March 2025, Volume 1, Issue 3
Hello, and welcome! The Public Works Press is the Department of Public Works quarterly newsletter where we will highlight the people and projects in our Department.
In this Issue:
Road Services is modernizing its equipment fleet to be more efficient and effective in its maintenance operations. Here is a glimpse of the new equipment that includes a 10-wheeler, Canycom Brush Cutters, a tree truck, a Graddall Excavator, and a dump truck.
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The new 10-wheeler with roll-on bed (swap loader) will replace an older, 28-year-old unit that hauls large quantities of materials and debris. It’s the first of three to be replaced (photo below).
 The Canycom Brush Cutters are new additions to the maintenance toolbox. They will be used to conduct vegetation management on steep slopes and tight quarters which makes them efficient and cost-effective in these areas. Additionally, with a hydrostatic transmission and four-wheel drive, this powerful machine provides significantly better traction in challenging road conditions (photo below).
 Introducing our new tree truck with a 40’ telescopic boom lift. The 40’ telescopic boom can rotate 360 degrees, elevate, extend, and provide a high level of safety and stability for our staff. Built-in torsion bars provide stability and allow crews to deploy quickly and efficiently (photos below).
Road Services acquired a new Gradall Excavator to replace a 22-year-old Gradall unit. It is one of the few pieces of County-owned heavy machinery that is street-legal and can be driven on public roadways! The Gradall excavator (photo below) is the equivalent of a Swiss army knife in road maintenance!
 The 6-yard dump truck is more than capable of hauling and unloading large loads of dirt, gravel, sand, wood chips, or debris with its large capacity bed and hydraulic lift system. The new dump truck is replacing a 27-year-old 6-yard dump truck. In addition, a sand spreader attachment can be used to spread sand on icy roads in the winter (photo below).
Health & Hospital Division: The Facilities and Engineering Department plays a pivotal role in the seamless operation of healthcare environments, ensuring that critical infrastructure is maintained to support patient care and staff efficiency. Our work ensures a safe, efficient, and resilient environment, supporting uninterrupted patient care through proactive maintenance, system optimization, and regulatory compliance.
Please see the photos below highlighting some of our recent projects, installations, and maintenance work.
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A fire-rated rigid framed containment was built within one of the occupied Psychiatric areas. This needed to be constructed to meet Infectious Control Measures and maintain patient safety while repairs were being made to the drywall (photo below).
 Typical fire-rated containment that we constructed in the SMMC Clinics building to replace a damaged section of drywall (photo below).
 Randy Burch and Todd Southern heading back from repairing emergency structural leaks at an off-site clinic (photo below).
 Photos of the cart washroom within the kitchen at SMMC. This room originally had FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) wall panels that have somewhat low impact resistance and were not able to withstand day-to-day use. The FRP panels were removed and replaced with stainless steel wall panels. This installation was completed by the Hospital Crafts Team with a great deal of assistance from Zones 4 and 5 (photos below).
  Staff pressure washing a teak bench prior to being stained. The benches provide a place to rest for the public who are traveling from the parking lot to the main entrance of the hospital (photo below).
 Staff completes wall repairs to the new admin area after flooding (photo below).
 The Facilities Division recently helped with a kitchen and breakroom refresh at Grant Yard (photos below).
The Facilities Division repairing a structural beam at "Our Place" County Child Care Center in Redwood City (photo below).
 Facilities staff repairing the roof at Camp Kemp located at the Youth Services Center in San Mateo (photo below).
County Green Infrastructure in Action
Did you know that some of the landscaping around County Center is more than just traditional landscaping? A few of the planted areas (near the new employee Parking Garage, around the ROC, and along the new COB3 building) are what’s referred to as Green Infrastructure (GI). These areas are bioretention facilities, also known as rain gardens, and are specifically designed to capture stormwater and remove pollutants. Here’s how they work – runoff is directed from roofs, sidewalks, streets, and parking areas into the rain garden where the plants and specialized soils then work to filter out pollutants. Treated water is either absorbed into the ground or continues its route through the stormwater collection system to local creeks and eventually the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean.
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 If you’re interested in learning more about GI, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scaZpPWT2iA&list=PLLgjyMTf6lO0oYUxC8gLzh_NjVzk98MwE&t=73s
or visit the following websites:
https://flowstobay.org/preventing-stormwater-pollution/in-my-community/green-infrastructure/
https://www.smcsustainability.org/water/stormwater/
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How often do you think about Wellness? Between work, family, and other responsibilities, sometimes we forget to think about Wellness and what it means. The County is committed to an organizational culture of success and well-being by encouraging employees to initiate or expand positive lifestyle behaviors.
Below are a few of the Wellness options available to all County employees.
