What does Doran Barnes like to do in his free time?

Doran Barnes

First, his professional life: Barnes started his transit career in college where his first job was working as a coach operator for Unitrans at the University of California at Davis. For the past 20 years, he has served as the chief executive officer of Foothill Transit in West Covina, Calif. He also serves as a member of the board of directors of Access Services, the regional paratransit operator for Los Angeles County. Previously, he served two years as chief executive officer and general manager of Tulsa Transit in Tulsa, Okla. He has been very active with American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and the California Transit Assocation.

What do you like best about your current city of residence?

San Dimas [California] is one of those San Gabriel Valley cities that really takes pride in its small town vibe. There is a park across the street from our house. During the summer we watch the concerts in the park from our front yard. There’s a farmer's market a block from the house. We have a regional Foothill Transit line running up and down the main drag, and we live three blocks from a future Gold Line [light rail] station. It’s walkable, bikeable and likeable. And at the end of a long day, it’s a great place to unwind and reconnect.

Doran and his wife Cynthia enjoy cruise ship vacations along the Mexican Riviera.

Favorite places to travel?

Since we are so close to the Port of Long Beach, my wife Cynthia and I have really come to adore cruises up and down the Mexican Riviera. We even have developed some really great friendships with some of the crews on our more frequently traveled routes. We love that we can see the world without doing much other than show up and smile.

Favorite food?

Ice cream! As a kid, my grandfather would take us to the Penguin Ice Cream Shop in Turlock, California. I would most often get a big scoop of burgundy cherry. It was the best! A nice scoop of ice cream in pretty much any flavor takes me back to my childhood!

Favorite current TV shows?

I am a big fan of "Ted Lasso." What an incredible and heartfelt storyline that works also as a masterclass in leadership and empathy. It’s also super funny and a great primer on soccer. The action scenes are just so expertly choreographed. It really takes you out of your head and into your heart.

Spending time at Disneyland with grandchildren Maxine, left, and Olivia.

What are you currently reading?

I’ve got The Imagineering Story: The Official Biography of Walt Disney Imagineering on my bedside table right now and have been thumbing through it, looking for morsels on how to think and see differently. Unfortunately, after a long day, it gets only a small part of my focus. But what I’ve been able to glean has been enlightening.

If you had to read one book multiple times, what would it be?

Oh, I’m generally “one and done.” I’m always looking for the next story. But if I absolutely had to, I’d probably pick something from John Grisham. All of his books are filled with intriguing characters and fast-paced stories.

Favorite ways to stay active?

I love to spend time at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. I am very lucky that it’s right in my backyard. The place is huge, and whenever I am there, I get lots and lots of steps in!

Favorite transit system?

Is this a trick question? Foothill Transit. Although if we’re talking global, I really love Paris RTP. Stellar mobility in a beautiful city.

A pottery buff, Doran has a special interest in Franciscan earthenware pottery produced by Gladding, McBean.

What would surprise people to learn about you?

I love pottery. It’s just magical — heat plus water plus dirt equals art. I’m really interested in mid-century pottery produced by Gladding, McBean in Glendale, California. My grandmother had a set of their Franciscan earthenware dishes that she used pretty much every day. I now have those dishes and have added pretty substantially to the collection.

What do you think you would be doing, if you didn't work in public transportation?

That’s tough because I’ve been in transportation since college. But honestly, I think it’d be a producer of musical theater. Broadway really does it for me. There’s no business like show business. Or, I’d be a tour guide at Disneyland. I love sharing the magic of the resort with others. Maybe that will be one of my retirement jobs!

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