Kamala Blog
JULY 29, 2010
Former Software Company Workers Accused Of Embezzling $2.6 Million
KTVU
SAN FRANCISCO -- Two former employees at a San Francisco software company were arrested and charged Wednesday with embezzling more than $2.6 million.
Maria Lourdes B. Dionisio, 46, of Pacifica, and Hannah Yau, 56, of Fremont, are accused of fraudulently issuing themselves checks over a four-year period at Autonomy, Inc...., District Attorney Kamala Harris said. See the video here.
JULY 10, 2010
District Attorneys Throughout California Endorse Kamala Harris for Attorney General
SAN FRANCISCO – The Kamala Harris for Attorney General campaign today announced that District Attorneys from throughout California have endorsed Harris's candidacy.
The following District Attorneys today endorsed Kamala Harris for Attorney General:
· Colusa County District Attorney John Poyner
· Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos
· Imperial County District Attorney Gilbert Otero
· Marin County District Attorney Edward S. Berberian, Jr.
· Mendocino County District Attorney Meredith Lintott
· Merced County District Attorney Larry Morse
· Napa County District Attorney Gary Lieberstein
· Plumas County District Attorney Jeff Cunan
· Santa Cruz County District Attorney Bob Lee
· Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua
· Tehama County District Attorney Gregg Cohen
JULY 6, 2010
California Professional Firefighters Endorse Kamala Harris for Attorney General
Harris wins first major statewide public safety endorsement of General Election campaign
The Kamala Harris for Attorney General campaign today announced the endorsement of the California Professional Firefighters.
“As firefighters, we stand with those who stand up for public safety and California’s first responders,” said California Professional Firefighters President Lou Paulson. “Kamala Harris has met this test throughout her two decades as a prosecutor. We believe she will continue to stand with us, and with all of public safety, as Attorney General.”
JUNE 9, 2010
Kamala Harris, the “Female Obama,” Wins Primary for California Attorney General
By Dayo Olopade
Overlooked among Super Tuesday's big wins for women, Kamala Harris may be the most ambitious of them all. Dayo Olopade talks to the exotic prosecutor vying to break California's last glass ceiling.
JUNE 9, 2010
Kamala Harris wins AG primary
By Marisa Lagos
Career prosecutors Steve Cooley and Kamala Harris won the GOP and Democratic primaries for attorney general Tuesday
MAY 30, 2010
San Jose Mercury News Endorses Kamala Harris
San Jose Mercury News
Perhaps the most intriguing race in this fascinating California primary is for attorney general, where six qualified Democrats and three qualified Republicans are vying to become the state's top cop. It's no surprise. Earl Warren, George Deukmejian and Pat Brown all used the office as a launching pad to the governor's office.
MAY 25, 2010
Kamala Harris on AirTalk
By Larry Mantle, KPCC
A new poll shows San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris leading the Democratic race for AG. A career prosecutor, Harris has raised her department’s conviction rate. But a recent scandal has led her department to dismiss more than 600 drug cases. A superior court judge concluded that the DA's office failed to fulfill its constitutional duty and violated defendants' rights. Can Harris maintain her lead? Might she become California's first female Attorney General?
MAY 23, 2010
Holding parents responsible for truancy
By Tammerlin Drummond
There is a bill working its way through the California Legislature that gives parental responsibility a whole new meaning.
SB1317 sailed through the Senate with surprisingly little opposition considering how controversial it is likely to be once the public gets wind of it. It would hold parents of children in kindergarten through eighth grade criminally liable when their kids are chronically absent from school.
MAY 7, 2010
The Arizona Immigration Law: Politics over Policy
By Kamala D. Harris, Huffington Post
Never let bad policy get in the way of good politics. That's the cynical motto of the growing class of political copycats bent on replicating Arizona's controversial new immigration law in other states, including California.
Arizona's law, SB 1070, requires local police to act as federal immigration agents. Now police officers in Arizona can detain someone if there is a "reasonable suspicion" that she's an illegal immigrant.
MAY 13, 2010
United States Senator Dianne Feinstein Endorses Kamala Harris as California’s Next Attorney General

(SAN FRANCISCO) – Today California’s Senior Senator Dianne Feinstein announced her endorsement of Kamala Harris as California’s next Attorney General.
