George Moscone

Moscone in 1975

• 37th Mayor of San Francisco In office January 8, 1976 – November 27, 1978 • Preceded by Joseph Alioto Succeeded by Dianne Feinstein • Member of the California Senate In office January 2, 1967 – January 8, 1976 • Preceded by Harold Thomas Sedgwick Succeeded by John Francis Foran Constituency 10th district (1967–1971) 6th district (1971–1976) • Member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors In office 1963–1966 • Preceded by J. Max Moore Succeeded by Josiah H. Beeman V Personal details Born George Richard Moscone (1929-11-24) November 24, 1929 San Francisco, California, U.S. Died November 27, 1978 (aged 49) San Francisco, California, U.S. Manner of death Assassination by gunshot Resting place Holy Cross Cemetery Political party Democratic Children 4, including Jonathan Education • University of the Pacific (BA) • University of California, Hastings (LLB) Military service Allegiance United States Branch/service United States Navy Years of service 1953–1956 Battles/wars Korean War

George Richard Moscone (/məˈskoʊni/ mə-SKOH-nee; November 24, 1929 – November 27, 1978) was an American attorney and politician who held the esteemed position of the 37th Mayor of San Francisco. His tenure as mayor, from January 1976 until his tragic assassination in November 1978, left an indelible mark on the city. He was affectionately known as "The People's Mayor," a moniker earned through his commitment to opening up the halls of City Hall and its various commissions, ensuring they reflected the rich tapestry of San Francisco's diverse populace. This meant actively appointing African Americans, Asian Americans, and gay people to positions of influence, a progressive stance for its time. A dedicated member of the Democratic Party, Moscone had previously served in the California State Senate from 1967 until his election as mayor, where he distinguished himself as the majority leader. He is remembered as a staunch advocate for civil progressivism, championing causes that advanced the rights and well-being of all citizens.

Early life

George Richard Moscone was born into the vibrant Italian-American community nestled within San Francisco's Marina District. The Moscone family roots traced back to the picturesque regions of Piedmont and Liguria in Italy. His father, George Joseph Moscone, was employed as a corrections officer at the nearby San Quentin State Prison, while his mother, Lena, a devoted homemaker, later entered the workforce to provide for herself and her son following her separation from her husband.

Moscone's early education took place at St. Brigid's, followed by his attendance at St. Ignatius College Preparatory. Here, he not only excelled academically but also made a name for himself as a formidable debater and a celebrated all-city basketball star. His athletic prowess earned him a basketball scholarship to College of the Pacific, where he played for the Tigers. In 1953, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with a specialization in sociology.

His legal education was pursued at the esteemed University of California, Hastings College of the Law, from which he obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree. It was in 1954 that he married Gina Bondanza, a woman he had known since their childhood. Together, George and Gina would raise four children. After fulfilling his service obligation in the United States Navy from 1953 to 1956, Moscone embarked on his private legal practice.

Career

In his formative years, both as a burgeoning athlete and a young lawyer, Moscone forged a close friendship with John Burton, who would later become a distinguished member of the U.S. House of Representatives. It was John's elder brother, Phillip, then a member of the California State Assembly, who recognized Moscone's potential and encouraged him to run for an Assembly seat in 1960 as a Democrat. Although he did not secure victory in that initial race, Moscone's political journey continued, leading him to win a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1963. During his tenure on the Board, Moscone distinguished himself through his unwavering advocacy for the underprivileged, racial minorities, and small business owners. He also played a pivotal role in supporting the successful grassroots campaign to halt the construction of a proposed freeway that threatened to bisect Golden Gate Park and several vibrant neighborhoods.

