City of Tracy, CA
Home MenuList of Presidents and Mayors of Tracy (1910 - Present)
Braham "Abe" Grunauer (1910 - 1914)
- Oversaw the expansion of essential city services, including improved roads, water systems, and public utilities, to meet the demands of Tracy’s growing population.
- Worked closely with local businesses and railroad companies to promote Tracy as a key transportation and agricultural center in California's Central Valley.
David R. Payne (1914 - 1916)
- A well-liked individual throughout Tracy, known for entertaining and helping high school students in his spare time.
- Strengthened Tracy's relationship with the railroad industry, which was vital to the city’s economy.
Nelson S. Dwelly (1916 - 1922)
- His tenure as City Clerk was marked by a commitment to transparency and accuracy, earning him respect as a dedicated public servant in the community.
Thomas Garner (1922 - 1924)
- Played a key role in organizing the city's initial governance by overseeing commission appointments and delaying decisions to ensure thoughtful consideration.
- His leadership helped set the foundation for Tracy's development, including discussions on infrastructure projects like the Eleventh Street paving plan.
John W. Shaw (1924 - 1925)
- Died while in office.
- Elected as Mayor, succeeding Thomas Garner, who had previously served as the board's president.
- Acknowledged the responsibilities of his position and emphasized dedication to the City’s interests above personal or factional differences.
- Expressed gratitude for retiring members, recognizing their contributions to Tracy despite occasional disagreements.
- Highlighted the inevitability of politics in governance but stressed the importance of prioritizing the community's welfare over individual agendas.
- His leadership approach reflected a commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement of the city's administration.
Edward J. DeVine (1925 - 1926)
- Resigned on March 4, 1926.
- The Tracy Press reported on March 12, 1926, that William T. Tschierschky was appointed to fill the remainder of the term, which ended the following month.
William T. Tschierschky (1926)
- The Tracy Press reported on March 12, 1926, that "DeVine quits and W. Tschierschky is mayor."
James N. "Jim" Lamb (1926 - 1928)
- Last to serve as President of Trustees and first elected councilmember appointed as Mayor.
James N. "Jim" Lamb (1928 - 1930; 1938 - 1942)
- Last to serve as President of Trustees and first elected Councilmember appointed as Mayor.
John Ranley (1930 - 1931)
- Introduced the City’s first-ever budget system.
- The budget was prepared and presented to the City Council by Ranley.
- The budget reflected a detailed study of the city’s financial needs.
- His efforts established a framework for financial accountability and efficiency in city governance.
Charles F. Sheppard (1931 - 1934; 1944 - 1946)
- Charles F. Sheppard was a veteran employee of the Southern Pacific.
- Played a key role in addressing the city’s administrative and infrastructure needs.
- Approved sending a city representative to a sanitation school in San Francisco to improve local sanitation knowledge.
- Authorized the purchase of a new truck for city services to enhance operational efficiency.
- Actively involved in discussions about implementing a new plumbing ordinance for better local regulations.
- Engaged with public and Council questions regarding existing ordinances and lease agreements.
- Contributed to the city’s development and operational improvements through these actions.
Frederick Herzog (1934 - 1938; 1942 -1944)
- Mayor Herzog advocated for Tracy's energy independence.
- Supported exploring the use of diesel power to pump the city’s water supply and generate electricity.
- Believed Tracy could save money by owning its own power distribution system instead of relying on PG&E.
- Although the vision for local power generation was never realized during his tenure, his foresight emphasized the need for cost-effective infrastructure.
John W. Stocking (1946 - 1948)
- John W. Stocking, a longtime Tracy resident and pipeline foreman for Standard Oil, was elected mayor after Charles Sheppard chose not to seek re-election.
- Lived in Tracy for 35 years and was actively involved in church, civic, and fraternal organizations, including the Tracy Lions Club.
- In his acceptance speech, Stocking emphasized his commitment to addressing the city's challenges and sought cooperation from fellow councilmembers.