Our First TV Ad: Drastic Repair
MAY 4, 2010
Sacramento Bee Endorsement: State needs a strong attorney general
By Sacramento Bee Editorial Board
California's attorney general is the state's top cop, or so the cliché goes. In fact, this state's attorney general ought to be the most important law enforcement officer this side of the occupant of the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building in Washington, D.C.
The job requires passion for justice, deep knowledge of the law, administrative skill, and a willingness to set aside partisanship in pursuit of what is best for the state.
MAY 2, 2010
SF Chronicle Endorsement: A focused vision for Attorney General
By San Francisco Chronicle Editorial Board
California's attorney general has the widest portfolio of responsibilities of anyone outside the governor's office. Crime, environment, corporate fraud, consumer protection. This list goes on. Not surprisingly, the Democratic candidates for attorney general presented an array of contrasts in both their emphasis and their knowledge of the issues. San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris stands out in this field both in her grasp of the issues and the clarity of her priorities.
APRIL 30, 2010
LA Times Endorsement: Kamala Harris in Democratic race for state attorney general
By LA Times Editorial Board, LA Times
The Democratic field for attorney general of California is crowded but mixed, divided among several capable candidates and several who do not have the background or vision worthy of the office. Those who merit serious consideration by voters are San Francisco Dist. Atty. Kamala Harris, former Facebook executive Chris Kelly and Assemblyman Ted Lieu (D-Torrance). The Times sees strengths in all three, but endorses Harris.
APRIL 26, 2010
California considers bill to punish parents for children’s truancy
KPCC
If the bill becomes law, parents of chronically truant elementary school children could face a year in jail or a $2,000 fine.
"These children will invariably be what will end up in our criminal justice system," San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris testified.
Harris, who sponsored the legislation, told legislators that elementary school truants usually become high school dropouts – and face worse problems.
APRIL 22, 2010
Harris gets endorsement from Pelosi
By Marisa Lagos
San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, who's gunning for the Democratic nomination for Attorney General, scooped up a big endorsement today: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
APRIL 16, 2010
LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Endorses Kamala Harris as Attorney General
Mayor of California’s Largest City says Harris his Choice for California’s Top Cop
(LO
S ANGELES) – Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today announced his endorsement of San Francisco District Attorney Kamala D. Harris in her candidacy for California Attorney General. The Mayor announced his support in a press conference with DA Harris on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall.
APRIL 13, 2010
SF district attorney tags Tagged.com with $650,000 settlement
By Benny Evangelista
Four months after settling similar cases with New York and Texas, social network Tagged Inc. has agreed to pay the San Francisco District Attorney's office $650,000 for sending millions of illegally "deceptive" e-mail messages in a 2009 campaign to build membership.
APRIL 13, 2010
SEIU California Endorses Kamala Harris
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California, a coalition of more than 700,000 working Californians, today announced its endorsement of Kamala Harris for Attorney General.
APRIL 15, 2010
California Nurses Association Endorses Kamala Harris for Attorney General
SAN FRANCISCO – Today the California Nurses Association, a leading labor organization that represents thousands of California nurses in hospitals, clinics and home health agencies throughout the state, announced their endorsement of San Francisco District Attorney Kamala D. Harris as their candidate to be California’s next Attorney General.
APRIL 2, 2010
Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel Endorses Kamala Harris for Attorney General
Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel today announced her endorsement of Kamala Harris for California Attorney General.
MARCH 30, 2010
Dem AG candidate Kamala Harris aims to get out front on AB32
By Carla Marinucci, San Francisco Chronicle
In a move suggesting California's greenhouse gases bill will become a central issue in the 2010 elections, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris -- a Democratic candidate for State Attorney General -- will be the first statewide candidate to call Tuesday for all candidates in the race to defend AB32, the landmark measure.
MARCH 22, 2010
Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti Endorses Kamala Harris for Attorney General
Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti today announced his endorsement of Kamala Harris for California Attorney General.
"District Attorney Kamala Harris has a proven record of innovation and success, demonstrating that the best way to keep our communities safe is to be both tough and smart on crime," said Garcetti. "As California Attorney General, Kamala Harris will help make Los Angeles and cities across the state safer, cracking down on violent crime, protecting Californians from financial fraud and internet predators, and making our state a better place to live."
