Dr. Paul Anthony Courtney was elected as Mayor of Barstow in November 2020. He holds the distinction of being the first African-American to hold the City’s top elected position. He previously served on the board of the Barstow Fire Protection District from 2005-2010. He also served as Sheriff's Council member to San Bernardino County Sheriff's Rod Hoops and John McMahon and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Inmate Welfare Committee Member. He was also an Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Reserve Officer and a City of Seal Beach Police Officer. 

The son of William (former Barstow Police officer and City Councilman) and Louise Courtney, Paul was born and raised in Barstow. He serves as an Associate Professor of Business, Management, Sociology and Administration of Justice at Barstow Community College. He is also the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of PACE Services Corporation, which was founded in the City of Barstow on April 4, 1986, and he owns and operates several other enterprises including ecBarstow.com/Barstow Area for Entrepreneurs and Students, Barstow Tutoring Services, Buy Land Now and more. 

As a local businessperson, Paul has been a supporter of the Barstow Area Chamber of Commerce since for over 27 years, serving as a past board member and on the Community Awards subcommittee. Other civic and community service includes past President of the Rotary Club of Barstow, board member of the Police Activities League and a founding member of the Barstow Area Community Coalition. In 2006, Paul was also named California Businessman of the Year by Newt Gingrich of the United States Congressional Committee.  

Paul possess a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration-Entrepreneurship, as well as an Master of Arts in Business Management, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Associate of Arts in Administration of Justice. He is also an Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Outreach Safety Trainer.

Paul is married to his wife, Melonie and has four children, Amber, Branamier, Lauren and Ma’Kiena. He is very proud of his family’s local legacy and hopes his accomplishments, education and record of service and success will enable him to effectively serve the community as Mayor, his hometown and a community he loves.

To email Dr. Paul Anthony Courtney, Mayor

click HERE 

Paul currently serves on the following City Council committees:

Representative:

Barstow Fire Protection District Chair

Southern California Association of Governments

Barstow Area Chamber of Commerce Liaison

League of Cities