When Tim Sbranti was in fifth grade, the playground rules suddenly changed, and the kids weren’t too thrilled with the new ones.  “So, I filed a grievance,” he says. “I got a petition signed by the other fourth and fifth graders, and the principal sat down with me to discuss it.”

While not all the new playground rules were reversed, some details were negotiated, and Dublin’s future mayor got his first taste of making change in a community.

Sbranti has a relaxed but jovial personality.  He greets several people by name as we order coffee at Peet’s on Tassajara, just a few blocks from where Sbranti lives with his wife, Stephanie.  As he shares about his life growing up in Dublin, it’s easy to spot the pivotal moments and experiences that helped shape him into a leader.

Due to changes within the district, Sbranti attended three elementary schools without moving: the original Fallon (where the district offices are now located), Murray, and Frederiksen (when it transitioned from a junior high to an elementary school).  By the time he reached Wells, he knew most of the students in his grade.  As a student at Dublin High, Sbranti was editor of the school paper, a basketball and tennis player, and student body president—during which he helped create the student representative position on the school board that still exists today.

After graduating in 1993, Sbranti left Dublin for Sacramento State, choosing the school for its good communication and teaching programs, and because it was close to both the state capital and home. (His family has lived in the East Bay for more than 130 years.)  “It was a perfect fit,” he says.

Not content being just a student, Sbranti worked in media relations for school athletics, hosted a sports talk show on campus radio, worked part-time at the Sacramento Bee, and interned in the mayor’s office. Mayor Joe Serna Jr., was credited with revitalizing Sacramento’s downtown and became one of Sbranti’s early mentors. On occasion, Sbranti would represent the mayor’s office at student events.  “That’s when I really became interested in local government,” he says.

Sbranti received his teaching credential and returned to Dublin, planning to be a teacher by profession but still involved in the community and sports.  He accepted a position teaching economics at Dublin High School, joined Lions Club and the St. Raymond’s Parish Council, and coached tennis and basketball.  Soon after, he became involved in supporting Measure M, which preserved open space in the West Dublin hills, became a member of the Dublin Housing Task Force, and worked as an aide on Assemblyman Tom Torlakson’s campaign.

Torlakson, another mentor, taught him the importance of truly reaching out to a community.  As Torlakson’s Tri-Valley guy, Sbranti walked the neighborhoods, meeting people.  It was this experience he drew from when he ran for mayor in 2008. Sbranti had spent time on the city council in the years prior, except for a break to get married.  During his mayoral campaign, Sbranti hosted 29 neighborhood events and won the election with 85 percent of the vote.

“When you reach out, it helps your campaign, but most importantly, it helps you learn a ton,” he says. “You become a better leader because you know where people are coming from.”

It’s been a challenging first year for the mayor, and he admits that with the state of the economy, it felt like the sky was falling just as he was starting.  “But I’ve embraced the challenge, and I’m proud that the city has fared better than most.”

While there have been internal changes, the city has not cut any big public programs and is moving forward on projects such as the new Fallon sports park, historical park, and renovating the sports grounds.  Currently, Sbranti is focused on green initiatives, improved communication between the city and its residents, and economic development.

And he still teaches at Dublin High.  After a morning of journalism and leadership courses, he is the independent study advisor in the afternoon, allowing time in his schedule for city meetings and events.  In the evenings, you can find him at the gym or watching a 49ers game on television. Or at one of Dublin High School’s home football games, announcing the highlights.

“I’ve been busy, but I like my days,” he says. “I never do the same thing, and they’re never dull.  It keeps me fresh and sharp.”

Sbranti encourages Dublin residents to email him any time, or set-up a meeting to discuss matters of concern.  He also maintains timsbranti.net, which is updated daily with city news, video messages, council agendas, and more.