MARCH 22, 2010
Kimberly Emerson: Kamala Women's Day Festival
By Kimberly Emerson
Yesterday, under a blue, warm almost-Spring sky, a couple of hundred women, children, and yes, a handful of men, gathered at the Sony Studios backlot to support Kamala Harris, DA of San Francisco and the only woman of five Democratic candidates running for California Attorney General. It was more than a fundraiser, however.
MARCH 18, 2010
California Legislative Black Caucus Endorses Kamala Harris for Attorney General
Assemblymember Sandré R. Swanson (D-Alameda), Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), today announced that the CLBC has endorsed San Francisco District Attorney Kamala D. Harris’s candidacy to become California’s next Attorney General.
MARCH 11, 2010
Bill could ban predators from social sites
KABC
Eileen Frere - KABC-TV
SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- Orange County authorities are finding ways to keep predators away from social networking sites to keep children safe.
MARCH 5, 2010
Protect Children From Online Predators
By Kamala D. Harris & Norma Torres, San Jose Mercury News
Assemblymember Torres and I are working to protect California's children. If you would like to support this legislation, please sign our petition at kamalaharris.org/SafeInternet. Together, we can work to make the Internet a safer place for our children.
MARCH 4, 2010
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom Endorses Kamala Harris for Attorney General
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom today announced his endorsement of Kamala Harris for California Attorney General.
MARCH 3, 2010
California League of Conservation Voters Endorses Kamala Harris for California Attorney General
T
he California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) — the non-partisan political arm of the environmental movement in California — today announced its endorsement of San Francisco District Attorney Kamala D. Harris in her campaign for California Attorney General.
MARCH 2, 2010
Bill to Ban Social Networking for Sex Offenders
By Marisa Lagos
Sex offenders in California would be barred from using social networking Web sites such as Facebook and MySpace under a proposed law aimed at making the Internet safer for children as more and more of them flock to the Web.
Citing horrific cases in which children were sexually assaulted by men they met online, Assemblywoman Norma Torres, D-Pomona (Los Angeles County) introduced the bill last month, which would make it a crime for Californian's 63,000 registered sex offenders to use any social networking site. The proposed law defines those as a Web site "designed with the intent of allowing users to build networks or connect with other people and that provides means for users to connect over the Internet."
MARCH 2, 2010
VIDEO: SF Indicts Alleged Leaders of BNT Gang

San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris's Office Indicts 10 Alleged Members of BNT Gang
[WATCH VIDEO]
San Francisco Chronicle, March 1, 2010.
SAN FRANCISCO -- A San Francisco grand jury indicted 10 alleged members of a Bayview-Hunters Point gang that has been linked to three homicides, including the slaying of a man in July in front of his girlfriend, mother and his three children.
In announcing a 30-count indictment - which was handed down Thursday but sealed as police tried to arrest the suspects - District Attorney Kamala Harris said authorities had "decapitated" the gang, known as BNT.
MARCH 1, 2010
EMILY’s List endorses Kamala Harris for Attorney General
EMILY’s List, one of the nation’s largest political action committees with more than 100,000 members, today announced its endorsement of District Attorney Kamala Harris’ candidacy for California Attorney General.
“Over the last two and a half decades, EMILY’s List has helped elect dozens of highly qualified women candidates in California at all levels of public office,” said Harris. “I am honored to have EMILY’s List by my side in this campaign to bring a smart on crime approach to California’s justice system.”
DECEMBER 31, 1969
Getting African American Children Back in School Before It’s Too Late
By Kamala D. Harris
Many of the landmark battles of our Civil Rights Movement hinged on the right to an education.
We all remember the images — the Little Rock Nine escorted to school by federal troops, or a deadly firefight between U.S. Marshals, soldiers and rioting segregationists intent on blocking James Meredith’s enrollment at the University of Mississippi.
Adults and children lost their lives so that African American students could enter America’s school houses. Under the law, our battle was won. But today, in many respects, we are losing the war.
FEBRUARY 26, 2010
The Mortgage Crisis is Not Colorblind
By Kamala D. Harris
Ask anyone to define t
he "American Dream" and almost surely, the reply will be: "owning a home." And for good reason - a home is equal parts family sanctuary and financial cornerstone. But for too many African-Americans, that part of the American Dream is still that - just a dream. And the recent mortgage crisis has made matters worse. But as we respond to today's headlines, I urge you to not forget yesterday's lessons.
FEBRUARY 26, 2010
Book 'Em: Smart on Crime - Crimesider - CBS News
NEW YORK (CBS) How can we break the cycle of crime that is filling our prisons to capacity year after year with the same prisoners?
