Richard Adler
Term Expires: 2026
7000 Bollinger Canyon Road
Office: (925) 973-2687
Bio:
I have called San Ramon home since 1997. I was born in Ann Arbor, MI. I lived in Plymouth, MI for 9 years before my father was selected to teach at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills and our family moved to Los Altos. I attended high school at Awalt High (later called Mountain View High) and was elected Student Body President my Senior year. I graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in Political Science. During my time there I was the Student Representative of the Faculty Senate. The next year I served as an intern for Congressman Pete McCloskey. I attended night school for 4 years and received my JD degree from Peninsula University College of Law. The college later merged with Lincoln Law School in San Jose.
I worked for State Farm Insurance for 30 years primarily in the Auto Claims and Litigation unit. I have been married to my wife Melinda McDonald since 1981. We moved to San Ramon from Palo Alto in 1997. Mel was the preschool director at Congregation Beth Emek in Pleasanton for 20 years and continues to teach there.
We have two adult sons, Matthew and Cameron who attended Neil Armstrong Elementary School, Pine Valley Middle School and Cal High. During that time, I coached little league and was a Co-Den Cub Scout leader. I am an artist. My oil painting of Mickey Mantle hitting a home run at Yankee Stadium in game 5 of the 1956 World Series was featured at the George Krevsky Gallery in San Francisco at the 12th Annual Art of Baseball Exhibition.
After my retirement from State Farm, I wrote and illustrated a children’s book called “White House Mockingbird” about Thomas Jefferson’s favorite pet that he let fly around his study at the White House and was his constant companion.
I served on the Oakridge at Greystone Ranch Association HOA Board of Directors and got more involved in my community. I took classes offered by the City of San Ramon including Government 101, Planning Academy, Citizens Police Academy, and Leadership San Ramon Valley.
I was Chair of the San Ramon Senior Advisory in 2024. I am president of the Dougherty Valley San Ramon Rotary Club in 2024-25. I am proud of the service the Club and Foundation provide to the community.
All these organizations have given me a much better understanding of my city. Just as important are the friendships I have made which are very meaningful.
I applied for the District 2 council seat which opened up after Mark Armstrong was elected Mayor in November 2024. I was appointed to the San Ramon City Council in January 2025 after four candidate finalists were interviewed. I am very appreciative and humbled by my selection and look forward to working with Mayor Armstrong and my fellow council members to serve the residents of San Ramon.
To view Councilmember Adler's City Council Liaison Appointments click here.