Operations Associate

San Bernardino, Caltrans partner to address homeless encampments along freeways. The agreement will authorize city-led cleanups and outreach for three years. Photo by Manny Sandoval The City of San Bernardino and the California Department of Transportation have finalized an agreement that authorizes the City to address homeless encampments, litter, debris, and graffiti located along State freeway corridors within its city limits. San Bernardino joins twelve other cities across California that have taken over this responsibility from the State. The Encampment Delegated Maintenance Agreement, which was approved by the San Bernardino City Council on June 3 and signed by Caltrans on July 17, allows the City to perform cleanup and maintenance services on Caltrans-owned right-of-way along Interstate 10, Interstate 215, State Route 210, and other designated State highway corridors, including State Highway 18, Route 66 and a portion of Highway 330. The State will reimburse the City of San Bernardino up to $400,000 for work performed under the agreement. "This agreement represents an important step forward to address homeless encampments along our freeways," Mayor Helen Tran said. "For too long, jurisdictional barriers have limited our ability to address these areas." In addition to removing encampments and improving the appearance of freeway corridors in San Bernardino, the City will coordinate outreach efforts to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with shelter, housing, and supportive services before encampments are removed whenever feasible. Until now, the City has been unable to address encampments located on Caltrans-owned property. The new agreement gives the City the authority to perform maintenance and encampment abatement activities along freeway corridors while following State guidelines and safety requirements. The agreement authorizes the City to remove both Priority Level 1 encampments, which pose an immediate threat to life, health, safety, or critical infrastructure, and Priority Level 2 encampments in accordance with State guidelines. City crews will also be empowered to remove litter, debris, and graffiti from designated State right-of-way areas to improve the cleanliness and appearance of San Bernardino's major transportation corridors. To help support the program's implementation, San Bernardino intends to partner with the Center for Employment Opportunities, providing workforce assistance while creating employment opportunities for individuals re-entering the workforce. Caltrans will reimburse the City for eligible costs including labor, contracted services, equipment, disposal, hazardous material handling, traffic control, outreach coordination, and documentation. The City will work closely with Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol to ensure cleanup operations are conducted safely and in compliance with State requirements. "Residents deserve clean, safe freeway corridors, and people experiencing homelessness deserve the opportunity to connect with services that can help them move toward stable housing," Tran said. "This partnership allows us to do both by combining compassionate outreach with timely action to restore these public spaces."

Oakland County appoints Oluwatosin Martins deputy director of Public Services. By: Jasmine West Oluwatosin Martins, a workforce development leader with experience serving people affected by the criminal justice system, has been appointed deputy director of Oakland County's Department of Public Services. County Executive Dave Coulter announced the appointment Tuesday, June 23. Martins will help oversee work involving Children's Village, Pretrial and Justice Services, the Medical Examiner's Office and Animal Control. Her responsibilities will include supporting the county's criminal justice programs and helping shape how the department serves residents. "Olu's extensive background in workforce development and organizational leadership will be a tremendous asset as we continue strengthening the programs and services provided through our Department of Public Services," Coulter said. Martins brings more than 15 years of experience in workforce development, nonprofit management, strategic planning and employment programs. Much of her work has focused on people who face barriers to employment, including those returning home from incarceration. Before joining Oakland County, Martins served as Midwest regional program director for the Center for Employment Opportunities, an organization that connects people recently released from incarceration with jobs and employment support. She managed programs, budgets, contracts and performance standards for five Midwest offices. She also worked with government agencies, employers and community organizations to expand employment services and secure funding. That background will be central to her work with Oakland County's pretrial and justice programs. "Her experience and passion for supporting justice-impacted individuals make her a perfect fit for this role," Department of Public Services Director Barb Hankey said. "She has hit the ground running and is already making an impact on expanding opportunities for the individuals we serve." Martins previously served as program director for the Michigan Works! Livonia American Job Center. She led employment and training programs, developed relationships with employers and expanded apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities. She has also worked as a data and performance manager and career development facilitator. Oakland County Deputy Executive Madiha Tariq said Martins' understanding of workforce systems and experience working across organizations will help the county improve its services. "Olu's leadership experience and deep understanding of workforce systems make her an excellent addition to our team," Tariq said. "Her ability to build partnerships and develop innovative solutions aligns perfectly with our goal of delivering responsive, effective services to our residents." The Department of Public Services oversees several county operations that residents often encounter during difficult or sensitive moments. Children's Village houses and provides services for young people involved in the juvenile court system. Pretrial and Justice Services works with people awaiting court proceedings. The Medical Examiner's Office investigates sudden and unexpected deaths, while Animal Control handles shelter services, enforcement and animal welfare cases. Martins holds a Master of Business Administration in organizational management from Eastern University. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and organizational behavior from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She is also pursuing a doctorate in organizational leadership. Her studies focus on workforce planning, leadership practices and how employers can create better career opportunities for workers. Martins was selected for Oakland County's 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. She is a member of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals and the International Leadership Association.