Elihu Harris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elihu Harris
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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 3, 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 served as the 46th Mayor of Oakland, California from 1991 to 1999. Before that, he was a member of the California State Assembly for 12 years (1978–1990). He also served as the Chancellor of Peralta Community College District from 2004 to 2010.
Early Life and Education
Elihu Harris was born in Los Angeles, California. 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's degree in political science. He was also the student body vice-president. Later, he earned a master's degree from University of California, Berkeley in 1969. In 1972, he received a law degree from University of California, Davis School of Law. He is also a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
Public Service Career
Elihu Harris has had a long career in public service. Since 1981, he has been a California Uniform Law Commissioner. This role helps to make laws similar across different states.
He is best known for being the Mayor of Oakland from 1991 to 1999. As mayor, he worked to improve the city.
From 1992 to 1997, Harris co-owned a radio station in Oakland, California called KDIA. He also co-owned another radio station in Fresno.
After his time as mayor, Harris ran for the California State Assembly again in 1999. He had held this seat before from 1978 to 1990.
A building in downtown Oakland is named after him. It is called the Elihu M. Harris State Office Building. This building is near the Federal Building and City Hall. These three buildings form a large area of government offices.
From 2003 to 2010, Harris served as the Chancellor of Peralta Community College District. As Chancellor, he led the community colleges in the district.
Harris and his wife also run a funeral home in Berkeley. His parents used to own this business.
See also
- 1994 Oakland mayoral election