In her new book Smart on Crime, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris takes on one of society’s most pressing issues: reforming our broken criminal justice system.
FEBRUARY 23, 2010
VIDEO: Discussing Human Trafficking at the Commonwealth Club
A few weeks ago, I discussed human trafficking at the Commonwealth Club, and what we are doing in San Francisco to fight it. Watch the video here.
FEBRUARY 4, 2010
San Francisco DA Accuses Doctor of Fraud
Prosecutors today charged a 66-year-old San Francisco man with 51 felony counts for allegedly practicing medicine without a license and defrauding dozens of patients out of about $75,000.
FEBRUARY 1, 2010
TheGrio's 100: Kamala Harris, the future of California politics
TheGrio.com
By Donna M Owens
In 2003, San Francisco voters elected Kamala Harris to be the city's first female District Attorney. Overwhelmingly re-elected to a second term, Harris is now aiming for higher office: California Attorney General in 2010.
It's a natural progression for Harris, 45, a California native born to an Indian mother and Jamaican-American father. Harris attended Howard University, and then received a J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. After graduating, Harris joined the Alameda County DA's office, where she focused on prosecuting child sexual assault cases. She went on to serve in the San Francisco DA's office, where she focused on fighting violent crime.
DECEMBER 31, 1969
Smart on Crime Book Reception
Join us for a book reception in honor of the publication of Smart on Crime: A Career Prosecutor's Plan to Make Us Safer
Date: Thursday, February 11, 2010
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Location: Eso Won Bookstore,4311 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
View Google Map
Refreshments will be served
Please RSVP to EsoWon@kamalaharris.org
JANUARY 14, 2010
California Federation of Teachers Endorses Kamala Harris for Attorney General

CFT Joins former CA Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin in backing Harris’ candidacy.
JANUARY 13, 2010
Introducing "Ask Kamala"!
Today, we are launching a weekly Twitter event called Ask Kamala!
JANUARY 12, 2010
SF launches anti-human trafficking coalition
City agencies and nonprofits have joined forces to fight human trafficking in San Francisco, launching Monday a coalition to raise awareness of the issue, develop policy to fight it and support its survivors.
JANUARY 9, 2010
VIDEO: Interview with KQED
San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris joins KQED to discuss solutions to crime, proposed in her new book, "Smart on Crime: A Career Prosecutor's Plan to Make Us Safe."
Watch the video here.
JANUARY 5, 2010
No felon should have body armor
By Kamala D. Harris and George Gascón, SF Chronicle op-ed

A California appeals court on Dec. 17 struck down our state's ban on violent felons possessing body armor. The court said that law was too confusing for the average violent felon to follow. Specifically, defendant Ethan Saleem, on parole for manslaughter and wearing a 10-pound bulletproof vest, couldn't be expected to know whether his particular brand of body armor was illegal or not.
DECEMBER 23, 2009
Safety Tips for Holiday Travelers and Visitors
By Margie Shafer, KCBS
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- This is the time of the year where police normally see a higher rate of identity theft, and San Francisco officials are providing some safety tips for travelers.
"What we know during the holidays in particular is that we see that people are more vulnerable and so for that reason, there's a spike," said San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris.
DECEMBER 23, 2009
Announcing the Launch of myKamala 1.0!
Today, we have officially launched myKamala.org to give our activists and supporters a place to organize and collaborate.
Spread the word about an event, share pictures and videos with fellow supporters, join an action group for Kamala, or form a new group focused on the issues that matter most to you.
Join in today at myKamala.org!
DECEMBER 15, 2009
Secretary Norman Mineta Endorses Kamala Harris for Attorney General

Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, who represented San Jose in Congress for over twenty years and served in the Cabinets of both Democratic and Republican presidents, today announced that he is supporting San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris for California Attorney General.
The need for political leadership that is at once visionary and practical, courageous and steady, innovative and experienced is crucial,” said Secretary Mineta, whose statement of support can be viewed in its entirety below. “I urge that voters of all philosophies, of various ideological stripes, partisan affiliation, and ethnic backgrounds pay careful attention to Kamala Harris’ record of accomplishment and her dedication to the pursuit of both order and justice. For those reasons, and others, I am happy and honored to lend my support to Kamala Harris in her campaign to become the state’s next Attorney General.”
