Candidate for
Council Member; City of Encinitas

Judge Brandenburg is currently serving as Chief Judge of Intertribal Court of Southern California. Brandenburg's career has included more than 16 years of service on the bench In both the Municipal and Superior Courts at the Vista courthouse. In addition, he has been a lawyer in private practice, an entrepreneur, and an educator.

Judge Brandenburg has served honorably in the United States Marine Corps. He received his Associate of Arts degree in 1965 from Palomar College and then went on to become a successful local entrepreneur. He later furthered his education, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and an elementary school teacher credential from Eastern State College, and then a Master of Arts degree in Instructional Media and Curriculum Development from the University of Connecticut. Returning to San Diego, he attended Thomas Jefferson University where he received his Juris Doctorate in Law.

After working as an attorney in private practice with a focus on criminal law, business contract, and labor, family, and juvenile law, Brandenburg was appointed to the California Municipal Court and later elevated to the Superior Court as a Commissioner. While serving on the bench in at the Vista Courthouse, he worked in a variety of capacities, handling both civil and criminal proceedings.

In 2004, having retired from the Superior Court, he was appointed as Chief Judge of the Intertribal Court of Southern California where he currently presides.

Judge Brandenburg has established himself as a recognized leader in both the educational and tribal communities. He has received numerous honors and accolades in his judicial capacity, and has been active in several organizations. He has been a university professor for 29 years, teaching law and ethics as well as curriculum development, and has written several articles and publications on the law and related topics including authoring teaching programs for the California Administrative Offices of the Court. He has trained over 200 pro tem judges, and has received the Restorative Justice Award from the Amicus Project and a National Association of Counties Award for his efforts, as well as The Spirit of Luiseno Award from the Rincon Band of Mission Indians. He served for eight years on the Encinitas Union School District Board of Education, and is the past President of the Encinitas Facilities Foundation. He is also past President of both the San Diego County Judges Association and the California State Commissioners Association.

As a faculty member at the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada, he teaches programs on Native American Tribal issues. He has published a host of articles and has written and presented several programs on subjects including Indian Law, diversity training, tribal community relations, and the legal and social issues facing Native Americans today. He continues to work closely with tribal leaders, our local state court and law enforcement and the Southern California Tribal Chairman's Association as a community resource, educator, and mentor. He travels extensively in a continual effort to improve the legal standing of Native Americans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life on our reservations.

A North County resident for almost 50 years, Brandenburg currently lives with his wife and two children in Olivenhain, California where he serves as a member of the Olivenhain Town Council. He and his family are active in 4-H and Scouting as well as a variety of sports programs. He has been a member of the Encinitas Rotary Club for 22 years, and along with his family, enjoys traveling and working with their many animals.