About Bruce Henry
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In his own words:
Bruce Henry is a Bay Area native, longtime Tri-Valley resident, and candidate for EBRPD Ward 5. He is an avid hiker, mountain biker, and weekly park user, and he is deeply passionate about the community's parks.
Bruce offers a unique blend of experience: a firsthand perspective as a weekly park user, four years of EBRPD experience on the Park Advisory Committee (serving as elected Chair since 2025 and member since 2022), and 30+ years of corporate experience at Coca-Cola and Clorox.
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He will bring fresh ideas and energy to Ward 5, challenging the status quo to protect our open spaces, expand safe trails, support family-friendly park experiences, and ensure sound fiscal stewardship.
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Bruce lives in Pleasanton with his wife, Paige, and their dog, Sadie. Their daughter is a graduate student at UC Berkeley, and all four of them enjoy spending time in the East Bay Regional Park District together.
ā"Our East Bay Regional Parks are true gems, allowing people of all capabilities, and interests to enjoy the outdoors and learn. I use our parks every week, and I want to keep them safe, accessible, and well-managed. My priorities are increasing public access to safe trails for all users, aggressive wildfire mitigation, protecting our open spaces, supporting family-friendly park experiences and recreation, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
I hike and mountain bike Regional Park District trails every single week. I can ride my bike from my house to three different East Bay Regional Parks - Pleasanton Ridge, Shadow Cliffs, and the Iron Horse Trail. My knowledge of our park system isn't theoretical; it is derived from firsthand, real-world experience on the trails we all share. I understand what creates safety hazards on our trails, from trail congestion to the danger of being nearly hit by illegal, high-speed, throttle-controlled e-motorcycles on non-motorized paths."
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ā"There is a long history of uncontested elections in the Park District, where board seats change hands without voters ever having the opportunity to weigh in at the ballot box. In fact, the current incumbent took office in 2022 without a single vote cast by the public because they ran entirely unopposed.
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I don’t think uncontested elections are good for democracy. Seats belong to the public, not to incumbents.
When elected leaders walk into office without a competitive campaign, public accountability suffers. Voters in Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, Newark, Sunol, and Fremont deserve a choice. They deserve a robust public debate about how their property tax dollars are spent, how their local trails are managed, and how open spaces are protected."
Passion for Parks, Not Career Politics
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"This is the only elective office I want. I am passionate about our parks, not about holding political office. But I also bring deep, hands-on EBRPD leadership experience to the table.
I was first appointed in 2022 to the District’s 21-member Park Advisory Committee (PAC) and was subsequently elected by my peers as PAC Chair for the 2025–2026 term. Prior to that, I chaired the PAC Finance Subcommittee. In these roles, I have collaborated directly with community members, regional advisors, and EBRPD staff to keep our parks safe, accessible, and financially sound. Before joining the PAC, I served on the City of Pleasanton Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Committee (BPTC). I have always been deeply passionate about public access and trail safety."āāāāāā
Restoring Democracy & Choice To Ward 5
Bruce and Paige with their daughter in Berkeley
Sadie playing at the family's home in Pleasanton
Bruce enjoying the EBRPD on his mountain bike
Qualifications
Bruce has a long history of personal and professional experience that makes him qualified to serve as Ward 5's East Bay Regional Park District's Director. As someone who enjoys EBRPD's regional trails every week, Bruce knowns firsthand how vital these spaces are to the community. Managing the parks requires both community dedication and rigorous organizational oversight, both of which Bruce brings to the table. In his time as Chair of the District's Park Advisory Committee (PAC), he has experience collaborating with community members and park staff to expand trail access for all users, protect local open spaces, and enhance public safety through wildfire mitigation. Bruce's professional background includes decades of business experience managing major accounts and high-levels sales for two prominent global consumer companies. This experience combined with his time chairing the PAC's Finance Subcommittee means that Bruce knows how to translate corporate financial discipline, strategic planning, and large-scale operational experience into effective public management.
Experience
2022 - Present
EBRPD Park Advisory Committee (PAC)
Chair
PAC is a 21-member community advisory group appointed by the Park District Board of Directors and other public entities, including the Mayors' Conference, Board of Supervisors, and Special District Chapters of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The role of PAC is to provide community perspectives and advice to staff and the Board on the issues, projects, and policies of the Park District. Bruce was elected Chair by fellow PAC members and is currently serving a two year term. Previously, he served as Chair of the PAC Finance Subcommittee.
2021-2022
City of Pleasanton Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Committee (BPTC)
Member
The Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Committee advises the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City's Traffic Engineering Division on bicycle, pedestrian and trail related items. The Committee reviews and prioritizes potential projects, provides input on policies related to bikeways and trails, and promotes community education and awareness regarding non-motorized forms of transportation.
30+ Years
Two Prominent Global Consumer Product Companies
Sales Director
During his professional career, Bruce managed accounts for Coca-Cola and Clorox. He will bring fiscal discipline and accountability from his professional experience to the East Bay Regional Park District.