DECEMBER 9, 2009
VIDEO: Let's Get Smart On Crime
A discussion of Smart On Crime, and how we can achieve better results. Watch the video here.
DECEMBER 8, 2009
San Francisco D.A. put truants on the most-wanted list
By Tom Chorneau, SI&A Cabinet Report
If elected California Attorney General next year, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris wants to make truancy in the public schools a very big deal.
Harris, a two-term D.A. and a front-runner in the Democratic primary for the state’s top law officer, helped engineer an impressive 23 percent drop in truancy among elementary students in the San Francisco School District in the past year. She’s taking aim now at the older kids and already showing some signs of success.
DECEMBER 3, 2009
Muni stabbing suspect to be charged with 4 attacks
By Alan Wang, ABC News
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco authorities arrested the man described as a "serial stabber" -- responsible for four random attacks.
Police arrested 30-year-old Bobby Brown on Tuesday at 31st and Judah Street in the Sunset District. They say surveillance video from the Muni train, where he attacked a woman on Monday, helped police catch him.
See video by clicking here:
NOVEMBER 26, 2009
Kamala Harris, the 'Female Barack Obama,' Answers Her Critics
By Teddy Davis, ABC News
San Francisco's D.A. Talks With ABC News About Her Run for Attorney General of California
Down-ballot candidates for state office typically struggle for attention. But San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, a Democratic candidate for attorney general of California who attended Tuesday's State Dinner at the White House, has become the subject of national attention.
NOVEMBER 24, 2009
San Francisco D.A. Kamala Harris Talks To Kimberly Marteau About Her New Book Smart On Crime
By Kimberly Marteau Emerson, Huffington Post
Q: You dedicated Smart on Crime to your mother, Shyamala G. Harris, calling her "the toughest, smartest and most loving person I have ever known." She died this year. Tell me about your relationship and why she inspired you.
My mother was and will always remain my greatest hero. She was a woman who gave herself to my sister and me unconditionally, and was the most inspiring and courageous person in my life. She was active in the Civil Rights Movement, where she met my father. My mother was also the consummate professional, a world-renowned breast cancer researcher and teacher whose work took her to universities all around the world. Despite her 5-foot stature, she had a commanding presence and a sharp wit, a keen sense of humor and endless depth of knowledge.
NOVEMBER 23, 2009
DA Kamala Harris is "Smart on Crime"
By Hana Baba, KALW
In case you haven’t heard yet, San Francisco’s District Attorney Kamala Harris is in the race to be California’s next Attorney General. She was the first female DA in the City, the first African American. She’s been called the “female Obama”, and cited by the New York Times as one of 17 women nationwide who would likely be the first woman to serve as President of the United States.
NOVEMBER 18, 2009
San Francisco Police Chief George Gascón Endorses Kamala Harris for Attorney General
SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco Police Chief George Gascón, a thirty year law enforcement veteran who has also served as Assistant Chief of the LAPD and Chief of Police in Mesa, Arizona, today announced his endorsement of Kamala Harris for California Attorney General.
“While I’ve long admired Kamala Harris’ record of innovation and success, since my appointment as Police Chief in San Francisco I’ve come to know the District Attorney as a steadfast and effective partner in our efforts to fight crime here in our city,” said Chief Gascón. “I believe that Kamala Harris’ ‘smart on crime’ approach, with its proven track record in San Francisco, is what California needs to get tough and smart on crime.”
NOVEMBER 9, 2009
Finding the Path Back on Track
By Kamala Harris, Huffington Post
Einstein's definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. By that measure, our current approach to criminal justice may need a shrink--and a new way of doing business.
The old approach to fighting crime is well-known. Police and prosecutors are deluged with low-level drug cases, and the public spends billions on prisons to house these offenders. And, every year, prisons release hundreds of thousands of these offenders back into our communities. They're sent back with a bus ticket and a little cash in hand--and that's about it. They have no plan, no skills, nowhere to go, and no other changed circumstances. They pick up right where they left off; within three years of release, seven out of ten California prisoners will re-offend and return to prison.
NOVEMBER 2, 2009
Book 'em, Kamala -- S.F. District Attorney Harris adds author to list of credits
San Jose Mercury-News
Just in time for her campaign to become California's next attorney general, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris has released a book of strategies to reduce crime and save money doing it.