- Announced new city commissions for finance, water, sewer, building, and other key areas to improve Tracy's infrastructure and governance.
William Larsen (1948 - 1952)
- Originally appointed to the Tracy City Council to replace James McDonald, who passed away in November 1944.
- Elected twice to the position of mayor.
- Stepped down and retired in April 1952, with Irvine E. Jensen becoming Mayor.
Irvin E. Jensen (1952 - 1954)
- Mayor Irvine E. Jensen contributed to improving local governance and community welfare in Tracy.
- Declared the week of June 6 as "Public Safety Week" to raise awareness about safety during increased agricultural labor.
- Issued a proclamation for May 23, 1952, as "Poppy Day" to support the rehabilitation and welfare of veterans.
- Demonstrated dedication to honoring and assisting veterans through his initiatives.
Manuel Rico (1954 - 1958)
- Mayor Manuel Rico played a significant role in improving the City of Tracy and fostering regional collaboration.
- Advocated for safety measures at busy intersections.
- Worked on beautifying public spaces and supported highway improvements to enhance accessibility to local landmarks.
- Spearheaded the creation of a city-county "clearing house" to address shared problems in San Joaquin County, modeled after a successful program in Stanislaus County.
- Spent months meeting with local officials to secure support for the initiative and was elected chairman pro tempore of the organization.
- Focused on improving Tracy’s infrastructure and strengthening regional cooperation.
Henry James Buthmann (1958 – 1960; 1961 - 1962)
- Henry James Buthmann served as mayor of Tracy, California, during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
- Was involved in various civic activities throughout his tenure.
- Focused on addressing the city’s growth and development needs, including housing.
Robert T. Monagan (1960)
- Resigned as mayor on December 31, 1960, to become an assemblymember in 1961.
- Served as Speaker of the Assembly from 1969 to 1970.
- The I-205 freeway is named after him.
W.E. Brown (1962 - 1964)
- Mayor W. E. Brown played a pivotal role in attracting a new food processing plant to Tracy.
- Reaffirmed the city’s commitment to providing necessary utilities, such as sewage and water, to the W.P. industrial site.
- Collaborated with agencies, including Pacific Gas and Electric, to assess infrastructure needs.
- Emphasized the economic benefits of the plant, which would create 150–200 jobs.
Loren H. Jolley (1964 - 1966)
- Loren H. Jolley served as mayor of Tracy, California, and played a key role in the city’s development.
- Instrumental in addressing the growing housing needs of the community.
- Worked to make homes more accessible, facilitating residential growth during a period of expansion.
- Led initiatives to improve infrastructure and ensure new developments met the city's needs.
Clyde L. Abbott (1966 - 1968)
- Clyde L. Abbott played an active role in local governance, including appointing the Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Improvement in 1967. He also participated in discussions on City expenses and attended meetings with key local officials to discuss community development during his time in office.
William C. Adams (1968 - 1969; 1970 - 1971)
- In September 1967, he was appointed to the Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Improvement, with Harold Mitchell serving as chairman.
- Additionally, in April 1965, Council Member Adams participated in discussions regarding City expenses under a plan advanced by City Manager Warren Benson. These activities highlight his active involvement in local governance and community development during his tenure.
Richard O. “Dick” Hastie (1969 - 1970; 1971 - 1973)
- Richard O. “Dick” Hastie served as an appointed mayor and then the first directly elected mayor in 1986.
- In March 1970 he stepped down as mayor.
Earle E. Williams (1970)
- Earle E. Williams was a key figure in Tracy, California, known for his extensive civic contributions. He served as mayor and held leadership roles in various organizations, including the Tracy District Chamber of Commerce and the San Joaquin County Historical Society. Williams was involved in the Tracy City Council, the Tracy Planning Commission, and the Tracy Community Memorial Hospital Board. He also contributed as a historian and educator, writing about the history of Tracy.
- In honor of his legacy, Williams Middle School in Tracy was named after him.