California State Senator

Moscone in the State Senate

The year 1966 marked a significant advancement in Moscone's political career as he successfully ran for and won a seat in the California State Senate, representing San Francisco County's 10th District. Moscone's ascent within the California Democratic Party was rapid, and he became closely aligned with a progressive political coalition in San Francisco spearheaded by the influential Burton brothers. This alliance, often referred to as the Burton Machine, included not only John and Phillip Burton but also Assemblyman Willie Brown. Shortly after his election to the State Senate, Moscone was entrusted by his party with the leadership role of Majority Leader. He was subsequently reelected to represent the 10th District in 1970 and, following redistricting, to the 6th District, which encompassed portions of San Francisco and San Mateo Counties, in 1974. During his legislative career, Moscone was instrumental in sponsoring legislation that established a school lunch program for students across California. Furthermore, he championed a bill that legalized abortion, which was ultimately signed into law by Governor Ronald Reagan. In 1974, Moscone briefly contemplated a run for the governorship of California but withdrew his candidacy after a short period, deferring to California Secretary of State Jerry Brown.

Moscone also emerged as an early and vocal proponent of gay rights. In collaboration with his close ally in the Assembly, Willie Brown, Moscone successfully navigated the legislative process to pass a bill that repealed California's sodomy law. This landmark repeal was subsequently signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown.

Mayor of San Francisco

On December 19, 1974, Moscone formally announced his intention to compete for the mayoralty of San Francisco in the upcoming 1975 election. The mayoral race in November 1975 proved to be a closely contested affair. Moscone secured the top position, followed by conservative city supervisor [John Barbagelata] in second place, and supervisor Dianne Feinstein in third. Consequently, Moscone and Barbagelata proceeded to a mandatory runoff election in December. In this decisive contest, Moscone narrowly triumphed over the conservative supervisor by a margin of fewer than 5,000 votes. The progressive wave extended to other key city executive offices that year, with Joseph Freitas being elected district attorney and Richard Hongisto retaining his position as sheriff.

Mayor Moscone waves to parade watchers along Market Street

Moscone's mayoral campaign was characterized by its grassroots approach, drawing significant volunteer support from organizations such as Glide Methodist Memorial Church, Delancey Street (a rehabilitation center for former convicts), and the Peoples Temple. While initially known as a church advocating for racial equality and social justice, the Peoples Temple eventually evolved into a fanatical political cult. For the remainder of his life, Barbagelata adamantly maintained that the Peoples Temple had engaged in extensive election fraud on Moscone's behalf, allegedly by transporting individuals from outside the city to vote multiple times under the names of deceased San Francisco residents.

During his mayoral term, Moscone enacted legislation that reduced penalties for marijuana offenses, affirmed abortion rights, established a comprehensive school meals program, and repealed the state's anti-sodomy laws. The Peoples Temple also played a crucial role in mobilizing voters in precincts where Moscone achieved a substantial 12-to-1 advantage over Barbagelata. Following the instrumental efforts of the Peoples Temple and the votes cast by its members in securing Moscone's narrow victory, Moscone appointed Temple leader Jim Jones to the chairmanship of the San Francisco Housing Commission.

Moscone's inaugural year as mayor was largely dedicated to preventing the relocation of the San Francisco Giants professional baseball team to Toronto and advocating for a citywide ballot initiative to implement district elections for the board of supervisors. Notably, Moscone was the first mayor to appoint a significant number of women, homosexual individuals, and racial minorities to city commissions and advisory boards. In 1977, he appointed Del Martin, the first openly lesbian woman, and Kathleen Hardiman Arnold (later Kathleen Rand Reed), the first Black woman, to serve as commissioners on the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women (SFCOSW). Moscone also appointed the progressive Oakland Police Chief Charles Gain to lead the San Francisco Police Department. Chief Gain, and by extension Mayor Moscone, faced considerable opposition from rank-and-file San Francisco police officers due to Gain's proposal to settle a lawsuit filed by minority groups alleging discriminatory recruiting practices within the police force.