"Smart on Crime: A Career Prosecutor's Plan to Make Us Safer" seeks to debunk preconceived ideas about crime and introduces programs deemed successful in San Francisco since Harris was elected to be the city's top prosecutor in 2003.
OCTOBER 29, 2009
Video: Today Show: How America Can Get 'Smart on Crime'
The Today Show on NBC
How can we successfully rehabilitate prisoners? Can law enforcement better use technology to solve crimes? In her new book “Smart on Crime: A Career Prosecutor’s Plan to Make Us Safe," San Francisco’s District Attorney Kamala Harris — who has been called “the female Barack Obama” — examines new, unconvential ideas on how our society can reform our broken criminal justice system.
OCTOBER 19, 2009
Kamala Harris Looks to Achieve Another "First"
Up Front News
Time to get acquainted with one of the up-and-comers in the world of politics — an African-American woman, who has already been labeled the “female Barack Obama.” She, too, has a name that requires some practice on first reference: Kamala Harris.
Harris has already achieved some “firsts” in her career, including election as the first African American — and the first woman — to District Attorney in San Francisco. She’s planning a run for California Attorney General.
OCTOBER 21, 2009
$1 Million Grant to Fund Mortgage and Investment Fraud Unit
SF Examiner
For the first time, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office will have its first stand-alone mortgage and investment fraud unit.
The unit will be funded with a $1.06 million federal grant, which was announced by District Attorney Kamala Harris Tuesday as part of a regional effort to combat financial scams. The unit aims to protect desperate homeowners from mortgage and investment fraud, she said.
OCTOBER 19, 2009
L.A. Police Chief William Bratton endorses Harris
SF Examiner
The Los Angeles police chief has endorsed San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris in her run for California attorney general. “As a career prosecutor with a proven track record of innovation and success, Kamala Harris knows what it takes to effectively fight crime and keep our streets safe,” said Bratton, who has headed the LAPD, the third largest police department in the U.S., since 2002.
OCTOBER 15, 2009
Law Aims to Keep Witness Info off Web
By Kate Moser, The Recorder
SAN FRANCISCO — Under a bill signed into law by the governor this week
and sponsored by San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris,
prosecutors hope witnesses in the state's relocation program will be
harder to find through Internet searching.
Gang members have targeted witnesses through Internet search engines
even when witnesses weren't aware their personal information was
online, said Sen. Mark Leno, who authored SB 748 , which was signed
Sunday. The new law goes after people or agencies that disclose phone
numbers, addresses or other identifying information of protected
witnesses.
OCTOBER 15, 2009
District Attorney program is now statewide example
By Brent Begin, San Francisco Examiner
A San Francisco program started by District Attorney Kamala Harris is now an official example for California counties to emulate.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed AB 750, the Back on Track Reentry Act . The bill, authored by Speaker of the Assembly Karen Bass and sponsored by Harris, encourages counties to use the San Francisco model.
The program, created by Harris four years ago, is meant to reduce recidivism among nonviolent drug offenders by enrolling them in a job-training or educational program.
OCTOBER 14, 2009
Truancy Costs Us All
By Kamala Harris, San Francisco Chronicle
When Michael was in kindergarten, he missed more than 80 days of school. He was not ill and no one from Michael's family ever called to say why he was not attending school.
When I was elected district attorney, I learned that 5,500 students in San Francisco were habitually truant and - shockingly - 44 percent of the truant students were in elementary school. That is when I partnered with the San Francisco Unified School District to combat school truancy. At the time, many asked why the city's chief prosecutor was concerned with the problem of school attendance. The answer was simple, and as our partnership now enters its fourth year, the reason remains the same: a child going without an education is tantamount to a crime.
Despite his young age, Michael's truancy makes him far more likely to be arrested or fall victim to a crime later in life. In San Francisco, over 94 percent of all homicide victims under the age of 25 are high school dropouts. Statewide, two-thirds of prison inmates are high school dropouts.
OCTOBER 8, 2009
Saving Public Resources and Protecting Our Most Important Resource: Children
By Kamala Harris
Education, public safety, and the economy: three vastly complex issue areas that time and again are proven to be inextricably linked.
By doing what it takes to keep kids in school in every corner of our state, we can save literally billions of dollars in public resources and greatly improve public safety.
