long time oakland politician. 2010 mayoral candidate. prison guard union spokesdude/lobbyist.
Perata attended Saint Joseph High School in Alameda, and graduated from Saint Mary's College. From 1966 to 1981 he taught Civics, English and History in the East Bay.
Don Perata represented Oakland as Alameda County Supervisor for 8 years.
He won the 9th District State Senate seat in 1998, which included Oakland, and in 2004 became President Pro Tem for the California State Senate. Perata retired from the State Senate in 2008.
Political Positions
GO Public School Debate