CT News 2023, Issue 6

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

Director's Corner

Looking back and, as always, to the future as well

Reflect and intent. Those are two themes that dominate this time of year. Here at Caltrans, we are proud of all we accomplished in 2023 (video), and are focused on what we can achieve in 2024. So much to reflect on, so much to plan for … and so much to be thankful for as we enter 2024. Happy New Year, everyone. Keep healthy and, as always, stay safe.

News

Maui fire-recovery efforts get Caltrans boost

In the wake of the devastating wildfires that saw a federally declared disaster in Maui, Caltrans District 1 played a crucial role in aiding the County of Maui’s recovery efforts. Contributing to this mission was none other than our own chief of advance planning and local assistance, Talitha Hodgson. Ten dedicated Safety Assessment Program (SAP) certified personnel were called upon to evaluate approximately 2,000 structures within the fire-ravaged city of Lahaina.

District 10 maintenance duo honored for fire heroics

Not a day passes when Caltrans doesn’t prove its steadfast commitment to putting people first. Heroic actions Caltrans workers perform in the field every single day often go unnoticed by the public. However, the swift and selfless efforts of Paul Brager and Mike Quinones from the Caltrans District 10 Pine Grove Maintenance Station were far too impressive to ignore.

Construction chief saluted as ‘VIP of the Year’

Caltrans’ chief of the Division of Construction, Ramon “Ray” Hopkins, recently was honored by the Southern California Contractors Association. SCCA, the region’s leading member-driven, nonprofit association for union contractors, included Hopkins as a recipient in the organization’s 2023 President’s Gala awards program.

Caltrans, partners rise to a challenge in L.A.

In a dramatic response after fire forced the closure of Interstate 10 in Los Angeles and caused severe disruptions to transportation and the economy, Caltrans worked around the clock with other agencies and contractors to quickly reopen the key corridor weeks ahead of schedule.

District 1 plows ahead with winter prep

When the winter storm season comes to an end, it’s go time for District 1 Caltrans mechanics. Faced with a November deadline, more than 100 maintenance vehicles and equipment are inspected, all to prepare for what Mother Nature has in store for the next winter. “This is absolutely critical,” said John Saldana, District 1 highway equipment superintendent II.

SB 1 efficiencies program salutes those who helped

The Senate Bill 1 Efficiencies Program would like to thank all those Caltrans employees who contributed to the efficiencies program in fiscal year 2022-2023. Without your help, we would not have reached our $100 million goal.

Hats Off

WWII veteran's life enriched by vegetation upkeep

East Tree, District 7’s tree maintenance crew based in Monrovia, has from time to time tended to the slope between State Route 57 and the home Lindsey shares with his wife, Mamie, in Diamond Bar. East Tree helps keep clear the couple’s sightline of Cal Poly Pomona and the surrounding area. Roy, who is 97 and experiencing challenges with dementia, is shown standing before the magnificent Southern California view. Behind him, downslope, are Caltrans workers (from left) Michael Moreno, Connor Swatton, Kevin Doroteo, Francisco Hernandez and East Tree Supervisor Aaron Estrada.

DOT Shots

Check out scenes of, about or at least related to our 21,000 Caltrans colleagues as we continue to go about our business serving all those who use or benefit from our state's transportation network.

Health and Safety

Improve well-being by developing emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand and manage your emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict. Developing your emotional intelligence can improve your overall happiness and well-being by making you feel better about yourself and your relationships.

Who’s New

Christopher Andriessen, chief PIO for District 9

Christopher Andriessen has been promoted to District 9 chief public information officer. Christopher has worked for Caltrans District 9 as a public information officer since the summer of 2019. Before Caltrans, he worked two and a half years as an office technician with the California Department of Insurance in San Francisco.

Rick Brewer, media manager in Headquarters Public Affairs

Rick Brewer joins the headquarters Public Affairs team as media manager after spending the past year and a half the District 10 Public Affairs staff. Rick’s first foray into communications began as a reporter and anchor at a TV station in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He later worked at stations in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Bakersfield, before spending 15 years writing news and sports for his hometown newspaper, the Stockton Record.

Jeff Burdick, Clean California education campaign manager

Jeff Burdick has rejoined the department as the new Clean California education campaign manager. This is Jeff’s second stint with Caltrans following three years as a political journalist and a manager at the California Department of State Hospitals.

Travis Fruci, television specialist on Headquarters audiovisual team

Travis Fruci has joined the Headquarters audiovisual team as a television specialist. Travis comes to us following several years as a content producer for the marketing department of ABC10 Television in Sacramento. Before getting into video production, Travis spent several years working in visual effects and has worked on several major motion pictures.

Kelli Huffman, deputy division chief for Legal Administration

Kelli Huffman is the new deputy division chief for Legal Administration. Kelli began her career with the Office of the Attorney General in 1993 as an office assistant. She joined Caltrans in January 2001 as a budget coordinator for the Division of Program / Project Management. This is a new position as part of the Legal Division’s reorganization. Kelli will oversee the Administrative functions of the Legal Division.

Daniel Rubinstein, chief of staff in Division of Safety Programs

Daniel Rubinstein is the new chief of staff in the Division of Safety Programs. Daniel most recently served as the executive manager in the Director’s Office. He led the Executive Management Team in staffing the director, chief deputy director, the director’s chief of staff, and the executive Board.

Teala Schaff, media manager in Headquarters Public Affairs

Teala Schaff joins Caltrans Public Affairs as media manager. Teala brings a proactive approach to crafting strategic communication plans, public outreach, driving public affairs initiatives, and executing impactful marketing strategies with more than 20 years of experience in the public and private arenas.

Service Awards

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

Retirements

A list of Caltrans employees who retired in October and November.

Obituaries

Retired employee Ernestine Rosa Castillo

Ernestine Rosa Castillo, age 89, of San Diego, died June 4. After spending 29 years working for Caltrans and dedicating over half a century to the Logan Inn Bar, Ernestine loved spending her free time playing the slots at Barona Casino, and taking her grandkids and great grandchildren out for Dinners. Her caring and generous heart was appreciated by all.

Retired engineer Kenneth LeRoy Johnson

Ken was hired on with the state’s highway department (now Caltrans) as a draftsman in 1957 and left in 1979 to join a prestigious engineering firm, CH2M Hill, where he worked as an engineering tech/bridge designer until retirement in 1999. He often said he was very fortunate he had a job he loved and felt lucky to have established so many longtime friendships over the years.