CyberFair 2000 Project
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Carpinteria, California, USA

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An interview with the Mayor of Carpinteria

by Eric S., Alec D. and Cameron C.

Q: What is your full name?

A: My name is James Bradley Stein, but I go by "Brad".

Q: Were you named after anyone?

A: I was named after my dad James Herbert Stein.

Q: Where were you born?

A: I was born in Pasadena, California at the Huntington Memorial Hospital.

Q: What are your parents names?

A: Jim and Betty Stein.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I grew up in California between the cities of Carpinteria and Burbank. Carpinteria is where I spent weekends and summers, and Burbank is where I attended public school K thru 12.

Q: What do you remember about the house you lived in?

A: I have a lot of fond memories of the home where I grew up. I have four brothers, and we've always been close. My parents were very open, and we could talk to them about anything. Even my friends felt comfortable talking to them about any problems or situations good or bad. We were raised to approach life with a sense of humor and to not be afraid to try new things as long as they were legal, fairly safe and it didn't harm others.

Q: What do you remember most about your childhood?

A: I have great memories of Carpinteria. We lived on Dorrance Way and my brothers and I spent just about every day down at the beach during the summer. I learned to surf at the point and Jelly Bowl. Later when we could drive we headed to Rincon. I remember walking on the beach below the Bluffs on Sunday mornings with my dad and my brothers and our dogs (we always had three dogs we adopted along the way) and letting my mom sleep-in. I also loved hiking in the foothills and creeks between Carpinteria and Santa Barbara.

Q: Tell me about your family.

A: I've been married to Carla for 21 years. We have three sons, Eric (10), Jeremy (8) and Kevin (5). We also have a cat, "Hobbs",six chickens, two rabbits and a turtle.

Q: What is your family background?

A: Both of my parents were born in Los Angeles. My father's parents came to California from Pennsylvania and my mother's parents came from Oklahoma. My ancestors were German and Dutch.

Q: How long have these significant relatives lived here?

A: My parents have owned a home in Carpinteria for almost forty years.

Q: Who has contributed to your success as a community leader and how have they influenced you?

A: My parents have always taken an active role in the community, and they encouraged me to do the same. Whether it involved volunteering for various service organizations, at school, at church, or in local government, I followed their example and got involved. My wife was my campaign manager when I ran for city council. She has always shared my concern for protecting and preserving Carpinteria's quality of life and unique small town charm. My children help with their patience and understanding with all the meetings and paperwork that come with being on the City Council in general and being the Mayor in particular.

Q: Describe your profession and what do you do at your job?

A: I work for the Union Pacific Railroad as a Conductor on freight trains. I ride either in the locomotive with the Engineer and Brakeman or in the caboose when there is one. The Conductor handles all the paper work (work orders, weigh bills, and track warrants), radio communications with train dispatchers and other trains. I also plan and organize all the work done in route (pick up and set out train cars into various sidings and industries).

Q: Describe the activities you are currently involved in?

A: Raising my three sons is first and foremost. I try always to be there for them whether it involves school or sports or clubs. I help them, their teachers and their coaches anyway that I can. In my free time, I like sailing and gardening and going to the beach which are also activities we can do as a family.

Q: What path did you take to become a leader?

A: In the early eighties I became a member of the Citizens Advisory Board. Later I was appointed to the Downtown Waterfront Revitalization Task Force and in 1988 I ran for City Council for the first time. I was elected in 1990; re-elected in 1994 and again in 1998. I served two terms as Vice Mayor before becoming Mayor.

Q: What does the term "civic leadership" mean to you?

A: I can sum that answer up in three words, "LEAD BY EXAMPLE," treat people with dignity and respect and stand by your convictions.

Q: List changes and contributions you've made in the community?

A: First, the way you make successful changes is by working well with others. Our City Council is a five member board that works together to get things done. That said, let me list a few things: Saved the city from bankruptcy and built up reserves that today total almost two million dollars. Interest earned helps to fund many city recreation programs. Contracted law enforcement with the S.B. Sheriffs which provided more law enforcement for less money. Carpinteria now has the lowest crime rate in county. Revitalized our downtown providing new streets, sidewalks, lighting, planters and benches and making it more pedestrian friendly. This was done without raising taxes or forming a "Redevelopment Agency". I think I'm most proud of the fact that our administration is more open and accessible than ever before. We televise public meetings live; city hall is open earlier and for longer hours; and all of your city representatives are listed in the phone book.

Q: How long have you been involved in the community?

A: I moved to Carpinteria permanently in 1980 so I guess my answer would be twenty years.

This page was written by Eric S., Alec D. and Cameron C.
This page was edited by Cameron C.
This page was photographed by Eric S.

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