DIVISIONQUARTERLYDODGE CHARGER EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: JEANETTE WHEELERQuarter 2 2026 ANNIVERSARY ALLEYINVESTING IN OUR WORKPLACES: A STATEWIDE COMMITMENT TO MODERN, SAFE, AND COMFORTABLE SHOPSCOOKING UP SOMETHING NEW AT HQ
s the calendar continues to unfold and the fiscal year comes to an end, I’m continually reminded of how yourROBERT S. MYERS, Chief Division of Equipment MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEFA work today shapes the road towards tomorrow. Across the division, we’re seeing positive results from our long‑planned efforts, from shop upgrades that improve safety and strengthen our operations to training opportunities that support the Division of Equipment (DOE) in the future. These improvements don’t just happen overnight. They reflect years of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and commitment from teams who care deeply about the people of the DOE. Whether it’s modernizing an entire facility, updating a restroom, or greening our fleet, each step we take provides a safer workplace that improves production and quality. The DOE has been recognized as having some of the most innovative employees within the California Department of Transportation. Changes are inevitable but also necessary. What stands out to me most is the way you embrace these changes. You welcome new tools, new equipment, and new knowledge with the same professionalism and pride that defines the DOE. Your willingness to learn and support each other is what makes the DOE so special. Editing & Proofreading Joey Gray and Lois Robb Graphic Layout Amanda Baker Investing in Workplaces: A Statewide Commitment to Modern, Safe, and Comfortable Shops Jessica Krause-Hiler Anniversary Alley: Dodge Charger Joey Gray Employee Spotlight: Jeanette Wheeler Joey GrayEquipment Quarterly ContributorsHave ideas for the next newsletter? Share them with us by filling out the Newsletter Feedback Form by clicking the button below.S h a r e y o u r F e e d b ack As we continue into the next stretch of the year, let’s keep building on this momentum so that the work we do today continues to make a difference well into tomorrow. Thank you for everything you bring to this division and for the care you show in every task, every shift, and every shop across the state. Sincerely,
TABLE OF04 | Investing in our Workplaces: A Statewide Commitment to Modern, Safe, and Comfortable Shops 07 | Anniversary Alley: Dodge Charger 06 | Cooking Up Something New at HQ 4 7 6CONTENTS Shop 1 modernizes its Ukiah and Eureka facilities this year. A three-part series celebrating automotive milestones. A renovated kitchen is finished at HQ. 08 | Employee Spotlight: Jeanette Wheeler 09 | District Drop-In Our own Jeanette Wheeler talks about some of her favorite things about DOE. This month’s spotlight showcases a well-known landmark near Shop 12. 10 | Summer Crossword Test your knowledge of all things summer.
INVESTING IN OURWORKPLACEScross the state, DOE facilities are in the midst of a long-overdue transformation. What began as targeted upgrades at individualA locations has grown into a coordinated, statewide reinvestment effort that is modernizing shops, improving safety, and giving teams the workplaces they’ve long needed and deserved. Although this effort is made possible by funding that was not previously available, it’s not just about funding lines or project lists. It’s about creating work environments that reflect the professionalism, technical expertise, and dedication of our staff through a strategic and collaborative effort. Over the past several years, every program, shop, and district has played a part in reshaping what our workplaces look and feel like. Crews, supervisors, contractors, and support staff statewide have taken a role in identifying needs, developing scopes, supporting temporary relocations, and helping keep shop operations running smoothly throughout construction. A STATEWIDE COMMITMENT TO MODERN, SAFE, AND COMFORTABLE SHOPS Before After Before and after the restroom remodel at Shop 8 in San Bernardino. Division Quarterly | 4
The combination of collaboration and funding commitments has allowed more projects to move forward at once than ever before. As upgrades expand statewide, employees are already seeing the difference. In Redding, new shop floor coatings are creating safer, easier-to-maintain workspaces where crews can perform repairs more efficiently. In Eureka, improved exhaust evacuation systems are helping ensure better air quality for technicians working long hours in the bays. And in San Bernardino, recent roof and door replacements are helping protect equipment and staff from weather exposure while extending the life of the facility itself. These examples represent just a portion of the progress underway. Combined funding streams have also unlocked a broad mix of improvements across multiple districts simultaneously, including roofing repairs and replacements, bathroom and breakroom remodels, exhaust evacuation systems, epoxy shop floors, HVAC and evaporative cooler replacements, rain gutter installations, exterior painting, boiler repairs, roll‑up door replacements, and window replacements. Before and after the roll-up door replacement at Shop 9 in Bishop. New shop floor coatings were installed creating safer, easier-to- maintain workspaces in Redding at Shop 2. Before After Before After Division Quarterly | 5
