, and Nicholas,12.

Samudio Joins Traffic Operations

Photo by Ed Andersen, HQ Louie Samudio is recognized for providing excellent customer service.

Louie Samudio’s appointment to Chief of the Office of Budgets and Administration in Traffic Operations is effective May 1.

Louie has been with Caltrans for more than 22 years, most recently in the Division of Business, Facilities, and Security where he was chief of Statewide Business Services and Operations Security. Samudio has also worked in districts 1, 2, 3, and 9. During his tenure at Caltrans, he has gained expertise in several other administrative areas including facilities, procurement and contracts, asset management, personnel, recruitment, exams, equal employment opportunity, risk management, maintenance, and project control. He has an associate’s degree in business and a Bachelor of Science in business administration.

Louie has been widely recognized for his calm demeanor and his ability to build strong teams that provide excellent customer service. His wealth of experience continues to be an asset as he is more than willing to share his knowledge and provide counsel whenever it’s needed.

CTN Extra!

District 4’s Cheryl Koire – A Real Estate Expert

Cheryl Koire, a district branch chief in District 4’s Right of Way Appraisal Office, was featured in the Winter 2008 issue of the American Society of Appraisers’ ASA Professional Magazine.

Contributed by American Society of Appraisers Cheryl L. Koire

Koire is a certified general real estate appraiser and is designated as an Accredited Senior Appraiser with a specialty in Urban Real Property by the American Society of Appraisers. The society’s winter issue focused on appraisers in public service.

Koire credited the Department for providing funding for courses and encouraging her to pursue a professional designation. “Caltrans has been a place where I was given the opportunity to learn and grow as a professional,” she said. Over her 25-year career, she has worked closely with the legal division in litigation support and performs complex valuations, participates in regional quality reviews, and conducts training in appraisal technique and theory.

Caltrans appraisers, said Koire, “have a directive as representatives of the people of the state of California to fairly compensate the property owner [and] …we take the responsibility of fairly valuing property for acquisition very seriously.”

Koire, who graduated from UCLA with a degree in English, calls valuation in the public service “a tremendous career” adding “like fine wine, it gets better and better” each year.