San Francisco Mayor George Moscone

San Francisco Mayor George Moscone was an American attorney and politician who served as the 37th Mayor of San Francisco from 1976 until his assassination in 1978. Born on November 24, 1929, in San Francisco, California, Moscone grew up in a family of Italian-American descent and was raised in the Marina District of San Francisco. He attended St. Ignatius College Preparatory and later graduated from University of San Francisco with a degree in Sociology. Moscone then went on to earn his law degree from Hastings College of the Law, where he was a classmate of Joseph Alioto and John Burton.

● Early Life and Education

Moscone's early life was marked by his involvement in Catholic Church activities and his education at St. Ignatius College Preparatory, where he was an active member of the Debating Society and the Student Council. He later attended University of San Francisco, where he studied Sociology under the guidance of Professor Joseph F. Alioto Sr., the father of his future colleague, Joseph Alioto. During his time at the University of San Francisco, Moscone was also an active member of the Young Democrats and the American Civil Liberties Union. After graduating from the University of San Francisco, Moscone went on to earn his law degree from Hastings College of the Law, where he was a classmate of John Burton, Willie Brown, and Gavin Newsom.

● Career

Moscone began his career as a lawyer in the San Francisco District Attorney's Office, where he worked under the supervision of District Attorney Thomas C. Lynch. He later entered private practice and became a partner in the law firm of Moscone, Hansen, and Rosenthal. Moscone's entry into politics began with his election to the California State Senate in 1966, where he served alongside Dianne Feinstein, John Burton, and Leo McCarthy. During his time in the California State Senate, Moscone was a strong advocate for consumer protection and environmental conservation, and he worked closely with Governor Jerry Brown and Governor Ronald Reagan on various legislative initiatives.

● Mayoralty

Moscone was elected as the 37th Mayor of San Francisco in 1975, defeating his opponent, John Barbagelata, in a close election. During his tenure as mayor, Moscone focused on issues such as affordable housing, public transportation, and community development. He worked closely with Supervisor Harvey Milk and Supervisor Carol Ruth Silver to pass various ordinances and initiatives, including the San Francisco Gay Rights Ordinance. Moscone also played a key role in the development of the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit system and the San Francisco International Airport.

● Assassination

On November 27, 1978, Moscone was assassinated by Dan White, a former San Francisco Supervisor who had resigned from his position just days earlier. White had been a strong opponent of Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, and he had been angry about Moscone's decision not to reappoint him to his former position. Moscone's assassination, along with the assassination of Supervisor Harvey Milk, sent shockwaves throughout the city and led to widespread outrage and protests. The event was widely covered by the media, including The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, and The Los Angeles Times.

● Legacy

Moscone's legacy as a mayor and a politician continues to be felt in San Francisco and beyond. He is remembered for his commitment to social justice and his efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the city. The George Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco is named in his honor, as is the Moscone Center in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood. Moscone's assassination, along with the assassination of Supervisor Harvey Milk, led to the establishment of the Harvey Milk Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Democratic Club and the San Francisco LGBT Community Center. Today, Moscone is remembered as a champion of human rights and a pioneer in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, and his legacy continues to inspire politicians and activists, including Dianne Feinstein, Nancy Pelosi, and Kamala Harris.