From HVAC replacements and lighting upgrades to breakroom refurbishments and improved shop layouts, each project, whether large or small, shares a common purpose: supporting the people who keep the state’s fleet equipment running. And we’re not slowing down. With dozens of projects now active or preparing to launch, the upgrades happening now and those on the horizon represent a turning point. Thanks to the teamwork of our shop personnel, contract liaisons, contract managers, and many others, our facilities are steadily becoming safer, more modern, and better aligned with the needs of the crews who use them daily. Creating workplaces that truly support our teams takes commitment - of time, planning, resources, and coordination. And each investment signals a long‑overdue recognition of the essential work happening in these shops and the people who make it all possible. DOE teams deserve facilities that reflect the caliber of work they perform. Together, we’re building the kind of infrastructure our employees deserve and ensuring that the tools, equipment, and spaces they rely on are ready to serve them for years to come.Cooking Up Something New at HQ DOE Headquarters recently wrapped up a full renovation of its kitchen and breakroom, delivering a brighter, more functional space for staff to recharge throughout the day. The HQ building is more than a century old, and while the kitchen wasn’t quite that historic, it was well past due for attention. The room had grown tired, and everyday essentials like the refrigerator and microwave struggled to keep up with staff needs. The remodel brought in brand‑new cabinetry, updated flooring, a larger refrigerator, and a new microwave. A commercial‑grade coffee maker was also added to better support the entire team and keep pace with HQ’s steady caffeine demand. The results have made an immediate difference. Staff now have a brighter, more welcoming space to take breaks, heat up lunch, or simply reset between tasks. With more room in the fridge and reliable appliances, the daily scramble for space has disappeared. Morale has received a noticeable lift, and the renovated breakroom has quickly become a small but meaningful quality‑of‑life upgrade for everyone at HQ. Before and after the exterior paint job at Shop 3 in Marysville. Before After Division Quarterly | 6
026 is a milestone year for several notable automobiles, and we’re paying tribute in a three-part series. Up first,2 a 3-year hiatus. The 5 -generation Charger returned in 1981 as a front-wheel drive subcompact hatchback coupe with a five- speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Production continued until 1987, but fans of the Charger would have to wait nearly 20 years for the car’s next generation. th we’re profiling the legendary Dodge Charger, celebrating its 60 anniversary.th Introduced in 1966, the Charger was an effort by Dodge to produce an upscale pony car. Derived from the Chrysler B-body intermediate-sized Dodge Coronet, it shared major components like the chassis and much of the two-door Coronet's front end with a fastback roofline following the pattern set by AMC's 1965 Marlin. The base engine was a 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 with a three-speed manual transmission, while automatic and floor-mounted manual transmissions were optional. Larger and more powerful engines were available up to the 426 cu in (7.0 L) Hemi V8. Sales were initially low until the Charger was redesigned for its 2 generation in 1968. 35,000 units were slated for production, but demand was higher than expected, and 96,100 Chargers were produced. nd The Charger was continuously produced over 4 generations from 1966 to 1978 before takingANNIVERSARY ALLEY:DODGE CHARGER Dodge reintroduced the Charger in 2005 for the 2006 model year as a Chrysler LX platform-based four-door sedan across multiple trim levels and special editions. The base model included a 2.7 L V6 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. At the top trim level was the SRT-8, boasting a 6.1L Hemi V8 engine. At the time, it was the most powerful V8 engine that Chrysler had put in a production vehicle. Sixty years on and now in its 8 generation, the Dodge Charger still turns heads. Whether it’s your dream restoration project or just the sound that makes you glance up from the shop floor, this anniversary is a reminder that some legends never lose their shine. th Division Quarterly | 7
