Don Richard Perata (born April 30, 1945) is a California Democratic politician, who was President pro tempore of the California State Senate from 2004 to 2008. Perata worked with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to gain passage of five infrastructure related bond measures in 2006. Prior to serving in the State Senate, Perata served in the California State Assembly and as a member of the Board of Supervisors of Alameda County.
Born in Alameda, Calif...
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Don Richard Perata (born April 30, 1945) is a California Democratic politician, who was President pro tempore of the California State Senate from 2004 to 2008. Perata worked with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to gain passage of five infrastructure related bond measures in 2006. Prior to serving in the State Senate, Perata served in the California State Assembly and as a member of the Board of Supervisors of Alameda County.
Born in Alameda, California, Perata is the son of Italian immigrants. During his childhood, he helped his father deliver milk door-to-door. Perata graduated from Saint Joseph High School and earned his degree from Saint Mary's College of California. He taught English, History, and Civics from 1966 to 1981 in Alameda County schools. Perata has a daughter and a son.
Perata began his political career when he ran for Mayor of Alameda in 1975 but was narrowly defeated. In 1986 he was elected to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and was re-elected to a second term....
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