In April 1977, Moscone demonstrated his commitment to civil rights by supporting a 25-day occupation of San Francisco's federal building. This occupation, undertaken by over 100 individuals with disabilities, was a demand for their civil rights and became known as the 504 Sit-in. While federal officials hoped to quell the protest by withholding resources, Mayor Moscone visited the occupiers and arranged for the provision of portable showers and towels. The occupation ultimately proved successful, partly due to Moscone's support, and played a significant role in paving the way for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) thirteen years later.

In 1977, Moscone, along with District Attorney Joseph Freitas and Sheriff Richard Hongisto, successfully weathered a recall election initiated by John Barbagelata and influential business interests. This outcome served as a significant political validation for Moscone, who secured a landslide victory. Following this defeat, Barbagelata announced his retirement from politics. That same year also witnessed the adoption of the district election system by San Francisco voters. The city's inaugural district elections for the board of supervisors took place in November 1977. Among the newly elected supervisors were the city's first openly gay supervisor, Harvey Milk, single mother and attorney Carol Ruth Silver, Chinese-American Gordon Lau, and firefighter and police officer Dan White. Milk, Silver, and Lau, along with John Molinari and Robert Gonzales, formed a bloc of Moscone's allies on the board. Conversely, White, Dianne Feinstein, Quentin Kopp, Ella Hill Hutch, Lee Dolson, and Ron Pelosi constituted a loosely organized coalition that often opposed Moscone and his policy initiatives. Dianne Feinstein was elected president of the board of supervisors by a narrow 6–5 vote, with Moscone's supporters backing Gordon Lau. It was widely anticipated that Feinstein, having twice unsuccessfully run for mayor, would support Kopp in the 1979 mayoral election and retire from the board rather than seek reelection.

Refusal to investigate Peoples Temple

Main article: Peoples Temple in San Francisco

In August 1977, following the flight of Peoples Temple leader Jim Jones to Jonestown amidst escalating media scrutiny and allegations of criminal wrongdoing, Mayor Moscone declared that his office would not initiate an investigation into Jones or the Peoples Temple. The subsequent horrific mass murder-suicide in Jonestown would later cast a grim shadow over the national consciousness at the very time of Moscone's own death.

In the aftermath of the Jonestown massacre, former members of the Temple revealed to The New York Times that the organization had orchestrated the transportation of "busloads" of members from Redwood Valley to San Francisco to participate in the 1975 election. One former Temple member asserted that a significant number of these individuals were not registered to vote in San Francisco, while another corroborated this by stating, "Jones swayed elections." Prior to his departure from San Francisco, Jones made disturbing claims of bribing Moscone with sexual favors from female Temple members, including one who was underage. His son, Jim Jones Jr., later recounted witnessing Moscone attending Temple gatherings "with a cocktail in his hand and doing some ass grabbing."

Assassination

• Main article: Moscone–Milk assassinations

Late in 1978, Dan White, a member of the board of supervisors, abruptly resigned from his position. His resignation created an opportunity for Moscone to appoint White's successor, a move that could potentially shift the balance of power on the board in Moscone's favor. Recognizing this strategic implication, those who favored a more conservative political agenda and opposed the integration of the police and fire departments persuaded White to reconsider his resignation. White subsequently requested that Moscone re-appoint him to his former seat.

Moscone initially conveyed a willingness to entertain White's request. However, influential liberal figures within the city, including supervisor Harvey Milk, actively lobbied Moscone against the reappointment. Ultimately, Moscone made the decision not to re-appoint White. On November 27, 1978, just three days after Moscone's 49th birthday, White gained access to San Francisco City Hall through a basement window, circumventing the metal detector at the main entrance. He carried his former police-issued revolver. Upon being granted a private meeting with Moscone, White drew his weapon and fatally shot the mayor. He then reloaded his firearm and proceeded to Milk's office, where he committed a second murder, shooting and killing the supervisor.

Dianne Feinstein, then president of the board of supervisors, was sworn in as the city's new mayor. In the ensuing years, she would rise to become one of California's most prominent political figures.

Six thousand mourners gathered at St. Mary's Cathedral for a solemn service honoring Moscone.

