SBCC Automotive Department 1965 – 2015
SBCC Automotive Department History compiled by Bob Stockero, Spring 2015
Full-time Faculty
1965 Ruben Tysell was hired as the first teacher. He passed away three days after his retirement luncheon in 1974.
1968 John Ingram was hired. He previously taught at Dos Pueblos High School and Modesto Junior College. He retired in 1986 and continued to teach at SBCC on a part-time basis for many years.
1974 Tim Gilles was hired. He was a former student in the Program. Tim had been a teacher at Oxnard High School and was a graduate of California State University Long Beach’s Industrial Arts Department. He retired in 2011.
1976 The newly constructed Occupational Education building housed part of the Automotive Program.
1986 Bob Stockero was hired. Bob has a degree in Occupational Studies from California State University Long Beach. He was a former student in the Program and SBCC graduate.
1997 The Program continued to improve while experiencing demand for more course offerings. Dave Brainerd became the third full-time faculty member after teaching at Dos Pueblos High School and Santa Barbara High School for 10 years. Dave has a degree in Occupational Studies from California State University Long Beach.
2011 Glenn Troub was hired to replace retiring Tim Gilles.
Adjunct Faculty
Robert Abbey, retired oil executive, was an adjunct faculty member for nearly 30 years.
Steve Ford, The Car Guy, of radio and TV fame
Bernie Carr, senior engineer at Bosch Electronics, formerly known as Vetronix.
Monty Mason, another graduate of the SBCC Automotive Program
Russell Granger, San Marcos High School teacher
Gary Semerdjian ran his automotive business during the day and taught at SBCC at night for over 15 years. Since retiring from his business, Gary has continued as an adjunct at the College.
Jack Rosebro, owner of Perfect Sky, Inc., is a hybrid technology nationally known instructor. He has taught courses on Hybrids at SBCC for several years.
Lab Teaching Assistants (LTAs)
Note: All are former graduates from the Automotive Program at SBCC.
Chuck Rockwood was the Program’s first LTA in 1975. He went on to teach at Ventura College serving as chair for the department for many years, retiring in 2014.
Dave Brainerd left the LTA position to teach at Santa Barbara High School and Dos Pueblos High School for 15 years. He returned to teach at SBCC in 1997.
Tony Casillas left the LTA position to teach at Santa Barbara High School and Dos Pueblos High School for many years, replacing Dave Brainerd. He held this position until the programs were closed at both high schools.
Tim Dalton
Josue Miranda took the position in 1997 and is currently still working in the Program.