Most of us in law enforcement have known this for many years. As San Francisco's District Attorney, I see the direct impact of what happens when kids don't stay in school; young lives are lost to street violence or prison at an appalling rate, our state loses more resources and our communities are less safe.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2009
City beefs up efforts at truancy prevention
By Brent Begin, San Francisco Examiner
Cracking down on the parents of truant students is adding up to better attendance.
What began as a modest effort in 2006 in which the District Attorney’s Office would take part in mediations involving the school district and parents has grown into a war on school absenteeism with a full-time prosecutor who has taken 20 parents to court.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2009
Truancy crackdown swings to S.F. parents, teens
By Jill Tucker, San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco school and city officials will beef up the fight against truancy by expanding intervention and criminal prosecution at the high school level to parents and teenagers, District Attorney Kamala Harris announced Friday.
Previous efforts have focused on the elementary and middle schools, where families play a greater role in a child's attendance. Now it's time to target teenagers, Harris said.
SEPTEMBER 21, 2009
Officers for Justice Endorses Kamala Harris for Attorney General
Peace Officers Association comprised of predominantly African American SF cops joins law enforcement leaders across the state backing Harris
Officers for Justice, which since 1968 has represented a diverse association of San Francisco police officers, today announced its endorsement of Kamala Harris for Attorney General.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2009
Kamala Harris, Cali's Next Top Cop?
By Chris Levister
She’s brilliant, she’s ambitious, she’s tough and she’s unlike anything you’ll see on Law & Order. They call Kamala Harris the ‘female Barack Obama’ and lately a lot of people from Oprah Winfrey to President Barack Obama are singing the praises of the woman who wants to be California’s next attorney general.
AUGUST 24, 2009
Harris at the White House
By Ben Smith, Politico
The San Francisco Chronicle's politics blog notes that the city's district attorney, Kamala Harris, is at the White House today talking ab
out combating gang violence.
Harris a figure to watch nationally, I think — is running for state attorney general, and they report:
AUGUST 24, 2009
SF DA Kamala Harris at White House today -- asked to talk gang violence prevention
By Carla Marinucci
San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris' bid for state Attorney General got a big boost today with a plum assignment from the Obama Administration. She's in Washington D.C. Monday with a special invite to talk up the success of her youth and gang violence prevention programs at the White House.
AUGUST 18, 2009
DA Harris and Senator Alquist Champion New Statewide ID Theft Law
Measure Signed into Law Allows for Multi-Jurisdictional ID Theft Prosecution
SAN FRANCISCO - District Attorney Kamala D. Harris announced today the signing of Senate Bill 226 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday, August 6, 2009.
AUGUST 14, 2009
Smart on Crime: More Safety at Less Cost
By Kamala D. Harris
AUGUST 1, 2009
Kamala Harris raises $1.2 million during first six months of 2009, more than any other Democratic or Republican Attorney General
Since launching campaign for AG last November, Harris has raised more than $1.3 million from 2,400 donors
SAN FRANCISCO – The Kamala Harris for Attorney General campaign raised $1,204,606 during the first six months of 2009, bringing her campaign’s total to over $1.3 million raised from more than 2,400 donors. Harris’ fundraising total exceeds her nearest competitors by more than $200,000, and does not include any funds transferred from other accounts. More than $500,000 of Harris’ total was raised online.
JULY 21, 2009
UFW Co-Founder Dolores Huerta Endorses Kamala Harris for Attorney General
SAN FRANCISCO – Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers and one of the nation’s leading voices for working men and women, today announced her support for San Francisco District Attorney Kamala D. Harris’ candidacy for California Attorney General.
JULY 10, 2009
50 politicos to watch
By Jennifer McClellan, Politico
ONES TO WATCH OUTSIDE THE BELTWAY
Kamala Harris
Even in California, a state with a deep and diverse bench of Democratic talent, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris stands out.
A two-term prosecutor whose innovative approach to law enforcement has made her a rising star in progressive politics, she is both the state’s first female African-American district attorney and the nation’s first Indian-American district attorney.
JULY 8, 2009
Attorney general candidate Harris turns buzz into bucks
By Peter Hecht, Sacramento Bee
Kamala Harris set off her campaign for attorney general last year with a certain up-and-comer buzz in Democratic Party circles.