Travis Foster (1970)
- Served for two months until he resigned from the Council and as mayor for personal reasons on June 16, 1970. After his resignation, William Adams became mayor.
- He was a teacher at the Senior Elementary School.
Robert C. "Bob" Wilburn (1973 - 1974)
- Robert C. "Bob" Wilburn is also listed as Bob Wilburn.
Wilburn, a native of Oklahoma and a graduate of Tracy High School, was elected mayor of Tracy at age 29, after serving three years on the City Council. - He emphasized "diligent, responsive leadership" and a collaborative approach with council members to achieve efficient and economical solutions.
- Before his election as mayor, he served as vice mayor for two years and was a member of the Planning Commission.
A journeyman carpenter by trade, Wilburn was working as a foreman on a local apartment construction project. - He and his wife, Elizabeth, were deeply rooted in the Tracy community, raising their three sons here.
John D. Hobin (1974 - 1975)
- John D. Hobin played a key role in the City's development. One of his major contributions was overseeing a 1974 agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, ensuring a reliable water supply for Tracy's growth and sustainability.
- He also championed initiatives like Burglary Prevention Week to enhance public safety.
- Even after his term, Hobin remained engaged in civic affairs, participating in city governance and advocating for effective leadership. His efforts reflected a strong commitment to the well-being and progress of the Tracy community.
Vernon F. Hanson (1975 - 1976)
- Vernon F. Hanson is also listed as "Vern" Hanson.
- During his tenure, he was instrumental in securing a reliable water supply for the City by overseeing an agreement in 1974 between Tracy and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. This agreement was crucial for the city's development and sustainability.
James T. "Jim" Bell (1976 - 1977)
- During his tenure, he was involved in various city initiatives, including discussions on city expenses and community development.
Additionally, in September 1967, he appointed the Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Improvement, with Harold Mitchell serving as chairman. These activities highlight his active involvement in local governance and community development during his time in office.
Robert A. Canclini (1977 - 1978; 1980 - 1981)
- Robert A. Canclini was active in various city initiatives. He was mentioned in the Tracy centennial publication from April 1980 for his contributions to the community. His participation in regional discussions, such as a meeting in Lodi in December 1979, highlighted his involvement in broader governance.
- Canclini's legacy in Tracy is marked by his commitment to public service and local development.
Aymon Hall (1978 - 1979)
- During his tenure, he presided over the City's Centennial celebrations, marking a significant milestone for Tracy.
- Hall had a distinguished career, including serving in the U.S. Navy and working for the Tracy Police Department, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. He later became the Director of Security at the Defense Depot in Tracy, retiring in 1990.
- After retirement, he dedicated his time to community service, including serving as President of the Board of Directors for the Hawkins–Thompson Child Development Center.
Fred S. Icardi (1979 - 1980)
- Fred S. Icardi served as a member of the Tracy City Council and made notable contributions to the community. He was mentioned in the Tracy centennial publication in 1980 for his involvement in city initiatives.
- In recognition of his service, Fred S. Icardi Park was named in his honor, offering amenities like picnic tables for local residents.
Don Simpson (1981 - 1982; 1984 - 1985)
- During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of Fire Station 96 at Grant Line Road and Parker Avenue, enhancing the City's emergency response capabilities.
- Prior to his mayoral role, Simpson was active in community service, serving as president of the Tracy Kiwanis Club in 1971.
- His leadership marked a significant period in Tracy's development, reflecting his commitment to public service and community engagement.
Dorothy Zanussi (1982 - 1983; 1985 - 1986)
- Dorothy Zanussi was a significant figure in Tracy, California, recognized for her contributions to the community. She served as the mayor of Tracy and was committed to improving the city's infrastructure and services.
- In recognition of her dedication, Zanussi Park was named in her honor, providing a recreational space for local residents.
- Dorothy's leadership and community involvement left a lasting impact on Tracy. She is remembered for her service after her passing in 2004.