White surrendered himself to the police department where he had previously served as an officer. The term "Twinkie defense" originated from the subsequent murder trial. White was convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter, a verdict influenced in part by his defense's argument of severe depression, which they claimed was evidenced by his consumption of Twinkies and other junk foods. The public outcry over White's lenient sentence ignited a mass riot in San Francisco, during which police vehicles were set ablaze by enraged protestors. White was eventually released from prison, only to commit suicide shortly thereafter in 1985.

Annual vigils are held to commemorate the assassinations of both Moscone and Milk, serving as solemn reminders of that tragic day.

Legacy

Moscone's grave at Holy Cross

George Moscone is interred at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma, California, beside his mother, Lena.

The Moscone Center, San Francisco's largest convention and exhibition venue, bears his name in tribute to his service. Moscone and Milk are also honored through educational institutions: George Moscone Elementary School, Harvey Milk Elementary School, and Harvey Milk High School.

Moscone's most significant political legacy lies in his transformative impact on San Francisco City Hall, making it a more inclusive and representative space through political appointments that truly reflected the city's diverse population, including its minority communities and the burgeoning gay population. Despite facing resistance from the established political order and conservative factions, and despite the devastating assassinations of Mayor Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, both progressive leaders, San Francisco ultimately did not revert from Moscone's vision of a more inclusive political landscape.

1981 bust by Robert Arneson

In 1980, sculptor Robert Arneson was commissioned to create a monument honoring Moscone for installation within the new Moscone Convention Center. The bust depicting Moscone was rendered in Arneson's distinctive California Funk style and was initially accepted by San Francisco's Art Commission. However, Arneson's inclusion of a pistol on the pedestal, along with references to Harvey Milk, the assassinations, the "Twinkie Defense", the White Night riots, and Dianne Feinstein's succession to the mayoralty, proved controversial. Arneson's refusal to alter the work led to the commission being returned to him, and the bust was later acquired by the SF Museum of Modern Art. In a critical assessment of the situation, Frederic Stout observed that "Arneson's mistake was in presenting the city mothers/fathers with something honest, engaging and provoking, that is to say, a work of art. What they wanted, of course, was not a work of art at all. They wanted an object of ritual magic: the smiling head of a dead politician." In 1994, a new bust by San Francisco artist Spero Anargyros was unveiled. This sculpture depicted Moscone holding a pen, beneath which were inscribed his words: "San Francisco is an extraordinary city, because its people have learned to live together with one another, to respect each other, and to work with each other for the future of their community. That's the strength and beauty of this city – it's the reason why the citizens who live here are the luckiest people in the world."

Moscone was portrayed by Victor Garber in Gus Van Sant's biographical film, Milk, which chronicled the life of Harvey Milk. The murders of Moscone and Milk were also referenced in the Dead Kennedys' rendition of the Sonny Curtis song "I Fought the Law". Moscone's son, Jonathan, who was 14 at the time of his father's assassination, later co-authored the play Ghost Light with Tony Taccone. The play explored the profound impact of the assassination on his life and premiered at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in 2011. A public television documentary titled Moscone: A Legacy of Change, produced by Nat Katzman, written by Stephen Talbot, and narrated by Peter Coyote, debuted in November 2018, marking the 40th anniversary of Moscone's death.