$600 Wellness Dividend
Log into PreventionCloud now to complete 2 quick and easy steps that improve your health and earn you extra money:
- Take the 10–15-minute Online Health Assessment
- Complete 1 "My Plan" generated by your Assessment results
ALL employees are eligible and encouraged to participate!
Injury Prevention
Did you know active jobs require a higher level of fitness to avoid injury than sedentary jobs?
Employees are encouraged to exercise regularly including strength and mobility training. Strong legs and a strong core can activate to prevent low back injuries.
Log into PreventionCloud to sign up for one of the many FREE onsite and virtual exercise classes.
Connect with a Health Coach
Whether you would like to work on greater fitness, healthier eating, a sleep routine, managing stress, losing weight, or other aspects of your wellbeing - a Health Coach can help.
Public Works employees get FREE unlimited Health Coaching through PreventionCloud. Health Coach backgrounds include exercise physiologists, nutritionists, nurses, psychologists, and behavior change specialists. Make a quick 15–20-minute appointment now!
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Critter Highlight: San Francisco Dusky-footed Woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes annectens)
Fun Facts:
Woodrat nests, also known as middens, are made of sticks and other debris and can be up to 8 feet tall!
Nests are often elaborate with entrances, exits, tunnels, and specific compartments for sleeping, birthing and nursing, and storing food.
Nests can be used for multiple generations.
Woodrats are vegetarians.
Woodrats are a protected species. When found near DPW work sites, we are required to avoid impacts and maintain a safe buffer distance. At several sites, DPW has had to trap and relocate woodrats and their nests outside of the work area.
Below is an example of a Woodrat nest in the San Mateo Highlands Area.
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 Habitat:
San Francisco dusky-footed woodrats (SFDFW) are found in wooded habitats such as oak woodlands, chaparral, and riparian areas, from San Francisco to the Santa Cruz Mountains. Houses are constructed of sticks and leaves at the base of a tree or in a tree, around a shrub, or at the base of a hill. Houses can be as large as 8 feet tall and 8 feet in diameter. This species is mostly nocturnal and active year-round. Breeding occurs from December to September. Please watch out for SFDFW's and their nests when working in wooded areas and reach out to a DPW biologist if you have questions.
A woodrat nest that was avoided at Enchanted Hills Drainage District site.
Welcome, Alonzo Remillard! Meet our new Locksmith.
Please welcome our new Locksmith, Alonzo Remillard, to the DPW/Facilities Maintenance & Operations, Zone 4 - Crafts section.
Before joining the County, he worked at St. Mary’s College and Parker Security. Alonzo was born and raised in the Bay Area, plays heavy metal electric guitar, and has three guitars in his collection. He enjoys working on cars, and his current project is an Acura RSX. Alonzo is a big San Diego Chargers fan. He enjoys spending time with his seven brothers and sisters.
Alonzo hit the ground running and is doing a great job. Please say hello to him when you see him in your office fixing a broken lock.
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Welcome, Bradley Titus! Meet our new Electrician.
Please welcome Bradley Titus to DPW/Facilities Maintenance & Operations, Crafts Unit. Brad started on January 21st as an Electrician in the Facilities Maintenance & Operations, Crafts Section and has already proven himself as a valued asset to the County.
Brad is originally from Ventura County and comes to us as from Field Construction as an IBEW Electrician & Superintendent. He enjoys working out and is a Cross Fit Trainer. Brad is a horror movie afficionado and enjoys watching movies with his girlfriend. He loves to spend time with his children and dogs. In his spare time, he likes to visit microbreweries in Northern California.
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Congratulations Brandon Lopez on the promotion to Carpenter/Mill Cabinet Worker!
Please welcome Brandon Lopez to the DPW/Facilities Maintenance & Operations, Zone 4 - Crafts section. Brandon began his County employment with the Roads Operations Section as a Roads Maintenance Worker II. He was recently promoted to Carpenter/Mill Cabinet Worker where he has already proven himself to be a valuable contributor to the County and his team.
Brandon was born and raised in the Bay Area and is a resident of the San Mateo County. In the winter, Brandon enjoys snowboarding in Lake Tahoe, and in the summer, he enjoys wake surfing on the coast. He is engaged and loves spending time with his two children. Brandon prefers his pasta sauce on top of the spaghetti noodles and not all mixed together. Please say hi to Brandon when you see him!
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Congratulations Godfrey Chapman on your promotion to Fiscal Office Specialist!
Please welcome and congratulate Godfrey Chapman on his promotion to Fiscal Office Specialist. Godfrey came to DPW from Planning and Building. Before his employment with the County, he was a Customer Service Representative for SamTrans.
Godfrey is a Millbrae resident, a proud parent of three children, and his middle child is currently in the Army. He enjoys fishing, hiking, and camping.