Joan Sparks (1983 - 1984)
- Joan Sparks was instrumental in fostering community engagement and development during her tenure. She played a pivotal role in initiating and supporting local programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents. Under her leadership, Tracy saw improvements in public services and infrastructure, contributing to the city's growth and prosperity.
- Sparks was also known for her dedication to transparency and inclusivity in government, ensuring that the voices of all community members were heard and considered in decision-making processes. Her commitment to public service left a lasting positive impact on the Tracy community.
Richard O. “Dick” Hastie (1986 - 1988)
- Served as appointed mayor from 1969 - 1970 and 1971 - 1973 and then was the first directly elected mayor in 1986.
- Richard O. "Dick" Hastie was a prominent figure in Tracy, California, known for his significant contributions to the community. His legacy is honored through the naming of Richard O. Hastie Park, a well-maintained recreational area located at 1384 Lankershire Drive. Additionally, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tracy operate the Richard O. Hastie/Monte Vista Clubhouse at 753 W. Lowell Avenue, providing a safe and supportive environment for youth to engage in various programs and activities.
Lester "Scotty" Scott (1988 - 1990)
- Lester Claude Scott, affectionately known as "Scotty," was a cherished member of the Tracy, California community, renowned for his entrepreneurial spirit and public service.
- He never served as a council member. In 1988, he was elected mayor of Tracy, serving a term during which he worked to enhance the City's development and well-being.
Clyde Bland (1990 - 1994)
- Clyde Bland was a dedicated public servant in Tracy, California, known for his significant contributions to the community. He served as a city council member and was actively involved in various local initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for Tracy residents.
- In recognition of his service, the City named Clyde Bland Park in his honor, ensuring his legacy endures within the community he served.
Dan Bilbrey (1994 - 2006)
- During his tenure, Bilbrey was instrumental in guiding Tracy through significant growth and development, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for its residents. His leadership was marked by efforts to improve infrastructure, support economic development, and foster community engagement.
- In addition to his mayoral duties, Bilbrey was involved in various community initiatives and partnerships, reflecting his commitment to the well-being of Tracy's citizens. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the city, earning him recognition and respect within the community.
Brent Ives (2006 - 2014)
- Brent Ives is a distinguished figure in Tracy, California, recognized for his extensive public service and expertise in governance consulting. Beyond his public service, Ives has over 25 years of management consulting experience, following a 25-year tenure as a technical manager at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He is the founder of BHI Management Consulting, a firm specializing in organizational and governance services for public agencies.
Michael "Mike" Maciel (2014 - 2016)
- Michael "Mike" Maciel served Tracy as a dedicated public official, contributing significantly to the City by enhancing community services, and promoting Tracy's growth. Mike Maciel also had a strong focus on fiscal responsibility, advocating for balanced budgets and effective resource management. His leadership style emphasized collaboration and listening to the concerns of Tracy’s residents, making him a respected figure in the community. Maciel’s contributions left a lasting impact on the City’s progress and quality of life for its citizens.
Robert "Bob" Rickman (2016 - 2020)
- Robert "Bob" Rickman, as Mayor of Tracy, focused on driving economic growth by attracting businesses and creating jobs, while also championing infrastructure improvements like road enhancements and transportation projects. He prioritized public safety, ensuring strong support for the City's police and fire departments. Known for his transparency, Rickman fostered open communication with residents through community forums and events. His leadership balanced Tracy’s rapid development with preserving its small-town charm and quality of life.
Nancy D. Young (2020 - 2024)
- Nancy D. Young is a notable figure in Tracy’s history, known for her extensive contributions to the community as a public servant. As a longtime member of the Tracy City Council, she focused on improving community services, promoting diversity, and advocating for youth programs and educational opportunities. Young was instrumental in supporting initiatives that enhanced Tracy's quality of life, including infrastructure projects and efforts to foster inclusivity within the City. Her dedication to serving Tracy's residents has left a meaningful and lasting legacy.
