Jerry's Career Highlights

Click on a year for highlights from Jerry's career.

2006

The California Police Chiefs Association endorses Jerry Brown for Attorney General

Lompoc Police Chief Bill Brown, the organization's president, said: "We are supporting Jerry Brown for Attorney General because he has fought to make our streets safer and has given local police the support and the tools they need to do their jobs. Jerry Brown will be a tough on crime Attorney General."


Brown meets his campaign promise to bring 10,000 new residents to downtown Oakland

Due to Mayor Brown's 10K initiative, there has been more residential construction in downtown Oakland in the past 7 years than at any time in the modern history of the city.

2005

Brown marries Anne Gust in a ceremony officiated by Senator Dianne Feinstein

Later that day, they had a Catholic ceremony at St. Agnes church, the San Francisco church where Jerry was baptized and his parents were married. The marriage is the first for both.

2004

Brown views CCEnergy residential solar photovoltaic system on Telegraph Avenue

The combination of housing, green buildings and renewable energy are at the core of Brown's efforts to revitalize Oakland. Brown joins CCEnergy President Dan Pellegrini and Developer Roy Alper.

2003

Brown's efforts to reduce crime pay off

When Brown took office in 1998, he pledged a 20 percent reduction in crime. Oakland has exceeded that ambitious goal, with decreases of over 30% in serious crimes (Part I crimes as defined by FBI).

2002

Brown encourages arts in Oakland

On the steps of city hall at the Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, this painting by Miguel Botalín was given as a gift to the people of Oakland, California, from the artists of Santiago de Cuba to commemorate the 150th birthday of the City of Oakland.


Oakland School for the Arts opens

Mayor Brown establishes the Oakland School for the Arts (OSA) devoted to intensive pre-professional training in the arts within a college-preparatory curriculum. OSA is a public school -- no tuition is charged. The school is a model of integration.


Jerry Brown is re-elected Mayor by 64% of the vote

Mayor Brown continues to fulfill his promise to cut crime, promote economic revitalization, encourage educational innovation and further artistic endeavors.

2001

The Oakland Military Institute opens in Oakland

The Oakland Military Institute College Preparatory Academy (OMI) is the result of a unique collaboration between Mayor Jerry Brown and the California National Guard. OMI, now five years old, is a public charter school - no tuition is charged. In the most recent state tests, OMI students jumped 46 points.

2000

Jerry Brown discusses plans for a new private high-rise building, Oakland's first in decades

The 21 story office building - 555 City Center - was completed in 2002. Not in decades had private investors shown such confidence in Oakland's economy. The building is now fully occupied. Ground was just broken on another private high-rise office building, testifying to the new vibrancy of downtown Oakland.

1999

Accessible Mayor

Walking with his dog Dharma, Brown chats with curious citizens.


Jerry Brown swears in a new Police Chief

On July, 2 1999, Mayor Brown swears in Police Chief Richard Word. Together, they work to make Oakland safer.

1998

Jerry Brown is elected Mayor of Oakland California with 59% of the vote

Upon taking office, Brown emphasized four goals: reducing crime, revitalizing the downtown, encouraging educational innovation and promoting the arts.

1992

Jerry runs for Democratic Presidential nomination

Brown beats Clinton in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Colorado, Nevada and Utah. Brown runs on campaign reform, attacking the corrupting influence of money. Even though he accepted contributions of no more than $100, he raised over $10 million.

1989

Jerry elected State Party Chairman

Jerry returns to state politics, winning 2 to 1 over Steve Westly for California State Democratic Party Chair.

1988

Jerry travels to Bangladesh during the floods

Jerry appointed Ambassador of Goodwill for CARE and travels to Bangladesh to distribute food during ravaging floods.

1980

Jerry meets at the White House with President Carter

Even though Brown beat Carter in 5 primaries in the 1976 election, they forge a solid working relationship.


Brown reviews California National Guard at Fort Irwin

Brown gives strong support to the California National Guard, particulary its youth program, the California Cadet Corps.


Jerry Travels to Calcutta, India

Jerry meets Mother Teresa and works under direction at the Home for the Dying.

1979

Brown meets with Manachim Begin

Brown forges close relationships with Israel and establishes California-Israel solar exchange. Previously, in 1973, Brown had a private audience with David Ben-Gurion in Israel.

1975

Jerry inaugurated as the 34th Governor of California

Chief Justice Donald Wright administers the oath of office to Jerry as Senator Alan Cranston looks on.


Landmark Farm Labor Bill Enacted

Brown and Chavez walk together in La Paz and discuss farm labor issues. Brown pushes Agricultural Labor Relations Act, the first in the country.

1974

Jerry runs for Governor of California

Time magazine selects Brown's campaign to showcase post Watergate politics. Brown wins in close election.

1969

Brown elected to Los Angeles Community Board of Trustees

In a field of 124 candidates, Brown comes in first and wins his first election.

1963

Jerry meets Pope Paul VI

Governor and Mrs. Brown, together with Jerry and sister Kathleen, have private audience with Pope Paul VI at Castle Gondolfo.

1962

Pat Brown upsets Richard Nixon to be re-elected Governor

Jerry takes time off from Yale school to work in Father's re-election campaign. With strong support from President Kennedy, Pat Brown becomes the first Democrat to be re-elected Governor of California. Pat and Jerry Brown are the only 2 Democrats to serve two complete terms as Governor.

1961

Jerry and Father duck hunt with Chief Justice Earl Warren

Pat Brown and Earl Warren bring Jerry duck hunting in Colusa county, the birthplace of Jerry's paternal Grandmother (in 1878). Brown served as Attorney General when Warren was Governor of California.

1959

Jerry's Father inaugurated California's 32nd Governor

The Brown Family gathers for the first time in the old Governor's mansion after the inaugural ceremonies.

1958

Jerry Attends Seminary

Jerry and friend Frank Damrell (now federal judge) join their fathers at Sacred Heart Novitiate. Jerry spends four years of silence, prayer, manual work and study of the classics.

1943

Jerry's First Campaign

Jerry's father, Pat Brown, accompanied by Mrs. Brown, Jerry, Barbara and Cynthia, files to run for district attorney of San Francisco. He takes office on January 8, 1944.


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