Elihu Harris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elihu Harris
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Harris, circa 2012
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| Chancellor of the Peralta Community College District | |
| In office December 2, 2004 – December 6, 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Ronald J. Temple |
| Succeeded by | Wise E. Allen |
| 46th Mayor of Oakland | |
| In office January 3, 1991 – January 4, 1999 |
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| Preceded by | Lionel Wilson |
| Succeeded by | Jerry Brown |
| Member of the California Assembly from the 13th district | |
| In office December 4, 1978 – December 3, 1990 |
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| Preceded by | John J. Miller |
| Succeeded by | Barbara Lee |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Elihu Mason Harris
August 15, 1947 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Shelia Wells-Harris |
| Education | California State University, Hayward (BA) University of California, Berkeley (MPP) UC Davis School of Law (JD) |
Elihu Mason Harris (born August 15, 1947) is a retired American politician and college leader. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Harris was the 46th Mayor of Oakland, California from 1991 to 1999.
Before becoming mayor, he served for 12 years (1978–1990) in the California State Assembly. Later, he was the Chancellor of Peralta Community College District from 2004 to 2010.
Early Life and Education
Elihu Harris was born in Los Angeles in 1947. When he was a child, his family moved to Berkeley, California. He graduated from Berkeley High School in 1965.
Harris went to California State University, Hayward. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in political science. He was also the student body vice-president.
He continued his studies at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1969, he received a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree. In 1972, he earned a law degree (Juris Doctor or J.D.) from University of California, Davis School of Law. He is also a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
Political Career and Public Service
Elihu Harris served as the Mayor of Oakland from 1991 to 1999. During his time as mayor, he worked to improve the city.
He has also been a California Uniform Law Commissioner since 1981. This role involves helping to create fair and consistent laws across different states.
From 1992 to 1997, Harris co-owned a radio station in Oakland, California called KDIA. He also co-owned another radio station, KFIG, in Fresno.
In 1999, Harris ran for the California State Assembly again. He had held this seat from 1978 to 1990. However, he lost this election to Audie Bock, a candidate from the Green Party.
A building in downtown Oakland is named after him. It is called the Elihu M. Harris State Office Building. This building is close to the Federal Building and City Hall. These three large government buildings form a triangle in a business area.
From 2003 to 2010, Harris was the Chancellor of Peralta Community College District. He first served as an interim chancellor before getting the job permanently. His contract ended on June 30, 2010, and it was not extended.
Elihu Harris and his wife also run a funeral home in Berkeley. His parents used to own this business.
See also
- 1994 Oakland mayoral election