Titles and advisory positions are provided for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement by the East Bay Regional Park District, the Park Advisory Committee, or the City of Pleasanton.
Platform
The East Bay Regional Parks are essential to community health, safety, and quality of life. Managing over 125,000 acres of open space and 1,300 miles of trails requires proactive leadership, real-world fiscal oversight, and a clear vision for the future. As Chair of the Park Advisory Committee and a lifelong advocate for public open spaces, Bruce is committed to delivering balanced, pragmatic policies that keep our parks open, safe, accessible, and financially sustainable for everyone in Ward 5 across Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, Newark, Sunol, and Fremont.
Access: Increase Safe Trails for All Users
Park access is essential for the community's physical health and mental wellness; the community can and must have both environmental conservation and responsible recreation.
Safety: Promote Wildfire Mitigation & Vegetation Management
Wildfire is the single greatest threat to the community's parks and adjacent neighborhoods. Ensuring robust funding for the EBRPD Fire Department is a non-negotiable priority.
Conservation: Protect Our Parks, Open Spaces Trails, & Natural Habitats
As a Board member, Bruce will support science-based, active conservation strategies such as responsible conservation grazing, habitat restoration, and aggressive wildfire fuels reduction to protect biodiversity while keeping the parks resilient.
Recreation: Support Family-Friendly Park Experiences
Delivering modern, well-maintained, and welcoming day-use facilities for all residents, including families with children, in Ward 5 must go hand-in-hand with protecting open space.
Accountability: Spend Our
Tax Dollars Efficiently
While sensitive ecological areas should remain set aside for strict preservation, existing fire roads and old ranch roads on landbank properties should be opened for responsible public access.
Access: Increase Safe Trails For All Users
āPublic parks should unite our community, not create unnecessary hurdles for outdoor recreation. Expanding responsible trail access means designing well-planned infrastructure that accommodates diverse user groups while reducing user conflict.
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Policy Commitments:
Tackle Illegal E-Motorcycles & Trail Congestion: Electric bikes (e-bikes) provide great accessibility, but high-speed, throttle-controlled illegal e-motorcycles do not belong on non-motorized multi-use trails. They create severe safety hazards for hikers, families, cyclists, and equestrians. I will work with District leadership and public safety officers to increase trail education, improve signage, and enhance enforcement against unauthorized motorized vehicles on non-motorized paths.
Expand Dedicated Multi-Use & Single-Use Trail Networks: Support smart trail design—such as dedicated single-use flow trails for mountain bikes—that separate cyclists from hikers, equestrians, and families on shared paths. This improves safety for all visitors while providing tailored recreational opportunities.
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Close Critical Regional Trail Gaps: Partner directly with local municipalities in Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, Newark, Sunol, and Fremont to complete missing trail links, connecting neighborhood trails directly into the regional park network and transit hubs.
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Enhance Universal Accessibility: Improve trailheads, parking areas, and designated paved loops to ensure visitors of all physical capabilities, seniors, and families with strollers can enjoy our open spaces safely
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Support Dog-Friendly Access & Safe Trails: Protect existing off-leash access while keeping trails safe for everyone. Expand bag stations and trash cans for waste disposal. Ensure dog-friendly recreation remains safe, clean, and sustainable.
Safety: Promote Wildfire Mitigation & Vegetation Management
Wildfire is the single greatest environmental and safety threat to our parklands and adjacent neighborhoods. The East Bay Regional Park District already does an excellent job with fire preparedness, and maintaining robust funding for the EBRPD Fire Department is a non-negotiable priority. To build on this foundation, we must accelerate proactive fuels management while ensuring our grazing practices protect trail quality.
Policy Commitments:
Vegetation Management: Replace non-native vegetation with native species.
Ensure Dedicated Fire Department Staffing & Emergency Readiness: Advocate for the resources required to keep the EBRPD Fire Department fully staffed, highly trained, and equipped for rapid deployment.
Invest in Early Detection Technology: Advocate for expanded use of thermal cameras and drone monitoring to detect ignition events early and respond before small fires become catastrophic blazes.
Streamline Regulatory Approvals & Public Education: Executing prescribed burns requires specialized operational coordination. Bruce will ensure District staff have the resources to efficiently navigate complex regulatory requirements including authorizations from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), compliance with the California Air Resources Board’s online Prescribed Fire Information Reporting System (PFIRS), and managing the mandatory 30-day public notice process while educating residents on the immense safety benefits of prescribed fire.
Use Prescribed Fire as a Key Tool: Controlled burns are a vital fuel-reduction and firefighting mechanism that starves catastrophic wildfires of dead underbrush and invasive growth while restoring native ecological health.
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Conservation: Protect Our Parks, Open Spaces Trails, & Natural Habitats
Preserving the natural heritage of the East Bay requires science-based environmental stewardship that balances habitat protection with sustainable public enjoyment.
