
Richard was born in Germany while his father served in the US Army. His family settled in Nebraska prior to relocating to Davis, California in 1969. While in High School, Richard obtained a certification as an Automotive Service Excellence Master Technician. Richard attended the University of California at Davis (UCD), graduating with degrees in Geology and History. While attending UCD, Richard took a part-time position with the University Transit System and progressed from a driver to the system Manager prior to graduating.
After graduation, Richard went to work as a General Manager for a private transit contracting company, running transit systems in Union City, Eastern Contra Costa County, East San Diego County and Orange County California. While he was managing the Orange County Transit service, he met his wife, Robin when she came to his office to complain about one of his drivers. After his Orange County experience, Richard went to work for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority as a regional planner with responsibilities for specialized transportation (elderly and disabled transit) and air quality programs (alternative fuels projects). During his time at the LAMTA, Richard married Robin and they had both of their two children, Alicia and Alex.
In 1990 .....