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:JEANETTE WHEELERQ&A retirement! With an impressive 26 years of state service including 11 years at DOE, she has made a lasting, positive impact on our division through her work in multiple roles and teams. As we wish Jeanette all the best in her retirement, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her many years of contributions to DOE and to the State of California. Jeanette began her career with the Division of Equipment in December 2015, supporting the Specifications, Quality Assurance, and Design groups within the Engineering and Production team. In that environment, she quickly strengthened her multitasking and organizational skills. She later completed an Out‑of‑Class assignment with Telematics as an Analyst II, followed by a nearly two‑year limited‑term role that deepened her experience in the program. When COVID‑19 shifted staff to remote work, she adapted to the new virtual environment and transitioned into a position in the HQ shop, where she gained valuable experience with contracts and personnel‑related processes — a notable and rewarding shift from her earlier roles. Most recently, Jeanette advanced into an Analyst II position on the Fuel Team as the Alternative Fuel Administrator, supporting the department’s transition to electric vehicles. Working in a rapidly evolving program allowed her to help shape foundational policies and procedures while continuing to grow professionally. “My time at DOE has been marked by meaningful challenges, ongoing learning, and strong connections with colleagues.” Favorite Part of Working at the Division of Equipment: I have genuinely enjoyed every position I’ve held at DOE. Each team and supervisor I've worked with has been supportive, and I appreciate the diverse experience I’ve gained throughout the division. Division Quarterly | 8W e’re proud to celebrate and honor Jeanette Wheeler as she prepares for her well-earned
Anything my three‑year‑old grandson sings instantly brightens my day. He’s always singing his own made‑up songs about anything and everything. A Memorable Moment: One of my fondest memories is from my time in the DOE HQ shop, where the team affectionately nicknamed me “Shop Mom.” What I Enjoy Outside of Work: I love spending time at home with family and friends. With eleven grandchildren, there is never a dull moment. We enjoy camping, being outdoors, and making the most of our backyard, especially in the summer. Dream Road Trip: My ideal road trip would be traveling along the coast — exploring both the northern and southern routes — taking in the mountains and the ocean, two places I’ve always loved. A Song That Puts Me in a Good Mood: District Drop-In: Shop 12 Baseball season is in full swing, so this month’s featured landmark is Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Just a few miles away, the crew at Shop 12 continues to keep equipment in tip-top shape for some of the busiest corridors in the region. It’s a great reminder that while fans cheer under the stadium lights, Shop 12 teams are hard at work keeping the community moving safely. Angel Stadium in Anaheim (Source: MetroLink) and Shop 12 Division Quarterly | 9
Across: 1. A two-wheeled form of transportation 2. Walking on trails through nature 3. The warmest three months of the year 5. A cozy house in the woods 6. The outdoor activity of living in a tent 8. A large body of inland waterDown: 1. A sandy shore by the ocean 3. To move your body through the water 4. A sweet and frozen summer treat 7. A backyard or public place to swimSUMMERCROSSWORD Division Quarterly | 10
Answers: Division Quarterly | 11 Oven S’mores Recipe 1.Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (180°C). 2.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. 3.Place graham cracker squares next to each other on the baking sheet, and top each of them with a piece of a chocolate bar. Repeat with as many s’mores as you want to make. 4.Top with one large marshmallow, and place the cookie sheet in the oven with the door slightly cracked. Broil for about 5 minutes or until slightly golden, staying by your oven at any time to prevent the marshmallows from burning. 5.When ready, remove from the oven, top with the remaining graham crackers halves and press gently like a little sandwich. Enjoy! Ingredients: 12 graham crackers, broken into squares 2 milk chocolate bars 12 large marshmallows Equipment needed: Baking sheet Parchment paper or aluminum foil More Creative S’mores Recipes: Dark Chocolate Berry S’mores - Add some fresh raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries to your s’mores. It also works with white chocolate! Peanut Butter S’mores - A classic twist that consists of adding a dollop of peanut butter onto the cracker before adding the piece of chocolate and the marshmallow. Banana S’mores - Place a few slices of bananas onto your graham crackers. The combo of chocolate, banana, and marshmallows works every time! Oreo Cookie S’mores - Replace the graham crackers with some Oreo halves. Delicious! From Del's Cooking Twist Skipping the campsite this summer? Fire up the s’mores fun right at home.