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Policy Commitments:
Pragmatic, Science-Based Habitat Restoration: Focus conservation resources on invasive species removal, watershed protection, and native habitat restoration to preserve critical wildlife corridors and biological diversity.
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Protect Watersheds & Native Ecosystems: Ensure land acquisition and park development plans strictly protect sensitive wetlands, streams, and endangered species habitats without shutting the public out of responsible outdoor recreation and education.
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Expand Sustainable Park Infrastructure: Integrate solar power, water conservation systems, and low-impact building materials into park facilities.
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Support Outdoor Environmental Education: Strengthen partnerships with local school districts to expand field trips, youth ranger programs, and hands-on environmental science learning across Ward 5 parks.
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Recreation: Support Family-Friendly Park Experiences
Regional parks are more than just trails; they are community spaces where families celebrate, children play, and people relax. Protecting open space must go hand-in-hand with delivering modern, well-maintained, and welcoming day-use facilities for every resident in Ward 5.
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Policy Commitments:
Eliminate Park Entry Bottlenecks: Build on lessons learned from the Del Valle entry pilot project by expanding pre-paid digital passes, flat-rate fee options, and dedicated express lanes across high-volume park entrances like Shadow Cliffs. Streamlining gate transactions will drastically cut weekend wait times for local families.
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Modernize Online Booking & Customer Service: Upgrade the District's legacy ActiveNet reservation software to a modern, mobile-first digital platform. Providing self-service group picnic and campsite management, simple online cancellations, and 24/7 account access will make booking park facilities seamless for residents while reducing administrative burdens for staff.
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Welcoming Facilities for Visitors of All Abilities: Address basic deferred maintenance by repairing non-functioning water fountains with dual-height, accessible models and installing level, paved pathways to picnic sites. Ensure parks feature comfortable rest benches and picnic tables, shaded areas, paved paths, and clean, functioning restrooms so seniors, parents with strollers, and visitors of all physical capabilities can enjoy our parks together.
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Maintain & Modernize Family Day-Use Facilities: Upgrade high-use picnic grounds, shade structures, group reservation sites, and barbecues to support weekend gatherings, multi-generational family celebrations, and local community events.
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Safe & Reliable Swimming Access: Protect and enhance seasonal swimming destinations and beaches. Prioritize lifeguard recruitment, facility maintenance, and timely online water condition updates so families can safely enjoy summer swimming.
Accountability: Spend Our Tax Dollars Efficiently
Taxpayers deserve absolute transparency and rigorous financial oversight. Drawing on his 30+ year corporate career and leadership as Chair of the PAC Finance Subcommittee, Bruce will bring executive-level discipline to the District's multi-million-dollar budget.
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Policy Commitments:
Eliminate Costly Inter-Agency Litigation: Prevent spending taxpayer dollars on avoidable legal battles with regional partners and resolve conflicts through collaborative negotiations.
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Prioritize Direct Park Investments Over Overhead: Scrutinize capital expenditures and administrative spending to ensure the maximum percentage of property tax revenue goes directly into trail maintenance, fire safety, and park services.
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Open Fire and Ranch Roads on Landbank Properties: Approximately one-third of Pleasanton Ridge remains in "landbank" status - closed to the public despite ongoing district maintenance costs. While delicate natural resource areas require strict protection, existing fire roads and historical ranch roads on landbank terrain should be evaluated and opened for public hiking, mountain biking, and equestrians.
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Cost-Effective, Low-Impact Trailheads: The Dougherty Valley Ridge Trail in San Ramon is a prime example of fiscally prudent park development because it delivers high-quality public open space without the multi-million-dollar price tag of heavy infrastructure. By utilizing wide earthen and gravel paths, neighborhood access, and simple unpaved trailheads, the project bypassed the massive capital costs, lengthy permitting delays, and ongoing maintenance overhead required for full-service visitor centers, paved parking lots, and restrooms. It’s an example of how EBRPD can stretch tax dollars further and open trails decades faster simply by prioritizing natural, low-impact access over costly built structures.Rather than being designed as an elaborate "destination park," it was constructed to provide direct, low-impact open-space access to the local community.
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Prioritize Capital Projects with Measurable Public Benefit: Capital expenditures should focus directly on deferred trail maintenance, fire safety infrastructure, and expanding access, ensuring that every dollar spent delivers maximum value to East Bay residents.
Endorsements
Bruce is a trusted member of the community and advocate for the parks. He will serve as a dedicated Board member for Ward 5.
Elected Officials
Luana España
Board Member, East Bay Regional Park District
Ward 4
Jeff Nibert
Council Member, Pleasanton City Council
District 1
Valerie Arkin
Former Council Member, Pleasanton City Council (2020-2024)
Former Trustee, Pleasanton Unified School District (2008-2020)
Mark Miller
Former Trustee, Pleasanton Unified School District
2014-2022
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