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Department Head
Richard A. Hopkins, Director of Public Works/City Engineer 
Richard A. Hopkins was appointed Director of Public Works/City Engineer in January of 2009. This appointment was part of an overall restructuring and downsizing of managerial positions related to the budgetary crisis in the 2008/2009 fiscal year. The restructured Department of Public Works absorbed the former Engineering Department with the exception of its Land Development Section which was moved over to the Planning and Building Department.
Mr. Hopkins first joined the City of Chula Vista in 2006 as the Assistant Director of Public Works after 22 years with the State of California, Department of Transportation, Caltrans. Mr. Hopkins held a number of varied engineering positions with Caltrans, District 11, encompassing San Diego and Imperial Counties, including Deputy District Director over the Design and Construction Divisions. These divisions were responsible for design and construction of over $1 billion of highway infrastructure during this time. As as Caltrans executive, Mr. Hopkins was recognized for his leadership at both the local, district and statewide levels towards "continuous improvement" with a focus on strong "customer service".
Mr. Hopkins is a Chi Epsilon graduate of San Diego State University College of Engineering where he received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, with a minor in Geology. He holds a California license as a Civil Engineer since 1986 and is also a PADI certified Scuba Diver since 1975. Mr. Hopkins worked in a number of odd jobs while completing his academic studies including: construction laborer, cook, waiter, summer camp counselor, lumberjack, and lifeguard. Mr. Hopkins has resided in Chula Vista with his family for over 30 years.
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