Congratulations Jed Lapidario on your permanent Custodian position!
Please join us in congratulating Jed Lapidario on his permanent position with the County. Jed is a fan of sci-fi, long drives, listening to music in peace, and going on walks to enjoy everything nature has to offer.
Congratulations Jose Camacho on your permanent Custodian position!
Jose Camacho is proud to be from the Redwood City area. He likes to travel and one of the places he loves to visit is Los Angeles. For his next vacation, he is aiming for Colombia! His hobby is arts and crafts, and he also loves event planning.
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Congratulations Juan Oliva on your promotion to Construction Carpentar/Mason!
Juan Oliva has been promoted to the Construction Carpenter/Mason position for the County of San Mateo Public Works Road Division.
Juan has been an outstanding and indispensable member of the team for 28 years. He is constantly demonstrating dedication and expertise in maintaining and enhancing our County's roadways. His promotion to Construction Carpenter/Mason is a testament to his hard work, leadership, and the positive impact he's had on our community's infrastructure.
Please join me in celebrating Juan's well-deserved achievement. We look forward to his continued contributions and leadership in his new role. Let's all extend our support and best wishes as he embarks on this exciting new challenge. Congratulations, Juan!
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Congratulations Roxana Rodriguez on your promotion to Supervising Custodian!
Roxana is taking on the newly added Supervising Custodian position with our Building Services team.
Roxana has been a County employee for five years. She started her journey as a custodian at SMMC. She requested a lateral transfer due to her interest in joining the DPW custodial team and has been a valuable member of our team for the last eight months.
During her time at DPW, Roxana has displayed all the traits of a model employee. From working at both SMMC and DPW she possesses an extensive amount of experience. Roxana is studying Psychology, loves listening to music, reading books, and enjoys the beach.
We look forward to what Roxana brings to our team as a leader and a great person. Please congratulate Roxana on her well-deserved promotion!
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Congratulations Sheilah Neff on your promotion to Associate Engineer!
Congratulations Sheilah Neff on the promotion to Associate Engineer in the Project Development and Design Section. Sheilah started her new position on February 3, 2025.
Sheilah earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from California State University, Long Beach, and studied Executive Management and Leadership at MIT. She has over 30 years of experience in the civil engineering industry, specializing in public works projects. Throughout her career at Caltrans and the Alameda County Department of Public Works, she has served in various roles, including engineering design, construction management, contract administration, and program and project management. Most recently, she worked as a Public Works Technician II in the Utilities-Flood Control-Watershed Section.
In her free time, Sheilah enjoys playing the piano, and traveling the world visiting over 50 countries with plans to visit more! She recently returned from her trip to France, Portugal, and Spain.
With her extensive experience, we're confident Sheilah will excel in her new role.
Welcome, Zachary (Zac) McDonough! Meet our new Lead Gardener.
Please welcome Zachary (Zac) McDonough to the DPW/Facilities Maintenance & Operations, Zone 4 - Crafts section, in the new position of Lead Gardener. Zac comes to us from Urban Agriculture in the San Francisco Bay Area. He graduated from Chico State University with a degree in Health Administration. Zac switched careers for his love of horticulture. He has been landscaping his whole life raising fruits and vegetables.
Zac enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and rescued Doberman Pincher, spending time in the Eastern Sierras, and he dislikes cilantro.
In his brief time here, Zac has already made a positive impact on the County Landscape Infrastructure. When you see him maintaining the grounds, please say hello!
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March 27 @ 12:00 p.m.: Movie Fest at 455 County Center, Room 1. To Register: Go to PreventionCloud > ‘Events’ > ‘Movie Screenings’.
April 9 @ 11:30 a.m.: Department Walk at 555 County Center
April 10 @ 10:30 a.m.: Wellness Walk with Mike Callagy
April 12 @ 2:00 p.m.: Annual Employee Bowling Tournament at the Classic Bowling Center located at 900 Kind Drive in Daly City. The registration deadline is April 7 @ 5:00 p.m.
April 13 @ 7:30 a.m.: Hiller Museum’s 2K/5K/10K Runway Run
April 16 @ 9:15 a.m.: Egg Hunt at 555 County Center, 5th Floor
April 27 @ 10:00 a.m.: Pacific Coast Dream Machines at the Half Moon Bay Airport
May 15 @ 10:00 a.m.: Wellness Walk with Mike Callagy at the San Carlos Airport
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April 9 @ 8:30 a.m.: Cross Training at the ROC
May 7 @ 8:30 a.m.: Cross Training at Grant Yard
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May 19-23: Public Works Week. This year's theme is “People, Purpose, Presence." Keep an eye out for more information regarding Public Works Week! |
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