References

• ^ a b "Remembering George Moscone, 'The People's Mayor' of San Francisco". November 27, 2018. • ^ a b c d e f g Sward, Susan (November 26, 1998). "Moscone's Time Was Anything But Quiet". San Francisco Chronicle. • ^ "George Moscone". fontanarossa.net. • ^ Doty, Richard. "George Moscone: COP graduate ('53), S.F. Mayor, dead at 49," Pacific Review (University of the Pacific), November 1977. Retrieved March 27, 2022. • ^ "Mayor, Supervisor Killed in San Francisco Shooting", Cornell Daily Sun, November 28, 1978. • ^ George R. Moscone, Candidate Election History. JoinCalifornia, Retrieved February 19, 2007. • ^ Hansen, Gerald; Sarif, Douglas (1975). "1975 CA News Stories on Consenting Adults Act Passage" (PDF). Unmarried America (Newspaper scans). • ^ a b c Nolte, Carl (November 26, 2003). "CITY HALL SLAYINGS: 25 Years Later". San Francisco Chronicle. • ^ Taylor, Michael (November 12, 1998). "Jones Captivated S.F.'s Liberal Elite". San Francisco Chronicle. • ^ Cothran, George (November 18, 1998). "Barbagelata's Return? Archived December 7, 2014, at the Wayback Machine" San Francisco Weekly. • ^ a b Kilduff, Marshall; Ron Javers (1978). Suicide Cult: The Inside Story of the Peoples Temple Sect and the Massacre in Guyana. New York: Bantam Books. p. 45. ISBN 978-0553129205. • ^ a b "Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple". American Experience. April 26, 2006. PBS. Archived from the original on March 14, 2009. Retrieved August 28, 2017. • ^ a b Shapiro, Joseph (June 22, 2011). No Pity: People with Disabilities Forging a New Civil Rights Movement (reprint ed.). New York: Crown. p. 67. ISBN 978-0307798329. Retrieved July 30, 2020. • ^ a b Kinsolving, Kathleen; Tom Kinsolving (1998). Madman in Our Midst: Jim Jones and the California Cover Up – via Cult Education Institute. • ^ a b Rapaport, Richard (November 16, 2003). "Jonestown and City Hall slayings eerily linked in time and memory". San Francisco Chronicle. • ^ a b Crewdson, John (December 16, 1978). "Followers Say Jim Jones Directed Voting Frauds". The New York Times. Retrieved July 30, 2020. • ^ a b Talbot, David (May 1, 2012). "Jim Jones' sinister grip on San Francisco". Salon. • ^ a b "Supe who quit takes it back". Oakland Tribune. November 16, 1978. p. 3. Retrieved June 11, 2022. • ^ a b Pogash, Carol (November 23, 2003). "Myth of the 'Twinkie defense': The verdict in the Dan White case wasn't based on his ingestion of junk food". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved August 10, 2007. • ^ a b "Murders at City Hall: retracing the killer's steps". The San Francisco Examiner. November 28, 1978. p. 18. Retrieved June 12, 2022. • ^ a b Lee, Amber (November 28, 2023) [November 28, 2023]. "Anniversary of Mayor George Moscone, Supervisor Harvey Milk assassinations". KTVU FOX 2. Archived from the original on February 28, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2024. • ^ a b Lindsey, Robert (October 22, 1985). "Dan White, Killer Of San Francisco Mayor, A Suicide". The New York Times. Retrieved December 29, 2008. • ^ a b "Portrait of George, 1981". Archived from the original on October 13, 2008. • ^ Hartman, Chester (October 1, 2002). City for Sale: The Transformation of San Francisco. Berkeley: University of California Press. pp. 193–196. ISBN 978-0520914902. • ^ a b Dead Kennedys. I Fought the Law lyrics. Ontario Coalition Against Poverty. Archived from the original on April 16, 2007. Retrieved April 17, 2007. • ^ a b Nat Katzman, Director; Stephen Talbot, Writer (November 5, 2008). Moscone: A Legacy of Change (Television production). PBS. • ^ Weiss, Mike (2010). Double Play: The Hidden Passions Behind the Double Assassination of George Moscone and Harvey Milk. Vince Emery Productions. ISBN 978-0982565056. • ^ Saxon, Wolfgang (November 28, 1978). "George Moscone, a Firm Mayor Who Stressed Anticrime Effort". The New York Times. p. B12. • ^ Turner, Wallace (November 28, 1978). "San Francisco Mayor is Slain; City Supervisor Also Killed; Ex-Official Gives Up to Police". The New York Times. p. A1. • ^ "A Son Confronts Moscone's 'Ghost' On Stage". All Things Considered. September 3, 2011. NPR. • ^ Ghost Light - Oregon Shakespeare Festival • ^ LaGumina, Salvatore J.; Frank J. Cavaioli; Salvatore Primeggia; Joseph A. Varacalli (1999). The Italian American Experience: An Encyclopedia. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-0203801147.

