I was fortunate enough to attend a small luncheon in honor of Jack Maltester on the occasion of his 96th birthday. The luncheon was hosted by the gracious Jake Francesca at his wonderful restaurant Vila Cereja, a fixture in the San Leandro community for 40 years. Others in our party included former Oakland Raider and Pro Bowl player Raymond Chester, San Francisco radio personality and comedian Brian Copeland, long time real estate businessman Doug Federighi, and attorney Tom Armstrong of the White & Lee.
Mr. Maltester served as the honourable Mayor of San Leandro, CA for 20 years, from 1958 to 1978. He was an early supporter of the Civil Rights movement, proposing a Committee on Human Rights and Responsibilities to the City Council, first in 1963, that was rejected three times. He twice served as Chairman of the United States Conference of Mayors.
In 1971, Jack "sponsored a resolution at the annual USCM meeting in Philadelphia, entitled "Withdrawal from Vietnam and Reordering of National Priorities", calling upon then-President of the United States, Richard Nixon, "to do all within his power to bring about a complete withdrawal of all American forces from Vietnam by December 31, 1971."" (Nationmaster Encyclopedia.)
Mr. Maltester was an influential member of California's Democratic party, and a key campaigner for Jack Kennedy in his 1960 election bid, receiving a personal thank you call from President Kennedy upon his installation in office. At 96 years old, Jack may not be as spry as he once was, but he still has a sharp intellect and a rapier wit.
Happy birthday, Jack.
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