This week was a week of many “firsts.” It was the first week of Jerry Brown’s 2nd stint as Governor of the Golden State. Kamala Harris became the first woman and first person of color to serve as California State Attorney General. She was sworn into office this week promising “to do whatever it takes and catch hell if necessary,” in her role as the state’s top law enforcer. Having served as San Francisco’s district attorney and with close ties to the Obama administration, Harris is seen as a rising political star. After a tough election campaign against Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley, Harris pulled away with a razor thin margin weeks after election day.
I worked with Ms. Harris when I lived in San Francisco. Even though we had competing interests I must say she has a profound sense of justice and fairness. Even in light of her position as SF's District Attorney, I found her to be an individual with great perspective as well as compassion for the less fortunate. Frankly, those are traits rare to a prosecutorial office. I am thrilled about her election to office.
