San Pablo names new police chief

A 21-year veteran of the San Pablo Police Department will serve as the city’s first Asian American police chief, the city announced this week.

Brian Bubar was chosen for the job from a field of 13 applicants, according to the city. Bubar was promoted from captain to interim police chief last year after Chief Ron Raman retired in late December.

Bubard will start his permanent role May 1 with a base salary of $268,488, the city said.

“I recognize the responsibility and opportunity before me, and I approach it with enthusiasm,” Bubar said in an online post.

Hired in 2002, Burbar has worked as an undercover narcotics officer, a hostage negotiator and a department spokesperson, according to several onlinebiographies. The city credits him with building out the department’s recruitment and cadet programs.

Bubar earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from California Coast University in 2018 and a master’s degree in law enforcement and public safety leadership from the University of San Diego in 2021, according to the city.

“Police Captain Brian Bubar brings forward a solid, operational reputation and extensive local community knowledge and experience, with his noteworthy leadership credentials to the position of Police Chief,” City Manager Matt Rodriguez said in a statement.

“He is a dedicated law enforcement professional who understands the importance of community engagement practices, progressive law enforcement training, and the Department’s continued use of technology programs in substantially reducing violent crime in San Pablo.”