JULY 7, 2009
DA Harris Continues Crack Down On Mortgage Scams
DA HARRIS CONTINUES CRACK DOWN ON MORTGAGE SCAMS
Joins City Leaders to Introduce Legislation to Regulate Loan Modification Consultants
JULY 3, 2009
Aspiring state attorney general Kamala Harris finds friends in L.A.
Los Angeles Times
Hollywood's Democratic activists may still be uncertain about which way to jump in California's gubernatorial race, but many of the industry's heavy political hitters already are lining up behind San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris in her run for state attorney general.
JUNE 30, 2009
Extreme vigilance needed to combat loan scams
By Kamala D. Harris and Kevin Stein, Sacramento Bee
Across California, a new scam is cropping up.
It goes something like this: A homeowner falls behind on his mortgage and soon thereafter receives a letter from a company promising to help him get a modification of his mortgage. Over time, the homeowner ends up paying hefty fees of $3,000 to the company, and waits, having been instructed not to contact his lender and thinking his mortgage problems are being resolved.
JUNE 3, 2009
Felony prosecutions skyrocket to a 14-year high
By Tamara Barack Apartion, The San Francisco Examiner
SAN FRANCISCO— Nearly three-quarters of those charged with felonies in The City last year were found guilty — San Francisco’s highest conviction rate in 14 years.
JUNE 14, 2009
Fighting truancy yields big dividends
The San Francsico Chronicle
Nearly three years into her battle against school truancy, District Attorney Kamala Harris has something to celebrate: There was a 23 percent drop in the number of elementary school truants at San Francisco schools this year. On the simplest level, that drop means more money for the city: The school district received an additional $372,862 in funds tied to attendance. Any additional money for education is something to be celebrated in these tough times. And on the grandest level, everyone in the city benefits when children go to school.
JUNE 9, 2009
Pressuring parents helps S.F. slash truancy 23%
By Jill Tucker, Chronicle Staff Writer
SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco schools showed a 23 percent drop in the number of elementary schoolchildren skipping classes this year as citywide efforts, including parental prosecution, appeared to be paying off, district officials told The Chronicle on Monday.
The most recent numbers follow at least a three-year trend, with the number of the most serious elementary school truants cut in half since the 2005-06 school year.
MAY 29, 2009
Why It Is Critical That the African American Community Unite Behind Sonia Sotomayor
By Kamala Harris
As I watched the announcement of Judge Sonia Sotomayor's appointment to the United States Supreme Court, I, like many Americans, was struck by the historic picture on my television screen. The nation's first African American president nominating the first Latina as a potential Supreme Court Justice.
Few things have made me prouder as an American than seeing our country put aside age-old prejudices and in choosing hope over fear, elect the first African American President. We elected Barack Obama not because of his race, but because he was the best person to lead our country.
APRIL 30, 2009
Lifetime Television's Salute to Remarkable Women Salutes Kamala Harris
Lifetime Television
Lifetime Television's Salute to Remarkable Women salutes District Attorney Kamala Harris. Click here to view the full feature.
MAY 5, 2009
San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne Endorses Kamala Harris for Attorney General
Chief Lansdowne Praises Harris’ Experience as a Prosecutor, Commitment to Keeping Streets Safe
SAN FRANCISCO – Chief William Lansdowne, Chief of Police for the City of San Diego, today announced his support for San Francisco District Attorney Kamala D. Harris’ candidacy for California Attorney General. In voicing his enthusiastic support, Chief Lansdowne praised Harris’ prosecutorial record and her commitment to protecting Californians.
APRIL 30, 2009
Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson Endorses Kamala Harris for Attorney General
SAN FRANCISCO – Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, the 12-year NBA veteran, successful businessman and education champion currently serving his first term in office, has announced his support for San Francisco District Attorney Kamala D. Harris’ candidacy for California Attorney General.
Smart On Crime
Since her election in 2003, Kamala Harris has proved herself to be a District Attorney who not only stands her ground, but breaks new ground in the fight to fix our system of criminal justice.
Her pledge is to move beyond the false choice of being "tough" or "soft" on crime. Kamala Harris is smart on crime...and it's working.
She's put more violent and serious felons in state prison, cracked down on gang and gun violence, and protected neighborhoods from drug dealers and quality of life crimes.
At the same time, she's safeguarded medical marijuana, reached out to keep youth away from violence, and pioneered innovative programs to help men and women released from jail get back on track.
Please take a few moments to see for yourself what Kamala has accomplished, and then get involved in her campaign for change.