External links

• Wikimedia Commons has media related to George Moscone. • Moscone: A Legacy of Change film in the George Moscone Archives, University of the Pacific • Controversial commissioned bust of George Moscone by Robert Arneson • The George Moscone Digital Collection and George Moscone Collection available at Holt-Atherton Special Collections. • Join California George Moscone • English Wikisource has original text related to this article: Pelosi: In Recognition of the 25th Anniversary of the assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk

Political offices Preceded by Joseph Alioto Mayor of San Francisco 1976–1978 Succeeded by Dianne Feinstein

Mayors of San Francisco John W. Geary • Charles J. Brenham • Stephen R. Harris • Charles J. Brenham • C. K. Garrison • Stephen Palfrey Webb • James Van Ness • George J. Whelan • Ephraim Willard Burr • Henry F. Teschemacher • Henry P. Coon • Frank McCoppin • Thomas Henry Selby • William Alvord • James Otis • George Hewston • Andrew Jackson Bryant • Isaac Smith Kalloch • Maurice Carey Blake • Washington Bartlett • Edward B. Pond • George Henry Sanderson • Levi Richard Ellert • Adolph Sutro • James D. Phelan • Eugene Schmitz • Charles Boxton • Edward Robeson Taylor • P. H. McCarthy • James Rolph • Angelo Joseph Rossi • Roger Lapham • Elmer Robinson • George Christopher • John F. Shelley • Joseph Alioto • George Moscone • Dianne Feinstein • Art Agnos • Frank Jordan • Willie Brown • Gavin Newsom • Ed Lee • Mark Farrell • London Breed • Daniel Lurie

Harvey Milk Career • George W. Hewlett High School • USS Kittiwake • Bache & Company • Castro Street Fair • Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club • Castro Camera • 1977 Board of Supervisors election (District 5) Associates • Cleve Jones • Anne Kronenberg • George Moscone • Daniel Nicoletta • Dick Pabich • Jim Rivaldo • Frank M. Robinson • Scott Smith Assassination • Moscone–Milk assassinations • Dan White • Jim Jones • Twinkie defense • White Night riots Media and legacy • The Mayor of Castro Street (1982) • The Times of Harvey Milk (1984) • Milk (2008) • Harvey Milk Day • Harvey Milk Foundation • Harvey Milk High School • Harvey Milk Plaza • SW Harvey Milk Street (Portland, Oregon) • USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO-206) See also • Castro District, San Francisco • LGBT firsts by year • Stuart Milk • Peoples Temple

Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple Locations • I-Hotel • Peoples Temple in San Francisco • Jonestown, Guyana • Evergreen Cemetery People Members who died at Jonestown • Maria Katsaris • Christine Miller • Carolyn Moore Layton Members not present at Jonestown • Archie Ijames • Jeannie Mills • Tyrone Mitchell Supporters • Charles Garry • Mark Lane • George Moscone • Willie Brown • Harvey Milk • Angela Davis • Huey P. Newton • Mervyn Dymally Influences on the Peoples Temple • Father Divine • William M. Branham Congressional entourage • Leo Ryan • Jackie Speier • Don Harris Other opponents • Marshall Kilduff • Timothy Stoen Books • Black & White (1980) • Raven (1982) • Seductive Poison (1999) • A Thousand Lives (2011) Films and television Documentaries • Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2006) • Jonestown: Paradise Lost (2007) Dramatizations • Guyana: Crime of the Century (1979) • Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones (1980) • The Sacrament (2013)